Akorn-Strides, LLC Announces FDA Approval for Flumazenil Injection USP, 0.1 mg/mL - 5mL and 10 mL Multiple Dose Vials

BUFFALO GROVE, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Akorn-Strides, LLC today announced the approval of an ANDA for Flumazenil Injection USP, 0.1 mg/mL, packaged in 5 mL and 10 mL Multiple Dose Vials. Akorn-Strides, LLC is a Joint Venture that was formed in 2005 by Akorn, Inc. (NASDAQ:AKRX - News) and Strides Arcolab Limited (NSE:STAR) (BSE:532531 - News). The primary mission for the Joint Venture is to develop liquid, lyophilized and dry powder formulations of generic injectable products targeting several therapeutic markets with a major focus on anti-infectives, analgesics and CNS medicines.

Flumazenil Injection is indicated for the complete or partial reversal of the sedative effects of benzodiazepines. Recent IMS data estimates an annual market size of approximately $14 million.

The current product portfolio of the Joint Venture, which is funded equally by Akorn and Strides Arcolab, was recently expanded and now includes 29 ANDA’s with a total of 53 SKU’s, or product line offerings. To date, the Joint Venture has filed for 18 ANDA’s and received 6 ANDA approvals. The Joint Venture expects to generate product revenues in 2008 based on this and future product approvals, as well as subsequent product launches.

In a statement given by Arthur S. Przybyl, President and CEO of Akorn and Member Manager of Akorn-Strides, LLC, “We are excited to announce this ANDA product approval for Flumazenil Injection. The Joint Venture has now placed purchase orders for five Injectable ANDA products, one for Fosphenytoin Sodium, two for Ondansetron, one for Flumazenil and one for an expected ANDA approval in the near term. The Joint Venture expects to launch these products in 2008.”

About Akorn, Inc.

Akorn, Inc. manufactures and markets sterile specialty pharmaceuticals. Akorn has manufacturing facilities located in Decatur, Illinois and Somerset, New Jersey and markets and distributes an extensive line of hospital and ophthalmic pharmaceuticals. Additional information is available at the Company’s website at www.akorn.com.

About Strides Arcolab Limited

Strides, listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange Limited (532531) and National Stock Exchange of India Limited (STAR), is one of India’s largest exporters of branded generic pharmaceutical products. Strides manufactures pharmaceutical formulations in various dosage forms, including capsules, tablets and liquid injectables and is one of the world’s top five manufacturers of softgel capsules. Strides also has the only globally dedicated softgel facility for hormones. In addition, Strides undertakes contract research and the manufacturing of specialty chemicals for various multinational companies. Strides has a major presence in various developing countries such as Africa, Latin America and Asia as well as in developed markets such as the U.S., Canada and part of Europe. Strides is one of the largest Indian suppliers of institutionally funded aid projects and is an approved supplier to the Global Drug Facility, UNICEF, and MSF amongst others.

Strides has 14 manufacturing plants spread across the U.S., Brazil, Mexico, Italy, Poland, Singapore and India. This broad manufacturing network facilitates partnering with global organizations ranging from UNICEF and WHO-Global Drug Facility to European and American pharmaceutical multinationals, private labelers and distribution chains. Strides has product registrations in over 37 countries around the world and has earned ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and GMP accreditations including USFDA. Strides employs approximately 1,700 people across the globe. Strides also has a marketing presence in over 50 countries.

Materials in this press release may contain information that includes or is based upon forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements give our expectations or forecasts of future events. You can identify these statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They use words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with a discussion of future operating or financial performance. In particular, these include statements relating to future steps we may take, prospective products, future performance or results of current and anticipated products, sales efforts, expenses, the outcome of contingencies such as legal proceedings, and financial results.

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Contact:

Akorn, Inc. Arthur S. Przybyl President and CEO (847) 279-6100 or Strides Arcolab Limited Arun Kumar Vice Chairman and Managing Director

Source: Akorn, Inc.

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