Released on: January 14, 2008, 9:58 am

Press Release Author: b3c newswire

Industry: Biotech

Press Release Summary: ARTES Biotechnology and Rhein Minapharm Biogenetics jointly
announced the start of a strategic collaboration to develop three therapeutic
proteins.

Press Release Body: Langenfeld and Cairo, January 14, 2008 / b3c newswire / - ARTES
Biotechnology, which is specialized in recombinant protein production from yeast
expression systems, and Rhein Minapharm Biogenetics, a subsidiary of Minapharm SAE
(Cairo and Alexandria Stock Exchange: MIPH) jointly announced the start of a
strategic collaboration to develop three therapeutic proteins. Financial details
were not disclosed.

ARTES will apply its proprietary Hansenula technology platform and know-how to the
generation of production cell lines, analytical assay development, and lab-scale
fermentation. Moreover, ARTES has granted Minapharm a commercial license option to
apply its proprietary technologies to the manufacturing and marketing of these
therapeutic proteins. In addition, ARTES will be responsible for the 100 L-scale
production of a Minapharm protein based on an existing process using E. coli.

Minapharm will carry out the pertinent process research & development, production
and commercialization of the therapeutic proteins.

"This long-term agreement marks an important milestone in the existing relationship
between our companies. Minapharm's strategic decision to extend our collaboration is
a clear proof of the safety and reliability of the Hansenula technology platform and
the quality of our services," said Dr. Michael Piontek, founder and Managing
Director of ARTES.

Dr. Wafik Bardissi, Chairman and CEO of Minapharm added, "The agreement is a logical
consequence of the encouraging results of our currently marketed Hansenula-derived
products combining high quality and cost-effectiveness. The anticipated outcome is
of reciprocal value to Minapharm's process R&D program and the Hansenula technology
platform in general."

The yeast strain Hansenula polymorpha is often an alternative to E. coli for
producing therapeutic proteins or technical enzymes inexpensively. A number of
products derived from Hansenula are already marketed worldwide such as hepatitis B
vaccine, insulin, interferon alpha 2a and feed and food enzymes. Several others are
in clinical trials.



Minapharm - www.minapharm.com

Minapharm is headquartered in Cairo with production facilities in the 10th of
Ramadan City and is among the leading prescription medicine companies in Egypt and
the Middle East. The company specializes in the manufacture and marketing of
innovative specialty pharmaceuticals and through its subsidiary Rhein Minapharm
Biogenetics, in the research, development and manufacturing of biopharmaceuticals.
The biotech subsidiary focuses on liver disease, thrombosis and hemostasis as core
therapeutic areas. With three therapeutic proteins already on the market and several
in the pipeline, Minapharm's competence is shortening the time to market while
adhering to the highest international ethical and safety standards. Minapharm has a
collective workforce of over 700 employees and is listed on the Cairo and Alexandria
Stock Exchange (symbol: MIPH)

ARTES Biotechnology GmbH - www.artes-biotechnology.com

ARTES is a Germany-based biotechnology company specialized in recombinant protein
production from yeast expression systems. ARTES offers generation of optimized
production cell lines in proprietary yeast expression systems based on Hansenula
polymorpha and Arxula adeninivorans. In addition to genetic engineering, the company
provides fermentation and downstream process development, analytical assay
development and production cell line characterization. ARTES operates worldwide from
its 850 sqm S1 facilities in Langenfeld near Duesseldorf. The company focuses on
contract R&D for white and red biotechnology products.



Web Site: http://www.b3c.de/php/popup.php?id=98

Contact Details: Contacts:
Minapharm Pharmaceuticals
Rhein Minapharm Biogenetics
Frank Mueller
R&D manager
mueller@minapharm.com

ARTES Biotechnology GmbH
Dr. Melanie Dröttboom
Business Development Director
+49 (0)2173 275870
m.droettboom@artes-biotechnology.com