Bentley Acquires Rights to Register and Commercialize Antiviral Products in Spain.

TAMPA, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 5, 1998--Bentley Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (AMEX:BNT) announced that its Spanish subsidiary, Laboratorios Belmac, has obtained the regulatory dossiers and the rights from Kwizda Pharma, Austria to register and commercialize four formulations (ocular, topical, oral and injectable) of the leading antiviral product, acyclovir, in Spain. This product is used for the treatment and control of herpes simplex and varicella zoster viral infections.

Under this agreement, Laboratorios Belmac will purchase finished products from Kwizda Pharma. Laboratorios Belmac expects that its sales of these products will generate gross margins of approximately 60%.

Said Chairman and CEO Jim Murphy, "The acquisition of the rights to these products is yet another example of the significant expansion of our product portfolio in Spain. We project that as we expand over the next several years, this product could contribute significantly to Bentley's annual revenues. Although there can be no assurance of receiving regulatory approval, we are hopeful that sales of these products will commence within the next year. This acquisition, and other product acquisitions on which we are currently working, are indicative of the strategy that we are deploying both to gain market penetration and to enhance shareholder value."

Bentley Pharmaceuticals is an emerging international pharmaceutical company that leverages the competitive advantage of its manufacturing facility in Spain with drug delivery technology to provide treatment for cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, neurological and infectious diseases.

Safe Harbor Statement

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: The statements which are not historical facts contained in this press release are forward-looking statements that involve certain risks and uncertainties including but not limited to risks associated with the uncertainty of future financial results, additional financing requirements, the ability to find effective market distribution channels, development of new products, regulatory approval processes, the impact of competitive products or pricing, unpredictability of patent protection, technological changes, the effect of economic conditions and other uncertainties detailed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.