(Ad hoc press release)
Berlin, 29.08.2000. Eckert & Ziegler Strahlen- und Medizintechnik AG, Berlin (Securities ID 565970), a leading manufacturer of innovative, radioactive components for the treatment of cancer and restenosis, has received European market CE approval for palladium seeds as low-radiation implants for the treatment of prostate cancer. Palladium seeds are especially used for treating prostate tumors in advanced stages. Delivery to a leading international medical supply company is to begin in the 4th quarter. Because of the treatment's high success rate, market volume will increase to about US-$ 50 million in Europe and some US-$ 250 million in the US in five years time. CE approval for Europe opens up the second-largest market for prostate-cancer treatment next to the American market, where FDA approval has already been given. Palladium has a very short half-life and so it needs a short supply route to the customer. As a European manufacturer of palladium seeds, Eckert & Ziegler enjoys an excellent location edge. Every year there are 100,000 new cases of prostate cancer in Europe. Treatment with low-radiation seeds, called short-distance radiotherapy, is winning favor over conventional treatment methods thanks to its fewer side effects.
The Board of Directors