{1} Launches Shortage Product Used As Treatment For Reversing The Effects Of Muscle Relaxants

LAKE FOREST, Ill., Dec. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- SAB-Pharma announced today the availability of Regonol (Pyridostigmine injection), a reversal agent to the neuromuscular blocking effects of muscle relaxants, also classified as an Antimyasthenic. Antimyasthenics are used in the treatment of the chronic autoimmune condition known as Myasthenia Gravis and are considered a shortage product in the United States. The announcement serves as a symbol of SAB- Pharma's long-term commitment to market niche products reflecting a small market demand yet filling an important medical need.

"SAB-Pharma is committed to growth through internal pipeline and product acquisitions and collaboration with pharmaceutical leaders to deliver products that are difficult to manufacture or to source," said George Zorich, President, SAB-Pharma. "Regonol demonstrates our focus on bringing high- quality, greatly needed products to the hospital community, pharmacists and physicians."

Regonol is indicated as a reversal agent or antagonist to the neuromuscular blocking effects of nondepolarizing muscle relaxants. Myasthenia gravis causes antibodies to attack and destroy the receptors needed for muscle contraction resulting in muscles that tire and weaken easily. The disease initially affects eye and eyelid movement, but can progress to other muscle groups eventually making chewing, swallowing and breathing difficult with the potential to become life-threatening.

"Pyridostigmine injection has not been available for over a year," said Erin Fox, Pharm.D., Drug Information Specialist, University of Utah Hospitals and Clinics, Drug Shortage Group. "The availability of this drug fills an important and unmet patient need."

Regonol is one of four generic injectables recently launched by SAB-Pharma marking the company's introduction to the U.S. marketplace. Additional products include: Gold Sodium Thiomalate for treatment of early stage rheumatoid arthritis; Digoxin for heart failure; and Propranolol for cardiac arrhythmia.

SAB-Pharma, located in Lake Forest, IL, is a wholly-owned United States subsidiary of the leading Canadian-based world-class corporation Sabex, whose specialty is the development and manufacture of generic pharmaceutical products. SAB-Pharma was established in 2002 as a foundation for Sabex expansion into the U.S. market. Sabex is known for its full spectrum of high- quality products and strong partnerships with hospital and community pharmacists.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Multi-12, a multivitamin for infusion in 2000. The FDA worked with Sabex in 2001 to set up a special access program for Naloxene, used in the management and reversal of overdoses caused by Narcotics, to deliver this shortage product to the marketplace. That same year, Roundtable Healthcare Partners became the major shareholder in Sabex and SAB-Pharma was established. Roundtable is an operating-oriented private equity firm focused on the healthcare industry with principals who bring over 100 years of industry experience to SAB-Pharma. Roundtable's expertise will play a key role in SAB-Pharma's success and rapid expansion in the U.S. marketplace. SAB-Pharma's pipeline is robust, including hard to source treatments for inflammatory, cardiovascular and neurological diseases with more than 15 product launches planned in the near future.

SAB-Pharma