Biovail Corporation's Tiazac approved in United Kingdom; additional approvals expected IN SECOND HALF 1996 -Initial European Shipments in Fourth Quarter 1996-.

TORONTO, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 3, 1996--Biovail Corporation International (AMEX, TSE:BVF) today announced that it has received approval from the Medicines Control Agency (MCA) to market all five dosage strengths of Tiazac , its once-daily formulation of diltiazem, in the United Kingdom. The Company expects to announce its initial European marketing partners during the second quarter of 1996, with an initial product rollout in the U.K. anticipated in the fourth quarter of 1996.

Eugene Melnyk, Chairman of the Board, commented, "We are excited to have received our first international approval to market Tiazac in England. This acceptance serves as a springboard for securing additional approvals for Tiazac throughout the European Community (EC). The EC represents an overall growing calcium channel blocker market of about $2.3 billion, of which diltiazem represents approximately $400 million. In keeping with our strategy to obtain optimum market share for Tiazac , we will specifically target those countries with the highest market potential, in particular France, Italy, Germany and Spain."

"With this approval," continued Mr. Melnyk, "we will accelerate our international licensing program and begin manufacturing product to fill initial stocking programs for the fourth quarter of 1996. We expect early European sales to begin contributing to Biovail's sales and earnings by the end of this year, with a much stronger impact in 1997 as more approvals are obtained and additional licensing agreements are reached." The Company is currently registering Tiazac in the balance of the EC using the decentralized mutual recognition procedure, a process which should be completed by the fourth quarter of 1996.

Mr. Melnyk concluded, "Forest Laboratories' aggressive rollout of Tiazac in the U.S., initiated in late February, is being spearheaded by heavy promotion and advertising to physicians specializing in the treatment of hypertension. Our initial feedback is very positive; with new prescriptions being written and filled, a trend that we anticipate will escalate rapidly in subsequent quarters. To meet this growing demand, we are ramping up and expanding our production capabilities in Puerto Rico and Manitoba, Canada."

Biovail Corporation International is an international full-service pharmaceutical company, engaged in the formulation, clinical testing, registration and manufacture of drug products utilizing advanced drug delivery technologies.

CONTACT: Biovail Corporation International

Eugene Melnyk

Chairman of the Board

Bob Podruzny

Chief Financial Officer

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Courtney Levi/Cindy Hintelmann

Press: Michael McMullan

Morgen-Walke Associates

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