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| |  Gabitril Receives Approval For the Treatment of Epilepsy COPENHAGEN, Denmark, June 17, 1996-- Gabitril(R) (tiagabine), Novo Nordisk's (NYSE: NVO) new drug for the treatment of patients with epilepsy, has received regulatory approval by the French authorities. This first approval is expected to be followed by approvals by other European health authorities during the year. Being the first drug specifically designed as a GABA uptake inhibitor, Gabitril(R) is a new type of antiepileptic drug. GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is an important inhibitor of neurotransmission in the brain and, therefore, a powerful anticonvulsant. Gabitril(R) inhibits the uptake of GABA after a nerve impulse has been transferred across the synapse from one neurone to another. Gabitril(R) ensures that the GABA released at the nerve ending into the synapse space is not reabsorbed, thus preserving the inhibitory effect. This action prevents the abnormally high stimulation that is characteristic of epilepsy. Originally discovered by Novo Nordisk, Gabitril(R) has been developed jointly by Novo Nordisk and Abbott Laboratories (NYSE: ABT). Novo Nordisk retains marketing rights to Gabitril(R) worldwide except in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, where has the rights. An estimated 30-50 million people suffer from epilepsy worldwide. In 1995 the market for antiepileptic drugs was around USD 1.8 billion. The market is expected to grow in the coming years due among other things to the introduction of new products. Gabitril(R) is approved for "add-on" therapy for the treatment of partial seizures with or without secondary generalisation, in patients aged 12 years and above. Further development is taking place with regard to monotherapy, a first-line treatment for patients with partial seizures. Following the approval, Novo Nordisk expects to launch Gabitril(R) within the year. Novo Nordisk A/S is the world leader in insulin and diabetes care and also manufactures and markets a variety of other pharmaceutical products. Furthermore the company is the world's largest producer of industrial enzymes. Headquartered in Denmark, Novo Nordisk employs around 13,000 people in 54 countries and markets its products in 130 countries. Its B shares are listed on the stock exchanges in Copenhagen, London, Basel, Zurich and Geneva. Its ADSs are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "NVO".
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