Ipsen Biopharmaceuticals expands to Canada

International pharmaceutical company opens new headquarters in Ontario

Mississauga, ON – April 15, 2015 –– Ipsen Biopharmaceuticals Canada Inc., the Canadian affiliate of Ipsen (Euronext: IPN; ADR: IPSEY) announced today the official opening of its new Canadian headquarters in Mississauga, Ontario. The global biopharmaceutical company will join Ontario’s growing biomedical cluster and deliver innovative specialty medicines based on Ipsen’s expertise and leadership in peptide and toxin research and drug development.

The opening of the company’s Canadian headquarters is expected to create approximately 40 new fulltime jobs in Ontario and across Canada. The province’s strong research-based pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries and the presence of leading hospitals with globally-recognized clinical research capabilities were key factors in Ipsen’s decision to establish its Canadian head office in the province.

The announcement confirms Ipsen’s commitment to provide innovative specialty therapeutics in the areas of oncology, neurology and endocrinology to Canadians living with these debilitating diseases.

QUOTES:

“We see significant opportunity in Canada as a market and we are thrilled to officially open our doors today. Ontario is home to both world-class research institutions and experienced industry talent, which makes it a great first foothold for us in Canada. This expansion into Canada is an important part of our goal to become a global leader in providing innovative therapies for the treatment of patients suffering from debilitating and life-threatening diseases.”

Lyndal Walker, Country Manager, Ipsen Biopharmaceuticals Canada Inc.

“I am very pleased Ipsen has decided to establish its Canadian headquarters right here in Mississauga, Ontario. Ipsen will now have access to Ontario’s incredibly skilled and diverse workforce, in Canada’s largest life sciences cluster. Our government is working hard to create a dynamic, inviting business climate for companies like Ipsen, so that we can continue attracting investments and creating new jobs now and for the future.”

Brad Duguid, Minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure

“The arrival of Ipsen in Ontario is great news for the entire Canadian biotechnology ecosystem. Ipsen is a globally active biotechnology innovator which will greatly enhance the multinational biotechnology industry presence in this country while also sending a strong signal to other international companies that Canada is an important jurisdiction in which to do business. In choosing to launch in Ontario, Ipsen will be able to immediately avail itself to the vibrant biotechnology ecosystem in the province that includes established healthcare organizations, universities, incubator organizations and existing biotechnology companies to support and drive innovation and strengthen the Canadian industry ecosystem more broadly.”

Andrew Casey, President and CEO, BIOTECanada

“Canada, with its universal and very advanced health system, is a major research and innovation player in the biotechnology sector, and it is hence vital that French businesses are active in the country. This is especially true in the Toronto area, which is the most active in Canada for new developments in biotechnology, and therefore the creation of Ipsen’s new Canadian headquarters here in Mississauga, Ontario, is the best possible choice. It will enable Ipsen to benefit from this dynamic environment and to develop its markets in each Canadian province.”

Nicolas Chapuis, Ambassador of France to Canada

About Ipsen

Ipsen is a global specialty-driven biotechnological group with total sales exceeding €1.2 billion in 2014. Ipsen sells more than 20 drugs in more than 115 countries, with a direct commercial presence in 30 countries. Ipsen’s ambition is to become a leader in specialty healthcare solutions for targeted debilitating diseases. Its development strategy is supported by 3 franchises: neurology, endocrinology and urology-oncology. Ipsen’s commitment to oncology is exemplified through its growing portfolio of key therapies improving the care of patients suffering from prostate cancer, bladder cancer or neuroendocrine tumors. Ipsen also has a significant presence in primary care. Moreover, the Group has an active policy of partnerships. Ipsen’s R&D is focused on its innovative and differentiated technological platforms, peptides and toxins, located in the heart of the leading biotechnological and life sciences hubs (Les Ulis, France; Slough/Oxford, UK; Cambridge, US). In 2014, R&D expenditure totaled close to €187 million, representing about 15% of Group sales. The Group has more than 4,500 employees worldwide. Ipsen’s shares are traded on segment A of Euronext Paris (stock code: IPN, ISIN code: FR0010259150) and eligible to the “Service de Règlement Différé” (“SRD”). The Group is part of the SBF 120 index. Ipsen has implemented a Sponsored Level I American Depositary Receipt (ADR) program, which trade on the over-the-counter market in the United States under the symbol IPSEY. For more information on Ipsen, visit www.ipsen.com.

For further information:

Sherline Joe
Media Profile 416-342-1852
Sherline.joe@mediaprofile.com