Bock Pharmacal Company acquires exclusive U.S. rights to market Lilly's Dynabac(R).

ST. LOUIS, MO, Sept. 28, 1995--(HealthWire)--Bock Pharmacal Company today announced an exclusive U.S. marketing agreement with Eli Lilly and Company to distribute and promote Dynabac(R) (dirithromycin tablets), Lilly's advanced macrolide antibiotic. On August 18, Lilly announced it had received U.S. Food and Drug Administration market clearance for the product.

Dynabac offers patients the convenience of once-a-day dosing, and is indicated for the treatment of bacteria that cause various lower respiratory tract infections, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, and skin and skin structure infections. Under the terms of the agreement, Lilly will continue to manufacture Dynabac and will maintain product ownership. Dynabac will be competitively priced and carry the Bock brand name. Bock's sales force of 235 professionals will begin to promote the product following an October launch. In the U.S., the macrolide-brand market in 1994 posted sales of $691 million; in 1992 sales in this category were $247 million.

"Bock has extensive experience in the respiratory care market and is pleased to have this opportunity to combine the value of a high quality Lilly product with Bock's focused marketing expertise," said Lawrence B. Moskoff, chairman and chief executive officer of Bock. "This agreement with Lilly represents a significant corporate milestone for the Company. Bock has marketed Lilly's Keftab(R), another antibiotic, since 1993, and as part of this current agreement, the term of the Keftab alliance is being extended."

Lilly's dirithromycin is marketed under various trade names in several countries, including Austria, Belgium, the Philippines and Spain. The most common side effects associated with Dynabac are gastrointestinal in nature. In clinical trials, Dynabac achieved a low rate of discontinuation due to these side effects.

"Our agreement with Bock is an example of how Lilly is offering its customers superior health care solutions," said Alan Clark, Lilly vice president of sales and marketing. "Patients will receive a high-quality product manufactured by Lilly, while physicians and pharmacists will benefit from the dedicated attention of the Bock sales force."

Bock's corporate growth strategy is focused on niche marketing within areas that other pharmaceutical companies either consider too small or not profitable enough to sustain their marketing efforts. Over the last several months, Bock signed two co-marketing arrangements with Forest Laboratories for Lorcet(R) 10/650, a narcotic analgesic, and Flumadine(R), a synthetic anti-viral agent, and a collaboration with Oclassen Pharmaceuticals to market Condylox(R), a therapeutic for external genital warts. Additionally, the Company is involved in the co-development of a patented compound for the treatment of fibrocystic breast disease.

Celebrating 50 years in healthcare, Bock Pharmacal Company of St. Louis, MO, is a leader in the marketing and development of ethical, branded pharmaceutical products with an emphasis on women's health and respiratory products. -0- BOCK PHARMACAL COMPANY Recent Corporate Milestones

- Bock celebrates its 50th anniversary in 1995 as an $89 million company with more than 335 employees dedicated to the marketing and development of ethical, branded pharmaceutical products with an emphasis in female health and respiratory care products.

- Over the past five years, the company has posted average annual sales increases of 44 percent while remaining virtually debt free.

- September, 1995: Bock commences an agreement with Eli Lilly and Company for the exclusive marketing rights for Dynabac(R) (dirithromycin tablets). On August 18, Lilly announced it had received US food and Drug Administration market clearance for the product. Dynabac(R) is an advanced macrolide antibiotic for the treatment of lower respiratory tract infections, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, and skin and skin structure infections.

- April 4, 1995: Bock initiates an agreement with Forest Laboratories to co-promote Lorcet(R) 10/650 (hydrocodone bitartrate/acetaminophen), a prescription narcotic analgesic for the treatment of moderate to moderately severe pain.

- February 23, 1995: Bock announces the expansion of its managed care department by seven account executives.

- January 10, 1995: Bock signs agreement with Oclassen Pharmaceuticals to co-market Condylox(R) (podofilox), the leading prescription treatment for external genital condyloma.

- January 9, 1995: Bock collaborates with Mimetix, Inc. to develop and market diatomic iodine, a new drug under development for the treatment of fibrocystic breast disease.

- January-December 1994: According to IMS data, Bock's prenatal vitamin, Prenate 90(R), ranks number one in prescriptions written and prescriptions dispensed for 1994 -- a position the product also held in 1993. Prenate 90(R) claims a 14.0 percent market share among newly dispensed prescriptions, with fiscal year 1995 sales of $15 million.

- December 16, 1994: Bock enters into an agreement with Forest Laboratories to co-market Flumadine(R) (rimantadine HCI), a synthetic anti-viral agent indicated for the treatment of influenza virus type A in adults, and for the prevention of influenza A in adults and children.

CONTACT: Kristin DiCarlo Liz Landy

Bock Pharmacal Burns McClellan

314/579-0770 212/505-1919