Vancouver, BC. April 28, 2016 – Aequus Pharmaceuticals Inc. (TSX-V: AQS, OTCQB: AQSZF) (“Aequus” or the “Company”) announced today that it has initiated commercial activities for PR Vistitan™ (bimatoprost 0.03% w/v, ophthalmic solution) in the Canadian market, which is a prostaglandin approved as a treatment for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.
The prostaglandins remain a primary treatment option for lowering IOP in glaucoma. Bimatoprost is currently only available in a 0.01% formulation in Canada for this indication.
“We are extremely pleased to be working with our partner to bring bimatoprost 0.03% back to the Canadian market,” said Ian Ball, CCO of Aequus. “We are committed to bringing innovative products to the market that offer Physicians, Payers and Patients alternative therapies.”
“The launch of our second commercial product is a proud achievement for Aequus. It has been exciting to see our sales team steadily growing revenues of tacrolimus since the start of the year and we look forward to building the Vistitan brand and revenues over the coming months and years,” said Doug Janzen, CEO of Aequus.
As previously announced, Aequus and its partner will split revenues of this product based on an undisclosed tiered royalty structure.
ABOUT PR VISTITAN™
Bimatoprost is a synthetic prostamide analogue and is structurally related to prostaglandin F2α. Its mechanism of action resembles that of prostaglandin F2α, a naturally occurring substance. Vistitan, which was approved by Health Canada in 2014, is currently the only version of 0.03% bimatoprost ophthalmic solution indicated for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure in patients with open angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.
ABOUT AEQUUS PHARMACEUTICALS
Aequus Pharmaceuticals Inc. (TSX-V: AQS, OTCQB: AQSZF) is a Vancouver-based, specialty pharmaceutical company primarily 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. Aequus intends to commercialize its internal programs in Canada and to establish strategic partnerships to accelerate product development and maximize the reach of its product candidates worldwide. Aequus also has a Canadian commercial platform to build on for the launch of 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.
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.
