SWITCH Biotech appoints new Chief Development
Officer for the future clinical development phases of trial substances

Neuried (March 27, 2003) - SWITCH Biotech AG announced today the appointment of Dr. Erwin Böhm to the position of Chief Development Officer. In this capacity, Dr. Böhm will be responsible for all phases of development of active compounds, from the production phase through clinical trials to the final drug approval. 

Dr. Stefan Schulze, spokesman of the executive board of SWITCH Biotech AG,"SWITCH Biotech AG will greatly benefit from Dr. Böhm's wealth of experience in the carrying out of clinical studies as well as his expertise in pre-clinical development. His appointment is aptly timed for the development of potential substances for the treatment of diabetic ulcer and psoriasis. Dr. Böhm will also play an important role in ensuring that our company is optimally prepared for the development of further potential substances which are already in the pipeline."

Before joining SWITCH Biotech Dr. Böhm headed the clinical development department of the Martinsried based MediGene AG. From 1997 to 1999 he was head of clinical development with Merz in Frankfurt. Prior to this Dr. Böhm worked for Boehringer Mannheim where he was active in the fields of experimental cardiovascular pharmacology and clinical development. During this time his achievements included the successful licensing of a thrombolytic drug. Dr. Erwin Böhm is a fully qualified physician and a chemist. In 1990 Dr. Böhm became licensed as a medic in the fields of pharmacology and toxicology. 

"I am extremely pleased to be joining SWITCH Biotech AG at such a crucial point in the development of the company", said Dr. Böhm. He continued, "With regard to clinical development, focussing on skin diseases means that there are considerable advantages concerning the duration of the developmental phase, the success rate and the costs involved."

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About SWITCH Biotech:
SWITCH Biotech AG carries out genetic research to identify target molecules which are involved in the wound healing process and skin diseases. The ob-jective is to develop, in conjunction with pharmaceutical companies, new medication to be used in the treatment of dermatological complaints (pso-riasis, atopic dermatitis etc.) and cutaneous ulcers.

The third round of financing was completed in April 2002, bringing the to-tal investment of this round to 23.8 million Euro. In the previous two rounds of financing the company has received 10.6 million Euro. 

Further information available on www.switch-biotech.com .

Further information can also be obtained from:

SWITCH Biotech AG

Christine Neumüller 
Floriansbogen 2-4 
D-82061 Neuried/Germany

Tel.: 0049-89-74946-291 
Fax: 0049-89-74946-131 
E-mail: christine.neumueller@switch-biotech.com