Organic growth and cost management are the main focus for 2002

According to preliminary figures for fiscal 2001, curasan AG was able to increase its revenues by 10.4 per cent to EUR12.02 million (revenues for year prior: EUR10.89m). The consolidated net loss is expected to be higher than in the preceding year.

Based on these figures, growth for the 2001 financial year was not as pronounced as originally expected. This development is mainly due to delays of a number of product approvals. In addition, business during the second half of the financial year under review was impacted by renewed discussions concerning cost structures of the German health service, despite the fact that curasan's products are not affected by the aut-idem regulations discussed in this context. Business in December was rather restrained, mainly due to customers' conversion to the euro. Therefore, a significant amount of sales revenue has now shifted to January.

The comprehensive expansion of the product range witnessed within the last 18 months - roughly 149 products are in their first or second year of rollout - will result in palpable revenue growth. This trend will be accelerated by the launch of Cerasorb products and the further diversification of generic pharmaceuticals. This, together with an incisive cost management strategy, is expected to lead to an improved earnings performance.

The company's definitive results for fiscal 2001 are to be published on 28th March 2002 and presented in detail at a press conference and analysts' meeting on 9th April 2002.