Leiden, The Netherlands, April 3, 2007 - Dutch biotechnology company Crucell N.V. (Euronext, NASDAQ: CRXL, Swiss Exchange: CRX) today announced a long-term distribution deal with North Carolina-headquartered Talecris Biotherapeutics, GmBH.

 

Under the terms of the agreement, Crucell will serve as the exclusive distributor of Talecris' Prolastin® (alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor) in 9 Western European countries, replacing current distributor, Bayer.

 

Fully praising the completion of the extraordinary deal, Crucell's President and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Ronald H.P. Brus said, "We are very proud to work with such a well-established and respected company and take over the distribution from Bayer. Not only does this deal match with our mission to advance in the therapeutic proteins arena but it also strengthens Crucell's global credibility and serves as a major step on our expansion path."

 

This unique distribution deal makes the first full use of Crucell's newly integrated pan-European marketing and sales organization created through the acquisitions of Berna Biotech and SBL Vaccines in 2006.

 

 

Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Deficiency, also known as AATD or Alpha-1, is an inherited disorder that causes significant reduction in the naturally occurring protein AAT. AATD is also the most common cause of genetic liver disease in children, and genetic emphysema (shortness of breath) in adults. Individuals suffering from AATD often develop severe obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) causing disability and premature death. Alpha-1 is most common in the Caucasian population of Northern Europe and North America, affecting approximately 150,000 people.

 

Prolastin® is indicated for chronic augmentation therapy of individuals having hereditary deficiency of alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor with clinically demonstrable panacinar emphysema. Individuals with selective IgA deficiencies who have known antibody against IgA should not receive Prolastin®, since these patients may experience severe reactions, including anaphylaxis, to IgA which may be present.

 

Crucell N.V. (Euronext, NASDAQ: CRXL; Swiss Exchange: CRX) is a biotechnology company focused on research, development and worldwide marketing of vaccines and antibodies that prevent and treat infectious diseases as well as therapeutic proteins for various indications. Its vaccines are sold in public and private markets worldwide. Crucell's core portfolio includes a vaccine against hepatitis B, a fully-liquid vaccine against five important childhood diseases, and a virosome-adjuvanted vaccine against influenza. Crucell also markets travel vaccines, such as the only oral anti-typhoid vaccine, an oral cholera vaccine and the only aluminium-free hepatitis A vaccine on the market. The Company has a broad development pipeline, with several Crucell products based on its unique PER.C6® production technology. The Company licenses this and other technologies to the biopharmaceutical industry. Important partners and licensees include DSM Biologics, sanofi aventis, GSK and Merck & Co. Crucell is headquartered in Leiden (the Netherlands), with subsidiaries in Switzerland, Spain, Italy, Sweden, Korea and the US. The Company employs over a 1000 people. For more information, please visit www.crucell.com.

 

Forward-looking statements