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Biotech / Medical : Akorn Inc. -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Troy Suarez, Ph.D. who wrote (38)	7/16/1998 2:59:00 PM
From: Skip	Respond to of 101

Anyone know of where the selling came from today? I kept placing buys below the bid and kept getting filled. (price fell through the bid - not buying below at the time filled) Could it be they are gonna miss numbers? Any thoughts?

To: Troy Suarez, Ph.D. who wrote (38)	7/20/1998 10:57:00 AM
From: Troy Suarez, Ph.D.	Respond to of 101

BusinessWire, Thursday, July 16, 1998 at 15:55 LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 16, 1998--Akorn, Inc. (NASDAQ:AKRN) today announced the acquisition from Sidmak Laboratories, Inc. of its ophthalmic R&D and manufacturing operation, Advanced Remedies Inc. (ARI) in Somerset, New Jersey. In late 1997 both companies signed a term sheet giving Akorn responsibility for the marketing and sales of all products developed or manufactured by ARI and providing for the completion of an acquisition agreement between the two companies in late June or early July. Akorn purchased all assets and liabilities of ARI from Sidmak including all ANDA's (Abbreviated New Drug Applications) for any product previously approved for ARI or under review by the FDA. Akorn is already promoting one multisource generic product developed at ARI under the term sheet agreement, Cromolyn Sodium, a mast cell stabilizer used in the treatment of a wide array of allergic reactions in the eye. In addition, Akorn will acquire four other multisource generic products that it currently out sources from other suppliers. The ARI acquisition provides Akorn with the ability to manufacture two new dosage forms, ointments and suspensions, that it does not currently manufacture. At this time, Akorn out sources all of the ointments and suspensions that it sells. Akorn also expects the portfolio of new products being developed at ARI to provide it with new products to sell. Scott Zion, senior vice president and general manager of the ophthalmic division, said, "The acquisition of the ARI operation will provide additional revenue from the new products (ANDA's) that ARI has developed. In addition, the capability to manufacture many of the ointments and suspensions that we now purchase from outside suppliers gives us an opportunity to increase profitability. We believe that the research and development and manufacturing people at ARI are first rate and will be a tremendous asset to our organization." Akorn plans to move production of the Ocusert(R) product line and technology to the ARI facility. In April, the Company acquired worldwide rights to the Ocusert line and technology from ALZA Corporation (NYSE:AZA). Akorn expects to develop additional ophthalmic products through its new ophthalmic R&D resources at ARI that will utilize Ocusert's proprietary, controlled release drug delivery technology. Akorn, Inc. manufactures and markets sterile ophthalmic and injectable pharmaceuticals, and markets and distributes an extensive line of pharmaceuticals and ophthalmic surgical supplies and related products. This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to the effects of federal, state and other governmental regulation of the Company's business; the company's success in acquiring, developing, manufacturing and marketing new products; the effects of competition from other pharmaceutical companies; and other risks and uncertainties identified in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission Filings. This release is available on the KCSA Worldwide Public Relations Website at www.kcsa.com.

To: Troy Suarez, Ph.D. who wrote (38)	7/20/1998 10:58:00 AM
From: Troy Suarez, Ph.D.	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 101

ISELIN, NJ--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 20, 1998--Bio-Technology General Corp. (NASDAQ:BTGC) today announced that it has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the marketing of BioLon(TM), the Company's product for ophthalmic surgical procedures, in the United States. The product will be marketed by Akorn, Inc. (NASDAQ:AKRN), a leading U.S. manufacturer and marketer of eye care products. Akorn plans to launch the product this year. Commenting on the news, Sim Fass, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of BTG, stated: "We are very pleased that BioLon(TM) has received FDA marketing approval. We look forward to its introduction in the United States which will bring the number of countries where BioLon(TM) is available to twenty-five. Akorn's position in the domestic market for ophthalmics should help maximize the sales of BioLon in the United States." BioLon(TM), a 1% solution of sodium hyaluronate, has been classified as a medical device and as a surgical aid to protect corneal endothelium during cataract extraction (extra-capsular) procedures, intraocular lens implantation and anterior segment surgery. It is a high molecular weight viscoelastic lubricant that facilitates surgical manipulation of the ocular tissues. The U.S. market for sodium hyaluronate products in these ophthalmic surgical procedures is approximately $100 million. In the United States, BTG markets Oxandrin(R) (oxandrolone, USP) for the treatment of involuntary weight loss and Delatestryl(R) (testosterone enanthate injection USP), an injectable testosterone product for the treatment of hypogonadism. In addition, Mircette(TM), a novel oral contraceptive, incorporating BTG's patented dosing regimen licensed to an affiliate of Organon, Inc., received FDA marketing approval in April 1998, and will be launched by Organon this year. BTG will receive royalties on Organon's sales of the product. BioLon(TM) will be the Company's third product to enter the U.S. market. The Company's Bio-Tropin(TM) (recombinant human growth hormone) for the treatment of growth hormone deficiency in children, is marketed internationally in over 20 countries. Bio-Technology General Corp., a leading biopharmaceutical company, develops, manufactures and markets genetically engineered and other products for human healthcare. The Company's product sales and revenues for the six months ended June 30, 1998 were $32.7 million and $36.1 million, respectively. The Company reported earnings per share (diluted) of $0.16 for the first six months of 1998. Statements in this news release concerning the Company's business outlook or future economic performance, anticipated profitability, revenues, expenses or other financial items; and statements concerning assumptions made or expectations as to any future events, conditions, performance or other matters, are "forward-looking statements" as that term is defined under the Federal Securities Laws. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated in such statements. Such risks, uncertainties and factors include, but are not limited to, changes and delays in product development plans and schedules, customer acceptance of new products, changes in pricing or other actions by competitors, patents owned by the Company and its competitors, and general economic conditions, as well as other risks detailed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. CONTACT: Investor Relations WOLFE AXELROD ASSOCIATES Don Weinberger 732-632-8800 or BIO-TECHNOLOGY GENERAL CORP. Leah Berkovits 212-370-4500