Orion - Company Announcement

Positive primary endpoint from FIRST-STEP study with Stalevo in early Parkinson's Disease

Orion Corporation has been informed by its marketing partner Novartis
about the positive outcome of FIRST-STEP, a Phase 3 clinical study
conducted by Novartis in 423 patients with early Parkinson's Disease
(PD). The aim of the study was to determine whether treatment with
Stalevo, an Orion-originated levodopa treatment
(levodopa/carbidopa/entacapone) provides better symptomatic benefit
than the standard levodopa/carbidopa in early PD.
The FIRST-STEP study was sponsored by Novartis and conducted in the
USA, Canada and six other countries in 2005-2007. The patients were
randomised to receive three daily doses of either Stalevo or
levodopa/carbidopa, each containing 100 mg of the active drug,
levodopa. Each patient received treatment for 9 months. The primary
end-point of the study was the change from baseline in combined UPDRS
(Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale) part II and III scores
measuring activities of daily living and motor function in patients
with PD. The treatment difference was statistically significant
(p<0.05) in favour of Stalevo.

ABOUT STALEVO
Stalevo (levodopa/carbidopa/entacapone) is an enhanced levodopa
therapy for the treatment of Parkinson's Disease indicated for those
patients experiencing wearing-off motor complications. Stalevo
contains both a DDC inhibitor (carbidopa) and a COMT inhibitor
(entacapone) that prevent the breakdown of levodopa and so provide a
more continuous supply of levodopa to the brain. Stalevo provides
enhanced symptom control throughout the day vs. traditional levodopa
and the efficacy of Stalevo is maintained during long-term treatment.
Stalevo, developed by Orion Corporation, is marketed by Novartis and
Orion in their respective territories.

ABOUT ORION
Orion is dedicated to treating and preventing disease by discovery
and developing innovative medicinal treatments. In 2006, Orion
generated sales of EUR 641.1 million, invested EUR 84.1 million in
research and development and employed approximately 3,060 people
Orion corporate headquarters are in Espoo, Finland.  For more
information, please visit:  http://www.orion.fi/english/.


Orion Corporation



Reijo Salonen                                        Olli Huotari
Senior VP, Research and Development  Senior VP, Corporate Functions



Contact person:
Reijo Salonen, Senior VP, Research and Development, phone +358 10 426
3647







Publisher:
Orion Corporation
Communications
Orionintie 1A, FI-02200 Espoo
Homepage: www.orion.fi