Stonebridge Pharma and Capellon Pharmaceuticals Announce Co-Promotion Agreement to Market Symax(TM) Duotab (hyoscyamine sulfate) for Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Proven IBS Medication to Be Offered in Unique Dosage Form

DULUTH, Ga. -- StoneBridge Pharma, LLC of Duluth, Georgia and Capellon Pharmaceuticals of Fort Worth, Texas, have announced a co-promotion agreement to market Capellon's adjunctive treatment for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) -- Symax[TM] Duotab (hyoscyamine sulfate) biphasic tablet.

Symax[TM] Duotab is an anticholinergic and antispasmodic medication indicated as adjunctive therapy for IBS. Hyoscyamine sulfate has a long-established reputation in gastroenterology. It is the first hyoscyamine sulfate tablet to deliver both immediate and sustained-release hyoscyamine in one tablet, providing reduction of symptoms associated with functional bowel disorders, such as IBS.

"Before the introduction of Symax Duotab, physicians and patients had to choose either a medicine that released drug immediately, but worked for only a few hours, or a medicine that worked over an extended period of time, but took hours to take effect. Symax Duotab releases medicine immediately, as well as over an extended period of time," said Zubin Meshingpoosh, product manager for gastroenterology at StoneBridge Pharma.

He added that some physicians gave prescriptions for both forms of hyoscyamine, but that meant patients had to take eight to ten tablets throughout the day compared to one to two tablets twice a day for Symax[TM] Duotab. Taking both immediate and extended release tablets meant increased costs for patients, he said.

Hyoscyamine sulfate works to control intestinal stimulation, thus reducing symptoms caused by an over-active intestinal tract. In a survey of more than 200 gastroenterologists, nearly half of their recommendations included drugs from the anticholinergic/antispasmodic class of drugs, such as hyoscyamine sulfate, the active compound in Symax[TM] Duotab.

Under the co-promotion agreement, StoneBridge Pharma began marketing and promoting Symax[TM] Duotab in the U.S., in April 2006.

"We believe that by joining forces, the millions of Americans who are living with the daily cramping and discomfort of irritable bowel syndrome will have access to a medicine that provides reduction of symptoms in a single biphasic release tablet," said Rick Coulon, executive director of marketing for StoneBridge. "This alliance is the first of what we hope will be many cooperative partnerships between our companies."

According to Coulon, this partnership fits into StoneBridge's overall partnership-centered business model of finding "useful, proven brands that are effective for patients. It doesn't have to be a blockbuster, but a solid medication that fills a specific need. This is a drug with a strong reputation that we know we can build on."

David Brown, president of Capellon Pharmaceuticals, said the partnership to co-promote Symax[TM] Duotab was the ideal step for the company. "We are very excited with our relationship with StoneBridge," he said. "We look forward to a long and mutually rewarding partnership."

Symax Duotab is contraindicated in patients with glaucoma, obstructive uropathy, obstructive diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, paralytic ileum, intestinal atony of elderly or debilitated patients, unstable cardiovascular status, severe ulcerative colitis, toxic megacolon, myasthenia gravis, and myocardial ischemia. This product is not recommended in children under two years of age.

Symax Duotab Safety Information: Heat prostration can occur with drug use in the event of high environmental temperature. Diarrhea may be an early symptom of incomplete intestinal obstruction, especially in patients with ileostomy or colostomy; in this instance, treatment would be inappropriate and possibly harmful.

May cause drowsiness, dizziness or blurred vision; patients should observe caution before driving, using machinery or performing other tasks requiring mental alertness. This medication should be used with caution during exercise or hot weather; overheating may result in heat stroke.

Symax Duotab Adverse Reactions: Not all of the following adverse reactions have been reported with hyoscyamine sulfate. The following adverse reactions have been reported for pharmacologically similar drugs with anitcholinergic-antispasmodic action.

Adverse reactions may include dryness of the mouth, urinary hesitancy and retention; blurred vision; tachycardia; palpitations; mydriasis; cycloplegia; increased ocular tension; loss of taste; headache; nervousness; drowsiness; weakness; dizziness; insomnia; nausea; vomiting; impotence; suppression of lactation; constipation; bloated feeling; allergic reactions or drug idiosyncrasies; urticaria and other dermal manifestations; ataxia; speech disturbance; some degree of mental confusion and/or excitement (especially in elderly persons); and decreased sweating.

About StoneBridge

StoneBridge Pharma, LLC focuses on the sales and marketing of safe and effective high-quality brand prescription products and medical devices for use in the areas of gastroenterology, ophthalmology, and women's health. Since its creation in 2005, StoneBridge has cultivated a culture that values innovation, market knowledge, and service excellence in order to identify the most critical healthcare issues for its market segments, develop solutions to those issues, and improve the quality of care. For more information about StoneBridge Pharma, LLC visit the company's website at www.stonebridgepharma.com.

About Capellon Pharmaceuticals

Capellon Pharmaceuticals, Ltd., founded in January 1999, is a prescription pharmaceutical company headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. The company markets pharmaceutical products in several therapeutic areas, including allergy, respiratory, and gastroenterology.