SWITCH Biotech AG Joint Forces Against Vitiligo

Development Co-operation Agreement Signed With Spirig Pharma for Vitiligo Product
Neuried (March 30, 2004) - SWITCH Biotech AG, a biotechnology company that specialises in the development of novel treatments for skin diseases, today announced the signing of a co-operation agreement with Spirig Pharma AG, a company that is active in the development and marketing of dermaceuticals. The co-operation is aimed at jointly progressing SWITCH Biotech's drug candidate SWT05100 through clinical trials to probe its efficacy in the treatment of vitiligo. Should this development prove successful both partners will share rights to future products.

Vitiligo is a skin disease characterized by irregular patches of unpigmented skin, occurring most often on exposed areas of the skin. Currently, there are no effective treatments for the 3-4 million people who suffer with vitiligo. SWITCH Biotech has elucidated the molecular basis of vitiligo by genetically analysing skin samples from patients. During this project, SWITCH scientists discovered a crucial process that is central to the proper functioning of pigment-forming skin cells (melanocytes). In affected vitiligo patients, this process is inhibited leading to the characteristic white zones on the skin. This knowledge has enabled SWITCH to identify the drug candidate SWT05100 which was able to reverse the disturbed process in cell culture experiments.

As part of this joint development project, Spirig Pharma will develop and produce a cream based on SWT05100. This newly developed product will then be tested for skin tolerance. During jointly organized clinical trials, vitiligo patients will be treated with the ointment and re-pigmentation of the white skin regions analysed.

Jörn-Peter Halle, Chief Business Officer of SWITCH Biotech, commented on the co-operation agreement: "Spirig Pharma and SWITCH Biotech possess ideally complementing expertise for the development of products for the treatment of skin diseases. I am delighted that we are able to advance the development of products through this co-operation between a young biotech company and a successful pharmaceutical corporation."

Marcel Langenauer, Director Research & Development of Spirig Pharma, added: "SWITCH Biotech's innovative product concept and comprehensive research data convinced us to invest in further product development. The co-operation enables us once again to apply our long years' experience in the successful development and marketing of dermaceuticals."

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About SWITCH Biotech:
SWITCH Biotech AG is a market leader in the fields of dermatological research and development. More than 50 employees at the company develop drug candidates for the treatment of skin diseases such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, vitiligo and chronic wounds. During three financing rounds the company was able to attract investments totalling 34.4 million euros. In November 2003 SWITCH Biotech announced the successful completion of a clinical trial in psoriasis.

Further information available on www.switch-biotech.com 

About Spirig Pharma AG:
Spirig Pharma AG is a Swiss company based at Egerkingen, in the canton of Solothurn. With revenues totalling $100 million and a workforce of 200 Spirig is active in all areas ranging from the development and production to marketing and sales of high-value skin-care products. Unique expertise in dermatology and skin-care has aided Spirig to become the Swiss market leader in the dermaceutical sector. The company is successfully expanding to other European countries such as Germany and France as well as Eastern Europe.

For more information please visit: www.spirig.ch 

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Further information can also be obtained from:

SWITCH Biotech AG
Christine Neumüller 
Floriansbogen 2-4 
D-82061 Neuried/Germany
Tel.: +49-89-74946-291 
eMail: christine.neumueller@switch-biotech.com