ethris Announces Research Based Alliance on SNIM® Modified RNA with Shire

MUNICH, January 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ –

ethris GmbH and Shire today announce the initiation of a research based alliance
focused on the development and commercialization of novel RNA-based therapeutics.

Many devastating human diseases are the result of an inability of the body’s cells to
make specific proteins that have an essential function for the whole body. The replacement
of proteins with normally functioning ones provides a potential approach to treat multiple
devastating diseases. Ribonucleic acids (RNAs) that encode for such proteins have been the
focus of much biopharmaceutical research and development, however, RNA’s inherent
instability and immunogenicity has proven to be a significant hurdle in the past.

Based in Munich, Germany, ethris and its co-founders – Dr. Carsten Rudolph and Prof.
Christian Plank, have developed a novel RNA modification technology that creates Stable
and Non-Immunogenic Messenger RNA (SNIM(R)-RNA) molecules that are ideally suited for use
in protein replacement therapies to treat monogenic genetic diseases.

“We are delighted to extend our existing collaboration with Shire that may bring novel
therapeutics to patients suffering from diseases with significant unmet medical need. We
aim to provide significant numbers of patients with new therapeutic alternatives that may
provide a lasting solution to their disease,” stated Dr. Carsten Rudolph, CEO and
co-founder of ethris.

“As a leader in the treatment of rare diseases, we are pleased to be working with
ethris to develop SNIM(R)-RNA based therapies, with the objective of developing new
treatment options for patients suffering from these rare disorders,” said Dr. Philip J.
Vickers, Global Head of Research and Development, Shire Human Genetic Therapies.

“With Shire we have a partnership based on a shared appreciation of the importance of
our SNIM(R) technology. Under this partnership, we are aiming to develop an RNA
modification and delivery technology that efficiently results in protein replacement in
relevant cellular populations, providing hope to patients suffering from genetic diseases
which have devastating clinical outcomes,” commented Prof. Christian Plank, CSO and
co-founder of ethris.

The financial details of the alliance have not been disclosed.

About ethris GmbH

ethris GmbH is a young biopharmaceutical company based in Munich, Germany. Founded by
Dr. Carsten Rudolph and Prof. Christian Plank, recognized opinion leaders in the field of
ribonucleic acid-based science. The company currently employs 17 scientists. ethris is
financed by QureInvest II, a life sciences investment fund managed by HS LifeSciences,
Duesseldorf, Germany.

        For more information:
        ethris GmbH
        Carsten Rudolph, PhD
        CEO
        +49-(0)89-8955-7880
        info@ethris.com

SOURCE ethris GmbH