A new Option for the Treatment of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM)

Raltitrexed (Tomudex(R)) in Combination With Cisplatin in the Treatment of MPM Improves Overall Survival Compared to Treatment With Cisplatin Alone[1]

LONDON, October 12, 2010 - Raltitrexed (Tomudex(R)) in combination with cisplatin in the treatment
of MPM improves median overall survival compared to treatment with cisplatin
alone.[1] With incidence rates expected to double over the next 20 years in
many countries[2], new and effective treatments are a welcome addition,
concluded an eminent panel of international speakers at a symposium sponsored
by Hospira at the 35th congress of the European Society for Medical Oncology
(ESMO), Milan.

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the mesothelium, a thin
membrane that lines the inner surface of the chest wall where it is known as
the pleura. It also surrounds the organs found within this cavity, for
example the heart and lungs.[3] Speakers at the symposium highlighted that
whilst MPM - most commonly caused by exposure to asbestos - is a rare disease
(the incidence is estimated to be 1.1-1.25 cases per 100,000 people), its
incidence is expected to double over the next 20 years in many countries.[2]

Historically MPM has been treated with radiotherapy or surgery, despite
minimal evidence to support these treatment options and both being associated
with low success rates.[4,5,6] Speakers highlighted that over recent years
the treatment of MPM has been simplified with the development of chemotherapy
regimens as first-line treatment options.

Speakers referred to a clinical trial of first-line raltitrexed in
combination with cisplatin, which showed that overall response rates in the
raltitrexed group were higher compared to patients treated with cisplatin
alone (23.6% vs. 13.6%; p=0.056).[1] Raltitrexed improved median overall
survival by 2.8 months compared to patients treated with cisplatin alone
(11.4 vs. 8.8 months; p=0.0483).[1] In addition, raltitrexed was associated
with improved progression-free survival (5.3 vs. 4.0 months; p=0.058)
compared to treatment with cisplatin alone.[1]

"MPM is a hard to treat, rare cancer with a poor prognosis. New treatment
options such as a combination of cisplatin and raltitrexed, which improve
patient outcomes with no detrimental effect on quality of life as compared to
cisplatin alone are a welcome addition to our therapeutic portfolio," said
Professor JP van Meerbeeck, professor of Thoracic Oncology at Ghent
University, Belgium.

Treatment of MPM with chemotherapy regimens, including those that are
cisplatin-based, is associated with a high incidence of neutropenia and
anaemia. Neutropenia is the most serious haematological toxicity that occurs
as a result of cancer chemotherapy and can lead to chemotherapy dose
reductions and/or dose delays compared with the prescribed schedule.[7]
Anaemia is associated with fatigue and poor quality of life. Supportive care
to treat neutropenia and anaemia is therefore very important. Hospira has a
broad oncology portfolio including supportive care drugs: Nivestim(TM)
(filgrastim) and Retacrit(TM) (epoetin zeta), which are licensed for the
treatment of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia and anaemia respectively.

Notes to Editors:

About Tomudex

Tomudex (Raltitrexed) is currently licensed for the treatment of
malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) in Portugal, Czech Republic and Hungary;
further marketing authorisations are expected across Europe late 2010.
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the mesothelium, a thin
membrane that lines the inner surface of the chest wall where it is known as
the pleura.

About Nivestim

Nivestim (filgrastim) was recently approved by the European Commission
for the reduction in the duration of neutropenia and incidence of febrile
neutropenia in patients undergoing established chemotherapy for malignancy.
Neutropenia is a condition where the number of neutrophils (a type of white
blood cell) in the blood is abnormally low. A reduced number of neutrophils
increases a patient's susceptibility to bacterial and fungal infections.

About Retacrit

Retacrit (epoetin zeta) is indicated for the treatment of
chemotherapy-induced anaemia, and anaemia associated with chronic renal
failure. Epoetins such as Retacrit, are forms of erythropoietin, a hormone
produced by the kidneys which acts within the bone marrow to stimulate red
blood cell production. There are many causes of anaemia, including
chemotherapy treatment for cancer (which indiscriminately inhibits all
fast-growing cells, including red blood cells), renal failure (which can
cause a deficiency in production of erythropoietin) or a decrease in bone
marrow function. A decrease in red blood cell number or function may lead to
anaemia. Retacrit has been available in Europe since 2008.

About Hospira

Hospira is a global specialty pharmaceutical and medication delivery
company dedicated to Advancing Wellness(TM). As the world leader in specialty
generic injectable pharmaceuticals, Hospira offers one of the broadest
portfolios of generic acute-care and oncology injectables, as well as
integrated infusion therapy and medication management solutions. Through its
products, Hospira helps improve the safety, cost and productivity of patient
care. The company is headquartered in Lake Forest, Illinois, United States
and has approximately 13,500 employees. The head office for Hospira in
Europe, Middle East and Africa is in Leamington Spa, UK. Learn more at
www.hospira.com.

References

1. van Meerbeeck JP, Gaafar R, Manegold C, et al. Randomized phase III
study of cisplatin with or without raltitrexed in patients with malignant
pleural mesothelioma: an intergroup study of the European Organisation for
Research and Treatment of Cancer Lung Cancer Group and the National Cancer
Institute of Canada. J Clin Oncol. 2005;23(28):6881-9

2. Stahel RA, Weger W, Lievens Y, Felip E. Malignant pleural
mesothelioma: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and
follow-up. Ann Oncol 2010; 21:v126-8

3. Mesothelioma UK website.
www.mesothelioma.uk.com/mesothelioma-information-support.htm. Accessed
15 September 2010

4. Borasio P, et al. Malignant pleural mesothelioma: clinicopathologic
and survival characteristics in a consecutive series of 394 patients. Eur J
Cardiothorac Surg 2008;33:307-13

5. Lee C, et al. Prophylactic radiotherapy to intervention sites in
mesothelioma: A systematic review and survey of UK practice. Lung Cancer
2009;66:150-6

6. Scherpereel P, et al. Guidelines of the European Respiratory Society
and the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons for the management of malignant
pleural mesothelioma. Eur Respir Journal 2010;35:479-495

7. Crawford J, Dale DC, Lyman GH. Chemotherapy-Induced Neutropenia:
Risks, Consequences, and New Directions for Its Management. Cancer, 2004;
100(2): 228-37

EMEA 10/195 September 2010

For further information please contact: Hannah Stacey, Athena,
+44(0)20-8956-2289 or +44(0)7984-496-441

For further information please contact: Hannah Stacey, Athena, +44(0)20-8956-2289 or +44(0)7984-496-441