GRIFOLS SA S/ADR - GIKLY STOCK NEWS

Grifols has announced a leadership change, with Victor Grifols Roura retiring as Chairperson and being named Chairperson of Honor after a 50-year tenure. Steven F. Mayer, an experienced private equity executive and Grifols board member since 2011, is appointed as Executive Chairperson. This transition aims to enhance operational excellence and accelerate the company's strategic objectives, particularly focusing on deleveraging the balance sheet and improving cash flow. Mayer's extensive industry knowledge positions him well to lead Grifols forward as it continues to recover from the challenges posed by the pandemic.

Grifols (GRFS) has partnered with Feeding America to combat hunger in the U.S. through its Box Out Hunger initiative. In March, Grifols aims to collect over 1 million pounds of nonperishable food by collaborating with local businesses and community organizations. Last year, the program gathered 800,000 pounds. Employees and donors can also contribute monetarily, with the J.A. Grifols Foundation matching donations. This marks the first collaboration with Feeding America, enhancing Grifols' commitment to social responsibility while supporting the urgent need for plasma donations amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Grifols, a leader in plasma-derived medicines, announced its PharmacyKeeper Verification software has been named the No. 1 Category Leader in IV Workflow Management by KLAS Research for the sixth consecutive year. This accolade underscores Grifols' commitment to enhancing patient care through technology. PharmacyKeeper is part of Grifols' IV compounding solutions, which aim to reduce medication errors, while the Best in KLAS report emphasizes user feedback to recognize top healthcare technology vendors.

Grifols has acquired its first plasma donation center in Canada, purchasing Prometic Plasma Resources Inc's Winnipeg site from Kedrion for USD 4 million. This acquisition supports Grifols’ strategy to enhance the availability of lifesaving plasma medicines in Canada, complementing its existing production capabilities in the country. With an annual capacity of 1.5 million liters at its plasma fractionation plant, Grifols aims to leverage its extensive experience in Canadian plasma. The company remains committed to ensuring the quality and safety standards of plasma usage for patients.

Grifols has opened its 300th plasma donor center in Worcester, Massachusetts, marking a significant milestone for the company. This facility, part of the largest global network of plasma donor centers, aims to address the urgent need for plasma donations, which have been declining due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With over 350 centers worldwide, Grifols plans to operate 370 centers by the end of 2021. Plasma is crucial for creating lifesaving therapies for patients with chronic and rare diseases.

Grifols has launched its new ALBUTEIN FlexBag™, offering albumin in 5% and 25% concentrations, catering specifically to U.S. hospitals and pharmacies. This innovation features an easy-to-use port, minimizing bubble accumulation and needle stick risks. The FDA approved the 5% and 25% concentrations earlier in 2021, with a focus on sustainability, reducing the carbon footprint by 40% during manufacturing. This launch underscores Grifols' commitment to research and innovation, expanding its plasma-derived medicine portfolio to enhance patient care.

Grifols has launched HyperHEP B, a new formulation of hepatitis B immune globulin, approved by the FDA in December 2020, specifically for postexposure prophylaxis against hepatitis B. The product, utilizing a unique purification process, aims to enhance safety standards and reduce procoagulant activity. HyperHEP B is expected to serve approximately 800,000 to 1.4 million infected individuals in the U.S., with three different presentation sizes available. Grifols' ongoing commitment includes donating six million international units to underserved countries.

Grifols has announced the opening of the first AMBAR® Center in Barcelona, collaborating with Ace Alzheimer Center Barcelona. This center aims to collect real-world data from the AMBAR® clinical program, which uses periodic plasma exchange to slow cognitive and functional decline in Alzheimer's patients. The partnership aims to enhance the treatment and management of Alzheimer's with plans for future centers in the EU, U.S., and China. Over 35 million people globally suffer from Alzheimer's, emphasizing the significance of this innovation.

Grifols has partnered with the government of Andorra to create the Pyrenees Immunology Research Center (PYIRC), a modern facility aimed at advancing immunology research and therapy development. The center, set to open in 2023, will focus on immune system disorders, such as autoimmunity and cancer, and will attract international experts. Grifols will own 80% of the joint venture and invest approximately €25 million in construction, with €7 million in annual operating costs. This initiative aligns with Andorra's economic diversification goals in biotechnology and innovation.