Karolinska Development: EMEA Recommends Orphan Drug Designation for Acute Myeloid Leukemia Treatment

STOCKHOLM, February 18, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- The European Medicines Agency (EMEA) recommends orphan drug status for Aprea's treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The treatment is currently undergoing a Phase I clinical study and a final decision from the European Commission regarding status is expected in a few weeks. Aprea is part of the Karolinska Development portfolio.

"Aprea is developing a new class of anticancer drugs for the treatment of acute myelogenous leukemia, the most common acute leukemia affecting adults which is currently lacking efficient treatment. An orphan drug status would significantly shorten the development time, lower development costs and, if approved, extend market exclusivity to the benefit of affected patients, Aprea and Karolinska Development," says Conny Bogentoft, CEO Karolinska Development.

Karolinska Development holds 43 percent of the Aprea share capital and votes. For further information about Aprea, please visit http://www.aprea.com.

About Karolinska Development

Karolinska Development manages one of the largest portfolios of life science companies in Europe.

Using a unique, highly cost-efficient business model, the management team guides the commercialization of world-class life science innovations, helping to shape the next-generation pharma industry. Since 2003, Karolinska Development has built a portfolio of some 40 companies; among the company's projects, 12 compounds are undergoing clinical trials. The portfolio also includes a total of 19 potential first-in-class products. http://www.karolinskadevelopment.com

    For more information, please contact:

    Conny Bogentoft, CEO Karolinska Development
    Tel: +46(0)706-88-61-43, e-mail:
    conny.bogentoft@karolinskadevelopment.com

SOURCE Karolinska Development AB