LEUVEN, Belgium, November 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

ThromboGenics NV (Euronext Brussels: THR), an integrated biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing innovative ophthalmic medicines, today announces that JETREA^® (ocriplasmin) has been selected to receive a Single Technology Appraisal (STA) from the UK's National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). The outcome of the STA, in the form of NICE guidance, is expected later in 2013, following the launch of JETREA^® in the UK.

The JETREA^® European Marketing Authorisation Application is currently under review by the European Medicines Agency. A decision on European approval is expected in the first half of 2013. JETREA^® was recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drugs Administration for the treatment of symptomatic Vitreomacular Adhesion (VMA). In March 2012, ThromboGenics signed a strategic partnership with Alcon (Novartis) for the commercialization of ocriplasmin outside the United States

The NICE STA process is designed to provide recommendations on the use of new medicines in the National Health Service (NHS). The STA is specifically designed to appraise a single product with a single indication, and enables NICE to produce guidance soon after the technology is introduced in the UK. During the appraisal process, NICE seeks evidence from several sources. ThromboGenics and its partner Alcon, will submit the principal evidence for the JETREA^® STA shortly. This submission will be assessed by an Evidence Review Group (ERG), an external independent academic organization, which will produce a review of the evidence submission. The STA also relies on information and evidence from clinical consultants, and NHS commissioning authorities as well as patient groups.

Dr Patrik De Haes, CEO at ThromboGenics, said: "We are delighted that the UK Department of Health has asked NICE to appraise JETREA^® (ocriplasmin) for the treatment of vitreomacular traction. We strongly believe that JETREA^® has the potential to dramatically change the treatment paradigm in the UK for this progressive sight threatening condition". We plan to submit, along with our partner Alcon, our dossier for the STA shortly and look forward to working with NICE and all parties involved in the appraisal process."

About JETREA^® (ocriplasmin)

JETREA^® (ocriplasmin) is a truncated form of human plasmin for the treatment of symptomatic VMA. JETREA^® is a selective proteolytic enzyme that cleaves fibronectin, laminin and collagen, three major components of the vitreoretinal interface that play an important role in vitreomacular adhesion.

JETREA^®has been evaluated in two multi-center, randomized, double-masked Phase III trials conducted in the U.S. and Europe involving 652 patients with vitreomacular adhesion. Both studies met the primary endpoint of resolution of VMA at day 28.

JETREA^®'s Phase III program found that 26.5% of patients treated with ocriplasmin saw resolution of VMA, compared with 10.1% of patients receiving placebo (p<0.01). The Phase III program also showed that JETREA^® was generally well tolerated with most adverse events being transient and mild in severity.

About ThromboGenics

ThromboGenics is an integrated biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing innovative ophthalmic medicines. The Company's lead product, JETREA^®(ocriplasmin), has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of symptomatic VMA. The Marketing Authorisation Application (MAA) for ocriplasmin is under review in Europe.

In March 2012, ThromboGenics signed a strategic partnership with Alcon (Novartis) for the commercialization of JETREA^® outside the United States. Under this agreement, ThromboGenics could receive up to a total of €375 million in up-front and milestone payments. It will receive significant royalties from Alcon's net sales of JETREA^®. ThromboGenics and Alcon intend to share the costs equally of developing JETREA^® for a number of new vitreoretinal indications.

ThromboGenics is also further exploring anti-PIGF (Placental Growth Factor), formerly referred to as TB-403, for the treatment of ophthalmic indications.

ThromboGenics is headquartered in Leuven, Belgium, and has-offices in Iselin, NJ (US) and Dublin, Ireland. The Company is listed on the NYSE Euronext Brussels exchange under the symbol THR. More information is available at http://www.thrombogenics.com.

Important information about forward-looking statements

Certain statements in this press release may be considered "forward-looking". Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, and, accordingly, entail and are influenced by various risks and uncertainties. The Company therefore cannot provide any assurance that such forward-looking statements will materialize and does not assume an obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or any other reason. Additional information concerning risks and uncertainties affecting the business and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement is contained in the Company's Annual Report.

This press release does not constitute an offer or invitation for the sale or purchase of securities or assets of ThromboGenics in any jurisdiction.  No securities of ThromboGenics may be offered or sold within the United States without registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or in compliance with an exemption therefrom, and in accordance with any applicable U.S. state securities laws.

For further information please contact:

ThromboGenics

Wouter Piepers, Global Head of Corporate Communications
+32-16-75-13-10 / +32-478-33-56-32
wouter.piepers@thrombogenics.com

Dr. Patrik De Haes, CEO
+32-16-75-13-10
Patrik.dehaes@thrombogenics.com

Chris Buyse, CFO
+32-16-75-13-10
Chris.buyse@thrombogenics.com

Citigate Dewe Rogerson

David Dible/ Nina Enegren/ Sita Shah
Tel: +44-20-7638-9571
sita.shah@citigatedr.co.uk

The Trout Group (US investor relations)

Todd James/ Simon Harnest
Tel: +1-646-378-2926
tjames@troutgroup.com