IVAX Receives Approvals For Cyclosporine Capsules & Oral Solution

    Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers

    MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 29, 2005--IVAX Corporation (AMEX:IVX) (LSE:IVX.L) (WSE:IVX) has received final FDA approvals for its Abbreviated New Drug Applications (ANDAs) for cyclosporine oral solution USP, 100 mg/mL and cyclosporine capsules USP (Modified) in 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg strengths. IVAX will immediately market these products through its subsidiary, IVAX Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Cyclosporine oral solution USP, 100 mg/mL is the generic equivalent of Neoral(R) Oral Solution, 100 mg/mL and cyclosporine capsules are the generic equivalent of Neoral(R) Capsules. The Neoral(R) products are marketed by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation and used as immunosuppressants to protect against rejection following organ transplantation. According to IMS data, U.S. sales of Neoral(R) Oral Solution 100 mg/mL and Neoral(R) Capsules, 25, 50, 100 mg and cyclosporine oral solution USP, 100 mg/mL and cyclosporine capsules USP, 25, 50, 100 mg were $235.6 million during 2004.
    IVAX continues its aggressive filing schedule for new ANDA submissions.
    IVAX Corporation, headquartered in Miami, Florida, discovers, develops, manufactures, and markets branded and brand equivalent (generic) pharmaceuticals and veterinary products in the U.S. and internationally.
    Copies of this and other news releases may be obtained free of charge from IVAX' website at http://www.ivax.com.
    The "FDA" refers to the United States Food and Drug Administration.

    Except for the historical matters contained herein, statements in this press release are forward-looking and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements, including the statements regarding IVAX' pending ANDAs and tentative approvals and filing schedule for ANDA submissions, involve risks and uncertainties which may affect the company's business and prospects, including the risks that the launch of cyclosporine oral solution USP and cyclosporine capsules USP (Modified) will be delayed; that, the products will not be successfully commercialized; changing market conditions; the availability and cost of raw materials and other third party products; that IVAX may not file additional ANDAs as anticipated or aggressively; and other risks and uncertainties based on economic, competitive, governmental, technological and other factors discussed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and its other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Neoral(R) is a registered trademark of Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.

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CONTACT: IVAX Corporation, Miami David Malina, 305-575-6043

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