Helsinn Group Invests in Thorne Research and Will Jointly Pursue the Development of Nutritional Products, Information and Support Services in Cancer Care

LUGANO, Switzerland and SANDPOINT, Idaho, May 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Helsinn Group a rapidly growing pharmaceutical group based in Lugano, Switzerland, announced today the completion of a minority investment in Thorne Research, Inc., a leader in developing and manufacturing pure, high quality nutritional supplements marketed through licensed healthcare practitioners. In this partnership, both companies will develop, acquire and market a range of dietary supplements and other products specifically formulated to meet the unique requirements of cancer patients.

In addition to nutritional supplement products, Helsinn and Thorne will jointly pursue the development of medical information and supportive services for healthcare professionals and their patients. The venture will initially be directed at cancer supportive care, cancer pain management, and other areas of oncology, and may ultimately be broadened to other disease areas.

"Helsinn is a fast-growing privately owned pharmaceutical business. A few years ago our company decided to concentrate R&D efforts and investments on cancer supportive care, a medical area with many unmet needs. Helsinn's strategic decision is based on the values of our family company; we at Helsinn work not only for the health of the patient, but also for overall quality of life of the patient. We believe that there is a clear need for high-quality, clinically specific nutrition products for conditions related to cancer. Patients need products to improve their quality of life through modern and innovative medical treatments," said Dr. Riccardo Braglia, CEO of the Helsinn Group.

"The scope of the deal is to create a dedicated natural products division in cancer supportive care within Thorne Research. The partnership with Thorne Research will bring prolonged experience and expertise in scientifically-validated products and the best manufacturing practices in the dietary supplement industry as a complementary component to Helsinn's business in the cancer supportive care drug market. We expect to introduce innovative nutritional products specific to the oncology market soon," said Giorgio Calderari, General Manager of the Helsinn Group.

Helsinn and Thorne have agreed to jointly create, fund, and manage an integrative care entity, which will initially operate as a division of Thorne Research. Integrative healthcare includes complete patient management through diet, exercise, nutrition and nutritional supplementation, and counseling on pharmaceutical and biological products and wellness.

"Our relationship with Helsinn, together with our joint venture to create Health Elements to support integrative medicine practices and their patients, positions us as a leader in expanding the products and services in integrative medicine in the years ahead. Our goal is to join together the expertise of both the pharmaceutical and natural product industries to help improve the quality of people's lives, and to continue our focus on supporting physician practices," said Paul Jacobson, CEO of Thorne Research.

About the Helsinn Group

Helsinn is a privately owned pharmaceutical group with headquarters in Lugano, Switzerland, and operating subsidiaries in Ireland and USA. Helsinn's business model is focused on the licensing of pharmaceuticals and medical devices in therapeutic niche areas. The Group in-licenses early to late stage new chemical entities and completes their development from the performance of pre-clinical/clinical studies and Chemistry, Manufacturing and Control (CMC) development to the filing for and attainment of their market approval worldwide. Helsinn's products are out-licensed to its network of local marketing and commercial partners, selected for their deep in-market knowledge and know-how, and assisted and supported with a full range of product and scientific management services, including commercial, regulatory, financial, legal and medical marketing advice. The active pharmaceutical ingredients and the finished dosage forms are manufactured at Helsinn's cGMP facilities in Switzerland and Ireland, and supplied worldwide to its customers. Helsinn was advised by Partnership Capital Growth Advisors, a San Francisco-based investment bank focused on the healthy, active and sustainable living industries. For more information about Helsinn Group, please visit the website: http://www.helsinn.com.

About Thorne Research

Since 1984, Thorne Research has set the standard for exceptional quality manufacturing and formulation of premium hypoallergenic dietary supplements available through licensed healthcare practitioners. With more than 280 products, Thorne Research is recognized by healthcare practitioners as a global leader in providing dietary supplements of the highest quality and purity. With locations in Sandpoint, ID, and Greenwich, CT, Thorne Research operates a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility and employs more than 170 people. Further information on Thorne is available at http://www.thorne.com.

    
    Media Contact:

    Helsinn Healthcare SA:
    Paola Bonvicini
    Head of Communication & Press Office 
    Ph: +41-91-985-21-21
    info-hhc@helsinn.com

    Thorne Research:
    Andrea Coan
    Berry & Company Public Relations
    Ph. +1-212-253-8881
    acoan@berrypr.com