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Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Launches National Cycling Series to Benefit Critical Research and Care

BETHESDA, Md., May 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Thousands of cyclists will take to the streets this summer and fall as the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation launches a new cycling tour in 18 cities across the country to support research to find new therapies and a cure for cystic fibrosis. The tour series, known as ZENPEP® CF Cycle for Life, begins in San Francisco on June 26.

The event's title sponsor is Eurand N.V., a global specialty pharmaceutical company, which makes ZENPEP® (pancrelipase) Delayed-Release capsules, a pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy.

"Eurand is proud to serve as national sponsor of the inaugural ZENPEP CF Cycle for Life series," said Ruth Thieroff-Ekerdt, M.D., Eurand's Chief Medical Officer. "We're pleased to support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in its efforts to advance life-saving medical research for CF and develop therapies that have the potential to add decades of life for those with this devastating disease."

The touring series offers cyclists several mileage options - 30 or 65 miles, as well as scenic routes, training rides, cycling "how-to" clinics, safety inspections and lots of day-of support and activities.

"We are grateful to Eurand for joining our team and supporting our effort to bring cycling enthusiasts to the fight against cystic fibrosis," said C. Richard Mattingly, executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. "The company's generous support means we can expand our already robust drug development effort as we aggressively invest in new ways to fight and eradicate this horrific disease."

Cycling tours will take place this year in: Atlanta, Ga., Baton Rouge, La., Boston, Mass., Charleston, S.C., Denver, Colo., Dayton, Ohio, Grand Rapids, Mich., Hartford, Conn., Jacksonville, Fla., Portland, Ore., Malvern, Pa., Peoria, Ill., Phoenix, Ariz., San Diego, Calif., San Francisco, Calif., Seattle, Wash., Tampa, Fla., and Tyler, Texas.

ZENPEP is an FDA-approved pancreatic enzyme therapy used for treatment of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency from CF or other conditions. More than 90 percent of people with cystic fibrosis take enzyme supplements to help absorb vitamins and nutrients, and could not survive without them.

For more information about ZENPEP CF Cycle for Life, visit

http://www.cff.org/aboutCFFoundation/PressRoom/2010PressReleases/05-03-CF-Foundation-Launches-Cycling-Series.cfm

About the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is the world's leader in the search for a cure for cystic fibrosis. The Foundation funds more CF research than any other organization and nearly every CF drug available today was made possible because of Foundation support. Based in Bethesda, Md., the Foundation also supports and accredits a national care center network that has been recognized by the National Institutes of Health as a model of care for a chronic disease. For more information, visit www.cff.org.

About Eurand

Eurand is a specialty pharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures and commercializes enhanced pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical products based on its proprietary pharmaceutical technologies. Eurand has had six products approved by the FDA since 2001 and has a pipeline of product candidates in development for itself and its collaboration partners. Its technology platforms include bioavailability enhancement of poorly soluble drugs, custom release profiles and taste-masking orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) formulations. Eurand is a global company with facilities in the U.S. and Europe. For more information, visit Eurand's website at www.eurand.com.

SOURCE Cystic Fibrosis Foundation