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Marathon Pharmaceuticals
Acquires Three Products
DEERFIELD, Illinois | September 17, 2008

Marathon Pharmaceuticals, LLC announced today that it has acquired the products Amytal® Sodium (Amobarbital Sodium for Injection 0.5gm per vial), Seconal Sodium® (Secobarbital Sodium Capsules), 100 mg and Opium Tincture, USP (Deodorized), 10 mg/mL from Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals (NYSE: RBXY) for commercialization and development. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Marathon Pharmaceuticals is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative therapeutics that address key unmet medical needs and enhance patients’ lives.

"We are extremely pleased that as a result of our first venture we are able to begin our portfolio with Amytal Sodium, Seconal Sodium and Opium Tincture, three medicines unique to other available therapies that positively and profoundly impact patient’s lives,” said Robert S. Altman, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of Marathon Pharmaceuticals. “As the sole supplier of these products in the U.S., we want to assure both physicians and patients we will make the investment necessary to keep these valuable medical options available.”

Marathon will assume all responsibility for development and commercialization of these three products, which will continue to be manufactured and marketed in the United States exclusively.

About the Products

Amytal Sodium (Amobarbital Sodium for Injection 0.5gm per vial) is a barbiturate derivative and non-selective central nervous system (CNS) depressant. Amytal Sodium is indicated as a pre-anesthetic, sedative and hypnotic for the short-term treatment of insomnia. As a barbiturate, Amytal Sodium depresses the sensory cortex, decreases motor activity, alters cerebellar function and produces drowsiness, sedation and hypnosis.1

Seconal Sodium (Secobarbital Sodium Capsules), 100 mg is a barbiturate derivative and non-selective central nervous system (CNS) depressant. Seconal Sodium is indicated for the short-term treatment of insomnia and as a preanesthetic before surgery. As a barbiturate, Seconal Sodium works by depressing the central nervous system, causing mild sedation or sleep, depending on the dose.2

Opium Tincture, USP (Deodorized), 10 mg/mL is an opium preparation used for the treatment of diarrhea. Clinical evidence indicates that the analgesic activity of opium preparations is due to their morphine content.3 It results in a decrease in digestive secretions, an increase in gastrointestinal (GI) muscle tone, and therefore a reduction in GI propulsion.4

About Marathon Pharmaceuticals

Marathon Pharmaceuticals is a fast-growing specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative therapeutics that address key unmet medical needs and enhance patients’ lives.

1. Amytal® Sodium Package Insert

2. Seconal® Sodium Package Insert

3. Opium Tincture Package Insert

4. www.merck.com/mmpe/lexicomp/opium%20tincture.html

The product information provided in this site is intended only for residents of the U.S.A. © 2008 Marathon Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

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