The Ipsen Group Has Noted the Publication of the Recommendations Issued by the French Haute Autorite De Sante.

PARIS -- The Ipsen Group (Paris:IPN) has noted that the French Haute AutoritE[umlaut] de SantE[umlaut] has recommended to modify the reimbursement policies related to certain medicines, including vasodilatators, the pharmacological class to which Tanakan([R]) belongs. As regards to those medicines used in the treatment of cognitive impairments in the elderly, it considers their withdrawal from the list of reimbursable drugs, which "can however be implemented progressively".

The Haute AutoritE[umlaut] de SantE[umlaut] has maintained the medical rendered service of Tanakan([R]) as insufficient. However, its recommendation sets apart Tanakan([R]), notably used in France in the treatment of neurosensory and cognitive impairments in the elderly: "Only one ongoing study has been identified by the Commission de la Transparence, this is the reason why the HAS urges decision-makers to carry on and reinforce the support to the research in the areas of cognitive impairments in the elderly". In its opinion issued on 5 July 2006 the Commission de la Transparence had indeed "noted with interest the ongoing GuidAge Study".

The decision to maintain Tanakan([R]) on the list of reimbursable medicines by French Social Security now belongs to the Minister of Health and Solidarities.

About the ongoing studies

In France, more than 2,800 patients have been included in the GuidAge study, which is carried out in collaboration with 25 memory hospitals. The scientific committees which participated in the design of the protocol include key French and international experts in Alzheimer's disease. The aim is to demonstrate that the treatment with Tanakan([R] )of patients with mnesic complaint decreases the conversion rate to Alzheimer's disease at 5 years. GuidAge is the only ongoing clinical trial investigating the secondary prevention of Alzheimer's disease in patients with a mnesic complaint. This trial carries a major impact in terms of Public Health: beyond the demonstration of Tanakan([R])'s value, GuidAge is also of scientific and medical general interest, as detailed and still unexplored biological data of patients with a high risk of developing an Alzheimer's disease is to be available. This study is coherent with the Alzheimer Plan designed by the French Government in 2004, and with the identification of this pathology as a "high national priority for the year 2007" ("grande cause nationale pour l'annE[umlaut]e 2007").

In the United States, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) also investigate, on their own, the interest of EGb761[R], active ingredient of Tanakan([R]) in the primary prevention of Alzheimer's disease in subjects aged over 75 (GEM). The 3,000 patients have now been recruited in this study, which harmoniously complements GuidAge.

About Ipsen

Ipsen is a European pharmaceutical group with over 20 products on the market and a total worldwide staff of nearly 4,000. The Company's development strategy is based on a combination of products in targeted therapeutic areas (oncology, endocrinology and neuromuscular disorders), which are growth drivers and primary care products which contribute significantly to its research financing. This strategy is also supported by an active policy of partnerships. The location of its four R&D centers (Paris, Boston, Barcelona and London) gives the Group a competitive edge in gaining access to leading university research teams and highly qualified personnel. In 2005, Research and Development expenditure reached e1/4169 million, i.e. 20.9% of consolidated sales, which amounted to e1/4807 million in the Group's pro forma accounts set up according to the IFRS. Nearly 700 people in R&D are dedicated to the discovery and development of innovative drugs for patient care. Ipsen's shares are traded on Segment A of Eurolist by Euronext (stock code: IPN, ISIN code: FR0010259150). Ipsen's internet website is www.ipsen.com.