Immtech and Beijing Pharmaceutical Group Co. Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Explore Developing Strategic Business Alliance
28 February 2009 - 12:00AM
PR Newswire (US)
NEW YORK, Feb. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Immtech
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE Alternext US: IMM.BC) today announced
that the Company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
confirming its interest in exploring the development of a strategic
alliance with Beijing Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd. (BPGC). The MOU
confirms the intention of BPGC to consider a range of collaborative
global business development opportunities with Immtech. BPGC is one
of the largest state-owned pharmaceutical and medical device
conglomerates in China. BPGC develops, manufactures, and sells
Chinese and western medicines, bio-medicines, health products,
pharmaceutical raw materials, medical equipment, and medicine
manufacturing equipment. BPGC had annual sales of over USD $2
billion in 2008. The strategic alliance would give BPGC rights to
develop drugs from Immtech's extensive proprietary library of
compounds. Many of these compounds have been designed to target
high-prevalence diseases such as hepatitis C and malaria, which are
devastating infectious diseases that result in millions of deaths
each year around the world. The strategic alliance would also allow
BPGC to leverage Immtech's extensive network of international
relationships to gain access to patented technologies as well as
advantageous sales and distribution channels in the US, the Middle
East, Africa, Europe, and other locations. "We are excited about
the possibility of entering into this strategic alliance. BPGC has
substantial resources and an excellent track record. They are an
ideal partner to draw on Immtech's extensive portfolio of compounds
as well as our strong international network of collaborators in
drug development and other business areas," said Eric L. Sorkin,
Chairman and CEO of Immtech. Pending BPGC's satisfactory review and
valuation of Immtech assets, the companies will continue
negotiations related to details of the strategic alliance. About
Immtech Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Immtech Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a
development-stage enterprise) and its subsidiaries are focused on
global opportunities in the healthcare sector and opportunities in
China. Immtech aims to apply its established expertise and other
assets in both new drug sales and enhanced healthcare-related
services, including research and information-providing services,
for developed and developing countries. For additional information,
please visit the Company's website at
http://www.immtechpharma.com/. "Safe Harbor" Statement under the
Private Securities Reform Act of 1995: Statements in this press
release regarding Immtech Pharmaceuticals, Inc.'s business which
are not historical facts, are "forward-looking statements" that
involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ
materially from these forward-looking statements. Factors that
could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not
limited to, those discussed under the headings "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" and "Risk Factors" in Immtech's annual report on Form
10-K for the year ended March 31, 2008 filed June 18, 2008, and in
its other SEC filings and include, but are not limited to: (i)
Immtech's ability to obtain additional funds; (ii) Immtech's
ability to manage its remaining resources; (iii) Immtech's ability
to continue as a going concern; (iv) Immtech's ability to retain
key personnel; (v) the ability of Immtech's scientists and
collaborators to discover new compounds; (vi) the availability of
additional research grants; (vii) Immtech's ability to obtain
regulatory approval of its drug candidates; (viii) the success of
Immtech's clinical trials; (ix) dependence upon and contractual
relationship with partners; (x) Immtech's ability to protect its
intellectual property; and (xi) competition and alternative
technologies. In addition, Immtech does not undertake any
obligation, and specifically disclaims any obligation to publicly
update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect future
events, information or circumstances that arise after the date of
this release. DATASOURCE: Immtech Pharmaceuticals, Inc. CONTACT:
Bill Berry, Berry & Co. for Immtech Pharmaceuticals, Inc.,
+1-212-253-8881 Web Site: http://www.immtechpharma.com/
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