AlphaRx Files Patent Application For Topical Drug Delivery System.

Business Editors, Health & Medical Writers

RICHMOND HILL, Ontario--(BW HealthWire)--Nov. 7, 2001

AlphaRx Inc. (OTCBB:AHRX) today announced that it has filed a patent application with the U.S. Patent Office to broaden claims and protection on its Colloidal Lipid Dispersion (CLD) drug delivery system. The technology covered in this patent application enhances targeted topical CLD delivery of poorly water-soluble compounds protected in previous patent filings.

To be effective, drugs must reach an intended site in the body at a therapeutic concentration for an appropriate length of time. Traditional methods of drug administration, such as oral ingestion, inhalation and intramuscular or intravenous injections are effective for a wide variety of drugs. However, certain routes of administration may be less effective, depending upon the specific drug being given. In oral administration, for example, a drug must be absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract and, in the process, may be metabolized or broken down in the stomach, intestines or liver, resulting in less than therapeutic systemic levels of drug. As a result, higher drug doses must be ingested to produce the desired therapeutic effect, often causing irritation of the gastrointestinal lining and increasing the risk of systemic toxicity.

AlphaRx's CEO Mr. Michael Lee commented, "We are very excited about this patent application. Our Colloidal Lipid Dispersion (CLD) system has distinct advantages over existing topical lipid delivery technologies, which include reduced local tissue irritation, significantly higher drug loading, excellent drug stability and reduced production costs through the use of existing widely-used manufacturing technology."

"CLD can be used with a wide variety of new and existing drug formulations to enhance their commercial value. The superior therapeutic effectiveness and convenience of a topical CLD product may substantially expand the existing market for a drug, and may prove to represent a superior route of administration for certain drugs when compared to conventional dosing methodologies," Mr. Lee added.

The Company intends to submit one additional U.S. patent application before the end of 2001, to broaden claims on its core drug delivery platform. Relating to its BCD drug delivery technology, AlphaRx currently has one issued U.S. patent, and numerous U.S. patents pending, as well as corresponding international patent applications.

About AlphaRx

AlphaRx Inc. is an emerging pharmaceutical company that develops and markets innovative therapeutic products based on its proprietary Bioadhesive Colloidal Dispersion (BCD) drug delivery technology. AlphaRx's BCD technology improves the bioavailability and bioperformance of poorly water-soluble drugs to provide enhanced medical benefits and competitive commercial advantages.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS:

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning and pursuant to the Safe Harbor provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and involve risks and uncertainties that may individually or mutually impact the matters herein described, including but not limited to product development and acceptance, manufacturing, competition, regulatory and/or other factors, which are outside the control of the Company.