Salix Pharmaceuticals Commits $1.125M to AGA Research Foundation

BETHESDA, Md., March 13, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Research Foundation is pleased to welcome Salix Pharmaceuticals as a supporter of the foundation's endowment.

The AGA Research Foundation provides research funding grants to young investigators in gastroenterology and hepatology.  The foundation's grants transform young researchers' lives by encouraging them to embark on and continue careers in research. Many ultimately make discoveries that improve patient care.

Salix Pharmaceuticals is a specialty pharmaceutical company committed to the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. 

"AGA is committed to helping young scientists investigate the GI and liver diseases that plague millions of people. AGA-funded researchers hold the keys to the patient care advances of tomorrow. AGA is thrilled that Salix recognizes the importance of supporting discovery and has made a significant commitment to the AGA Research Foundation for years to come," said Nicholas F. LaRusso, MD, AGAF, chair of the AGA Research Foundation.

Salix Pharmaceuticals' $1.125 million, five-year commitment to the AGA Research Foundation endowment will help ensure that researchers have the tools they need to discover ways to better diagnose, treat and cure digestive diseases.

"Salix is passionate about providing solutions to address unmet treatment needs for people with GI disorders," said Carolyn Logan, president and chief executive officer, Salix Pharmaceuticals.  "We are pleased to support the AGA Research Foundation in its mission of the advancement of gastroenterological and hepatological research."

Many breakthroughs have been achieved through gastroenterological and hepatological research over the past century, forming the basis of the modern medical practice. The AGA Research Foundation is working to continue this tradition of discovery and ultimately improve the lives of patients with digestive diseases through the researchers it funds. Salix's support of the AGA Research Foundation's mission is a critical investment in the future of the field of gastroenterology.

About the AGA Research Foundation
The AGA Research Foundation is the foundation of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), the leading professional society representing gastroenterologists and hepatologists worldwide. The mission of the foundation is to raise funds to support young researchers in gastroenterology and hepatology. The AGA Research Foundation awards nearly $1.2 million in research grants annually. www.gastro.org/foundation

About Salix Pharmaceuticals
Salix Pharmaceuticals, Ltd., headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina, develops and markets prescription pharmaceutical products for the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. Salix's strategy is to in-license late-stage or marketed proprietary therapeutic products, complete any required development and regulatory submission of these products, and market them through the Company's gastroenterology specialty sales and marketing team.

Salix markets XIFAXAN® (rifaximin) tablets 200 mg and 550 mg, MOVIPREP® (PEG 3350, Sodium Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Ascorbate and Ascorbic Acid for Oral Solution), OSMOPREP®  (sodium phosphate monobasic monohydrate, USP and sodium phosphate dibasic anhydrous, USP) Tablets, APRISO® (mesalamine) extended-release capsules 0.375 g, GIAZO™ (balsalazide disodium) tablets, COLAZAL® (balsalazide disodium) Capsule, METOZOLV® ODT (metoclopramide HCl), RELISTOR® (methylnaltrexone bromide) Subcutaneous Injection, FULYZAQ™ (crofelemer) delayed-release tablets, SOLESTA®, DEFLUX®, PEPCID® (famotidine) for Oral Suspension, DIURIL® (Chlorothiazide) Oral Suspension, AZASAN® (Azathioprine) Tablets, USP, 75/100 mg, ANUSOL-HC® 2.5% (Hydrocortisone Cream, USP), ANUSOL-HC® 25 mg Suppository (Hydrocortisone Acetate), PROCTOCORT® Cream (Hydrocortisone Cream, USP) 1% and PROCTOCORT® Suppository (Hydrocortisone Acetate Rectal Suppositories) 30 mg. Budesonide foam, RELISTOR® , LUMACAN™ and rifaximin for additional indications are under development.

For full prescribing information and important safety information on Salix products, including BOXED WARNINGS for OSMOPREP, AZASAN and METOZOLV, please visit www.salix.com where the Company promptly posts press releases, SEC filings and other important information or contact the Company at 919 862-1000.

Salix trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the ticker symbol "SLXP".

For more information, please visit our Website at www.salix.com or contact the Company at 919-862-1000. Follow us on Twitter (@SalixPharma) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/SalixPharma). Information on our Twitter feed, Facebook page and web site is not incorporated in our SEC filings.

Many breakthroughs have been achieved through gastroenterological and hepatological research over the past century, forming the basis of the modern medical practice. The AGA Research Foundation is working to continue this tradition of discovery and ultimately improve the lives of patients with digestive diseases through the researchers it funds. Salix's support of the AGA Research Foundation's mission is a critical investment in the future of the field of gastroenterology.

SOURCE American Gastroenterological Association