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Video: Anaphylaxis Treatment Made Easier With New, Enhanced Twinject(R) Design

Posted on: Tuesday, 1 May 2007, 09:00 CDT

SAN DIEGO, May 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Verus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. today announced the availability of its enhanced Twinject(R) epinephrine auto- injector for anaphylaxis. Twinject is the only auto-injector with two doses of epinephrine in a single, compact device.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070501/NYTU048 ) To view the Multimedia News Release, go to: http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/verus/27964/

"Verus is committed to providing innovative solutions for anaphylaxis patients and their caregivers," said Robert W. Keith, President and Chief Operating Officer of Verus. "The enhanced Twinject is one of several line extensions and next generation products we have in our current anaphylaxis pipeline and we are pleased to bring this easier to train and simpler to use product to market in the U.S."

Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening 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, and sensitivities to peanuts and tree nuts among children have doubled in the past five years.

"Unfortunately, because the timing, severity, access to medical care, and specific treatment requirements for each episode cannot be predicted in advance, it is essential that all patients at risk for anaphylaxis be fully prepared at all times," said Jacob Offenberger, M.D., F.A.A.A.A.I., F.A.C.A.A.I. "Every year, Americans experience severe allergic reactions that are potentially deadly and require immediate treatment, and more than a third of these people will need a second dose of epinephrine."

In a recent patient preference study, 80 percent preferred carrying one Twinject to safeguard against a severe allergic reaction versus two EpiPen(R) auto-injectors. In addition, results from user studies indicated a faster time and improved accuracy to administer both doses via the enhanced Twinject. Research conducted with health care professionals demonstrated that the enhanced Twinject improved ease of administration and comfort with patient training. The product enhancements include streamlined instructions for use which incorporate simple diagrams to demonstrate proper administration, modified color coding and labeled caps, and ready access to the second dose of epinephrine.

About Twinject

Twinject(R) auto-injector 0.3 and 0.15 mg (epinephrine injection, USP 1:1000) is indicated in the emergency treatment of severe allergic reaction including anaphylaxis to stinging insects, and biting insects, allergen immunotherapy, foods, drugs, diagnostic testing substances, and other allergens, as well as anaphylaxis to unknown substance or exercise-induced anaphylaxis. Twinject is the only available product approved by the FDA that contains two doses of epinephrine in a single, compact device. This is an important feature, as published studies demonstrate that for approximately one in three patients, more than one dose of epinephrine may be required to properly address the allergic reaction, with the second dose often needed within 10 minutes after the first dose. Furthermore, a recent study demonstrated that only 16 percent of patients carry two single-dose auto- injectors at all times. More information about anaphylaxis and Twinject is available on Verus' Twinject website at http://www.twinject.com/.

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 corporate website at http://www.veruspharm.com/.

Verus(TM) and Twinject(R) are registered trademarks of Verus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

EpiPen(R) is a registered trademark of Dey L.P. Verus' use of this mark in no way implies any affiliation with or sponsorship or endorsement by Dey.

Forward-Looking Statements

Verus Pharmaceuticals cautions you that statements included in this press release that are not a description of historical facts may be forward-looking statements. The inclusion of forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by Verus that any of its plans will be achieved. Actual results may differ materially from those set forth in this press release due to the risks and uncertainties inherent in Verus' business including, without limitation, statements about: its ability to identify appropriate acquisition, licensing, or co-development and/or promotion candidates in the future or be able to take advantage of the opportunities it identifies; difficulties or delays in developing, obtaining regulatory approval, manufacturing and commercializing its products; unexpected performance or side effects of its products that could delay or prevent development or commercialization, or that could result in recalls or product liability claims; the scope and validity of patent protection for its products; competition from other pharmaceutical companies; and its ability to obtain additional financing to support its operations. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement and Verus undertakes no obligation to revise or update this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.

Important Safety Information

Twinject is designed as an emergency supportive therapy only and is not a replacement or substitute for immediate medical care.

Side effects of Twinject may include anxiety, apprehensiveness, restlessness, weakness, tremor, dizziness, headache, sweating, irregular heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, and/or breathing difficulty. Twinject should be used with extreme caution in people who have heart disease. There are no absolute contraindications to the use of epinephrine in a life threatening allergic reaction.

Contact Info Amy Caterina Verus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 858-436-1623 acaterina@veruspharm.com Tali Kaplan CarryOn Communication 323-988-4678 talik@carryonpr.com

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070501/NYTU048AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

Video: http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/verus/27964

Verus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

CONTACT: Amy Caterina of Verus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., +1-858-436-1623,acaterina@veruspharm.com; or Tali Kaplan of CarryOn Communication,+1-323-988-4678, talik@carryonpr.com, for Verus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Web site: http://www.veruspharm.com/http://www.twinject.com/

Source: PRNewswire

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