BB BIOTECH AG: BB Biotech's second-largest portfolio position achieves R&D breakthrough

BB BIOTECH AG / BB Biotech's second-largest portfolio position achieves R&D breakthrough . Processed and transmitted by Thomson Reuters ONE. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Actelion reports successful outcome of clinical trial with Macitentan

On April 30, 2012 Actelion announced the successful conclusion of its long-term study with Macitentan, the successor to its top-selling drug Tracleer for patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. The outcome of the SERAPHIN study puts Actelion back on very solid ground. It now has a good chance of offsetting the pending loss of patent protection for Tracleer in 2016/2017.

BB Biotech (ISIN CH0038389992) is one of Actelion's largest shareholders with an interest of more than 3%. Actelion currently accounts for 12.9% of BB Biotech's investment portfolio. Including the most recent markup of Actelion's share price, BB Biotech's investment in Actelion has yielded total book profits of CHF 260 million. Despite the various setbacks encountered by the company in the past, BB Biotech has steadfastly held on to its position in Actelion and is one of its longest-standing shareholders. The stock is clearly undervalued after the release of the positive trial data.

All data as of April 30, 2012, 5.30 pm.

For further information:

Bellevue Asset Management AG, Seestrasse 16, 8700 Küsnacht, Switzerland
Thomas Egger, telephone [phone], [e-mail] (mailto:[e-mail])
www.bbbiotech.com (http://www.bbbiotech.com/)

Company profile

BB Biotech invests in companies in the fast growing market of biotechnology and is one of the world's largest investors in this sector with around CHF 1.2 bn in assets under management. BB Biotech is listed in Switzerland, Germany and Italy. Its investments are focused on listed companies that are developing and commercializing novel medical treatments and cures. BB Biotech's investment selection process is guided by the fundamental research and analysis of physicians and molecular biologists. Its Board of Directors has many years of experience in industry and science.

BB Biotech Press Release (PDF) (http://hugin.info/130285/R/1607539/509978.pdf)

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