Bentley Pharmaceuticals Establishes Chilean Subsidiary.

TAMPA, Fla.--(BW HealthWire)--Aug. 13, 1998--Bentley Pharmaceuticals Inc. (AMEX:BNT) Thursday announced that its Spanish subsidiary, Laboratorios Belmac, has established a subsidiary in Chile -- Laboratorios Belmac-Davur.

This is a venture between Laboratorios Belmac and a national Chilean distribution company, which holds a minority interest in Laboratorios Belmac-Davur. Laboratorios Belmac's partner in Chile will assume marketing and promotion responsibilities. Laboratorios Belmac-Davur has various product registrations pending with the Chilean Ministry of Health and anticipates regulatory approval and commercialization of its three lead products within the next 12 months.

Said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jim Murphy: "This represents only the first step in Bentley's exciting expansion into South America. Subsequent expansion is being planned for Argentina, Brazil and other member countries of the Mercosur Agreement which facilitates trade between member countries. Productssold in South and Central America will be produced in our Spanish subsidiary's manufacturing facility in Zaragoza, Spain and shipped to South America."

Murphy added: "Chile was selected as the entry point for South America for many reasons including: the economic condition in Chile which is relatively stable and its reasonable yearly inflation index of approximately 6% and relatively low unemployment rate.

"More importantly, we believe that Chile is one of the more progressive and promising pharmaceutical markets in Latin America. IMS statistics indicate that the growth rate of the pharmaceutical market is approximately 18% per year. We believe that with the favorable economic system and the relatively stable political system, Chile provides a solid platform from which to expand into other Latin American countries."

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 news 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.

    CONTACT:  Kinexsys, Newport Beach, Calif.
               Timothy R. Forstrom, 714/520-7507
                  or
               Bentley Pharmaceuticals, Tampa
               Elaine Melia, 813/286-4401