Following Along With Dr. Bill Freytag…

The following is a message from Dr. J. William Freytag, President and CEO of Aspreva Pharma (NASDAQ: ASPV) and former helmsman of Myogen who lead the $2.5 billion exit to Gilead (NASDAQ: GILD). If one subscribes to the notion of “betting on management” such an investor may be unquestionably moved to pick up some shares of ASPV*. *Please note: this is in no way shape or form investment advice.

And now a word from Dr. Freytag:

When I was approached to consider the position of CEO and Chairman at Aspreva, it didn't take long for me to realize the unique opportunity that this company represents. As a profitable company with significant cash reserves, a talented pool of management and employees, a global infrastructure and a solid corporate foundation, this company has the ability to chart its destiny and fulfill its tremendous potential.


Aspreva has already done groundbreaking work through its innovative partnership with Roche. By conducting valuable research in the use of CellCept for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, Aspreva has already had a significant impact on the treatment options available to patients suffering from life-threatening diseases such as lupus nephritis, a manifestation of lupus erythematosus affecting renal function, for which there had not been an approved drug in forty years.


Our work in this field continues as we analyze the data from the induction phase of our lupus nephritis clinical trial and conduct the maintenance phase in this trial to further the evidence available to support the treatment of this disease. We are also conducting a phase III trial evaluating the effectiveness of CellCept for the treatment of pemphigus vulgaris, a severe and chronic autoimmune disease that causes blisters of the skin and mucous membranes. Aspreva's work in these areas over the past few years has given the company significant clinical and regulatory expertise and we plan on leveraging these resources as we look to expand our clinical pipeline.


Aspreva is ready for the next transformational steps in its young and exciting history as an innovative pharmaceutical company. My goal as Aspreva's new CEO is to help guide our company through these steps and unlock the potential that Aspreva has. As a recent addition to the family, I've had the privilege of looking at the company both as an outsider and an insider. And now, as the CEO and a shareholder, I'm enthusiastic about Aspreva on both counts.