ASPEN GRANTED GENERIC LICENSE FOR THE MANUFACTURE AND SUPPLY OF TMC 278

Johannesburg. Aspen (APN), South Africa’s leading pharmaceutical company, has announced that Irish-based Tibotec Pharmaceuticals has granted Aspen a non-exclusive license to manufacture, market and distribute the Anti-retroviral (“ARV”) compound,

rilpivirine hydrochloride (TMC278), pending approval of the molecule which could then be prescribed for patients commencing ARV treatment for the first time as well as for those who have previous ARV treatment experience.

“This agreement further strengthens

Aspen’s close working relationship with Tibotec in the supply of ARV’s and will further expand Aspen’s already extensive portfolio of HIV/AIDS medicines, thereby providing patients and physicians with increased clinical options”, said Stavros Nicolaou, Aspen Senior Executive.

“TMC 278 is being viewed as a compound with a  number of potential benefits over existing treatments and is set to play an important role in the future management of HIV and AIDS. It is well tolerated, has a long half-life and allows once-daily dosing.”

The agreement entitles Aspen to manufacture TMC278 25 mg and to market TMC278 throughout sub-Saharan Africa (“SSA”), including South Africa. Fixed-dose combinations are, in certain instances, preferred by public health treatment programs and contain multiple molecules formulated into a single tablet to ease dosage management for patients.  Tibotec has chosen to collaborate with select manufacturers in order to increase access to a sustainable supply of TMC278 in areas of high HIV/AIDS prevalence.

The agreement entitles Aspen to manufacture TMC278 25 mg and to market TMC278 throughout sub-Saharan Africa (“SSA”), including South Africa. Fixed-dose combinations are, in certain instances, preferred by public health treatment programs and contain multiple molecules formulated into a single tablet to ease dosage management for patients.  Tibotec has chosen to collaborate with select manufacturers in order to increase access to a sustainable supply of TMC278 in areas of high HIV/AIDS prevalence.

Issued By: Shauneen Beukes, Shauneen Beukes Communication
Tel: +27 12 661 8467;  Cell: +27 82 389 8900

On Behalf of: Stephen Saad, Aspen Group Chief Executive
Tel: +27 31 580 8601

Gus Attridge, Aspen Deputy Group Chief Executive
Tel: +27 31 580 8602

Stavros Nicolaou, Aspen Senior Executive
Tel: +27 11 239 6798       

Roshni Gajjar, Aspen Investor Relations
Tel: +27 31 580 8649   

About Aspen

Aspen is a supplier of branded and generic pharmaceuticals in approximately 100 countries across the globe and of consumer and nutritional products in selected territories.The Aspen Group has a presence in South Africa, Mexico, Venezuela, Brazil, Ireland, Germany, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, United Arab Emirates, Mauritius, Hong Kong and Australia. The Group has twelve manufacturing facilities at nine sites on four continents.

For further information click on www.aspenpharma.com.