Leiden, The Netherlands, February 1, 2002 - Dutch antibody and vaccine company Crucell N.V. (NASDAQ, Euronext Amsterdam: CRXL) today announced that the first milestone has been achieved under Crucell's agreement with Centocor, Inc. The milestone was one of the goals that Crucell and Centocor agreed upon in their agreement for the development and commercialization of Crucell's CD 46-specific human antibody against cancer.

The preclinical milestone further confirms the efficacy of the CD-46 antibody in animal models and indicates the development of the antibody is proceeding as planned. As a result, Centocor will make a $1.5 million payment to Crucell.

Under the terms of the deal, Crucell has retained exclusive commercialization rights for the European Union, and will receive annual fees, milestone payments and royalties. Centocor, a Johnson & Johnson company, will be responsible for worldwide development and manufacturing.

Crucell is currently developing antibodies against colon cancer, breast cancer, anti-angiogenesis, leukemia and inflammation and has additional programs in oncology, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Crucell will leverage its proprietary MAbstract technology to discover new targets and antibodies.

About Crucell
Dutch biotechnology company Crucell discovers and develops novel antibodies and vaccines against cancer, inflammatory disease and infectious disease.

Crucell is currently developing antibodies against colon cancer, breast cancer, anti-angiogenesis, leukemia and inflammation and has additional programs in oncology, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Crucell will leverage its proprietary MAbstract technology to discover new targets and antibodies.

Crucell also plays an essential role in the development of Merck & Co.'s HIV vaccine. Merck & Co. has obtained the exclusive rights to use Crucell's PER.C6 human cell system for the production of the vaccine's key adenoviral vector. Merck & Co. is currently conducting Phase I/II trials with its vaccine.

The company has furthermore developed a revolutionary new flu vaccine production system, based on its patented human cell system PER.C6. PER.C6 is widely embraced by the industry for the production of gene therapy products and viral vectors.

Crucell has been listed on the NASDAQ and Euronext since October 2000. Crucell has its headquarters in Leiden, the Netherlands, and currently employs 199 people.

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Centocor–Crucell agreement