Paladin Labs Inc.: Paladin Labs Announces Canadian Launch of Twinject(R) Twinpack(TM) for Anaphylaxis

Published in House and Home on Wednesday, June 17th 2009 at 13:09 GMT, Last Modified on 2009-06-17 13:10:17 by Market Wire
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MONTREAL, CANADA--(Marketwire - June 17, 2009) - Good news for the 1.3 million Canadian patients at risk for anaphylaxis, as Paladin Labs Inc. (TSX:PLB), a leading Canadian specialty pharmaceutical company, today announced the Canadian launch of Twinject^® Twinpack^TM, making it more convenient for people to manage this potentially life threatening condition.

Twinject^® Twinpack^TM includes two Twinject^® epinephrine auto-injectors, allowing patients to store an auto-injector in multiple key locations such as home or work, while carrying another device with them at all times. The Twinpack^TM also includes a Twinject^® demonstrator that helps patients and family members practice using the auto-injector so they feel more confident in an emergency anaphylactic situation.

"It's vital for individuals at risk for anaphylaxis to be prepared for an emergency", says Laurie Harada, Executive Director, Anaphylaxis Canada. This requires having an auto-injector with them at all times and making sure they and others, such as friends, family members, and caregivers, are comfortable using the device. The demonstrator provides an important hands-on teaching tool."

The need for effective anaphylaxis management is clear, with published studies demonstrating that fewer than 30 per cent of patients carry their epinephrine auto-injectors with them at all times(1). In addition, a recent survey shows that 39 per cent to 50 per cent of food-induced anaphylactic reactions in children occurred outside the home(2).

"We are excited to launch the Twinject^® Twinpack^TM as it addresses the needs of anaphylactic patients. As such, the Twinject^® Twinpack^TM will provide superior protection for patients and ensure that they are adequately trained and prepared in an anaphylactic situation," said Mark Beaudet, Vice President Sales and Marketing of Paladin Labs.

Twinject^® is a novel epinephrine auto-injector indicated for the emergency treatment of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). Twinject^® Twinpack^TM is available in two dosages (0.3 mg and 0.15 mg) for self-administration.

About Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening systemic allergic reaction triggered by exposure to one or more various antigens, including foods, insect stings, drugs, and latex products. Up to eight percent of children have food allergies, with allergies to peanuts and tree nuts among children having doubled in the past five years. The timing, location, pattern (including onset, severity and length) and specific treatment requirements for each future anaphylactic episode cannot be predicted in advance. It is estimated by Anaphylaxis Canada that there are over 1.3 million Canadians at risk for anaphylaxis.

About Twinject^®

Twinject^® is a pre-filled, pen size auto-injector with two doses of epinephrine for the emergency treatment of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). The first dose is administered using the auto-injector. The second dose, if needed, is administered via a pre-filled syringe located inside the barrel of the device. Twinject^® is available in a compact, crush-resistant carrying case, with instructions for use attached to the device. In addition, a consumer campaign called Twinject^® BeReady, is available to provide comprehensive patient training and support. For more information about Twinject^®, please visit [ www.twinject.ca ].

About Paladin Labs Inc.

Paladin Labs Inc., headquartered in Montreal, Canada, is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on acquiring or in-licensing innovative pharmaceutical products for the Canadian market. With this strategy, a focused national sales team and proven marketing expertise, Paladin has evolved into one of Canada's leading specialty pharmaceutical companies. Paladin's shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol PLB. For more information about Paladin, please visit the Company's web site at [ www.paladinlabs.com ].

This press release may contain forward-looking statements and predictions. 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 that these assumptions regarding the future events, many of which are beyond the control of the Company and its subsidiaries, may ultimately prove to be incorrect. Factors and risks, which could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations, are discussed in the annual report as well as in the Company's Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2008. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information or future events and except as required by law. For additional information on risks and uncertainties relating to these forward-looking statements, investors should consult the Company's ongoing quarterly fillings, annual report and Annual Information Form and other fillings found on SEDAR at [ www.sedar.com ].

(1) Goldberg A, Confino-Cohen R. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2000;106(6):1184-1189

(2) Jarvinen KM, et al. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2008;122(1):133-138