Unique clinical profile for Orexo’s product “OX 17” confirmed

Data supporting the clinical importance of Orexo’s product ‘OX 17’ in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) was presented at the Digestive Disease Week (DDW) World Congress in Los Angeles on May 21, 2006. The data confirm that OX 17 combines rapid onset of effect with maintained efficacy during the treatment period. Acid reflux, i.e. “heartburn” and pain in the stomach, are some of the symptoms linked to gastroesofageal reflux disease. It is a common ailment in the Western world. Untreated, it could lead to inflammation of the gastric mucosa and, in the long term, also to cancer. Current treatments of acid reflux require either several days of treatment to obtain full effect, alternatively has effect only for a few days. The combined market for these two types of products, H2 receptor antagonists (H2 blockers) and proton pump inhibitors, amounted to USD 24.5 billion in 20051. Orexos product OX 17 is based on a new therapeutic concept, combining H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors. The result is a fast onset of effect after the first dose and maintained efficay over time. The unique efficacy profile of Orexo’s product OX 17 has been demonstrated in 4 studies, where intra-gastric acid production have been measured in 45 healthy volunteers. OX 17 is considered as a potentially attractive treatment regimen for on-demand treatment of reflux disease and symptoms linked to this disease. “Results from clinical studies confirm the unique profile of OX 17 and demonstrates that the positive effects can be achieved with different combinations of proton pump inhibitors and H2 blockers”, said Zsolt Lavotha, president and CEO of Orexo AB. “Thereby, we can confirm that the development of OX 17 is progressing according to plan, and that documentation further strengthening the product now will be carried out”, he continued. Based on these findings, Orexo is now verifying the documentation program with regulatory authorities and intends to initiate certain Phase III clinical studies during the second half of 2006. Patent for the combination concept has been filed in many countries and is pending in major markets. 1) Astra Zeneca Annual Report 2005, Wood Mackenzie 2004 For further information, please contact: Zsolt Lavotha, President and CEO, Orexo AB Tel: +46-18-780 88 12, e-mail: zsolt.lavotha@orexo.se Claes Wenthzel, Executive Vice President and CFO, Orexo AB Tel: +46-18-780 88 44, e-mail: claes.wenthzel@orexo.se Thomas Lundqvist, Executive Vice President and CSO, Orexo AB Tel: +46-18-780 88 04, e-mail: thomas.lundqvist@orexo.se