Skip to main content

Bad Homburg, Germany -- April 6, 2005 — Fresenius Medical Care AG ("the Company") (Frankfurt Stock Exchange: FME, FME3) (NYSE: FMS, FMS-p), the world's largest provider of dialysis products and services, today announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc., received on April 1, 2005 a subpoena from the U.S. Department of Justice, Eastern District of Missouri in St. Louis. The subpoena requires production of a broad range of documents relating to the Company's operations, including documents related to, among other things, clinical quality programs, business development activities, medical director compensation and physician relations, joint ventures and our anemia management program. The subpoena covers the period from December 1, 1996 through the present.

The subpoena was issued in connection with a joint civil and criminal investigation of allegations against the Company. The Company intends to cooperate with the government's investigation. To the knowledge of the Company, the government has not initiated legal proceedings against the Company at this time, and it is not possible to predict whether proceedings might be initiated or when the investigation may be concluded. Counsel for the Company had an initial conversation with the United States Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Missouri, on Tuesday April 5, 2005 to begin discussions related to this investigation. The Company intends to meet with representatives of the government to review the government's priorities and the production of responsive documents.

Ben Lipps, Chief Executive Officer of Fresenius Medical Care, commented: "We understand and respect that the government has the right and responsibility to investigate allegations or concerns. We have commented many times before on our pride in our global team's commitment to quality and compliance. In light of our system of internal controls and the procedures we follow under our corporate compliance program and the Corporate Integrity Agreement, I am confident of our position on these issues and other regulatory compliance matters. We look forward to reviewing these extensive compliance processes which we have adopted."

Fresenius Medical Care AG is the world's largest, integrated provider of products and services for individuals undergoing dialysis because of chronic kidney failure, a condition that affects more than 1,300,000 individuals worldwide. Through its network of approximately 1,610 dialysis clinics in North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia-Pacific and Africa, Fresenius Medical Care provides Dialysis Treatment to approximately 124,400 patients around the globe. Fresenius Medical Care is also the world's leading provider of Dialysis Products such as hemodialysis machines, dialyzers and related disposable products. For more information about Fresenius Medical Care, visit the Company's website at www.fmc-ag.com.


This release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements due to certain factors, including changes in business, economic and competitive conditions, regulatory reforms, foreign exchange rate fluctuations, uncertainties in litigation or investigative proceedings, and the availability of financing. These and other risks and uncertainties are detailed in Fresenius Medical Care AG's reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Fresenius Medical Care AG does not undertake any responsibility to update the forward-looking statements in this release.

For the second time, Fresenius Medical Care AG's Schweinfurt plant has won second place in the annual "Best Factory" competition from French management school INSEAD and the Otto Beisheim Graduate School of Management in Koblenz, also known by its German abbreviation WHU. The two schools launched the international, cross-sector contest in 1995 to reward European companies for excellent production management that guarantees a competitive advantage. The Schweinfurt production site from Fresenius Medical Care first won second place in 1999.

"The latest award is a confirmation that the plant is strategically well-positioned for the coming years," said Deputy Plant Manager Rolf Näder. "The employees, the works council and the plant management work together every day to ensure the site's international competitiveness using an efficient and innovative work organization. We are very proud of this." In explaining its decision, the jury praised the Schweinfurt plant's informal communication culture, the close cooperation with the works council and the flexible shifts. "The Company orients its growth strategy towards the worldwide market. Despite being already the market leader it sets itself apart through a high quality level and a strong customer focus," said Professor Arnd Huchzermeier from the WHU.

More than 650 employees develop and produce dialysis machines at the plant, which was founded in 1979. These machines are used to treat the blood. "As the leading innovator and through close cooperation with dialysis clinics, Fresenius Medical Care has played a role in significantly improving the treatment quality and lowered operating costs for providers," said Professor Huchzermeier. Last year, the plant was able to increase the production of dialysis machines for markets outside North America by nearly 20 percent.

The employees at the Schweinfurt plant are organized into groups that operate as independent units within the Company and are responsible for the individual markets. Each team is responsible for costs, inventories, delivery schedules and product quality. "Production department and development sites must rethink their roles and see themselves as service provider for the sales division – this is a demand we meet every day," Näder said. Already in 2000, this strategy led to another international, sector-independent award– the "Global Excellence in Operations Award" from management consultants A.T. Kearney. Already at that time the jury emphasized the plant's exceptionally efficient organization of dialysis machine development and production.

The "Best Factory of 2005" prize will be awarded to the national winners during a management symposium in the fall.

Fresenius Medical Care AG is the world's largest, integrated provider of products and services for individuals undergoing dialysis because of chronic kidney failure, a condition that affects more than 1,300,000 individuals worldwide. Through its network of approximately 1,610 dialysis clinics in North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia-Pacific and Africa, Fresenius Medical Care provides Dialysis Treatment to approximately 124,400 patients around the globe. Fresenius Medical Care is also the world's leading provider of Dialysis Products such as hemodialysis machines, dialyzers and related disposable products.


This release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Future results could differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements due to certain factors, e.g. changes in business, economic and competitive conditions, regulatory reforms, results of clinical trials, foreign exchange rate fluctuations, uncertainties in litigation or investigative proceedings, and the availability of financing. Fresenius AG does not undertake any responsibility to update the forward-looking statements in this release.

Bad Homburg, Germany – Fresenius Medical Care AG ("the Company") (Frankfurt Stock Exchange: FME, FME3) (NYSE: FMS, FMS-p), the world's largest provider of Dialysis Products and Services, today announced that it has received U.S. FDA (Food and Drug Administration), 510(k) clearance for an advanced device to be used by patients who perform dialysis in the home setting. This proprietary device, the Liberty™ Cycler, is designed for use in Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD) therapy, which is the fastest growing home therapy for the treatment of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Receipt of the 510(k) indicates that the Liberty™ Cycler has met the requirements for notifying the FDA prior to commercial distribution of new medical devices and that Fresenius Medical Care may market this device within the United States.

The Liberty™ Cycler provides the latest technology to patients being treated for ESRD at home. The cycler combines advanced pumping technology with ease of use. The Liberty Cycler's unique ergonomic design, easily taken for a common household appliance, was created to blend unobtrusively into the patient's home.

Rice Powell, President of Products and Hospital Group & Co-CEO of Fresenius Medical Care North America: "We're pleased to have reached this significant milestone. We're looking forward to providing nephrologists and their patients in the United States, and Canada with an APD cycler designed from the ground up with home therapy in mind. Based on our initial feedback from leading nephrologists, we believe that there will be a strong reception for this innovative, easy-to-use product."

Fresenius Medical Care AG is the world's largest, integrated provider of products and services for individuals undergoing dialysis because of chronic kidney failure, a condition that affects more than 1,300,000 individuals worldwide. Through its network of approximately 1,610 dialysis clinics in North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia-Pacific and Africa, Fresenius Medical Care provides Dialysis Treatment to approximately 124,400 patients around the globe. Fresenius Medical Care is also the world's leading provider of Dialysis Products such as hemodialysis machines, dialyzers and related disposable products. For more information about Fresenius Medical Care, visit the Company's website at www.fmc-ag.com.


This release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements due to certain factors, including changes in business, economic and competitive conditions, regulatory reforms, foreign exchange rate fluctuations, uncertainties in litigation or investigative proceedings, and the availability of financing. These and other risks and uncertainties are detailed in Fresenius Medical Care AG's reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Fresenius Medical Care AG does not undertake any responsibility to update the forward-looking statements in this release.

Fresenius Medical Care North America, a subsidiary of Fresenius Medical Care AG (Frankfurt Stock Exchange: FME, FME3) (NYSE: FMS, FMS-p), the world's largest provider of Dialysis Products and Services, today announced that the Partnership HealthPlan of California (PHC), has launched a special program geared to care for its patients with chronic kidney disease. PHC, which estimates that it has 40-50 members who are eligible for the program, is contracting with Optimal Renal Care, one of the largest providers of kidney disease management services in the country. The overall goal of the program is to improve the outcomes and quality of life for the members who typically face three lengthy dialysis treatments a week.

"PHC is very pleased to enter this partnership with Optimal Renal Care. Optimal Renal Care is recognized as a leader in the field of disease management in this area and they have shown excellent results in improving clinical outcomes for patients on dialysis in other areas. Together, we expect to improve the health and quality of life for our members afflicted with chronic kidney disease," according to Dr. Chris Cammisa, medical director at PHC.

People who have chronic kidney disease and who receive regular dialysis treatments are at risk for serious complications, including infection that can lead to hospital stays, from that treatment. However, if they follow a recommended diet and make positive lifestyle changes, they are better able to better deal with their condition.

The program will utilize a care management team that consists of a registered nurse, a social worker, dietician and a pharmacist. This team will prepare individual treatment plans and provide education material that is specific to each member's needs. In addition, they will go to dialysis centers to work with nephrologists and staff to better coordinate care for members enrolled. The team follows the patient through all the aspects of care, which often include major co-morbid conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart failure.

Mats Wahlstrom, President "Medical Services" & Co-CEO of Fresenius Medical Care North America commented: "We're pleased that we have entered into the agreement with PHC. This is a confirmation of our strategy to further expand in the Disease State Management arena. DSM equally benefits all those involved."

About Optimal Renal Care
Optimal Renal Care, LLC is a Renal Disease Management Organization (DMO) founded in 1997. Optimal Renal Care is a partnership between Fresenius Medical Care, the largest provider of dialysis services and products, and the Permanente Federation, LLC the umbrella organization for the Kaiser Permanente Health Plans, Hospitals and Medical Groups. Optimal Renal Care collaborates with health plans to manage this patient population. Optimal Renal Care utilizes a care management team that consists of a nurse care manager, a social worker, dietician and pharmacist, all who have extensive experience with these type of patients. The team works with all the local nephrologists and primary care physicians to supplement and coordinate care of these patients. www.optimalrenal.com

About Partnership HealthPlan of California
The Partnership HealthPlan of California began operations in May 1994 and is a non-profit county organized health system managing the care of 85,000 MediCal and adult indigent members in Solano, Napa and Yolo Counties. The HealthPlan's goals are to improve access, quality and cost effectiveness, through a managed care system. The HealthPlan links each member with a primary care provider and has been successful in reducing inappropriate use of emergency room, providing an appropriate level of inpatient care, developing innovative case management programs and providing more services locally. www.partnershiphp.org

About Fresenius Medical Care
Fresenius Medical Care AG is the world's largest, integrated provider of products and services for individuals undergoing dialysis because of chronic kidney failure, a condition that affects more than 1,300,000 individuals worldwide. Through its network of approximately 1,610 dialysis clinics in North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia-Pacific and Africa, Fresenius Medical Care provides Dialysis Treatment to approximately 124,400 patients around the globe. Fresenius Medical Care is also the world's leading provider of Dialysis Products such as hemodialysis machines, dialyzers and related disposable products. For more information about Fresenius Medical Care, visit the Company's website at www.fmc-ag.com.


This release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements due to certain factors, including changes in business, economic and competitive conditions, regulatory reforms, foreign exchange rate fluctuations, uncertainties in litigation or investigative proceedings, and the availability of financing. These and other risks and uncertainties are detailed in Fresenius Medical Care AG's reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Fresenius Medical Care AG does not undertake any responsibility to update the forward-looking statements in this release.

Bad Homburg, Germany – Fresenius Medical Care AG (Frankfurt Stock Exchange: FME, FME3) (NYSE: FMS, FMS-p), the world's largest provider of Dialysis Products and Services, today announced that the Products and Hospital Group (PHG) of its subsidiary Fresenius Medical Care North America (FMCNA), headquartered in Lexington, Massachusetts, acquired Haemotec, Inc., a Quebec, Canada based manufacturer of hemodialysis concentrates. Haemotec, Inc. is the market leader in Canada with well over 40% market share. The Canadian concentrate market is valued at 22.0 million Canadian Dollar and is projected to grow at approximately 5% per annum. The Products and Hospital Group of FMCNA will strengthen its position as the leading renal products company in Canada. The acquisition will be accretive to earnings within the first year.

Rice Powell, President of the Products and Hospital Group and Co-CEO of Fresenius Medical Care North America, said: "This is clearly a logical step when it comes to building our dialysis products manufacturing capabilities and base. Canada is an excellent market for us. This investment is part of our capital expenditure budget for 2005 and we expect to achieve further market momentum."

enius Medical Care AG is the world's largest, integrated provider of products and services for individuals undergoing dialysis because of chronic kidney failure, a condition that affects more than 1,300,000 individuals worldwide. Through its network of approximately 1,610 dialysis clinics in North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia-Pacific, Fresenius Medical Care provides Dialysis Treatment to approximately 124,400 patients around the globe. Fresenius Medical Care is also the world's leading provider of Dialysis Products such as hemodialysis machines, dialyzers and related disposable products.

For more information about Fresenius Medical Care, visit the Company's website at www.fmc-ag.com.

This release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements due to certain factors, including changes in business, economic and competitive conditions, regulatory reforms, foreign exchange rate fluctuations, uncertainties in litigation or investigative proceedings, and the availability of financing. These and other risks and uncertainties are detailed in Fresenius Medical Care AG's reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Fresenius Medical Care AG does not undertake any responsibility to update the forward-looking statements in this release.

  • Sales: € 1.79 billion, + 6 % in constant currency, + 4 % at actual rates
  • EBIT: € 212 million, + 10 % in constant currency, + 8 % at actual rates
  • Net income: € 46 million, + 21 % in constant currency, + 18 % at actual rates
  • Strong sales and earnings growth at Fresenius Medical Care, in particular in North America and Europe
  • Significant EBIT margin increase at Fresenius Kabi; return to positive sales growth in Germany accomplished
  • Earnings improvement at Fresenius ProServe


Fresenius Medical Care to acquire Renal Care Group, Inc.

  • Excellent strategic and geographic fit to Fresenius Medical Care's US operations
  • On a combined basis more than 156,000 patients in over 2,000 dialysis clinics worldwide
  • Anticipated neutral to slightly earnings accretive in 2006 and clearly accretive in 2007 and thereafter


Fresenius Medical Care to propose conversion of preference shares into ordinary shares in combination with a change of the company's legal form into a KGaA

  • Strategic step that increases the financial flexibility of Fresenius Medical Care to exploit future growth opportunities
  • Move toward a single share class will improve trading liquidity and the overall attractiveness of the ordinary shares
  • Fresenius AG retains management control and continues to fully consolidate Fresenius Medical Care in its financial statements


First quarter 2005: Excellent start for Fresenius Group into fiscal year 2005

2005 Group outlook confirmed
Based on the excellent business performance in the first quarter, Fresenius confirms its positive 2005 full-year outlook before the impact of the Renal Care Group acquisition. Fresenius expects a constant-currency sales increase of 6 to 9 %. Net income is projected to grow by 15 to 20 % in constant currency. All business segments are expected to contribute to this increase.


Sustained sales growth
In the first quarter of 2005, group sales increased 6 % in constant currency. Organic growth contributed 4 % and acquisitions 3 % to this increase. Currency translation effects had a -2 % and disinvestments a -1 % effect on sales. At actual rates, sales were € 1,787 million, an increase of 4 % (Q1 2004: € 1,720 million).

Excellent constant-currency sales growth was achieved in North America (+8 %), in Latin America (+22 %) and in Africa (+53 %). Asia-Pacific had excellent sales growth for Fresenius Kabi offset by Fresenius ProServe's low project volume in this region compared to 2004.



Sales contribution of the three business segments:



Strong earnings growth
Fresenius achieved excellent growth rates in earnings: EBITDA rose 8 % in constant currency and 6 % at actual rates to € 284 million (Q1 2004: € 269 million). EBIT rose 10 % in constant currency and 8 % at actual rates to € 212 million (Q1 2004: € 197 million). The EBIT margin further improved to 11.9 % in the first quarter 2005 (Q1 2004: 11.5 %).

Net interest expense improved to € -47 million (Q1 2004: € -52 million) due to a lower debt level compared to the first quarter of 2004 in combination with lower interest rates and minor currency translation effects.

The tax rate for the first quarter of 2005 was 39.4 % (Q1 2004: 40.0 %), in line with the full-year expectation of 39 to 40 %.

Minority interest increased to € 54 million (Q1 2004: € 48 million). Minority share-holders in Fresenius Medical Care accounted for 96 % of minority interests.

Net income rose 21 % in constant currency and 18 % at actual rates to € 46 million (Q1 2004: € 39 million). EBIT growth at Fresenius Medical Care and Fresenius Kabi as well as lower interest expenses were key drivers for this increase.

Earnings per ordinary share were € 1.11 (Q1 2004: € 0.94). Earnings per preference share were € 1.12 (Q1 2004: € 0.95). EPS increased by 18 % for both share classes.


Investments on target
Group investments in the first quarter of 2005 were € 229 million. As expected, this was a significant increase from the same period of the previous year (Q1 2004: € 89 million). € 48 million was spent for property, plant and equipment and intangible as-sets (Q1 2004: € 48 million) and € 181 million for acquisitions (Q1 2004: € 41 million).


Solid cash flow performance
Operating cash flow decreased 8 % to € 168 million (Q1 2004: € 182 million) despite the excellent quarterly earnings. This was mainly due to higher income tax payments of Fresenius Medical Care in North America. Free cash flow before acquisitions was € 126 million (Q1 2005: € 136 million). Free cash flow after acquisitions and dividends was € -9 million (Q1 2004: € 98 million).


Solid balance sheet structure
Total assets increased 5 % to € 8,625 million (December 31, 2004: € 8,188 million). In constant currency, total assets grew by 3 %. Current assets increased 7 % to € 2,939 million, mainly due to acquisitions (December 31, 2004: € 2,755 million). In constant currency current assets rose 5 %.

Group debt rose 3 % to € 2,813 million as of March 31, 2005, primarily as a result of acquisitions. (December 31, 2004: € 2,735 million). In constant currency the increase was 1 %.

Based on the positive EBITDA development, the ratio net debt/EBITDA remained almost unchanged at 2.3 as of March 31, 2005 despite the increased debt level (December 31, 2004: 2.2).

Shareholders' equity including minority interests rose 7 % to € 3,565 million compared to € 3,347 million on December 31, 2004. The equity ratio including minority interest improved to 41.3 % (December 31, 2004: 40.9 %).


Employee numbers continue to grow
As of March 31, 2005, the Group had 69,874 employees worldwide, an increase of 2 % (December 31, 2004: 68,494).


Fresenius Biotech
Fresenius Biotech develops innovative therapies with trifunctional antibodies for the treatment of cancer as well as cell therapies for the treatment of the immune system. In the field of polyclonal antibodies, Fresenius Biotech has successfully marketed ATG-Fresenius S for many years. ATG-Fresenius S is an immunosuppressive agent used to suppress graft rejection following an organ transplantation.

In the field of cancer treatment, the final results of two Phase I studies will be presented on May 17, 2005 during the 41st Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO):

  • the use of the antibody removab® in peritoneal carcinomatosis and
  • the use of the antibody rexomun® in breast cancer.

A Phase II study for the treatment of breast cancer and a phase II study for the treatment of gastric cancer are now in preparation following the encouraging results. The studies are scheduled to commence at the end of 2005.

For 2005, Fresenius Biotech continues to expect an EBIT in the range of € -35 to € -40 million, largely due to the expanded clinical study program.


The Business Segments

Fresenius Medical Care
Fresenius Medical Care is the world's leading provider of products and services for patients with chronic kidney failure. As of March 31, 2005, Fresenius Medical Care treated about 125,900 patients (+5 %) in 1,630 dialysis clinics (+4 %).

  • Excellent growth in sales and earnings continued
  • Successful business performance in North America and Europe
  • 2005 outlook confirmed

Fresenius Medical Care achieved excellent sales growth of 10 % to US$ 1,609 million in the first quarter of 2005 (Q1 2004: US$ 1,459 million). In constant currency, sales rose 9 %. Organic sales growth was 7 %.

In North America Fresenius Medical Care increased revenues by 9 % to US$ 1,088 million (Q1 2004: US$ 1,003 million). Sales outside North America (the "Interna-tional" segment) rose 14 % (in constant currency: 8 %) to US$ 521 million (Q1 2004: US$ 456 million) mainly due to the very positive business performance in Europe.

Sales in dialysis care rose 10 % to US$ 1,162 million (Q1 2004: US$ 1,058 million). In the first quarter of 2005, Fresenius Medical Care performed about 4.72 million
dialysis treatments, an increase of 3 %. This includes 3.25 million treatments in North America (+3 %) and 1.47 million outside North America (+5 %). In dialysis products, Fresenius Medical Care achieved sales growth of 11 % to US$ 447 million (Q1 2004: US$ 401 million).

Fresenius Medical Care's EBIT increased by 11 % to US$ 220 million (Q1 2004: US$ 198 million), the EBIT margin was 13.7 %. Net income increased 18 % to US$ 107 million in the first quarter of 2005.

For the year 2005, Fresenius Medical Care confirms its outlook before the impact of the Renal Care Group acquisition. The company expects a revenue growth at constant currency between 6 and 9 % and net income growth in the low double-digit range.

For more information, see Fresenius Medical Care Investor News at www.fmc-ag.com.

Fresenius Kabi
Fresenius Kabi offers infusion therapies and clinical nutrition for seriously and chronically ill patients in the hospital and out-patient environment. The company is also a leading provider of transfusion technology products.

  • Profitability significantly increased; EBIT margin of 13.1 % achieved
  • Positive sales performance in Germany
  • 2005 outlook confirmed

The acquisition of the Portuguese company Labesfal announced in early January was successfully closed in the first quarter of 2005. Labesfal manufactures and markets intravenously administered drugs (I.V. drugs). The company is consolidated in the financial statements of Fresenius Kabi as of January 1, 2005.

Sales at Fresenius Kabi rose 10 % in the first quarter of 2005 to € 398 million (Q1 2004: € 362 million). The company achieved good organic growth of 5 %. Acquisitions, mainly Labesfal, contributed 5 % to sales. Currency translation effects increased sales by 1 %, divestitures had a -1 % effect.

The development in the German market was positive. Fresenius Kabi was able to increase sales by 2 % after a decrease of 5 % in the first quarter 2004 which was a result of health care reform. Sales in the rest of Europe rose 12 %, mainly due to acquisitions. The Asian-Pacific region posted strong organic growth of 14 %.

Earnings developed positively in the first quarter of 2005. EBIT rose 27 % to € 52 million (Q1 2004: € 41 million). The EBIT margin was 13.1 % in the first quarter of 2005, an increase of 180 basis points compared to the first quarter of 2004 (11.3 %) and 90 basis points compared to the fourth quarter of 2004 (12.2 %).

Fresenius Kabi confirms its outlook for 2005. Including the Labesfal acquisition, constant-currency sales are expected to increase by about 10 % and the EBIT margin is projected to increase to >13 %.

Fresenius ProServe
Fresenius ProServe offers services for international health care systems, including hospital management, the planning and construction of hospitals and pharmaceutical and medical-technical production plants.

  • Earnings improvement accomplished
  • Decline in sales due to restrained order situation in project business
  • 2005 outlook confirmed

Fresenius ProServe achieved sales in the first quarter of 2005 of € 171 million (Q1 2004: € 199 million). On a comparable basis (excluding the nursing home business sold in 2004 and the discontinued international hospital management business), the sales decrease would have been 10 %.This decrease mainly resulted from the delayed closing of projects in the hospital engineering and services business (VAMED). Continued investment caution of the pharmaceutical industry led to lower sales in pharmaceutical engineering and services (Pharmaplan). Sales in the hospital management business met expectations (Wittgensteiner Kliniken).

In the first quarter of 2005, Fresenius ProServe increased EBIT to € 3 million (Q1 2004: € 1 million; before one-time expenses: € 2 million).

Order intake in the first quarter of 2005 was € 47 million (Q1 2004: € 70 million). For the full year 2005, Fresenius ProServe expects order intake to increase compared to 2004. The bulk of new orders is expected to be acquired in the third and fourth quarters of 2005.

Fresenius ProServe confirms its outlook for 2005 and expects an EBIT between € 20 and € 25 million. Organic sales growth is expected to be in the range of 5 to 8 %.

Fresenius Medical Care to acquire Renal Care Group, Inc.
Fresenius Medical Care today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Renal Care Group, Inc., (NYSE: RCI), Nashville, Tennessee, for a price of US$ 48.00 per share in cash. The total net consideration for the acquisition of all outstanding shares of Renal Care Group is US$ 3.5 billion, which will be all-debt financed. The acquisition is anticipated to be neutral to slightly accretive to earnings in 2006 and clearly accretive to earnings in 2007 and thereafter.

Renal Care Group is a fast-growing, highly profitable dialysis service provider that will be an attractive complement to Fresenius Medical Care's US business. In 2004, Renal Care Group's revenue was approx. US$ 1.35 billion with an EBIT of US$ 254 million, net income was US$ 122 million. As of March 31, 2005, Renal Care Group owned more than 425 dialysis clinics and served over 30,400 patients. Through the combination with Renal Care Group, Fresenius Medical Care will be well positioned to create additional growth potential for its dialysis product business and will provide opportunities to successfully leverage its cost leadership position in dialysis products and services.

Fresenius Medical Care plans to finance the acquisition primarily through an extension of its senior credit agreement. The existing US$ 1.2 billion credit agreement will be replaced by a US$ 5.0 billion senior credit facility. Financing commitments have been received from Bank of America and Deutsche Bank, and are subject to customary conditions.

The transaction is subject to the approval of Renal Care Group's shareholders and other customary closing conditions, including the expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act.

For further details please see separate Investor News of Fresenius Medical Care at www.fmc.ag.com.

Fresenius Medical Care to propose conversion of preference shares into ordinary shares in combination with a change of the company's legal form into a KGaA
Fresenius Medical Care further announced its intention to offer the holders of the company's approx. 26.4 million preference shares the opportunity to convert these into ordinary shares. The preference shareholders who participate in this program pay a "premium" of € 12.25 per share for the conversion. Furthermore, the company will ask its ordinary shareholders to approve a change of the legal form from an "Aktiengesellschaft" (AG) to a "Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien" (KGaA).

As part of the transformation of legal form, a subsidiary of Fresenius AG in the legal form of a "Aktiengesellschaft" (stock corporation under German law) will be established as general partner of the Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA. The Management Board of the general partner – which will be identical with the current Management Board of Fresenius Medical Care – will assume the management of Fresenius Medical Care. As long as Fresenius AG maintains ownership of more than 25 % of the share capital of the company, Fresenius AG will retain its current controlling position and fully consolidate the company in its financial statements.

The proposed change in the legal form of Fresenius Medical Care will allow to continue the high standards of corporate governance and transparency as today.

For further details please see separate Investor News of Fresenius Medical Care at www.fmc-ag.com

Live video webcast of the Press Conference
Fresenius AG will host a Press Conference on May 04, 2005 at the headquarters in Bad Homburg, Germany. The Press Conference will start at 12am CET. The live video webcast of the Press Conference can be followed at www.fresenius.com

A replay of both webcasts will be available shortly after each meeting.


This release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. Future results could differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements due to various factors, e.g., changes in the business, economic and competitive environment, regulatory reforms, results of clinical trials, foreign exchange rate fluctuations, uncertainties in litigation or investigative proceedings, and the availability of financing. Fresenius does not undertake any responsibility to update the forward-looking statements in this release.

Fresenius Group in Figures
Consolidated statement of income (unaudited) see pdf-file

Summary First Quarter 2005:
 

  • Net Revenue : $ 1,609 million, + 10%
  • Operating income (EBIT): $ 220 million, + 11%
  • Net incombe: $ 107 million, + 18%
  • Operating Cash Flow: $ 138 million, - 19%
  • Free Cash Flow: $ 98 million, - 25%

Fresenius Medical Care AG ("the Company") (Frankfurt Stock Exchange: FME, FME3) (NYSE: FMS, FMS-p), the world's largest provider of Dialysis Products and Services, today announced the results for the first quarter 2005.

Revenue
Total revenue for the first quarter 2005 increased by 10% (9% at constant currency) to $1,609 million. Total organic revenue growth worldwide was 7%. Consolidation resulting from FIN 46R interpretation added 2% to the revenue growth. Dialysis Care revenue grew by 10% to $1,162 million (9% at constant currency) in the first quarter of 2005. Dialysis Product revenue increased by 11% to $447 million (7% at constant currency) in the same period.

North America revenue increased by 9% to $1,088 million, compared to $1,003 million in the same period last year. Dialysis Care revenue increased by 8% to $968 million. The average revenue per treatment for the U.S. clinics increased by 2.5% to $293 in the first quarter 2005 (Q1 2004: $286). Same-store treatment growth was 3.8%. Dialysis Product revenue increased by 16% to $120 million.

International revenue was $521 million, up 14% from the first quarter of 2004 (8% at constant currency). Dialysis Care revenue reached $194 million, an increase of 22% (16% at constant currency). Dialysis Product revenue increased by 10% to $327 million (4% at constant currency).

Earnings
Operating income (EBIT) increased by 11% to $220 million resulting in an operating margin of 13.7% (Q1 2004: 13.6%).

Compared with the first quarter 2004, the operating margin in North America remained nearly unchanged at 13.4%. On a comparable basis (excluding FIN 46R consolidations) the operating margin in North America was at 13.7% compared to 13.5% in the first quarter 2004. In our International segment the margin increased by 20 basis points to 15.8% compared to the first quarter in the previous year.

Group net interest expenses decreased by 9% to $42 million, compared to $47 million last year. This positive development was mainly attributable to a lower debt level in combination with lower interest rates.

Income tax expense was $70 million versus $60 million in the first quarter 2004, reflecting an effective tax rate of 39.2% compared to 39.4% in the first quarter of last year.

Net income in the first quarter 2005 was $ 107 million, an increase of 18%. Earnings per share (EPS) in the first quarter 2005 rose by 18% to $1.11 per ordinary share ($0.37 per ADS), compared to $0.94 ($0.31 per ADS) in the first quarter of 2004. The weighted average number of shares outstanding was approximately 96.3 million.

Cash Flow
In the first quarter of 2005, the Company generated $138 million in net cash from operations compared to $171 million last year. The decrease was mainly due to higher income tax payments in North America.

A total of $40 million (net of disposals) was spent for capital expenditures. This resulted in a Free Cash Flow before acquisitions of $98 million compared to $130 million in the first quarter of 2004. The Free Cash Flow performance was driven by the increase in net income. The days sales outstanding (DSO) remained unchanged at 84 days in the first quarter 2005 compared to the fourth quarter 2004. Compared with the first quarter of the previous year DSO were reduced by 2 days.

A total of $22 million in cash was spent for acquisitions. The Free Cash Flow after acquisitions decreased by 13% to $76 million compared to $88 million last year.

For a complete overview of the first quarter 2005, please refer to the appendix.

Patients - Clinics - Treatments
At the end of the first quarter 2005, Fresenius Medical Care served about 125,900 patients worldwide which represents an increase of 5%. North America provided dialysis treatments for ~87,000 patients (+4%) and the International segment for ~38,900 patients (+6%).

As of March 31, 2005, the Company operated a total of 1,630 clinics worldwide (1,140 clinics/+2% in North America and 490 clinics/+8% International).

Fresenius Medical Care AG performed approximately 4.72 million treatments, which represents an increase of 3% year over year. North America accounted for 3.25 million treatments (+3%) and the International segment for 1.47 million (+5%).

Outlook 2005
For the year 2005, the Company confirms its outlook before the impact of the Renal Care Group acquisition. The Company expects a revenue growth at constant currency between six and nine percent and net income growth in the low double-digit range.

Ben Lipps, Chief Executive Officer of Fresenius Medical Care, commented: "Our results for the first quarter 2005 show a solid start for the year. We are pleased that all regions and business segments grew at or above market. Revenue growth in Europe and North America evidenced continued strong momentum. With this solid foundation we have initiated plans to increase our investments in the core dialysis business to assure strong financial growth."

Webcast of Press Conference
Fresenius Medical Care will also host a Press Conference on May 04, 2005 at 12am CET at its headquarters in Bad Homburg. The Company invites journalists to listen to the live video webcast of the meeting at the Company's website www.fmc-ag.com. A replay will be available shortly after the meeting.

Fresenius Medical Care AG is the world's largest, integrated provider of products and services for individuals undergoing dialysis because of chronic kidney failure, a condition that affects more than 1,300,000 individuals worldwide. Through its network of approximately 1,630 dialysis clinics in North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia-Pacific and Africa, Fresenius Medical Care provides Dialysis Treatment to approximately 125,900 patients around the globe. Fresenius Medical Care is also the world's leading provider of Dialysis Products such as hemodialysis machines, dialyzers and related disposable products. For more information about Fresenius Medical Care, visit the Company's website at www.fmc-ag.com.


This release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements due to certain factors, including changes in business, economic and competitive conditions, regulatory reforms, foreign exchange rate fluctuations, uncertainties in litigation or investigative proceedings, and the availability of financing. These and other risks and uncertainties are detailed in Fresenius Medical Care AG's reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Fresenius Medical Care AG does not undertake any responsibility to update the forward-looking statements in this release.

Fresenius Medical Care AG
Statement of Earnings see pdf-file

The transaction combines the key success factors in the industry – an attractive payor mix and cost leadership – under the common vision of high quality of care and a shared dedication to innovative treatment models and compliance.

Fresenius Medical Care AG ("the Company") (Frankfurt Stock Exchange: FME, FME3) (NYSE: FMS, FMS-p), the world's largest provider of Dialysis Products and Services, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Renal Care Group, Inc (NYSE: RCI), Nashville, Tennessee, for a price of $48.00 per share in cash. The total net consideration for the acquisition of all outstanding shares of Renal Care Group, Inc., is $3.5 billion (on a fully diluted basis), which will be all-debt financed. The acquisition is anticipated to be neutral to slightly accretive to earnings in 2006 and clearly accretive to earnings in 2007 and thereafter.

Renal Care Group, Inc. is a fast-growing, highly profitable dialysis service provider that will be an attractive complement to Fresenius Medical Care's U.S. business. In 2004, Renal Care Group's revenue was approx. $1.35 billion with an EBIT of $254 million and a net income of $122 million. As of March 31, 2005, Renal Care Group owned more than 425 dialysis clinics and served over 30,400 patients. Renal Care Group generates an industry-leading share of 43% of its revenue from private payors.

The 2004 pro forma combined revenue of Fresenius Medical Care and Renal Care Group was approximately $7.5 billion. On a pro forma combined basis as of March 31, 2005, Fresenius Medical Care and Renal Care Group served approximately 117,000 patients in over 1,560 clinics in North America and more than 156,000 patients in over 2,000 dialysis clinics worldwide.

Ben Lipps, Chief Executive Officer of Fresenius Medical Care, commented: "This acquisition solidifies Fresenius Medical Care's position as the leader in dialysis services in the U.S. With its service network, Renal Care Group provides an excellent strategic and geographic fit to Fresenius Medical Care's operations in the world's largest dialysis market. We are convinced that this acquisition will enhance the Company's growth prospects and profitability. This step combines the excellent and experienced management teams of both companies. Furthermore, Fresenius Medical Care will be well positioned to create additional growth potential for its dialysis product business and will provide opportunities to successfully leverage the Company's cost leadership position through its combination with Renal Care Group".

Gary Brukardt, President and Chief Executive Officer of Renal Care Group, commented: "We are very pleased with this agreement. Both companies, Renal Care Group and Fresenius Medical Care, have three key assets in common: a strong commitment to continuous quality improvement, dedicated and highly-motivated people and experienced and visionary management teams. This combination clearly gives us an opportunity to create a superior platform for innovation in the delivery of services and products and will further enhance the lives of patients entrusted to our care".

At a price of $48.00 per share in cash, shareholders of Renal Care Group would receive a premium of 22% over yesterday's closing price. Fresenius Medical Care plans to finance the acquisition primarily through an extension of its senior credit agreement. The existing $1.2 billion credit agreement will be replaced by a $5.0 billion senior credit facility. Financing commitments have been received from Bank of America and Deutsche Bank, and are subject to customary conditions. Deutsche Bank acted as financial advisor to Fresenius Medical Care for this acquisition.

The transaction is subject to the approval of Renal Care Group's shareholders and other customary closing conditions, including the expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act. The Company anticipates to close this transaction in the second half of 2005.

Press Conference
Fresenius Medical Care will also host a Press Conference on May 04, 2005 at 12 a. m. (CET) at its headquarters in Bad Homburg. The Company invites journalists to listen to the live video webcast of the meeting at the Company's website www.fmc-ag.com. A replay will be available shortly after the meeting.

Fresenius Medical Care AG is the world's largest, integrated provider of products and services for individuals undergoing dialysis because of chronic kidney failure, a condition that affects more than 1,300,000 individuals worldwide. Through its network of approximately 1,630 dialysis clinics in North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia-Pacific, Fresenius Medical Care provides Dialysis Treatment to approximately 125,900 patients around the globe. Fresenius Medical Care is also the world's leading provider of Dialysis Products such as hemodialysis machines, dialyzers and related disposable products. For more information about Fresenius Medical Care, visit the Company's website at www.fmc-ag.com.



This release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the timing, terms, synergies and anticipated effect of the proposed transaction with Renal Care Group and the statements of Messrs. Lipps and Brukardt, that are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements due to certain factors, including the risk that the proposed transaction may not be consummated. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those described herein or from past results: the failure of Renal Care Group stockholders to approve the transaction; the risks that the Company and Renal Care Group businesses will not be integrated successfully or that anticipated synergies will not be realized; the costs related to the transaction; inability to obtain, or meet conditions imposed for, required governmental and regulatory approvals and consents; other economic, business, competitive and/or regulatory factors affecting the Company's and Renal Care Group's businesses generally, including changes in business, economic and competitive conditions, regulatory reforms, foreign exchange rate fluctuations, uncertainties in litigation or investigative proceedings, and the availability of financing. These and other risks and uncertainties are detailed in Fresenius Medical Care AG's reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Fresenius Medical Care AG does not undertake any responsibility to update the forward-looking statements in this release.

In connection with the acquisition by the Company, Renal Care Group will be filing a proxy statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Renal Care Group investors and security holders should read the proxy statement concerning the proposed transaction when it becomes available because it will contain important information. Renal Care Group investors and security holders may obtain a free copy of the proxy statement when it becomes available and other documents filed or furnished by Renal Care Group with the SEC at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. The proxy statement and other documents to be filed or furnished by Renal Care Group may also be obtained for free by directing a request to Renal Care Group. Investors may also obtain a detailed list of names, affiliations and interests of participants in the solicitation of proxies of Renal Care Group stockholders to approve the merger at the following address: Renal Care Group, Inc., 2525 West End Avenue, Suite 600, Nashville, Tennessee 37203.

The combination of a change of the legal form into a KGaA with the creation of a single share class is a strategic step that increases the financial flexibility of Fresenius Medical Care going forward and improves trading liquidity and the overall attractiveness of the Company's ordinary shares.

Fresenius Medical Care AG ("Company") (Frankfurt Stock Exchange: FME, FME3) (NYSE: FMS, FMS-p), the world's largest provider of Dialysis Products and Services, today announced its intention to offer the holders of the Company's approx. 26.4 million preference shares the opportunity to convert these shares into ordinary shares. Furthermore, the Company will ask its ordinary shareholders to approve a change of the legal form from an "Aktiengesellschaft" (AG) to a "Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien" (KGaA, see glossary on page 4).

Ben Lipps, Chief Executive Officer of Fresenius Medical Care, commented: "We expect these initiatives will improve and enhance our financial flexibility to the benefit of all stakeholders. The step toward just one share class will significantly improve trading liquidity in the ordinary shares and will simplify our share structure. The share conversion offers preference shareholders the opportunity to switch to ordinary shares at attractive conditions. Importantly this new corporate structure will allow for continued high standards of corporate governance and transparency as today. We are very excited about these initiatives allowing us to look ahead with confidence toward further growth opportunities and increasing profitability".

Details on the conversion of preference shares
The preference shareholders (including the holders of the American Depository Shares representing preference shares) will be granted the opportunity to convert their preference shares into ordinary shares. The preference shareholders who participate in this program pay a "premium" of € 12.25 per share for the conversion. The premium corresponds to approx. 2/3 (two thirds) of the price difference between the ordinary and preference shares of the weighted average stock exchange prices in the three months prior to this announcement. On this basis, preference shareholders can therefore obtain ordinary shares, by means of this conversion, at an effective discount of € 6.14 or 10% per share compared to yesterday's closing price of the ordinary shares.

Conversion of preference shares into ordinary shares will be possible during a four to six weeks conversion period. The technical details of the conversion including the exact timing will be determined by the Management Board with the approval of the Supervisory Board and will be send out in a prospectus to be distributed by the Company when it makes the conversion offer. There is no intention to extend the conversion period or to launch another offer for conversion in the future.

Details on change of the corporate legal structure to KGaA
In combination with the proposed conversion of Fresenius Medical Care preference shares into ordinary shares, the Supervisory Board and the Management Board propose a change of the legal structure of the Company into a Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien (KGaA) under German law.

In the course of this transformation of legal form, a subsidiary of Fresenius AG in the legal form of an "Aktiengesellschaft" (stock corporation under German law) will be established as general partner of the Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA. The Management Board of the general partner - which will be identical with the current Management Board of Fresenius Medical Care - will assume the management of Fresenius Medical Care. As long as Fresenius AG maintains ownership of more than 25% of the shared capital of the Company, it will retain its current controlling position. This includes the right of full consolidation despite the expected dilution of its shareholding in the ordinary voting shares below 50% through the conversion of the current non-voting preference shares into ordinary shares.

Given Fresenius AG's current controlling influence in the shareholders' meeting due to its majority in the ordinary shares the transformation of legal form will factually not affect the position of the ordinary Free Float shareholders. The proposed change in the legal form of Fresenius Medical Care will allow to continue the high standards of corporate governance and transparency as today.

Extraordinary General Meeting
In an Extraordinary General Meeting of Fresenius Medical Care, the ordinary shareholders will be asked to approve the change of the legal form as well as the conversion of preference shares into ordinary shares. The approval of the preference shareholders is required to the conversion of preference shares into ordinary shares. The exact timing of the meeting will be announced at a later date.

Press Conference
Fresenius Medical Care will also host a Press Conference on May 04, 2005 at 12am CET at its headquarters in Bad Homburg. The company invites journalists to listen to the live video webcast of the meeting at the Company's website www.fmc-ag.com. A replay will be available shortly after the meeting.

# # #

DISCLAIMER

This announcement does not constitute an offer to convert preference shares into ordinary shares or a solicitation of offers to convert preference shares into ordinary shares, or an offer to sell or solicitation of any offer to purchase shares of Fresenius Medical Care KGaA. Such offer may be made only at a later stage and, in certain jurisdictions, by a prospectus.

# # #

Glossary for Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien

A Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien is a partnership limited by shares. Like the German ‘AG' (i.e. Aktiengesellschaft = stock corporation), the KGaA is an entity with its own legal identity. Unlike in the case of an AG, however, the KGaA has two groups of shareholders: personally liable general partners on the one hand and limited liability shareholders on the other. The limited liability shareholders have an interest in the stated share capital and, as in the case of other publicly quoted companies, are not personally liable for the debts of the company.

Fresenius Medical Care AG is the world's largest, integrated provider of products and services for individuals undergoing dialysis because of chronic kidney failure, a condition that affects more than 1,300,000 individuals worldwide. Through its network of approximately 1,630 dialysis clinics in North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia-Pacific, Fresenius Medical Care provides Dialysis Treatment to approximately 125,900 patients around the globe. Fresenius Medical Care is also the world's leading provider of Dialysis Products such as hemodialysis machines, dialyzers and related disposable products. For more information about Fresenius Medical Care, visit the Company's website at www.fmc-ag.com.

# # #

This release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements due to certain factors, including changes in business, economic and competitive conditions, regulatory reforms, foreign exchange rate fluctuations, uncertainties in litigation or investigative proceedings, and the availability of financing. These and other risks and uncertainties are detailed in Fresenius Medical Care AG's reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Fresenius Medical Care AG does not undertake any responsibility to update the forward-looking statements in this release.

Fresenius Biotech successfully completed two Phase I studies evaluating trifunctional antibodies in the treatment of breast cancer and peritoneal carcinomatosis. The results of these studies were presented by investigators from the participating universities at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida.

Encouraging results were achieved with the trifunctional antibody rexomun® (WHO INN: ertumaxomab), which was evaluated in a clinical trial for the first time. In this multi-center Phase I study including patients with metastastic breast cancer, rexomun® (ertumaxomab) proved to be safe and tolerable. Seventeen patients were involved in the study and received three intravenous doses of the antibody within a two-week period. The maximum tolerated doses for the first, second and third application were found at 10, 100 and 100 micrograms. Side effects were mild to moderate and transient with fever, chills, headache and nausea being the most common. In five out of 15 evaluable patients the tumor responded to the treatment leading to stable disease or remission. One patient had a complete remission that lasted for 7 months, two patients had a partial remission and two patients had stable disease. One patient with partial remission and two patients with stable disease received concomitant or subsequent hormone therapy. "These data strongly encourage us to proceed into phase II," said Dr. Thomas Gottwald, President of Fresenius Biotech. A Phase II study evaluating the efficacy of rexomun® (ertumaxomab) in breast cancer is in preparation and will start by the end of 2005.

In the second multi-center Phase I study presented at the ASCO convention, the trifunctional antibody removab® (INN: catumaxomab) proved to be safe and tolerable in the treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis. A total of 17 patients were included. In 16 patients the peritoneal carcinomatosis was caused by cancer of the stomach or the colon. In one patient, the primary tumor could not be located. Four increasing doses of removab® (catumaxomab) were injected into the peritoneal cavity of the patients over a 10-day period. The maximum tolerated doses were found at 10, 20, 50 and 200 micrograms in the first, second, third and fourth infusion. Side effects were mild to moderate and transient with nausea, abdominal pain and fever being the most common. Irrigation of the peritoneal cavity was possible in eight patients before and after the treatment to determine the effect on the number of detected tumor cells, which decreased in seven out of these eight patients after treatment.

The average life expectancy of patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis normally ranges from three to six months. To date, 14 months after the start of the study, 7 out of 17 patients are still alive. Follow up showed survival of about 9 months after the start of treatment. Complete remission was achieved in one patient which continues after 14 months. "Again, like in the previous study on the trial on malignant ascites due to ovarian cancer, we have observed first signs of efficacy at an early stage of the clinical development," explained Dr. Thomas Gottwald. A pilot study is now evaluating the best mode of application of removab® (catumaxomab) in gastric cancer. A Phase II study on gastric cancer is expected to start by the end of 2005.

The trifunctional antibody removab® (catumaxumab) is also currently being evaluated in a Phase IIa trial in the treatment of ovarian cancer and in a Phase II/III pivotal trial in the treatment of malignant ascites. The results of these studies should be available during 2006.

The antibodies rexomun® (ertumaxomab) and removab® (catumaxomab) were developed and produced by Fresenius Biotech's partner TRION Pharma, a Munich-based biotech company. These novel antibodies have a unique mode of action. Trifunctional antibodies selectively bring together cancer cells and two different immuno-competent cell types thus prompting the destruction of the tumor cells. In addition, trial results indicate that these antibodies prime the immune system with the potential for long lasting immunity against the tumor.

Clinical studies: Phase I studies evaluate dose, safety and tolerability while Phase II clinical trials investigate the efficacy of new drugs.

INN: International Nonproprietary Name; Each INN is selected by the WHO, is a unique name that is globally recognized and is public property.

Fresenius Biotech GmbH is a subsidiary of the health care company Fresenius. Fresenius Biotech is committed to the development and marketing of biopharmaceutics in the areas of oncology, immunology and regenerative medicine

Fresenius is an internationally operating health care group with products and services for dialysis, the hospital and the ambulatory medical care of patients. Sales amounted in 2004 to 7.27 billion euros. On December 2004 the Fresenius Group had 68,494 employees worldwide.

Subscribe to