Bespak PLC
24 February 2003


For immediate release:                                  Monday February 24, 2003



                         Chiesi choose Bespak HFA valve


                to deliver Budesonide asthma treatment to Europe


Bespak (LSE: BPK) today announced details of the latest metered dose inhaler
(MDI) valve development and manufacturing partnership with the pharmaceutical
company Chiesi Farmaceutici SpA.  As part of a long-term project, Bespak is
supplying Chiesi with an MDI valve and actuator tailored to its exact
requirements for the delivery of Budesonide - an asthma treatment.  Chiesi's
Budesonide ModuliteTM formulation has been launched on the German market under
the brand name BUDIAIRTM.


Bespak has been involved in the development of MDI valves for more than three
decades and has a breadth of experience that has evolved with the changing needs
of the pharmaceutical market. As the drive for chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)-free
metered dose inhalers has increased, Bespak has led the way designing a range of
valves that are compatible with HFA (ozone friendly) propellants whilst offering
similar or improved performance characteristics over their CFC counterparts.


"Chiesi screened a number of different valve design options for use in their
ModuliteTM formulation and came to the conclusion that Bespak was the partner of
choice," said Paolo Chiesi, VP and R&D Director at Chiesi. "The Bespak team got
to the heart of Chiesi's HFA needs. Our decision to work together was based on
the level of technical support offered by Bespak and the excellence in design
and understanding they demonstrated when evaluating our requirements."


"Pharmaceutical companies across Europe are working hard to comply with
environmental regulations and the phase-out of CFC propellants," said Mark
Throdahl, Bespak CEO. "Bespak prides itself on being one of the original
champions of the development of HFA valves with the broadest range of marketed
product partnerships. We employ a world class team at the forefront of hardware
and drug/device interface technology developments.  We are able to provide
partner companies with substantiated advice and customised delivery solutions."


"Chiesi is at the vanguard of the development and commercialisation of HFA
formulations in Europe utilising ModuliteTM technology. Beclomethasone HFA is
commercialised in several European countries; Budesonide HFA - BUDIAIRTM - is
commercialised in Germany and formoterol HFA is in phase III clinical
development.  The roll out of all our products in Europe and other countries is
in progress," said Alberto Chiesi, President and CEO of Chiesi.



To support its work in the development of HFA valves and MDIs, Bespak has
invested in a multi-million pound building programme at its site in Kings Lynn,
UK. Scheduled for completion during 2003, the new state of the art manufacturing
facility will extend the company's production capabilities and drive the
business forward as a front runner in the development of delivery systems for
inhaled therapies.



                                     -ENDS-



For further information please call:


Bespak Plc                                            Tel:  +44 (0) 1908 552 600
Mark Throdahl - Chief Executive

Buchanan Communications                               Tel: +44 (0) 20 7466 5000
Nicola How



Bespak plc is in the forefront of developing new delivery systems for the
pharmaceutical industry. The company has a product range covering metered dose
inhalers, dry powder devices, actuator and compliance aids . The company also
develops and manufactures drug delivery devices for leading global
pharmaceutical companies.  The Group has facilities in King's Lynn and Milton
Keynes in the UK and in Cary, North Carolina in the USA. Bespak is a public
company quoted on the full list of the London Stock Exchange (LSE: BPK).



Chiesi Farmaceutici is a European pharmaceutical company, headquartered in
Parma, Italy, dedicated to the research, development and commercialization of
ethical products, focusing on the respiratory, cardiovascular, muskulo-skeletal
& inflammatory, CNS therapeutic areas and on some orphan diseases. Annual Group
sales reached 421 million Euro in 2001. The company employs over 2200 people
worldwide and has subsidiaries in Italy, France, United Kingdom,  Spain,
Germany, Austria, Greece,  Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Slovakia,
Brazil, Pakistan and the United States.


                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END

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