Debiotech and Organon sign exclusive agreement relating to cassette pump system (IV Expres^TM) for innovative closed loop infusion system intended for anesthesiology

April 14, 2003 - Debiotech S.A., a privately held Swiss Medical Device company, announced today that it has entered into a long term development, license and technology Access Agreement with Organon , the human health care business unit of the Dutch company Akzo Nobel , regarding Debiotech's innovative cassette pump system (IV Expres^TM) for a dedicated closed loop infusion system intended for anesthesia.

Under this Agreement, Organon acquired exclusive rights to incorporate Debiotech's cassette pump system in it's new closed loop infusion system (CLIS) for the neuromuscular blocking agent (Esmeron^® / Zemuron^®). The agreement is based on upfront payments plus royalties to Debiotech.

The IV Expres^TM Pump system developed by Debiotech, together with its unique patented disposable cassette, provides easy to use and accurate administration of intravenous fluids in various condition of use. Its small size and light weight, as well as remote programming capability, represents a significant improvement in IV Therapy offering.

"By participating into the field of closed loop infusion systems, with an intelligent link between sensors and drug delivery, Debiotech enters into a new extremely promising area. The collaboration with Organon is a major step within such strategic move where Debiotech will continue to work toward more intelligent systems contributing to the overall therapeutic improvement. The IV Expres system has already demonstrated major advantages as an infusion system and we consider it to be an important platform for future closed loop projects of that kind." says Frédéric Neftel, M.D., CEO of DEBIOTECH.

"The CLIS will be the first reliable Infusion System for controlled administration of the neuromuscular blocking agent Esmeron^® / Zemuron^®. The system will give added control to the administration of this drug in longer surgical cases, having the potential for increased cost effectiveness. It underlines Organon's commitment to provide the best means to the management of neuromuscular block. The system will be a natural extension of Organon's successful line of muscle relaxation monitors like TOF-Watch^®" says Dr. Erik Sprengers, Vice President of the anesthesia program at Organon.

The IV Expres^TM Pump system is part of Debiotech's advanced drug delivery systems designed to meet the growing market need for improved administration systems, particularly in areas requiring complex administration schemes and high dosage precision.

About ORGANON

Organon is a renowned pharmaceutical company with a strong commitment to human health care. The company develops and produces innovative prescription medicines for Gynecology, Psychiatry, Cardiovascular disease, Immunology and Anesthesia. Organon products are sold in over 100 countries, more than half of which have an Organon subsidiary. The company currently employs around 13,000 people. Organon is the human health care business unit of Akzo Nobel.


For more information please contact:


Debiotech S.A.
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Phone: +41 21 623 60 00
Fax: +41 21 623 60 01

Michael Bauer
NV Organon
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Phone: +31 412 66 5424
Mobile: +31 6224 77740
Fax: +31 412 66 2568