Akorn, Inc. Signs a Definitive Exclusive Development and Supply Agreement with Sofgen to Develop and Commercialize an ANDA Drug

Akorn, Inc. (AMEX:AKN) today announced that it has
signed a definitive exclusive development and supply agreement to
develop and commercialize an ANDA drug product. Sofgen Pharmaceuticals
is a privately held pharmaceutical company located in Sunrise,
Florida.
   Sofgen is responsible for the formulation and development of the
drug, the manufacture of clinical product batches, and the
documentation necessary to support the Chemistry, Manufacturing and
Control (CMC) section of an ANDA to be filed by Akorn. Upon regulatory
approval Sofgen will supply finished dosage form product to Akorn.
Akorn will fund and is responsible for the pivotal bio study, filing
the ANDA and upon regulatory approval, the marketing, distribution and
sales of the drug. Akorn will own the ANDA and has exclusive marketing
rights in the United States and Canada.
   The drug is indicated for the treatment of nausea and vomiting
associated with cancer chemotherapy. The drug is also indicated for
anorexia in patients associated with weight loss related to AIDS. The
current market size of the drug is approximately $125 million. Akorn
is forecasting product launch of the drug to occur in 2008.
   Arthur S. Przybyl, Akorn's President and Chief Executive Officer
stated, "This agreement highlights several Akorn strategies. The drug
is a specialty type niche pharmaceutical, with no current generic
competitors and compliments our strategies in AIDS and cancer drug
products. Drug products for these markets are being developed
internally and externally through our business partners, Fidia, Natco
and Serum. We are excited to join forces with Sofgen Pharmaceuticals."
   Ruben Minski, Sofgen's President and Chief Executive Officer
stated, "Our Company is infused with a strong belief in the growing
need for precisely the sort of generic drugs and advance delivery
technologies like the one we are partnering with Akorn. The trends are
clearly in our favor, with our development and manufacturing
capabilities and Akorn marketing expertise, we are heading for
success."

   About Akorn, Inc.

   Akorn, Inc. manufactures and markets sterile specialty
pharmaceuticals. Akorn has manufacturing facilities located in
Decatur, Illinois and Somerset, New Jersey and markets and distributes
an extensive line of hospital and ophthalmic pharmaceuticals.
Additional information is available at the Company's website at
www.akorn.com.

   About Sofgen Pharmaceuticals

   Sofgen is part of an Industrial Conglomerate with strong emphasis
in the Healthcare and related businesses, including soft gelatin
manufacturing facilities in South America and a Pharmaceutical
Division with a distribution network that reaches 27 different
countries around the globe.

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