Reliant acquires Abbott's antiarrhythmic.

Reliant Pharmaceuticals, LLC (Liberty Corner, NJ), a privately held, rapidly growing pharmaceutical company that markets branded, patent-protected pharmaceutical products in the United States, announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the United States rights to the Rythmol (propafenone HCl) product family from Abbott Laboratories.

Dr. Ernest Mario, Reliant's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer noted, "Our acquisition of the Rythmol product family, particularly the recently approved Rythmol SR (propafenone HCl extended release) dosage form, represents a significant expansion of Reliant's cardiovascular product franchise. This brand, in combination with our currently marketed cardiovascular brands Lescol, Lescol XL, DynaCirc, DynaCirc CR and the recently approved InnoPran XL, substantially leverages our sales and marketing capacity. With the addition of Rythmol, this capacity will now be increased to over 900 sales professionals calling on primary care physicians and select specialists who actively treat patients at risk for cardiovascular disease."

Joe Krivulka, Reliant co-founder and President commented, "We continue to seek product acquisition, development and marketing opportunities with proven long-term safety and competitive efficacy profiles. The Rythmol product family, marketed in the United States since 1990, aligns well with this strategy. Unlike many similar therapies, the Rythmol SR profile allows physicians the ability to offer their patients the option to start and, if necessary, adjust dosing outside the hospital. This flexibility could ultimately result in a reduction in overall treatment costs."

Marty Driscoll, Reliant's Vice President, Sales & Marketing added, "Nearly two-and-one-half million people suffer from atrial fibrillation in this country. The United States oral antiarrhythmic market in 2002 totaled over 8 million prescriptions and $470 million in sales. The prevalence of atrial fibrillation is expected to increase with the aging of the population as an estimated 6 percent of people over the age of 80 suffer from the condition. Approved to prolong the time to recurrence of symptomatic atrial fibrillation in patients without structural heart disease, Rythmol SR is an important new product for physicians to treat their patients in this complex market."

Rythmol is an antiarrhythmic that has been on the market for over 12 years with proven safety and efficacy. A new extended-release formulation, Rythmol SR, was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration on September 4, 2003. Rythmol SR provides greater convenience with twice-daily dosing versus the three-times daily dosing of Rythmol.

In patients without structural heart disease, Rythmol is indicated to prolong the time to recurrence of symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and symptomatic paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia.

Propafenone, like other antiarrythmic agents in its class, has caused new or worsened arrythmias and should generally be avoided in patients with structural heart disease and/or non-life-threatening ventricular arrythmias.

Rythmol SR is contraindicated for use in patients with medical conditions producing marked hypotension, disturbances in cardiac impulse generation or conduction, electrolyte imbalances, bronchospastic disorders or hypersensitivity to the drug. It should be administered cautiously to patients with hepatic or renal dysfunction. Patients should be instructed to report any signs of infection such as fever, sore throat or chills.

The most common adverse events experienced with Rythmol and Rythmol SR in placebo-controlled trials include taste disturbance, dizziness, dyspnea, and nausea.

Consummation of the acquisition of the Rythmol product family is subject to satisfaction of customary conditions. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Reliant is a privately held company founded in 1999 to market branded, patent protected, ethical pharmaceutical products to primary care and targeted specialty physicians. The company markets a portfolio of products including: Lescol (fluvastatin) and Lescol XL (extended release tablets) for cholesterol management under an exclusive promotion agreement with Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation; DynaCirc (isradipine) and DynaCirc CR (an extended release formulation) for the treatment of hypertension; and Axid (nizatidine) for the treatment of GERD and peptic ulcers. Reliant has over 900 sales professionals targeting over 80,000 high volume primary care physicians and select specialists throughout the United States

Reliant also develops and implements sophisticated life cycle management strategies for its products and is also engaged in late stage development projects. The company recently received FDA approval for InnoPran XL, the first bedtime dosed beta-blocker for the treatment of hypertension. The company has several additional cardiovascular products under development and has in-licensed rights to a novel late stage antiviral.

Reliant Pharmaceuticals, LLC

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