Biohit Oyj - Company Announcement

Biohit and Oriola to distribution agreement

Biohit Oyj Stock Exchange Release March 10, 2015 at 3:45 p.m. local time (EET)

Biohit Oyj has signed a distribution agreement with Oriola Oy. The agreement is
effective after a transition period (first half of 2015) and will replace the
previous distribution agreement in Finland. With the agreement, Oriola gains
exclusive rights for the distribution of Acetium® capsules and Acetium®
lozenges in Finland. 

Acetium® capsules efficiently bind (neutralize) carcinogenic acetaldehyde in an
achlorhydric stomach. This contributes to the prevention of cancer in the
mouth, stomach and oesophagus.  Acetium® capsules are intended e.g. for PPI
users and persons suffering from an achlorhydric stomach caused by atrophy of
the gastric mucosa and functional disorder (atrophic gastritis).  Atrophic
gastritis can be found by a blood sample based on GastroPanel® test and can be
caused by Helicobacter pylori infection, or as a result of an autoimmune
disease. An anacidic stomach is the most significant risk factor for stomach
and oesophageal cancer (1, see Additional information). 

The Acetium® lozenge is intended to protect the mouth by binding acetaldehyde
dissolved into saliva during smoking and alcohol consumption. Acetaldehyde is
the most important carcinogen in cigarette smoke. (2,3). 

CEO Semi Korpela, Biohit Oyj: ‘The unique Acetium® capsule is intended as a
protection for anacidic stomachs and for PPI users and we are currently
studying its suitability for the prevention of headache attacks in migraine and
cluster headache patients. Promising results in the treatment of atrophic
gastritis have been obtained In an Italian study. Also ongoing is a study to
assess the effectiveness of Acetium® lozenge in a new indication i.e. to reduce
nicotine dependence, and help with smoking cessation and/or reduction.' 

Business Unit Director Jarkko Kiuru, Oriola Oy: ‘We look forward to
co-operation with Biohit. Oriola's strengths are service orientation, long
history in the industry, efficient and reliable logistics and leading brands
known by consumers. Acetium® products enable us to serve our customers with an
even broader product portfolio. We believe in these innovative products
opportunities also in new markets.' 

Reference:
(1) Sipponen P et al (1985) Gastric cancer risk in chronic atrophic gastritis:
statistical calculations of cross-sectional data. Int J Cancer 1985;35:173-177. 
(2) Haussmann H-J (2012) Use of hazard indices for a theoretical evaluation of
cigarette smoke composition. Chem Res Toxicol 2012;25:794-810. 
(3) Burns DM et al (2008) Mandated lowering of toxicants in cigarette smoke: a
description of the World Health Organization TobReg proposal. Tob Control
2008;17:132-41. 

Additional information:
CEO Semi Korpela, Biohit Oyj
tel. +358 9 773 861
investor.relations@biohit.fi
www.biohithealthcare.com



Biohit Oyj in brief

Biohit Oyj is a globally operating Finnish biotechnology company. Biohit's
mission is “Innovating for Health” - we produce innovative products and
services to promote research and early diagnosis. Biohit is headquartered in
Helsinki, Finland, and has subsidiaries in Italy and the UK. Biohit's Series B
share (BIOBV) is quoted on Nasdaq Helsinki in the Small cap/Healthcare group.
www.biohithealthcare.com 



Oriola Oy in brief

Oriola Oy is a Finnish pharmaceutical wholesaler, service provider and marketer
of health and well-being products, which strengths are skilled employees,
efficient and reliable logistics, strong brands, high quality Oriola+ services
as well as a long history in the industry. Oriola Oy is part of Oriola-KD Group
which operates in a pharmaceutical retail and wholesale business in
Northern-Europe. Oriola-KD's net sales for continued operations in 2014 were
approximately EUR 1.6 billion and it has 2 350 employees out of which 520 works
in Pharmaceutical Trade Finland and Baltics. Further information at
www.oriola.fi and www.oriola-kd.com.

Attachments:

Additional information.pdf