Verus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a pediatric-oriented company dedicated to identifying, developing and delivering solutions to address the unmet medical needs of children and those who care for them, today announced it has acquired exclusive, worldwide rights to Twinject™ from Hollister-Stier Laboratories LLC. Twinject, a novel epinephrine auto-injector indicated for the emergency treatment of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2003; two dosages are now approved for self-administration (0.3 mg and 0.15 mg). In addition to Twinject, Verus has acquired rights to other intellectual property and assets, including complementary and next generation device designs and on-going development programs.

“There are significant unmet medical needs for those individuals at risk for anaphylaxis and, unfortunately, no advancements in self-administered treatment options have been commercialized in the U.S. since the early 1980s,” said Robert W. Keith, President and Chief Operating Officer of Verus. “Twinject is the first and only product approved by the FDA that contains two doses of epinephrine in a single device. This is an important feature of Twinject, as published studies have demonstrated that more than one dose of epinephrine may be required in many situations to properly address the allergic reaction, with the second dose often needed within 5-10 minutes after the first dose. As such, we are eager to bring this novel product line to market and are committed to working closely with patients, caregivers, and advocacy groups to develop additional products that address other unmet medical needs for those at risk.”

“The acquisition of Twinject allows Verus the opportunity to establish a leadership position in an attractive, high growth market,” said Todd C. Davis of Paul Royalty Fund. “We look forward to working with the Verus management team to launch Twinject and to build a comprehensive anaphylaxis franchise on a global basis.”

About Edgemont Capital Partners

Edgemont Capital Partners served as exclusive adviser to Hollister -Stier Laboratories, LLC.

About Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening systemic allergic reaction triggered by exposure to one or more various antigens, including foods, insect stings, drugs, and latex products. Up to 43 million people in the U.S. alone are at risk for anaphylactic episodes, and underlying incidence rates are expected to continue increasing in future years. Up to eight percent of children have food allergies, with allergies to peanuts and tree nuts among children having doubled in the past five years. The timing, location, pattern (including onset, severity and length) and specific treatment requirements for each future anaphylactic episode cannot be predicted in advance.

About Verus

Verus Pharmaceuticals is dedicated to improving the lives of children and those who care for them. Verus is building a portfolio of products for the unmet medical needs of children through acquisitions and alliances, with an initial focus on the treatment of asthma, allergies, and related diseases and conditions. Verus is differentiated by its pediatric orientation and its strong financial position and experienced management team, which allows the company to capitalize on an extensive network to build its product portfolio and pursue complementary transactions. The company’s rigorous, disciplined approach to strategic decision-making and core competencies in development and commercialization is expected to provide significant value to its partners. More information about Verus is available on the company’s website at www.veruspharm.com.

CONTACT:

At Verus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Robert W. Keith, President and Chief Operating Officer
Phone: 858-436-1615
Email: rkeith@veruspharm.com

At Edgemont Capital Partners
David K. Blume, Managing Director
Phone: 212-867-8935 Fax: 212-214-0911

Jeff B. Swearingen, Principal
Phone: 212-867-8935 Fax: 212-937-3816