MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA--(Marketwire - May 11, 2012) - Biota Holdings Limited (ASX: BTA) today announced that Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd. have provided written confirmation that Inavir^® gross sales were JPY8.7bn and indicative royalties were $3.4 million for the three months ended 31 March 2012. Royalties for the nine months to 31 March 2012 for Inavir^® were $4.1 million.

The company is also pleased to provide the following update on the Japanese Phase III prevention study for the influenza antiviral, laninamivir (Inavir^®) by Daiichi Sankyo.

Daiichi Sankyo has advised that enrollment has been completed. Summary results of the study will be provided after review with the study investigator.

About Biota

Biota is a leading anti-infective drug development company based in Melbourne Australia, with key expertise in respiratory diseases, particularly influenza. Biota developed the first-in-class neuraminidase inhibitor, zanamivir, subsequently marketed by GlaxoSmithKline as Relenza. Biota research breakthroughs include a series of candidate drugs aimed at treatment of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease and Hepatitis C (HCV) virus infections. Biota has clinical trials underway with its lead compound for human rhinovirus (HRV) infection in patients with compromised respiration or immune systems.

In addition, Biota and Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd. co-own a range of second generation influenza antivirals, of which the lead product lnavir^®, is marketed in Japan. Biota holds a contract from the US Office of Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) for the advanced development of laninamivir in the USA.

Relenza™ is a registered trademark of the GlaxoSmithKline group of companies.
Inavir^® is registered to Daiichi Sankyo.