King Pharmaceuticals and Acura Pharmaceuticals Enter Agreement to Develop and Commercialize Immediate Release Pain Medicines Utilizing Acura's Aversion(R) (Abuse-Deterrent) ...( Transaction Expands King's Near-term ...),Health

Transaction Expands King's Near-term Pipeline of Products Designed to Deter

Common Methods of Opioid Abuse

BRISTOL, Tenn. and PALATINE, Ill., Oct. 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- King Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE: KG) and Acura Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: ACUR) announced today that the companies have entered into a License, Development and Commercialization Agreement (the "Agreement") for the United States, Canada, and Mexico (the "Territory") encompassing a potentially wide range of opioid analgesic products utilizing Acura's patented Aversion(R) (abuse-deterrent) Technology platform. The companies have initially targeted development and commercialization of four immediate release opioid analgesic products, including ACUROX(TM) Tablets (oxycodone HCl, niacin, and a unique combination of other ingredients), formerly known as OxyADF, for treating moderate to severe acute pain.

Brian A. Markison, Chairman, President and CEO of King, stated, "This transaction demonstrates our commitment to building on our strengths in specialty markets where we have a strong presence and existing capabilities. We are excited about partnering with Acura, which directly aligns with our recently announced emphasis on King's neuroscience and hospital/acute care platforms, particularly our growing pain management franchise."

Andy Reddick, President and CEO of Acura said, "We believe King's abuse- deterrent analgesic brand product pipeline and neuroscience expertise perfectly complement our Aversion(R) Technology platform. King is clearly leading the pharmaceutical industry with its understanding of the opportunities and challenges relating to the market for products designed to discourage presc
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