Evolva obtains patent coverage in Russia on EV-077 for use in complications of diabetes

Reinach, Switzerland, 14 December 2011 – Evolva Holding SA (SIX: EVE) today announced that the Russian Patent Office has granted patent protection for EV-077 in the treatment of complications of diabetes for a term extending to 2026. This is the first patent granted covering EV-077. EV-077 patent applications are currently pending in Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Europe, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Mexico and the USA. Evolva has filed related applications with the aim to extend the protection for its EV-077 portfolio to 2031 and beyond.

EV-077 prevents isoprostanes and prostanoids, levels of which are elevated in diabetics, from causing inflammatory damage to the vasculature. EV-077 is an oral small molecule that belongs to a new structural class. The mechanism of action of EV-077 means that it can potentially ameliorate or prevent a range of diabetic complications (including loss of kidney function and increased risk of thrombosis). Evolva has recently received clearance to move EV-077 into Phase IIa in this indication. First data are expected by mid-2012.

Russia is a large market for diabetes therapies. According to estimates by the IDF there are currently 12.6 million diabetics in Russia, a number that is expected to rise significantly over the coming years.

Neil Goldsmith, CEO and Managing Director of Evolva, commented, “This patent grant is an important first step in the build-up of a platform of intellectual property rights covering EV-077. It is good to see that the compound is not only making good progress in the clinic, but is also pressing ahead in other important areas.”

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About Evolva Holding SA

Evolva strives to improve people’s lives by applying its technology and other resources to the discovery and development of new products and processes that benefit the health, well-being and financial economy of patients, consumers and partner companies around the world. Evolva uses biosynthetic and evolutionary technologies to create and optimise small molecule compounds and their production routes. Our approach differs from that of the mainstream in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. We are active in pharmaceutical development (infectious disease and complications of diabetes) as well as in consumer healthcare and nutrition (food ingredients, personal care and crop protection). We have partnered projects as well as proprietary programmes ongoing. More information: www.evolva.com.

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