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Mr. Weidong Yin, President and CEO, commented, ''Outbreaks of HFMD haveoccurred in many countries since the 1970s. The disease has increasinglybecome a threat not only in China, but also in neighboring countries. Since novaccine is currently available to protect our children, we believe that, as aleading vaccine developer in China, it is our responsibility to engage in thedevelopment of a vaccine against EV71. We anticipate that this product has thepotential to become another flagship product once it is developed andcommercialized similar to Healive.''
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About EV71
Enterovirus 71, or EV71, causes Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (or HFMD)among children. HFMD is a common and usually mild childhood disease. EV71 is afrequent cause of HFMD epidemics associated with neurological disease in asmall proportion of cases. There have been a number of outbreaks of EV71 HFMDin the Asia-Pacific region since 1997. Outbreaks have been reported inMalaysia (1997), Taiwan (1998, 2000 & 2001), China (1998-2008), Australia(1999) and Singapore (2000) among other areas in the region. There is nospecific treatment for enterovirus infections and a vaccine is not currentlyavailable.
In 2007, total reported cases were 83,344, among which 17 are dead.According to WHO report dated 7 May 2008, as of 5 May, 4,496 cases, including22 deaths, of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) due to enterovirus 71 (EV71)have been reported among infants and young children in Fuyang City, AnhuiProvince, China, since the beginning of the year.
About Sinovac
Sinovac Biotech Ltd. is a China-based biopharmaceutical company thatfocuses on the research, development, manufacture and commercialization ofvaccines that protect against human infectious diseases. Sinovac'scommercialized vaccines include Healive(R) (hepatitis A), Bilive(R) (combinedhepatitis A and B), Anflu(R) (influenza) and Panflu(TM) (H5N1). Sinovac iscurrently developing Universal Pandemic Influenza vaccine and Japaneseencephalitis vaccine. Additional information about Sinovac is available on itswebsite, http://www.sinovac.com . To be added to our distribution list, pleaseemail: [email protected].
Safe Harbor Statement
This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statementsare made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private SecuritiesLitigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can beidentified by words or phrases such as "will," "expects," "anticipates,""future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates" and similar statements.Among other things, the business outlook and quotations from management inthis press release contain forward-looking statements. Statements that are nothistorical facts, including statements about Sinovac's beliefs andexpectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statementsinvolve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of important factors couldcause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Sinovac does not undertake any obligation to update anyforward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.For more information, please contact: Helen G. Yang Sinovac Biotech Ltd. Tel: +86-10-8289-0088 x871 Fax: +86-10-6296-6910 Email: [email protected] Investors/Media: Stephanie Carrington/Janine McCargo The Ruth Group Tel: +1-646-536-7017 /7033 Email: scarrington@th
