PRESS RELEASE

Nicholas Piramal and Pierre Fabre Laboratories sign agreement on research in oncology in the presence of
French President Nicolas Sarkozy.
 

New Delhi, 25 January 2008: In the framework of agreements concluded during the visit of the President of the French Republic, Nicolas Sarkozy, to New Delhi, Nicholas Piramal India Limited (NPIL) and Pierre Fabre Laboratories signed an MOU on research in oncology on Friday, 25 January.

This agreement formalises the collaboration between the two pharmaceutical laboratories specialising in research on natural substances. It involves bringing together two complementary areas of expertise. The Pierre Fabre Group will provide expertise in screening and research in oncology, while NPIL will make available its natural products base, which will lead to the pharmacological characterisation of new molecules.

Mr. Ajay Piramal, Chairman, NPIL, stated, “This agreement further strengthens our strategic partnership with Pierre Fabre, wherein we market the company's products for oncology and dermato-cosmetics in India. The research collaboration in oncology is an important milestone in the strong relationship between the two companies”.

“The two research teams of Pierre Fabre and NPIL have a common fundamental: a long tradition of working with natural substances. We are going to combine our know-how and our tools to discover together innovative molecules for the treatment of cancer”, commented Professor Pierre Teillac, R&D Director of the Pierre Fabre Research Institute.

This agreement forms a part of the strategy of Pierre Fabre Laboratories to reinforce their presence in India and open new avenues of collaboration in the field of oncology research, which today represents 50% of the R&D investments of the Group.

In India, marketing agreements have previously been signed with NPIL: in 2004, with the market launch of Ducray and, thereafter, in 2006, when Navelbine was launched.

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About Nicholas Piramal India Limited:
Nicholas Piramal India Limited (NPIL) is one of India's largest pharmaceutical companies with a growth track record of above 30% CAGR since 1988. The Company is currently ranked 4th in the Indian market with a diverse product portfolio spanning nine therapeutic areas. NPIL had consolidated Revenues of Rs. 24.7 billion in 2006-07. The Company has R&D capabilities in Custom Chemical Synthesis, Process Innovation, NDDS and Basic Research. It has world-class USFDA-approved formulations and API facilities without any 483s. NPIL has a long track record of successful collaboration with innovator companies. Since 2003, the Company has made significant investments to become a global custom manufacturing organisation (CMO) for large and medium-sized innovator companies. NPIL is listed in India on the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange.

About the Pierre Fabre Group:
The Pierre Fabre Group achieved an estimated turnover of about 1.7 billion euros in 2007. It employs more than 7,000 persons, of whom 1,400 are in the field of research, to which Pierre Fabre dedicates 25% of its pharmaceutical turnover around five major therapeutic axes: oncology (the principal field of research with 50% of R&D investments), cardiology, central nervous system, urology and dermatology. The activities of the Pierre Fabre Group are focused upon medicine, health products and dermato-cosmetics.