Pharming Group N.V. (Euronext: PHARM) ("Pharming" or "the Company") announced today that it has acquired the patent portfolio of PPL Therapeutics Ltd ("PPL"). The Company has acquired these patents to strengthen its product pipeline and protein production technology.

Pharming has obtained patents and licenses on various products and technologies, including the production and purification of recombinant human fibrinogen and recombinant tissue sealant compositions. In addition, the Company has obtained access to processes and know-how for the large scale GMP-grade purification of recombinant human fibrinogen.

"We are pleased to be able to strengthen our recombinant fibrinogen and recombinant tissue sealant products by acquiring PPL patents and processes, which saves the Company time and resources in the development of these products." said Dr. Francis Pinto, CEO of Pharming. "In addition, this transaction significantly advances the worldwide patent position of our protein production technology along with recent agreements with Infigen and ProBio and will allow the Company to actively pursue licensing and partnering opportunities."

Pharming has also acquired patents on the production of recombinant protein products and production technology patents for proteins, fusion proteins, as well as peptides. The patents cover the production of several recombinant proteins, including Alpha-1-Antitrypsin, Factor IX, and others. In addition, Pharming has taken over certain product and technology licenses that PPL had obtained from third parties.

PPL had established this portfolio over a period of more than 15 years, but recently decided to restructure its commercial focus following a sale of the company. The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.







Key Facts on Patent Portfolio

Pharming has acquired 57 issued patents, including 19 in the US as well as several pending patent applications of PPL Therapeutics.

Patents and licenses obtained cover the production and purification of human recombinant fibrinogen and recombinant tissue sealant compositions.
Patents in the portfolio include the production of several recombinant proteins such as Alpha-1-Antitrypsin, Bile Salt Stimulated Lipase, Extracellular Superoxide Dismutase, Alpha-lactalbumin and Factor IX.
Patents acquired cover the production technology for recombinant proteins, fusion proteins and peptides.
Pharming has obtained access to processes and know-how for the large scale GMP grade purification of recombinant fibrinogen.