Leiden, The Netherlands, August 16, 2001 - Crucell N.V. (NASDAQ: CRXL; Euronext Amsterdam: CRUC) today announced that it has entered into an agreement with Centocor, Inc., for the development and commercialization of Crucell's CD46-specific human antibodies for the treatment of cancer. Centocor will pay Crucell upfront, annual and milestone fees until product launch, and royalties afterwards.

Under the terms of the deal, Centocor, a Johnson & Johnson company, will be responsible for worldwide development and manufacturing. Crucell has retained exclusive commercialization rights for the European Union and may purchase the CD46-specific antibodies manufactured by Centocor. Furthermore, Crucell will be entitled to utilize Centocor's registration files for obtaining European approval, in return for royalties. Centocor has commercialization rights for the US, Japan, and the rest of the world.

Antibodies against tumor-specific targets can be used to eliminate tumors while minimizing damage to nearby cells and tissues. The CD46 variant is a tumor-specific target which is uniquely expressed on the cell surface of various tumors such as multiple myeloma, colorectal cancer and breast cancer. Crucell has identified the CD46 variant and generated fully human antibodies against it through its proprietary MAbstract(TM) target discovery and human antibody technology.

About MAbstract(TM) target discovery and fully human antibody technologies

MAbstract(TM) allows the identification of targets which are typically overseen by genomics and proteomics approaches. In addition, MAbstract(TM) presents the unique feature of identifying and validating targets as well as generating fully human antibodies. MAbstract(TM) is based on phage antibody-display libraries, subtraction and selection technology and antibody engineering technologies.

Currently, Crucell has five fully human antibodies in various stages of pre-clinical development for the treatment of colon cancer, breast cancer, anti-angiogenesis, leukemia and inflammation. Additional programs have been launched in oncology, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Crucell/Centocor Agreement