Iroko Pharmaceuticals Acquires Rights to Cardiovascular Product from Merck & Co., Inc.



    Iroko Pharmaceuticals announces the acquisition of all non-US
    commercial rights to Aggrastat(R) (tirofiban HCl) from Merck & Co.,
    Inc.

    Outside of the US market, Aggrastat(R) in combination with heparin
    is indicated for patients with unstable angina or non-Q wave
    myocardial infarction to prevent cardiac ischemic events, and is also
    indicated for patients with coronary ischemic syndromes undergoing
    coronary angioplasty or atherectomy to prevent cardiac ischemic
    complications related to abrupt closure of the treated coronary
    artery. Aggrastat(R) is indicated for the treatment of acute coronary
    syndrome, including patients who are to be managed medically and those
    undergoing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA).

    Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

    "We are excited to acquire this important medicine from Merck,"
    stated John Vavricka, President and Chief Executive Officer of Iroko
    Pharmaceuticals. "This acquisition plays to our strengths in focused
    sales and marketing efforts and building close working relationships
    with key opinion leaders. We look forward to ensuring the best
    positioning of Aggrastat(R) in the marketplace for the benefit of
    patients."

    "We are very pleased to conclude another transaction with Merck by
    acquiring this patent-protected asset," stated Osagie Imasogie,
    Iroko´s Chairman and Senior Managing Partner of Phoenix IP Ventures.
    "Aggrastat(R) substantially builds on Iroko´s presence in the
    cardiovascular space and leverages our existing worldwide capabilities
    and infrastructure. This transaction is consistent with our strategy
    of growing Iroko through targeted asset acquisitions. We are pleased
    that, with the acquisition of Aggrastat(R), Iroko´s annual revenues
    will achieve a major milestone by exceeding $100 Million Dollars on a
    most recent year basis."

    About Iroko Pharmaceuticals: Iroko is a pharmaceutical company
    focused on acquiring, developing, and maximizing the potential of
    currently marketed pharmaceutical products on a worldwide basis. Iroko
    applies concentrated selling and marketing efforts and product life
    cycle management strategies focused on developing new and relevant
    formulations and indications that benefit patient health. For more
    information, visit www.iroko.com.

    About Phoenix IP Ventures: Phoenix IP Ventures is an Intellectual
    Property Merchant Bank which works in partnership with life sciences
    companies to maximize the potential value of intellectual property
    based assets. Phoenix IPV works in collaboration with major players in
    the financial community to scale its own proprietary investments in
    transactions identified and managed by the Firm. For more information,
    visit www.phoenixipv.com.

    About Merck: Merck & Co., Inc. is a global research-driven
    pharmaceutical company dedicated to putting patients first.
    Established in 1891, Merck currently discovers, develops, manufactures
    and markets vaccines and medicines to address unmet medical needs. The
    company devotes extensive efforts to increase access to medicines
    through far-reaching programs that not only donate Merck medicines but
    help deliver them to the people who need them. Merck also publishes
    unbiased health information as a not-for-profit service.