MediGene's First Drug Eligard(R) Is Launched * Marketing partner Yamanouchi launched cancer drug Eligard(R) in Germany today. MARTINSRIED, Germany and SAN DIEGO, May 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Eligard(R), the first drug of the German-American biotechnology company MediGene AG (Frankfurt, Prime Standard: MDG), is available in German pharmacies today. With the launch of the prescription drug to treat advanced prostate cancer, MediGene becomes the first German biotech company with a drug on the market. The Japanese pharmaceuticals group Yamanouchi takes over the commercialization of Eligard(R) (see press release dated January 14, 2004). Yamanouchi is the second largest pharmaceuticals company in Europe in the field of urology, and the market leader in the field of benign hyperplasia. In Germany, more than 120 medical representatives nationwide will promote Eligard(R) with urologists, the specialists in diseases of the prostate gland. Upon launch, MediGene receives a milestone payment from Yamanouchi. In addition, MediGene will receive royalties on sales of Eligard(R). Dr. Peter Heinrich, MediGene's Chief Executive Officer, comments: "Today MediGene has reached the market with its first drug -- this is a landmark for our company on our way to becoming a fully integrated biopharmaceutical company. MediGene is no longer a mere research and development company, as we are now generating recurring revenues with Eligard(R). We are confident that Yamanouchi will tap the full potential of this promising drug. They possess years of experience, proven expertise and an excellent reputation in the commercialization of urological products. Eligard(R) offers physicians and patients another innovative therapy for advanced prostate cancer." Eligard(R) (previously known as Leuprogel(R)) was approved for commercialization in Germany in December 2003 (7.5 mg one-month sustained release product) and January 2004 (22.5 mg three-months sustained release product). By the end of this year, marketing authorization applications shall be submitted for both products in other European countries. The approval for the German market will serve as a reference in the European "Mutual Recognition Procedure". MediGene acquired the license for pan-European commercialization of Eligard(R) from the US Company Atrix Laboratories, Inc. in April 2001, and has successfully taken both the one-month and the three- months products through the approval procedure. For this purpose, MediGene adapted the US marketing dossier to the requirements of the German regulatory authorities and supplemented the clinical data with additional preclinical studies. MediGene and Yamanouchi also hold the licenses for the four-months and six-months products of Eligard(R). About Eligard(R): Eligard(R) is an LH-RH agonist (LH-RH = luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone) which significantly and consistently reduces the testosterone level in the body, thus suppressing tumor growth in patients suffering from advanced, hormone-dependent prostate cancer (palliative therapy). Eligard(R) (active substance: leuprolide acetate) combines standard hormone therapy with a novel, patient-friendly and efficient drug delivery system, the Atrigel(R) depot technology. Liquid Eligard(R) is injected subcutaneously into the patient where it forms a solid depot, slowly and steadily releasing the drug, while the biodegradable depot disintegrates. The clinical trials have shown that Eligard(R) is safe, well tolerated and efficient. This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements contained herein represent the judgement of MediGene as of the date of this release. These forward- looking statements are no guarantees for future performance, and the forward- looking events discussed in this press release may not occur. MediGene disclaims any intent or obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements. MediGene(TM) is a trademark of MediGene AG, Polyphenon(R) E is a trademark of Mitsui Norin, Eligard(R) is a trademark of Atrix. About MediGene: MediGene AG is a publicly quoted (Frankfurt: Prime Standard), German- American biotechnology company located in Martinsried, Germany and San Diego, USA. MediGene has the most mature drug development pipeline in the German biotech industry and possesses innovative platform technologies. With Eligard(R) for the treatment of prostate cancer, MediGene is the first German biotech company with a drug on the market. With the Polyphenon E Ointment, MediGene has a further oncological late-stage product in the clinical phase 3, the last stage of clinical development. MediGene's core competence lies in research and development of novel approaches for the treatment of various tumor diseases. Thus MediGene focuses on indications of high medical need and economic opportunities. DATASOURCE: MediGene AG CONTACT: Financial press and investors - Julia Hofmann, Public Relations, +49-89-85-65-3324, or Dr. Michael Nettersheim, Investor Relations, +49-89-85-65-2946, both for MediGene AG, fax, +49-89-85-65-2920, Email, ; Medical press - John Bolodeoku, Director Medical Affairs, +44-1784-274-300, for Yamanouchi; Patients and physicians - Dr. Hans- Ulrich Bressel or Dr. Carsten Mueller, +49-6221-34340, both for Yamanouchi

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