Bioprogress BPRG - Serious Investors Only (Moderated)

Debregeas and Leduc are key players in DDS Company, Ethypharm:


Ethypharm To Develop A Flash Version Of Aventis' Allegra
Worldwide Biotech, July 1, 2002
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Elite Laboratories...

Ethypharm, one of the world's leading drug delivery system companies, Saint-Cloud, France, has entered into a co-development and licensing agreement to develop a Flash version of Aventis' drug Allegra (fexofenadine HCl). The Allegra Flash formulation will be the equivalent of a marketed version of Allegra, with the added advantages of Ethypharm's oral "pleasant tasting" and "melt in your mouth" Flashtab delivery technology.

Under the terms of the agreement, Ethypharm will develop a novel version of Aventis' highly successful pharmaceutical Allegra based on its unique Flashtab technology. In turn, Aventis will be responsible for manufacturing, marketing and distribution of the new Flash version of Allegra worldwide including the US, Europe, Japan and Latin America.

The Flash version of Allegra would represent a new and convenient method of administration to patients. Ethypharm's proprietary Flashtab technology, which improves the palatability of bad-tasting and difficult-to-swallow drugs, is a novel solution to the increasing demand from both doctors and consumers for the more convenient use of medicines; Flashtab is well adapted for people who have difficulties in swallowing, such as children or the elderly and is also perfectly suitable for active people who wish to take their medication without water.

"This collaboration with Aventis highlights the real competitive advantages of our novel Flashtab technology," commented Patrice Debregeas, Ethypharm's chairman and CEO. "The convenient delivery of medicines is becoming increasingly important to both the medical profession and consumers, and we are extremely gratified that Aventis has approached us to address this market requirement with one of its most important products. This deal is one of a number of significant deals that we have signed for our Flashtab technology, which we fully expect to become one of the key technologies in the rapidly growing market for 'easy to use' medicines over the next decade," he added.

About Flashtab
Ethypharm 's proprietary technology Flashtab is used to improve the ease of administration and palatability of difficult-to-swallow and bad-tasting medicines. The technology combines two key proprietary technologies: fast melting and taste-masking. Flashtab tablets consist of microparticules that disperse quickly in the mouth thereby allowing the rapid and safe release of the active ingredients into the organism. They can be administered anywhere, without the need for water or chewing.

About Ethypharm

Ethypharm is one of the world's leading drug delivery systems (DDS) companies that provides effective solutions to optimize the delivery of active molecules into the body. The company's DDS technologies can improve drug efficacy, increase patient compliance and comfort, extend the life cycles of existing pharmaceutical products and reduce the total cost of treatment.

The company has developed a broad range of technology platforms for both oral and injectable delivery, and now has 50 products sold in more than 70 countries.

Founded in 1977 by Patrice Debregeas and Gerard Leduc, the company has more than 900 employees. Ethypharm's headquarters are located in Saint-Cloud, Paris and the company has operations in all of the world's key healthcare markets. Ethypharm has more than 100 clients worldwide including most of the world's major pharmaceutical companies.

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PS. I cannot believe that Fidelity has 18m + shares in BPRG per daveperry's ADR Listing - rather they are snapshots of a 9m+ holding at around about the same time.