ZLB Bioplasma Inc. Awarded Supply Agreement by Leading Health Care Purchasing Group; Company to Provide Much-Needed Intravenous Immunoglobulin — IVIG — and Albumin to U.S

Business Wire, Sept 10, 2001

Business Editors & Health/Medical Writers

GLENDALE, Calif.--(BW HealthWire)--Sept. 10, 2001

ZLB Bioplasma Inc. has been awarded a group purchasing contract worth in excess of $30 million to supply IMMUNE GLOBULIN INTRAVENOUS (HUMAN) and ALBUMIN (HUMAN) to members of Premier Inc.

A major health care alliance serving approximately 1,850 hospitals, Premier operates one of the largest group purchasing organizations (GPOs) in the U.S. health care market.

Premier based its decision on ZLB's ability to provide consistent, high-quality products and integrate with the existing distribution structure arranged through Premier to serve member facilities across the U.S.

"ZLB is proud to partner with Premier's group purchasing organization, one of the most prestigious in the industry," said Pete DeHart, president, ZLB Bioplasma Inc. "Premier has a tradition of contracting for quality products for use by their members. We are honored to be selected to provide IVIG and Albumin by such a quality-driven organization."

A new entrant to the U.S. health care market, ZLB Bioplasma Inc. began shipping IMMUNE GLOBULIN INTRAVENOUS (HUMAN) and ALBUMIN (HUMAN) directly to U.S. customers in January 2001. The products, made from plasma collected from U.S. donors, are manufactured by ZLB's affiliate, ZLB Bioplasma AG, at its FDA-licensed facility in Bern, Switzerland.

ZLB Bioplasma AG is a subsidiary of CSL Limited, a leading biotechnology and biopharmaceutical company founded in 1915 in Melbourne, Australia. CSL Limited acquired ZLB from the Swiss Red Cross in August 2000.

As part of the multi-year agreement, Premier members can purchase products at competitive prices. The contract also helps to ensure a stable supply of the products to members when resources are limited.

"Premier welcomes ZLB's entry into the U.S. market," said Tony Gulczynski, Premier vice president who leads their alliance's pharmacy program. "Our members are pleased to have a consistent supply at a reasonable price from one of the world's largest high quality manufacturers of plasma-derived products. We believe our new arrangement with ZLB proactively addresses a real need among our member hospitals."

Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human) products have been reported to be associated with renal dysfunction, acute renal failure, osmotic nephrosis, and death. Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human), as with all plasma-derived products, may contain infectious agents such as viruses that can cause disease. A theoretical risk for transmission of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) is considered extremely remote.

Periodic monitoring of renal function and urine output is advised in patients with a potential increased risk for developing acute renal failure. Increases in creatinine and blood urea nitrogen with progression to oliguria or anuria requiring dialysis have been observed. Severe renal adverse events with Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human) have included acute renal failure, acute tubular necrosis, proximal tubular nephropathy, and osmotic nephrosis.

See PRECAUTIONS and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION sections of full Prescribing Information for important information intended to reduce the risk of acute renal failure.

ALBUMIN (HUMAN) is contraindicated in patients with a history of incompatibility with the product or any of its components. ALBUMIN (HUMAN) 5% may be contraindicated in patients with cardiac failure or severe anemia because of the risk of acute circulatory overload.

ALBUMIN (HUMAN) is made from human plasma, and as with all plasma-derived products, it may contain infectious agents such as viruses that can cause disease. A theoretical risk for transmission of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) is considered extremely remote.

For product information, refer to the Full Prescribing Information on IMMUNE GLOBULIN INTRAVENOUS (HUMAN), with boxed warning, and ALBUMIN (HUMAN) available at www.zlb.com.

About ZLB Bioplasma Inc.

Based in Glendale, ZLB Bioplasma Inc. distributes the human plasma-derived drugs Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) and Albumin in the United States. The company was founded in August 2000 to serve as a direct, reliable distribution link between its affiliate, ZLB Bioplasma AG, and its U.S. customers. ZLB Bioplasma AG is a subsidiary of CSL Limited, a global biotechnology and biopharmaceutical company established in 1915. CSL's headquarters are in Melbourne, Australia.