Rentschler and CELLCA to cooperate on high-level expression of biopharmaceuticals

June 22, 2006 – Rentschler Biotechnologie GmbH and CELLCA GmbH, both based in Laupheim, Germany, announced today that they have entered into a long-term cooperation agreement aimed at the development, application and marketing of a high-level expression system for mammalian cells.

“We are pleased to announce the cooperation with CELLCA for developing a novel high-level expression system,” says Dr. Nikolaus F. Rentschler, CEO of Rentschler Biotechnologie. “The expression system will excellently complement our future-oriented technology and service portfolio.”

CELLCA develops a novel production technology in the area of cell culture and fermentation. This technology includes a novel expression system for the production of mammalian cell-derived recombinant proteins, metabolically optimised host cell lines for high protein synthesis and tailored high performance culture media. The system will also be suited for large-scale bioreactors without any process changes, achieving higher product yields than conventional systems. Besides reducing production costs, development times will also be reduced significantly.

“For CELLCA, the cooperation with Rentschler means we can offer our customers development services in the areas of protein purification, analytics and formulations, as well as GMP-compliant production,” says Dr. Aziz Cayli, CEO of CELLCA.  “Rentschler´s high competence assures the highest quality standards and development security for the success of our customers’ projects.”

About Rentschler Biotechnologie:
Rentschler Biotechnologie GmbH is an international contract company for the development and production of novel drugs based on modern biotechnology processes. The GMP-compliant services encompass the whole development chain from the gene to the finished drug. With over 30 years of experience in biotechnology, the Company is among the pioneers in this industry sector. Recently, Rentschler announced a capital expenditure program of 50 million Euros for the extension of its production facilities. The new facilities will go into operation in 2008. Rentschler Biotechnologie GmbH is part of the Rentschler Group and is based in Laupheim, Baden-Wuerttemberg.

About CELLCA GmbH:
CELLCA GmbH, founded in 2005 and located in Laupheim, Germany, is a contract company specialising in the development of innovative cell culture (“upstream”) technologies for lab-scale to industrial-scale production of biopharmaceutical products. The company recently successfully completed its financing.