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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Paul Knopick
714-545-0100 ext. 2465
ANTIVIRAL VIRAZOLE AUTHORIZED
IN FOUR MORE COUNTRIES
COSTA MESA, Calif., January 18, 1994 -- The antiviral Virazole
(ribavirin) has been authorized by the health authorities of four
more countries -- Egypt, Panama, Guatemala and Pakistan -- for
several different indications, Viratek, Inc. (AMEX:VRA) said today.
The company said Virazole capsules (200 mg) have been authorized in
Egypt for general viral infections. Egypt, with a population of 57
million, is the largest pharmaceutical market in Africa.
Scientific data from clinical trials involving Virazole conducted
in the United States and Mexico supported application to the
Egyptian health authorities. Virazole capsules are also authorized
for general viral infections in the Netherlands Antilles, Korea,
Malaysia and Indonesia.
The company also said the aerosol formulation of Virazole had been
authorized in Panama for the treatment of infants hospitalized with
sever lower respiratory tract infection caused by respiratory
syncytial virus (RSV).
Virazole is available in aerosolized form in the U.S. and 27 other
countries for the treatment of infants hospitalized with ever lower
respiratory tract infection caused by RSV.
Viratek also said Virazole cream had been authorized in Pakistan
for herpes zoster and herpes genitalis, and in Guatemala in
capsules (400 mg) for varicella (chicken pox) infection.
Overall, Virazole is available in more than over 40 countries
outside the U.S., for at least one of eight indications, including
herpes, influenza, human immunodeficiency virus and hemorrhagic
fever with renal syndrome.
Viratek is a biotechnology research and development company,
specializing in the discovery, development and registration of
pharmaceuticals, based on nucleic acid research.
The patent to Virazole is held by Viratek, Inc. It receives
royalties on Virazole sales by SPI Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
(AMEX:SPI). Viratek and SPI are operating units of ICN
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NSYE:ICN).
