The Newly Combined Axcan and Eurand Announce Name Change to Aptalis

BRIDGEWATER, N.J., May 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Axcan Intermediate Holdings Inc. announces that it is changing its name to Aptalis Pharma. The rebranding follows the recently completed combination of two specialty pharma companies focused on gastrointestinal diseases: Axcan and Eurand. Aptalis Pharma also has a new corporate logo and website (please visit us at www.aptalispharma.com). 

"Our new name, Aptalis, is intended to capture the essence of two great companies that have transformed into one combined organization. Aptalis brings together the strengths and capabilities of our employees, our robust portfolio and growing pipeline, our innovative platform technologies, and our exceptional manufacturing capabilities to exceed the expectations of customers and patients," said Frank Verwiel, M.D., President and Chief Executive Officer.

Aptalis currently markets several products around the world, including ZENPEP^®, CANASA^®, CARAFATE^®, PYLERA^®, LACTEOL^®, DELURSAN^®, and SALOFALK^® and has several compounds in various stages of development targeting unmet medical needs. The pipeline includes another recent acquisition, AEROQUIN^® from Mpex Pharmaceuticals, currently in Phase 3 clinical trials for the treatment of pulmonary infections in patients with cystic fibrosis.

Above all, Aptalis will continue to put patients and their caregivers at the center of everything it does, striving to improve their quality of care thanks to a:

• Broader range of products in cystic fibrosis and gastrointestinal disorders
• Robust pipeline, technology platform, and manufacturing capabilities
• Skilled team of professionals with deep understanding of our customers' needs

Moving forward customers will receive the same great level of service and dedication from Aptalis that they have come to expect from Axcan and Eurand.  

Dr. Verwiel continued, "This is an exciting time for Aptalis on our journey to becoming the reference specialty pharmaceutical company providing innovative, effective therapies for unmet medical needs, including cystic fibrosis and gastrointestinal disorders."

The appropriate filings will be made to officially change the names of the various legal entities in the near future. To learn more about the new identity please visit www.aptalispharma.com, or call our customer service center at 1-877-275-1925.

About Aptalis

Aptalis Pharma Inc., is a privately held, leading specialty pharmaceutical company providing innovative, effective therapies for unmet medical needs including cystic fibrosis and gastrointestinal disorders. Aptalis has manufacturing and commercial operations in the United States, the European Union and Canada, and its products include ZENPEP^®, CANASA^®, CARAFATE^®, PYLERA^®, LACTEOL^®, DELURSAN^®, and SALOFALK^®.  Aptalis also formulates and clinically develops enhanced pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical products for itself and others using its proprietary technology platforms including bioavailability enhancement of poorly soluble drugs, custom release profiles, and taste-masking/orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) formulations. For more information, visit www.aptalispharma.com.

Forward-Looking Statement

This news release contains forward-looking statements for Aptalis Pharma Inc. and its affiliates ("Company") within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws. Statements other than statements of historical facts including, without limitation, statements regarding our business strategy and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements, by their nature, necessarily involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. The Company considers the assumptions on which these forward-looking statements are based to be reasonable at the time they were prepared, but cautions the reader that assumptions regarding future events may ultimately prove to be incorrect and undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law. Please refer to the Company's U.S. SEC filings for further discussion of the Company's business, financial results and risks

Contact
Steve Gannon
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(450) 467-2600
[email protected]

SOURCE Aptalis Pharma Inc.