NTII Neurobiological Technologies (MM)

Neurobiological Technologies, Inc. Reports H. Lundbeck's Ebixa(r) Has Health Canada Approval to Treat Moderate-to-Severe Alzheimer's Disease RICHMOND, Calif., Dec. 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Neurobiological Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:NTII), a biotechnology company engaged in the business of acquiring and developing central nervous system (CNS) related drug candidates, today reports that Canada's healthcare system, Health Canada, recently approved H. Lundbeck's Ebixa(R) (memantine HCl) to treat moderate-to- severe Alzheimer's Disease. According to Copenhagen-based H. Lundbeck A/S, Ebixa is sold in more than 30 countries around the world, mostly in Europe. Lundbeck has stated it believes that the market for drugs to treat Alzheimer's in Canada, the largest non- European market to which H. Lundbeck has access, was worth 59 million euro in 2003 (US$1=1.30 euro). Paul E. Freiman, president and CEO, stated, "This approval will expand demand for memantine by making it available to patients in Canada as Lundbeck's Ebixa. The Alzheimer's Society of Canada says that an estimated 238,000 Canadians over 65 have Alzheimer Disease and that it will rise to 509,000 by 2031 if a cure is not found. We believe that memantine will play a pivotal role in the treatment of the disease in Canada." Memantine received approval for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease in Europe in 2002 and in the U.S. in 2003. In Europe, memantine has been marketed by Merz & Co. for a number of indications for several years. For Alzheimer's disease, memantine is now being sold by Merz's European marketing partner, H. Lundbeck A/S. In the U.S., memantine is currently being sold by Forest Laboratories for moderate-to-severe Alzheimer's disease under the brand name Namenda, and the FDA has accepted its filing for treating mild Alzheimer's Disease. Under an exclusive marketing agreement, NTI receives royalty payments by Merz and its marketing partners, including Lundbeck, from sales of memantine for Alzheimer's disease. About Neurobiological Technologies, Inc. Neurobiological Technologies, Inc. is a biotechnology company engaged in the business of acquiring and developing central nervous system (CNS) related drug candidates. The company is focused on therapies for neurological conditions that occur in connection with dementia, Alzheimer's disease, ischemic stroke, neuropathic pain, and brain cancer. Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this press release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including our dependence on Merz and its marketing partners for the successful commercialization of memantine, as well as their ability to meet regulatory requirements and other risks detailed from time to time in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings. These forward-looking statements represent our judgment as of the date of the release. We disclaim, however, any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements. DATASOURCE: Neurobiological Technologies, Inc. CONTACT: Paul E. Freiman, President & CEO of Neurobiological Technologies, Inc., +1-510-262-1730; or Cheryl Schneider, VP - Investor Relations; or Jeff Myhre, VP - Editorial, both of Porter, Le Vay & Rose, Inc., +1-212-564-4700 Web site: http://www.ntii.com/

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