To: Magnatizer who wrote (32035 ) 9/16/1999 1:08:00 PM From: RCJIII Respond to of 79460
Very positive fundamental news just hit on CIMA- (PR NEWSWIRE) CIMA Announces Launch of Zomig rapimelt by AstraZeneca CIMA Announces Launch of Zomig rapimelt by AstraZeneca EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn., Sept. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- CIMA LABS INC. (Nasdaq: CIMA) is pleased to announce their two year collaboration with AstraZeneca (NYSE: AZN) has been culminated by the international launch of 'Zomig(R) rapimelt(R),' an orange-flavored prescription migraine treatment, which dissolves on the tongue without the need for water, utilizing OraSolv(R) technology. 'Zomig rapimelt' was launched at the 4th Congress of the European Federation of Neurological Societies in Lisbon, Portugal, where conference attendees were able to sample placebo OraSolv fast-dissolving tablets that are the same size and flavor (orange) as 'Zomig rapimelt.' "Doctors are already prescribing 'Zomig rapimelt' to patients in Sweden," said John M. Siebert, Ph.D., President and CEO of CIMA LABS INC., the developers and producers of the fast-dissolve technology -- OraSolv -- used in 'Zomig rapimelt.' "CIMA believes AstraZeneca has recognized the patient-friendly benefits of CIMA's OraSolv technology, both in terms of product and packaging in developing this convenient migraine treatment." Dr. Siebert further stated, "The OraSolv version of 'Zomig' complements the OTC OraSolv products that have already been introduced." "For migraine sufferers, being able to take an effective treatment whenever and wherever a migraine headache starts is a big advantage," said Dr. Alex Oldham, 'Zomig' Global Product Director at AstraZeneca. "New 'Zomig rapimelt' is a simple, convenient treatment for migraine. Patients can now have access to the rapid, long-lasting and reliable efficacy of 'Zomig' wherever they are when an attack strikes." Migraine is a common neurological disorder affecting approximately 10-15 percent of the global population -- that is about 600 million people according to information supplied by AstraZeneca. Migraine affects sufferers during their most productive years and the condition frequently impacts on migraine sufferers' quality of life. Migraine can be frustrating to treat if management is based only on assessment of symptoms as they do not tell the complete story of impact or illness on a sufferer's life. Migraine can lead to problems at work or school but this disability is not always communicated between doctor and patient. OraSolv is a patented oral dosage form which incorporates microencapsulated drug ingredients into tablets that dissolve quickly in the mouth. OraSolv is designed to improve taste acceptance and address the difficulty of swallowing traditional tablets and capsules, while offering a convenient oral dosage form that can be taken anywhere and anytime, therefore increasing compliance. CIMA is a drug delivery company that specializes in oral drug delivery systems to improve patient compliance and drug efficacy. These systems include OraSolv(R), OraSolv(R) SR/CR and DuraSolv(TM), fast-dissolve technologies, and OraVescent(TM), a dual fast-dissolve transmucosal system for improved oral absorption, targeted site-specific absorption and fast onset of action. AstraZeneca PLC is one of the top five pharmaceutical companies in the world based on sales and is a therapeutic leader in gastrointestinal, oncology, anaesthesia including pain management, cardiovascular, central nervous system (CNS) and respiratory products. Based in the United Kingdom, AstraZencca PLC is a major $15.8 billion international bioscience business engaged in the research, development, manufacture and marketing of ethical (prescription) pharmaceuticals and agricultural products, and the supply of healthcare services. The U.S. operations of AstraZeneca include AstraZeneca, a business unit of Zeneca Inc., AstraZeneca LP, Zeneca Ag Products and Salick Health Care. In the United States, AstraZeneca is a $7.2 billion bioscience business with approximately 10,000 employees. SOURCE CIMA LABS INC. -0- 9/16/1999 /CONTACT: John M. Siebert, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer, 612-947-8700, or Keith P. Salenger, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, 612-947-8731, both of CIMA LABS INC./ (CIMA AZN) CO: CIMA LABS INC.; AstraZeneca PLC