IVAX Co-hosts Conference On Essential Fatty Acid Balance.

MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 12, 1999--

Company Launches Patented Essential Fatty Acid Supplement

Containing the Optimal Ratio of Fatty Acids as Agreed Upon by

International Scientists

International scientists who gathered in Miami this week for the First International Conference on Essential Fatty Acid Balance agreed for the first time that for peak brain function and health, the optimal ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 essential fatty acids is about 4:1. The Conference also marked the launch of ALZENE(R), a patented essential fatty acid nutritional supplement containing the 4:1 optimal ratio, which is manufactured and marketed by IVAX Corporation's Zenith Goldline Pharmaceuticals subsidiary. The Conference was co-sponsored by IVAX (AMEX:IVX), the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, Pronova Biocare, and Archer Daniels Midland Corporation.

Twenty-five percent of the brain is comprised of essential fatty acids. The omega-6 and omega-3 families of essential fatty acids have played a fundamental role in the evolution of life for millions of years. Derived from plants and fish oils, these essential fatty acids are critical for optimal brain and retinal development and function throughout life, and for regulating body physiology, such as the immune system, blood pressure, and the elimination of lipids. Studies of dementia patients in Israel demonstrate that the ALZENE(R) formula improves quality of life at an advanced age and are supported by studies in Finland showing that the fatty acid formula may add effectiveness to tacrine (Cognex(R)), the first cognitive enhancer approved for treating Alzheimer's disease.

The Conference also highlighted recent studies which demonstrate that depression, attention deficit syndromes, and seizure disorders may be related to imbalanced intake of essential fatty acids. Further, the program included a recent Italian study of 11,000 heart attack patients which shows the significant benefit of an omega fatty acid formula on cardiovascular diseases.

Among the conference participants was Professor Shlomo Yehuda of Israel's Bar-Ilan University, who discovered the benefit of the 4:1 ratio on memory function and quality of life. Dr. Artemis Simopoulos, former co-chair of the White House Committee on Nutrition and author of the international best seller The Omega Diet which advocates the optimal 4:1 balance of essential fatty acids for total physical and mental health - delivered a keynote address. Dr. Ralph Holman of the University of Minnesota's Hormel Institute received the first Zenith Goldline Award for his fifty years of pioneering work in the field of essential fatty acids.

ALZENE(R) is based on the optimal 4:1 essential fatty acid ratio recommended by the international experts and featured in The Omega Diet. Zenith Goldline Pharmaceuticals is finalizing distribution agreements with several leading U.S. drug store chains for ALZENE(R), and expects to have the product in place on store shelves within sixty days.

IVAX Corporation, headquartered in Miami, Florida, is a holding company with subsidiaries engaged in the research, development, manufacture and marketing of branded and generic pharmaceuticals in the U.S. and international markets.

Except for the historical matters contained herein, statements in this press release are forward-looking and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties which may affect the company's business and prospects, and cause results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Among other things, the company's ALZENE product may not be marketed and expected profits may not be realized. In addition to the factors set forth elsewhere in this release, the economic, competitive, governmental, technological and other factors identified in IVAX's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission could affect the forward-looking statements contained in this release.