PRESS RELEASE: BB Biotech AG earns after-tax profits of CHF 368 million in fiscal 2012

BB BIOTECH AG / BB Biotech AG earns after-tax profits of CHF 368 million in fiscal 2012 . Processed and transmitted by Thomson Reuters ONE. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

In accordance with regulations on ad hoc publicity, BB Biotech (ISIN CH0038389992) is releasing the following information about its profits in fiscal 2012.

Based on preliminary unaudited consolidated results, BB Biotech closed the past year with a profit of CHF 368 million (loss of CHF 146 million in the previous year). After three very strong quarters with profits in the triple-digit millions, general profit-taking in the market towards the end of the year led to a loss of CHF 134 million for the quarter.

The net profit figure for 2012 reflects the fundamental strength of the biotech sector and the successful investment strategy pursued by BB Biotech with clearly defined areas of focus. BB Biotech's share price rose 42.7% in CHF and 42.9% in EUR during the past year.

Portfolio holdings as of December 31, 2012 will be reported on January 24, 2013. The annual report for 2012 will be published on February 21, 2013.

For further information: Bellevue Asset Management AG, Seestrasse 16, 8700 Küsnacht, Switzerland Thomas Egger, Tel. +41 44 267 67 09, teg@bellevue.ch www.bbbiotech.com

Company profile

BB Biotech invests in companies in the fast growing market of biotechnology and is one of the world's largest investors in this sector with approx. CHF 1.2 billion in assets under management. BB Biotech is listed in Switzerland, Germany and Italy. Its investments are focused on listed companies that are developing and commercializing novel medical treatments and cures. BB Biotech's investment selection process is guided by the fundamental research and analysis of physicians and molecular biologists. Its Board of Directors has many years of experience in industry and science.

Media Release (PDF): http://hugin.info/130285/R/1670622/542937.pdf

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Source: BB BIOTECH AG via Thomson Reuters ONE [HUG#1670622]

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BB BIOTECH AG Vordergasse 3 Schaffhausen Switzerland

WKN: AONFN3;ISIN: CH0038389992;

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   January 16, 2013 00:56 ET (05:56 GMT)- - 12 56 AM EST 01-16-13