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Canada Approves Aggrenox (Dipyridamole/ASA) For Prevention Of Recurrent Strokes

TORONTO, ON -- April 19, 2000 -- Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd. announced the Health Canada Therapeutic Products Programme approval of its new stroke prevention therapy Aggrenox (extended-release dipyridamole/ASA capsule). In recognition of the impact of Aggrenox on stroke management, Aggrenox received priority review, and was granted approval within days of Health Canada's 180-day approval deadline.

Aggrenox combines the effectiveness of two well-known antiplatelet agents, low dose acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and a new extended release dipyridamole, in a unique formulation. Aggrenox is indicated for the prevention of stroke in patients who have already had a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). Aggrenox works by preventing blood platelets from aggregating (clumping) to form the blood clots that can lead to a stroke.

"This is clearly a breakthrough drug," says Dr. Ralf Hinzmann, Vice President, Medical, Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd. "Results of the European Stroke Prevention Study 2 (ESPS-2), the largest and most comprehensive recurrent stroke prevention study ever conducted, demonstrated that Aggrenox reduces the risk of recurrent stroke by 37 percent compared to placebo, and provides twice the protection from having a second stroke over the current gold standard therapy, ASA alone. Health Canada should be commended for its efforts in approving this important treatment in a timely and efficient manner," he adds.

Stroke is the second most common cause of death worldwide. In Canada, it is the fourth leading cause of death and the leading cause of adult neurological disability. There are approximately 40,000 - 50,000 new cases of stroke in Canada each year.

"This is very important news for Canadian stroke patients," says Dr. Frank Silver, Associate Professor of Medicine (Neurology), University of Toronto, and Director, University Health Network Stroke Program, Toronto Western Hospital, "Thirty percent of stroke patients will suffer a recurrent episode within five years - which is an incredible fear to live with everyday," he adds.

Aggrenox can be obtained through retail pharmacies by prescription only. The capsules are taken twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening, with or without food. The most common side effects reported by the Aggrenox group in ESPS-2 were mild and transient headaches.

Committed to the advancement of stroke prevention therapy and recovery, Boehringer Ingelheim recently announced a $1 million contribution to the Canadian Stroke Network of the Networks of Centres of Excellence program. As a partner in this network over the next five years, Boehringer will help the Canadian Stroke Network meet its goal of establishing a comprehensive, multidisciplinary and mulitsectorial program that is needed in order to beat stroke and return stroke sufferers to normal life.

Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd., based in Burlington, Ontario, is a member of the Boehringer Ingelheim group of companies, with headquarters in Ingelheim, Germany. It is one of the 20 leading pharmaceutical corporations in the world and reported revenues of $4.97 billion (U.S.) in 1998.

Related Links: Aggrenox (dipyridamole/ASA) and Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd.

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