Aequus Announces Official Launch of Zepto Capsulotomy System in Canada to be June 1, 2018

May 16, 2018

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 16, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aequus Pharmaceuticals Inc. (TSX-V:AQS) (OTCQB:AQSZF) (“Aequus” or the “Company”), is pleased to announce it will be formally launching the Zepto ® Precision Pulse Capsulotomy System (“Zepto”) in Canada on June 1, 2018 during the Canadian Ophthalmological Society’s 2018 Annual Meeting and Exhibition. Aequus recently announced being appointed as the exclusive Canadian distributor for this product, under a commercial agreement with Mynosys Cellular Devices, an ophthalmology focused medical device company based in Fremont, California (“Mynosys”).

Zepto is a novel medical device used during cataract surgery to produce a consistent, high quality, round capsulotomy in milliseconds. Zepto will be marketed by Aequus’ current ophthalmology salesforce and is an attractive complement to its existing product offering.

“We look forward to this exciting cross-Canada launch of Zepto and have already received a high level of interest from our customers to have access to this device,” said Ian Ball, Chief Commercial Officer at Aequus. “We are delighted to be able to offer this innovative tool to physicians in Canada.”

“With this launch, we have further expanded the Aequus ophthalmology team by adding key personnel with extensive experience in launching ophthalmology devices in Canada. This rounds out our team’s therapeutic experience to ensure the successful execution of this and future anticipated launches in this field,” said Doug Janzen, CEO of Aequus. “The entire team has worked tremendously hard to get this product on the market for Canadian patients and physicians as quickly as possible, and for shareholders to realize the benefits through its accretive revenues.”

About Zepto Precision Pulse Capsulotomy System

The Zepto capsulotomy system provides consistent, high quality anterior lens capsulotomies during cataract surgery in a convenient, cost-effective, disposable format. One of the key features is a collapsible super-elastic nitinol capsulotomy ring element with micron scale elements to create the unique and strong Zepto capsulotomy edge. It also has a clear silicone suction cup to enable suction and generate Zepto’s proprietary capsulotomy action and to allow Zepto capsulotomies on the patient’s individual visual axis. The AMA has recently given a category III code in the US as they see the distinctive application and benefit of aligning on the patient’s own visual axis.

Zepto integrates seamlessly into the routine steps of cataract surgery with phacoemulsification. The surgeon does not need to alter his or her normal routine. Instead of capsulorrhexis forceps or a cystitome, the surgeon simply reaches for Zepto.

The Zepto Capsulotomy System consists of a disposable Zepto capsulotomy handpiece that is attached to a small control console. Zepto uses the precision pulse capsulotomy method, a proprietary combination of calibrated suction and a 4-millisecond multipulse energy algorithm to produce highly accurate capsulotomies. Zepto’s unique single use hand piece can be inserted through incisions as small as 2.2mm, to create a perfectly circular and precisely placed capsulotomy that can be centred on the visual axis. Zepto is ideal for surgery using premium lenses as well as difficult cases and creates a capsulotomy with an edge strength greater than conventional methods or femtosecond lasers. For more information, please visit https://www.zepto-cataract.com/.

About Aequus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Aequus Pharmaceuticals Inc. (TSX-V:AQS) (OTCQB:AQSZF) is a growing specialty pharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing high quality, differentiated products. Aequus has grown its pipeline to include several commercial products in ophthalmology and transplant, and a development stage pipeline in neurology and psychiatry with a goal of addressing the need for improved medication adherence through enhanced delivery systems. As a complement to its focus in neurology, our most recent addition to the development pipeline was a long-acting form of medical cannabis, where there is a high need for a consistent, predictable and pharmaceutical-grade delivery of products for patients. Aequus intends to commercialize its internal programs in Canada alongside its current portfolio of marketed established medicines and will look to form strategic partnerships that would maximize the reach of its product candidates worldwide. Aequus plans to build on its Canadian commercial platform through the launch of additional products that are either created internally or brought in through an acquisition or license; remaining focused on highly specialized therapeutic areas. For further information, please visit www.aequuspharma.ca.

About Mynosys Cellular Devices

Mynosys Cellular Devices Inc. is a medical device company providing innovative solutions to help surgeons achieve perfection in cataract surgery. Our product Zepto ®, is a unique micro-fabricated instrument that provides unmatched precision during surgery on a millisecond time scale to tackle routine and challenging cases with confidence and efficiency. Zepto technology is patented worldwide and is available in selected markets through local distributors.

‍

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT DISCLAIMER
This release may contain forward-looking statements or forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities legislation that may not be based on historical fact, including, without limitation, statements containing the words “believe”, “may”, “plan”, “will”, “estimate”, “continue”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “expect”, “potential” and similar expressions. Forward- looking statements are necessarily based on estimates and assumptions made by us in light of our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as the factors we believe are appropriate. Forward-looking statements include but are not limited to statements relating to: the implementation of our business model and strategic plans; revenue growth trends into the future; expected timing for product launches; the Company’s expected revenues; the regulatory approval of its products; the Company’s ability to attract international partners; and ongoing discussions with and the Company’s ability to secure potential partners to further grow our product portfolio. Such statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties and are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Aequus, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In making the forward looking statements included in this release, the Company has made various material assumptions, including, but not limited to: obtaining regulatory approvals; general business and economic conditions; the Company’s ability to successfully out license or sell its current products and in-license and develop new products; the assumption that the Company’s current good relationships with third parties will be maintained; the availability of financing on reasonable terms; the Company’s ability to attract and retain skilled staff; market competition; the products and technology offered by the Company’s competitors; the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on the Company’s operations; and the Company’s ability to protect patents and proprietary rights. In evaluating forward looking statements, current and prospective shareholders should specifically consider various factors set out herein and under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Information Form dated April 30, 2021, a copy of which is available on Aequus’ profile on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com, and as otherwise disclosed from time to time on Aequus’ SEDAR profile. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties, or a risk that is not currently known to us materialize, or should assumptions underlying those forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this release and we do not intend, and do not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable securities laws. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are inherently uncertain. Accordingly, investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward looking statements.
Aequus Contact Information
‍investors@aequuspharma.ca
604-336-7906