Abbott and Biotest Announce Global Agreement to Develop and Commercialize Novel Antibody for Autoimmune Diseases

ABBOTT PARK, Illinois and DREIEICH, Germany, June 21, 2011 -

BT-061 in
clinical development for the treatment of RA and psoriasis

Abbott and Biotest AG today announced a global agreement to
develop and commercialize BT-061, a novel anti-CD4 antibody for the
treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriasis.  BT-061
is currently in Phase II clinical trials for RA and psoriasis, with
preclinical studies underway to study its potential use in other
immune-related diseases.  

CD4 is expressed on T-cells and is involved in T-cell mediated
modulation of immune responses.  BT-061 is a humanized
monoclonal antibody that works by activating the body’s
T-regulatory cells, a subset of T-cells, strengthening a natural
function of the body that prevents excessive immune reactions.
 Unlike other anti-CD4 antibodies that have been in
development, BT-061 does not cause depletion of CD4 positive
T-cells that would give rise to weakened immune responses.

“Though the research is still early, BT-061 has the potential to
become an important treatment option for patients suffering from
autoimmune diseases,” said John Leonard, M.D., senior vice
president, global research and development, Abbott.  ”This
novel compound will strengthen Abbott’s immunology pipeline and we
look forward to continuing to build on our expertise in exploring
multiple mechanisms and approaches to treat inflammatory
diseases.”

“Biotest is pleased to continue the development of BT-061
together with Abbott, one of the world leaders in the development
and commercialization of biologic drugs for the treatment of
immunological diseases,” emphasized Prof. Dr. Gregor Schulz, CEO of
Biotest AG. “With its tremendous experience in the field and its
global commercial strength and presence, Abbott is the perfect
partner for maximizing the therapeutic and commercial potential of
BT-061.”

Under the terms of the agreement, Abbott and Biotest will
co-promote BT-061 in the five major European markets (Germany,
France, United Kingdom, Italy and Spain) and Abbott will have
exclusive global rights to commercialize BT-061 outside those
countries. Biotest will receive an upfront fee of $85MM. Pending
achievement of certain development, regulatory, commercial and
sales-based milestones, Biotest would be eligible to receive
additional milestone payments from Abbott, potentially amounting to
a total of $395MM, and royalties. Biotest will be responsible for
manufacturing the initial clinical supply of BT-061 and the
companies will share responsibility for commercial production.

Biotest will hold a conference call for journalists and analysts
today at 4 p.m. CET.
Dial in numbers:
Germany: +49 (0) 6103 485 3000
United Kingdom: +44-207-153-2027
USA: +1 480-629-9673
Conference ID: 444 87 48
Should you experience any difficulty during the conference, please
press *0 for help desk.

Biotest Disclaimer

This document contains forward-looking statements on overall
economic development as well as on the business, earnings,
financial and assets position of Biotest AG and its subsidiaries.
These statements are based on current plans, estimates, forecasts
and expectations of the company and are thus subject to risks and
elements of uncertainty that could result in significant deviation
of actual developments from expected developments. The
forward-looking statements are only valid at the time of
publication.  Biotest does not intend to update the
forward-looking statements and assumes no obligation to do so.

About Biotest

Biotest is a provider of pharmaceutical and biotherapeutic
drugs. With a value added chain that extends from pre-clinical and
clinical development to worldwide sales, Biotest has specialised
primarily in the areas of application of clinical immunology,
haematology and intensive medicine. In its Plasma Protein segment,
Biotest develops and markets immunoglobulins, coagulation factors
and albumins based on human blood plasma. These are used for
diseases of the immune and haematopoietic systems. In the
Biotherapeutic segment, Biotest researches into the clinical
development of monoclonal antibodies, including in the indications
of rheumatoid arthritis and cancer of plasma cells. Biotest has
more than 1.600 employees worldwide. The preference shares of
Biotest AG are listed in the SDAX on the Frankfurt stock
exchange.

Abbott Forward-Looking Statements

Some statements in this news release may be forward-looking
statements for purposes of the Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995. Abbott cautions that these forward-looking statements
are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual
results to differ materially from those indicated in the
forward-looking statements. Economic, competitive, governmental,
technological and other factors that may affect Abbott’s operations
are discussed in Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” to our Annual Report on
Securities and Exchange Commission Form 10-K for the year ended
Dec. 31, 2010, and are incorporated by reference. Abbott undertakes
no obligation to release publicly any revisions to forward-looking
statements as a result of subsequent events or developments.

About Abbott

Abbott (NYSE: ABT) is a global, broad-based health care company
devoted to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of
pharmaceuticals and medical products, including nutritionals,
devices and diagnostics. The company employs nearly 90,000 people
and markets its products in more than 130 countries.

Abbott’s new releases and other information are available on the
company’s Web site at www.abbott.com.

Media, Tracy Sorrentino, +1-847-937-8712, or Investor Relations, Larry Peepo, +1-847-935-6722, both of Abbott; or Dr. Monika Buttkereit of Biotest, +49-(0)-6103-801-4406, investor_relations at biotest.de