Catalyst Pharma Group Inc. Completes Acquisition of Healthcare Discoveries Inc., Phase I Unit; Acquisition Provides Integrated Clinical Project Management Services.

Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers

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PASADENA, Calif. & SAN ANTONIO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 8, 2004

Catalyst Pharma Group Inc. (Catalyst Pharma) announced the acquisition of Healthcare Discoveries Inc. (HD), a dedicated 50-bed Phase I unit in San Antonio. HD, in conjunction with Catalyst Pharma's clinical services unit, Catalyst Pharmaceutical Research LLC (Catalyst), provides the full array of clinical research services to meet the needs of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies' product development requirements. According to Dr. Richard P. Anthony, Chairman, President and CEO of Catalyst Pharma, "The acquisition of Healthcare Discoveries, Phase I services, together with Catalyst's regulatory and later phase clinical trial capabilities, will allow us to rapidly initiate clinical trials, and will provide continuity of product knowledge and project management throughout the development process, which is a top priority for our clients."

Dr. Dennis A. Ruff, the founder and medical director of HD, will assume the role of President of HD and Medical Director of Catalyst, and will become a member of the board of Catalyst Pharma. Dr. Ruff brings to Catalyst Pharma over 16 years of clinical trial experience and has conducted over 300 clinical studies. According to Dr. Ruff, "As a clinical investigator, I have been impressed with the quality and on-time track record of Catalyst and I welcome the opportunity to become part of this integrated organization. Our shared vision creates clear advantages in quality and continuity of clinical development services."

About Catalyst Pharma Group Inc.

Catalyst Pharma group is the parent company of Catalyst Pharmaceutical Research LLC of Pasadena (www.catalystpharm.com) and Healthcare Discoveries Inc. of San Antonio (www.healthcare-discoveries.com). Catalyst Pharmaceutical Research LLC is a contract research organization (CRO) providing clinical development, regulatory and licensing representative services for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies around the world. Healthcare Discoveries is a fully staffed, 50-bed dedicated clinical research unit. HD has an extensive healthy volunteer database as well as access to special volunteer populations such as diabetics, ESRD, asthmatics and hypertensives. HD has experience with all aspects of Phase I studies, including PK/PD studies, bioavailability, bioequivalence and drug interaction studies.