Eckert & Ziegler: Reimbursment of Seed Implantation

(Ad hoc-Mitteilung)

Berlin 15.10.2003 - As of October 13th 2003, the German Federal Minister for Health and Social Affairs has accepted a new method of treatment for the early stages of prostate cancer, known as Seed Brachytherapy, into the german drG's for Hospitals for 2004, and thus into the invoicing catalogue for the health insurance funds. The method, under which tiny metal seeds are implanted by means of a needle into the tumor area, demonstrates a considerably lower incidence of adverse reactions than conventional operation. The treatment is moreover reasonably priced and can be accomplished without long stays in the hospital. The biggest European manufacturer for the special implants is BEBIG Isotopen- und Medizintechnik GmbH, a subsidiary of the Berlin-based Eckert & Ziegler AG (www.bebig.de).

"We are very satisfied with the decision to grant access to our very effective and at the same time gentle method of treatment to those insured by the statutory health insurance funds," explained Dr. Edgar Löffler, Member of the Executive Board of the Eckert & Ziegler AG and Managing Director of BEBIG. "Until now in Germany, only privately health insured patients could profit from the fact that such adverse reactions as incontinence and impotence are greatly reduced with seed implantation, as compared to conventional operating methods."

The method has already been long established in other countries, and has been integrated into their invoicing systems. For years in the United States, almost one in three prostate gland cancer patients has been treated with implants. In Germany, where prostate cancer is among the most frequent cancers among men, with about 32,000 new cases diagnosed every year, Eckert & Ziegler AG has worked intensively to achieve adoption of the method into the catalogue of approved treatments. The Executive Board

The Board of Directors