The composition patent covering Omacor in most European territories expired in August 2009. This is the first known marketing authorisation of a generic pharmaceutical product based on Pronova's active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). Pronova is not aware of the generic product having been launched in Europe.

Teva has used the UK as the reference member state (RMS) in either a mutual recognition procedure (MRP) or a decentralised process (DCP) to also apply for marketing authorisation in the following concerned member states (CMS): Austria, France, Italy, Netherlands, Germany, Ireland, Romania and Spain.

Pronova's CEO Morten Jurs commented: "As previously indicated, we have been both closely monitoring and preparing for the possibility of losing exclusivity since patent expiry in 2009. We will continue to monitor the situation as it evolves and, together with our commercial partners, act to reposition ourselves in the new competitive landscape."

About Pronova BioPharma

Pronova is a global leader in research, development and manufacture of lipid therapies derived from nature.

The group's first commercialised product, Omacor/Lovaza, is branded in a number of countries (57) throughout Europe, Asia and in the USA. End-user sales has grown rapidly in all international  markets and the annual run rate at 31 December 2011 reached USD 1 380 million, according to IMS Health. The product is the first EU- and FDA-approved omega 3-derived prescription drug.

Marketing and distribution of Pronova's key product is currently licensed to both local and global pharmaceutical companies.

The company is in the process of developing several new, patentable lipid derivatives. The most advanced lipid derived pharmaceutical programme is in the area of combined dyslipidemia, the abnormal concentration of lipids and lipoproteins in the blood, for which the company has a product, PRC-4016, in clinical trials.

Pronova has also announced plans to enter the consumer healthcare and clinical nutrition markets, enabling the company to further leverage its position as the world's largest manufacturer of high grade omega-3 derived products.

Pronova's headquarters are located at Lysaker in Norway, while production takes place at state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities at Sandefjord in Norway and in Kalundborg, Denmark. The company's shares are listed on Oslo Børs with the ticker code PRON.

For further information contact:

Hamed Brodersen, VP Investor Relations and Communications      
Tel: +47 40 46 81 10

This information is subject of the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

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