LEUVEN, Belgium, March 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

ThromboGenics NV (Euronext Brussels: THR), an integrated biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing innovative ophthalmic medicines, announces that the Company will start trading as part of the  BEL20 index on the Euronext stock exchange today.  

The BEL20 index is a real-time index reflecting the continuous price evolution of the 20 most liquid Belgian shares listed on Euronext Brussels and serves as Blue-chip index for Euronext Brussels. The weight of the index constituents is based on their market capitalization adjusted for free float by using a free float banding system.

ThromboGenics will be included in the BEL20 index as of today.

Patrik De Haes, CEO of ThromboGenics, commented, "We are very pleased to be now included in the BEL20 index which reflects the tremendous progress ThromboGenics has made since its inception. The inclusion in the index will further increase the Company's access to a broader pool of investors and enhance ThromboGenics' already strong profile as one of the leading biotechnology companies in Europe."

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 US FDA for the treatment of symptomatic VMA and was launched in January 2013. In Europe, it has been approved for the treatment of vitreomacular traction (VMT), including when associated with macular hole of diameter less than or equal to 400 microns.  

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 and oncology 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:

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

SOURCE ThromboGenics NV