Sanofi (SNY)

[StockWatcherY2K]

DJ Ypsomed: OptiClik Pen Doesn't Infringe Patents >YPSN.Eb -2
07 Oct 03:17

Ypsomed launched its investigation after Novo Nordisk started a lawsuit in
the U.S. against Sanofi-Aventis earlier this year, blaming the company to have
infringed a patent for the Danish company's insulin pen Flexpen.

Ypsomed produces a competitor insulin product, OptiClik, which is distributed
by Sanofi-Aventis. Sanofi-Aventis earlier said Novo Nordisk's charges were
without foundation.

"The expert opinion received from patent specialists reflects the internal
investigation by Ypsomed and the statement of Sanofi-Aventis that the
accusations are unjustified", Ypsomed Chief Executive Matthew Robin said.

The result of the investigation is likely to help Ypsomed shares.

Ypsomed, one of Switzerland's stock market darlings, fell almost 10% on the
lawsuit news in September, because OptiClik was perceived as the Swiss
company's best chance to penetrate the $2-billion U.S. insulin market.

The stock came further under pressure when speculation rose that majority
owner Will Michel and BV Holding, another large shareholder, were selling
Ypsomed stock.

Despite the recent sharp share price decline, Ypsomed shares have advanced
around 42% since the start of the year.


Company Web Site:http:/www.ypsomed.com

-By Goran Mijuk and Anita Greil, Dow Jones Neswires; [phone],
[e-mail]

(END) Dow Jones Newswires
10-07-05 0317ET
Copyright (c) 2005 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.