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SINOVAC APPOINTS ERNST & YOUNG HUA MING LLP CHINA AS EXTERNAL AUDITOR
SINOVAC APPOINTS ERNST & YOUNG HUA MING LLP CHINA AS EXTERNAL AUDITOR
Beijing– May 15, 2013 – Sinovac Biotech Ltd. (NASDAQ: SVA), a leading provider of biopharmaceutical products in China, has appointed China-based Ernst & Young Hua Ming LLP as its registered independent public accounting firm effective from May 14, 2013 to replace Ernst & Young LLP Canada.
On May 14, 2013, Ernst & Young LLP Canada notified the Company that it would not stand for re-election as the Company’s registered independent public accounting firm.
Both of the Company’s audit committee and the board of directors have approved the appointment of Ernst & Young Hua Ming LLP to replace Ernst & Young LLP Canada. Ernst & Young Hua Ming LLP has begun providing services and is working with the Company and Ernst & Young LLP Canada to ensure a seamless transition. The Company believes that the appointment of Ernst & Young Hua Ming LLP is beneficial because of the close proximity to the Company’s headquarters as the firm is also based in Beijing, China.
During the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, and through May 14, 2013, there were no disagreements with Ernst &Young LLP Canada on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedures.
About Sinovac
Sinovac Biotech Ltd. is a China-based biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the research, development, manufacturing and commercialization of vaccines that protect against human infectious diseases including hepatitis A and B, seasonal influenza, H5N1 pandemic influenza (avian flu), H1N1 influenza (swine flu) and mumps, as well as animal rabies vaccine for canines. The Company recently concluded the phase III clinical trial for enterovirus 71 (against hand, foot and mouth disease). In 2009, Sinovac was the first company worldwide to receive approval for its H1N1 influenza vaccine, Panflu.1, and has manufactured it for the Chinese Central Government, pursuant to the government-stockpiling program. The Company is also the only supplier of the H5N1 pandemic influenza vaccine to the government-stockpiling program. Sinovac is developing a number of new pipeline vaccines including vaccines for pneumococcal polysaccharides, pneumococcal conjugate, varicella and rubella. Sinovac sells its vaccines mainly in China and exports selected vaccines to Mongolia, Nepal, and the Philippines. Sinovac has also been granted a license to commercialize seasonal flu vaccine in Mexico.
Safe Harbor Statement
This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates" and similar statements. Among other things, the business outlook and quotations from management in this press release contain forward-looking statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Sinovac's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Sinovac does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.
Contact:
Helen Yang/Chris Lee
Sinovac Biotech Ltd.
Tel: +86-10-8279-9659/ 9696
Fax: +86-10-6296-6910
Email: ir@sinovac.com
Investors
Stephanie Carrington
The Ruth Group
Tel: +1-646-536-7017
Email: scarrington@theruthgroup.com
Media
Victoria Aguiar
The Ruth Group
Tel: +1-646-536-7013
Email: vaguiar@theruthgroup.com
About SINOVAC
Sinovac Biotech Ltd. (SINOVAC) is a China-based global biopharmaceutical company, with a mission of "supply vaccines to eliminate human diseases", the company specializes in the research, development, manufacturing and commercialization of vaccines and related biological products that protect against human infectious diseases.
The company's diversified portfolio includes vaccines for influenza, viral hepatitis, varicella, Hand-Foot-Mouth disease (HFMD), poliomyelitis, pneumococcal disease, etc., of which 3 vaccines have been prequalified by WHO, including inactivated hepatitis A vaccine Healive®, Sabin-strain inactivated polio vaccine (sIPV), and varicella vaccine.
SINOVAC has a leading edge in developing vaccines to combat infectious disease outbreaks and was among the first to initiate R&D during major public health emergencies, including SARS, H5N1, H1N1, and COVID-19. The company developed the world's first inactivated SARS vaccine (Phase I completed), China's first H5N1 influenza vaccine (Panflu®), the world's first H1N1 influenza vaccine (Panflu.1®), and CoronaVac®, the most widely used inactivated COVID-19 vaccine globally.
Beyond its marketed portfolio, the company is advancing a robust pipeline that includes combination vaccines,recombinant protein vaccines and next-generation platforms such as mRNA technologies and antibodies.
With a long-standing commitment to innovation and global health, SINOVAC is expanding its global footprint by strengthening partnerships with research institutions, international organizations, and local partners. Through broader market presence, technological cooperation, and localized production, the company aims to accelerate vaccine development and supply, enhance regional access to high-quality products, and better address unmet medical needs while improving preparedness for future pandemics.
For more information, please see the Company’s website at www.sinovac.com.