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A.P. Pharma Reports Fourth Quarter and Year-End 2001 Results; Substantial Progress for the Biochronomer Drug Delivery System in 2001.


Business Editors & Health/Medical Writers

REDWOOD CITY Redwood City, city (1990 pop. 66,072), seat of San Mateo co., W Calif., on San Francisco Bay; inc. 1868. Manufactures include commmunications, electrical, electronic, and medical equipment. , Calif.--(BW HealthWire)--March 5, 2002

A.P. Pharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: APPA), a specialty pharmaceutical company, today reported financial results for the three months and full-year ended December 31, 2001, reflecting increased royalty income as well as increased research and development expense relating to relating to relate prepconcernant

relating to relate prepbezüglich +gen, mit Bezug auf +acc 
 the filing of its first Investigational New Drug application (IND).

"The Company made substantial progress during 2001," commented Dr. Paul Goddard This article is about an English footballer. For the Australian actor of the same name, see Paul Goddard (actor).
Paul Goddard (b. 12 October, 1959 in Harlington, Middlesex) is a former professional footballer and football manager.
, A.P Pharma's Chairman. "In particular the new Biochronomer(TM) drug delivery system, discovered and developed by A.P. Pharma, was characterized in over 60 in vivo in vivo /in vi·vo/ (ve´vo) [L.] within the living body.

in vi·vo
adj.
Within a living organism.



in vivo adv.
 and in vitro in vitro /in vi·tro/ (in ve´tro) [L.] within a glass; observable in a test tube; in an artificial environment.

in vi·tro
adj.
In an artificial environment outside a living organism.
 studies. Moreover, the first product incorporating the Biochronomer technology, APF APF,
n the abbreviation for acidulated phosphate fluoride.
112 for the treatment of post-surgical pain, entered the clinic early in 2002."

Fourth Quarter Highlights:
-- FDA clearance was received in December, 2001 for first IND for APF112.
Initial Phase I study was completed in January, 2002.

-- 12 feasibility studies involving the Biochronomer system are underway with
various companies targeting a wide array of clinical states.

-- Two of the feasibility studies are financially supported by third parties.

-- Ophthalmology animal biocompatibility studies have been successfully
completed.

-- Royalty income increased by 92% over fourth quarter 2000.

-- Dermatology market share of Carac for topical actinic keratoses market
exceeded 30% in third quarter after launch.

-- Retin-A Micro increased topical retinoid market share with
direct-to-consumer advertising campaign.

-- Approximately $20 million in cash at year-end.


In January, 2002 A.P. Pharma reported the successful commencement of its Phase I clinical program with APF112, its lead product candidate for the treatment of post-surgical pain. Using the Company's Biochronomer bioerodible drug delivery system, APF112 is designed to provide 24-36 hours of post-surgical pain relief and to minimize the use of morphine-like drugs (opioids Opioids
One of the major classes of semi or fully synthetic psycho-active drugs that includes methadone.

Mentioned in: Cancer Therapy, Palliative, Methadone

opioid 
) which are used extensively in post-surgical pain management. Opioids are associated with a wide range of side effects Side effects

Effects of a proposed project on other parts of the firm.
, such as nausea, sedation Sedation Definition

Sedation is the act of calming by administration of a sedative. A sedative is a medication that commonly induces the nervous system to calm.
Purpose

The process of sedation has two primary intentions.
, dizziness, constipation constipation, infrequent or difficult passage of feces. Constipation may be caused by the lack of adequate roughage or fluid in the diet, prolonged physical inactivity, certain drugs, or emotional disturbance. , vomiting vomiting, ejection of food and other matter from the stomach through the mouth, often preceded by nausea. The process is initiated by stimulation of the vomiting center of the brain by nerve impulses from the gastrointestinal tract or other part of the body. , urinary retention Urinary retention
The result of progressive obstruction of the urethra by an enlarging prostate, causing urine to remain in the bladder even after urination.
, and in some situations, life-threatening respiratory depression. APF112 incorporates mepivacaine, a local anesthetic local anesthetic
n.
An agent that, when applied directly to mucous membranes or when injected about the nerves, produces loss of sensation by inhibiting nerve excitation or conduction.
 with analgesic analgesic (ăn'əljē`zĭk), any of a diverse group of drugs used to relieve pain. Analgesic drugs include the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as the salicylates, narcotic drugs such as morphine, and synthetic drugs  properties, which has been used extensively in clinical practice for several years for short-term pain relief. In animal studies, APF112 incorporating the Biochronomer bioerodible drug delivery system, has demonstrated prolonged analgesic effect.

Michael O'Connell, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "The Phase II program for APF112 is expected to start in the second half of 2002, with clinical studies evaluating efficacy in treating post-surgical pain following procedures such as open or arthroscopic knee surgery Arthroscopic knee surgery
Surgery performed to examine or repair tissues inside the knee joint through a special scope (arthroscope).

Mentioned in: Chondromalacia Patellae

arthroscopic knee surgery 
. If we are successful in demonstrating the efficacy of APF112 in post-surgical pain, we believe that there will be substantial potential for this product especially for people undergoing out-patient surgery."

A.P Pharma has also initiated feasibility studies The analysis of a problem to determine if it can be solved effectively. The operational (will it work?), economical (costs and benefits) and technical (can it be built?) aspects are part of the study. Results of the study determine whether the solution should be implemented.  for other Biochronomer product applications. The company's collaborators range from biotechnology companies Top 100 Biotechnology Companies
The following is a list of the top 100 biotechnology companies ranked by revenue. The first nine companies qualify for the list of the top 50 pharmaceutical companies.
 to Fortune 500 companies, and some have multiple projects with A.P. Pharma.

Fourth Quarter Financial Results

The Company reported total revenues for the fourth quarter of 2001 of $1,448,000, compared with $880,000 for the fourth quarter of 2000. The increase in revenues was primarily attributable to a 92% increase in royalties, due mainly to sales of Carac(TM), a new treatment for actinic actinic /ac·tin·ic/ (ak-tin´ik) producing chemical action; said of rays of light beyond the violet end of the spectrum.

ac·tin·ic
adj.
 keratoses, marketed by Dermik Laboratories, an Aventis company. Carac has achieved a significant share of the topical actinic keratoses market since its launch in 2001. The increase in royalties was also attributable to increased sales of Retin-A Micro(R), the prescription acne acne, common inflammatory disease of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands characterized by blackheads, whiteheads, pustules, nodules and, in the more severe forms, by cysts and scarring. The lesions appear on the face, neck, back, chest, and arms.  treatment marketed by Johnson & Johnson, resulting from its direct-to-consumer advertising direct-to-consumer advertising Drug industry The use of mass media–eg, TV, magazines, newspapers, to publicly promote drugs, medical devices or other products which, by law, require a prescription, which targets consumers, with the intent of having a Pt  program.

Research and development expense for the fourth quarter of 2001 was $2,439,000, compared with $1,518,000 for the fourth quarter of 2000, an increase of $921,000, due mainly to the pre-clinical toxicology toxicology, study of poisons, or toxins, from the standpoint of detection, isolation, identification, and determination of their effects on the human body. Toxicology may be considered the branch of pharmacology devoted to the study of the poisonous effects of drugs.  and safety studies required for the filing of the IND in the fourth quarter, and the Company's ongoing product development programs with collaborative partners.

The loss from continuing operations continuing operations

Parts of a business that are expected to be maintained as an ongoing segment of an overall business operation. Income and losses from continuing operations are reported separately if any segments have been discontinued during the
 for the fourth quarter of 2001 was $1,669,000, or $0.08 per share, compared with a loss from continuing operations of $1,336,000, or $0.07 per share, for the fourth quarter of 2000.

Total revenues from continuing operations for full-year 2001 were $4,387,000, an increase of 30%, compared with $3,366,000 for the year 2000. This increase was due mainly to a 48% increase in royalties earned on sales of Carac and Retin-A Micro. Research and development expense for the full-year 2001 was $7,348,000, an increase of $3,635,000 or 98%, compared with the year 2000. This increase was due mainly to the pre-clinical toxicology and safety studies required for the filing of the IND for APF112 in the fourth quarter and the Company's product development programs with collaborative partners.

The net loss for full-year 2001 was $2,513,000 or $0.12 per share, which included earnout income from discontinued operations Discontinued operations

Divisions of a business that have been sold or written off and that no longer are maintained by the business.
 of $3.6 million from the sale of the company's cosmeceutical cos·me·ceu·ti·cal
n.
A cosmetic that has or is purported to have medicinal properties.
 business in the prior year, less certain adjustments in accordance with the sale agreement. This compared with net income of $8,552,000, or $0.42 per share, for the year 2000, which included a gain of $11.1 million arising from the sale of the Company's cosmeceutical business in July 2000. The earnout income is the first of three contractual annual payments, the amounts of which are dependent on the performance of the cosmeceutical business, which was sold to RP Scherer in July 2000.

Conference Call Information

A.P. Pharma will host a conference call to discuss fourth quarter results today, beginning at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time (8:00 a.m. Pacific Time). To participate in the live call via telephone, please call (888) 214-7571. A telephone replay will be available for 48 hours following the conclusion of the call by dialing (800) 633-8284, and entering reservation number 20390375. The conference call will be broadcast live over the Internet at www.appharma.com. A replay will be available on the Company's Website for 14 days.

About the Biochronomer System

The Biochronomer system is a unique and versatile family of injectable in·ject·a·ble
adj.
Capable of being injected. Used of a drug.

n.
A drug or medicine that can be injected.
 and implantable drug delivery systems specifically designed to provide delivery of drugs over periods from hours to months. The first generation of this family has been designed for the short-term release of pharmacologically phar·ma·col·o·gy  
n.
1. The science of drugs, including their composition, uses, and effects.

2. The characteristics or properties of a drug, especially those that make it medically effective.
 active compounds for periods up to one month. This generation of polymers has been the focus of the company for the development of its products and is incorporated as an injectable gel in the Company's APF112.

About A.P. Pharma

A.P. Pharma is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the development of ethical (prescription) pharmaceuticals utilizing its proprietary polymer-based drug delivery systems. The Company's primary focus is the development and commercialization of its bioerodible injectable and implantable systems under the trade name Biochronomer(TM). Initial targeted areas of application for the Company's drug delivery technology include pain management, inflammation, oncology and ophthalmology ophthalmology (ŏf'thălmŏl`əjē), branch of medicine specializing in the anatomy, function and diseases of the eye. Ophthalmologists specialize in the medical and surgical treatment of eye disorders, vision measurements for  applications. The Company's product development programs are funded by royalties from topical products currently marketed by pharmaceutical partners and by proceeds from the divestiture The breakup of AT&T. By federal court order, AT&T divested itself on January 1, 1984 of its 23 operating companies, which became known as the Regional Bell Operating Companies (RBOCs).  of its cosmeceutical product lines as well as potential fees it anticipates receiving from collaborative partners. For further information visit the Company's Website at www.appharma.com.

Forward-looking Statements forward-looking statement

A projected financial statement based on management expectations. A forward-looking statement involves risks with regard to the accuracy of assumptions underlying the projections.


Except for historical information, this news release contains certain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including among others, uncertainty associated with timely development, approval, launch and acceptance of new products, establishment of new corporate alliances and progress in research and development programs. Other risks and uncertainties associated with the Company's business and prospects are identified in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company does not undertake to revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring in the future.

                           A.P, PHARMA, INC.
                        Statement of Operations
                 (in thousands, except per share data)

                             Three Months Ended    Twelve Months Ended
                            Dec. 31,     Dec. 31,   Dec. 31,  Dec. 31,
                              2001        2000       2001       2000
                           (Unaudited) (Unaudited)(Unaudited)     (1)
                           -------------------------------------------
Royalties                    $1,165        $608     $3,265     $2,203
Product Revenues                283         272      1,122      1,163
                             ------      ------      -----      -----
  Total Revenues              1,448         880      4,387      3,366

Cost of Sales                   146         192        440        497

Operating Expenses:
  Research & Development      2,439       1,518      7,348      3,713
  Selling, General &
   Administrative               797         923      3,302      3,463
                              -----       -----      -----      -----
 Total Operating Expenses     3,236       2,441     10,650      7,176

Operating Loss               (1,934)     (1,753)    (6,703)    (4,307)

Interest and Other, Net         265         417      1,192        549
                             ------      ------      -----     ------
Loss from Continuing
 Operations                  (1,669)     (1,336)    (5,511)    (3,758)

Income (Loss) from
 Discontinued Operations        (17)       (256)     2,998     12,310
                             -------      ------     -----     ------
Net Income (Loss)           ($1,686)    ($1,592)   ($2,513)    $8,552
                            ========    ========   ========    ======
Basic and Diluted Loss
 Per Share: Loss from
 Continuing Operations        (0.08)      (0.07)     (0.27)     (0.19)
                            ========    ========   ========    ======
  Net Income (Loss)           (0.08)      (0.08)     (0.12)      0.42
                            ========    ========   ========    ======
Shares Used in Calculating
 Loss Per Share:
  Basic                      20,327      20,206     20,276     20,179
                             ======      ======     ======     ======
  Diluted                    20,327      20,206     20,276     20,213
                             ======      ======     ======     ======

(1) Information derived from audited financial statements.


                           A.P. PHARMA, INC.
                       Balance Sheet Highlights
                            (in thousands)

                                           December 31,   December 31,
                                              2001            2000
                                           (Unaudited)         (1)
                                         -------------    ------------
Assets

Cash, Cash Equivalents and
 Marketable Securities                       $19,494         $22,523
Accounts Receivable, Net                       1,468           1,197
Other Current Assets                             662           1,330
                                             -------         -------
Total Current Assets                          21,624          25,050

Property, Plant & Equipment, Net               1,668           1,795
Other Non-Current Assets                         215             151
                                            --------        --------
Total Assets                                 $23,507         $26,996
                                             =======         =======
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity

Current Liabilities                           $3,550          $4,963
Long-Term Deferred Revenues                      785             874
Shareholders' Equity                          19,172          21,159
                                              ------          ------
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity   $23,507         $26,996
                                             =======         =======

(1) Information derived from audited financial statements.
COPYRIGHT 2002 Business Wire
No portion of this article can be reproduced without the express written permission from the copyright holder.
Copyright 2002, Gale Group. All rights reserved. Gale Group is a Thomson Corporation Company.

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Publication:Business Wire
Geographic Code:1USA
Date:Mar 5, 2002
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