Akorn-Strides, LLC Announces First ANDA Submission.

BUFFALO GROVE, Ill. -- Akorn-Strides, LLC, a joint venture company formed between Akorn, Inc. (AMEX:AKN) and Strides Arcolab Limited (NSI:STAR), today announced that it has submitted its first Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) with the Office of Generic Drugs. The proposed drug product is a parenteral injectable supporting the antiemetic market, which currently has annual sales of approximately $600 million. Patent protection for the reference-listed drug expires in September 2008.

Arthur S. Przybyl, Akorn's President and Chief Executive Officer stated, "We are pleased to announce this new product submission. This is a milestone event for our joint venture and represents a successful collaborative effort between Strides Arcolab and Akorn. The joint venture has several additional product submissions in queue for filing in 2006."

Arun Kumar, Executive Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Strides stated, "The first ANDA filing is an important milestone for the Akorn-Strides joint venture, which further strengthens the unique partnership between Akorn and Strides."

About Akorn, Inc.

Akorn, Inc. manufactures and markets sterile specialty pharmaceuticals. Akorn has manufacturing facilities located in Decatur, Illinois and Somerset, New Jersey and markets and distributes an extensive line of hospital and ophthalmic pharmaceuticals. Additional information is available at the Company's website at www.akorn.com.

About Strides Arcolab Limited

Strides Arcolab Limited, listed on the Indian National Stock Exchange (STAR), Bombay Stock Exchange (STRIDES ARCO), Bloomberg (STR@IN) and Reuters (STAR.BO), has a global presence in more than 50 countries. The company has factories in India, Brazil, Mexico and USA. The Company supplies to a number of geographic locations including Latin America, UK, South East Asia, Africa, Australia and Russia. The Indian manufacturing facilities for the regulated markets are approved by all major regulatory bodies such as MHRA, EU, TGA and MCC. The company has recently signed supply and cooperation agreements with Aspen, South Africa, SORM, Japan and Ribbon, Italy. Additional information is available at the Company's website at www.stridesarco.com.

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