Aequus Expands Market in Quebec for Tacrolimus IR

Mar 19, 2018

First-to-market generic tacrolimus will be included on Sigma Santé contract as of May 2018, building on continued commercial success of Aequus’ promotional arm

VANCOUVER, BC. March 19, 2018 - Aequus Pharmaceuticals Inc. (TSX-V: AQS, OTCQB: AQSZF) (“Aequus” or the “Company”), announced today that it has been awarded a three-year contract with Sigma Santé for its partnered product, tacrolimus immediate-release (“Tacrolimus IR”), an immunosuppressive therapy used concomitantly with adrenal corticosteroids to prevent or treat rejection following organ transplant and for the reduction of symptoms experienced by patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Sigma Santé is one of the largest healthcare group purchasing organizations (“GPO”) in Quebec and the final GPO in the province to list this first-to-market, generic version of Tacrolimus IR. The contract will be effective as of May 2018.

“This is a very meaningful award for us, as Quebec is the second largest market in Canada, with Sigma Santé representing a significant amount of volume that we have not previously had access to,” said Ian Ball, Chief Commercial Officer of Aequus. “Our goal has been to provide transplant patients with access to this high-quality and cost-effective treatment option, and to support physicians and payors regarding the use of this alternative to branded tacrolimus. We are very proud to see this product available to more Canadian patients in need of treatment.”

“This award follows the strongest quarter to date for the Company, based on unaudited revenues in the fourth quarter of 2017. We believe this award will help drive revenues in 2018, as we continue along our expected growth trajectory,” said Doug Janzen, CEO and Chairman of Aequus. “Further, this reaffirms our commercial capabilities as being a key driver of our business, from market access and reimbursement to sales force execution.”

Approved Clinical Uses of Tacrolimus IR in Canada

The following information is based on the Product Monograph for tacrolimus IR. Please refer to the full Product Monograph for all labeled safety information for tacrolimus IR.

TRANSPLANTATION

- Prophylaxis of organ rejection in patients receiving allogeneic liver, kidney or heart transplants

- Treatment of refractory rejection in patients receiving allogeneic liver or kidney transplants

Tacrolimus is to be used concomitantly with adrenal corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive agents. The safety and efficacy of the use of tacrolimus with sirolimus has not been established.

Only physicians experienced in immunosuppressive therapy and management of organ transplant should prescribe tacrolimus. Patients receiving the drug should be managed in facilities equipped and staffed with adequate laboratory and supportive medical resources. The physician responsible for maintenance therapy should have complete information requisite for the follow-up of the patient.

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

- Treatment of active rheumatoid arthritis in adult patients for whom disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) therapy is ineffective or inappropriate

Tacrolimus may be used as monotherapy or in combination with non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and/or steroids, although the possibility of increased toxicity has not been fully explored.

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’ development stage pipeline includes several products in neurology and psychiatry with a goal of addressing the need for improved medication adherence through enhanced delivery systems. With a focus in neurology and other specialty areas, 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 .

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Aequus Contact Information
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