LA JOLLA, CA—Ipsen and the Salk Institute for Biological Studies announced today that they are renewing the Ipsen Life Sciences Program at the Salk Institute. The mission of the partnership is to advance knowledge in the field of proliferative and degenerative diseases through fundamental and applied biology research.

The Ipsen Life Sciences Program led by the Salk Institute's Inder Verma, Ph.D., Irwin and Joan Jacobs Chair in Exemplary Science will for a period of three years, sponsor four research programs through targeted and innovation grants. Ipsen will provide funding for targeted research programs carried out at the Salk Institute by researchers on novel therapeutic concepts for the treatment of pituitary adenomas, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Innovation grants will fund the exploration of advanced scientific concepts. Dr. Verma is one of the world's leading authorities in cancer biology.

Over the last 3 years, the partnership between the Salk Institute and Ipsen has delivered significant scientific advances in the cancer field such as the development of biological models mimicking human cancerous processes as well as identification of specific cells driving tumor growth. In addition, the development of stem cells technology has opened up promising new vistas of research in neurodegenerative diseases.

Marc de Garidel, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ipsen, stated "At a time when the magnitude and scope of the life sciences revolution challenge the imagination, it is critical for a biopharmaceutical company to secure close links with the leading academic institutions worldwide. The collaboration between Ipsen and the Salk Institute perfectly fits in our new strategy of increased focus on our key assets, investment in growth levers and leverage of our footprint. By capitalizing on partnerships with first-class research organizations, Ipsen will strengthen its links with the medical and scientific community so as to develop innovative therapies tailoring the needs and expectations of patients and physicians."

"Continuing our partnership with Ipsen Life Sciences reaffirms our commitment to the highest level of biological research, impacting human life globally," said Salk Institute president William R. Brody.

About Ipsen
Ipsen is a global biopharmaceutical specialty care group with total sales exceeding €1.1 billion in 2010. Ipsen's ambition is to become a global leader in the treatment of targeted debilitating diseases. Its development strategy is supported by four franchises: neurology / Dysport®, endocrinology / Somatuline®, uro-oncology / Decapeptyl® and hemophilia. Moreover, the Group has an active policy of partnerships. R&D is focused on innovative and differentiated technological patient-driven platforms, peptides and toxins. In 2010, R&D expenditure totaled more than €220 million, above 20% of Group sales. The Group has total worldwide staff of close to 4,500 employees. Ipsen's shares are traded on segment A of Euronext Paris (stock code: IPN, ISIN code: FR0010259150) and eligible to the "Service de Règlement Différé" ("SRD"). The Group is part of the SBF 120 index. Ipsen has implemented a Sponsored Level I American Depositary Receipt (ADR) program, which trade on the over-the-counter market in the United States under the symbol IPSEY. For more information on Ipsen, visit www.ipsen.com.

About the Salk Institute for Biological Studies:
The Salk Institute for Biological Studies is one of the world's preeminent basic research institutions, where internationally renowned faculty probe fundamental life science questions in a unique, collaborative, and creative environment. Focused both on discovery and on mentoring future generations of researchers, Salk scientists make groundbreaking contributions to our understanding of cancer, aging, Alzheimer's, diabetes and infectious diseases by studying neuroscience, genetics, cell and plant biology, and related disciplines.

Faculty achievements have been recognized with numerous honors, including Nobel Prizes and memberships in the National Academy of Sciences. Founded in 1960 by polio vaccine pioneer Jonas Salk, M.D., the Institute is an independent nonprofit organization and architectural landmark.