EXHIBIT 99.1
[CONNETICS LOGO]
CONNETICS ENTERS ACNE MARKET WITH
COMMERCIAL LAUNCH OF EVOCLIN
CLINDAMYCIN IN PATIENT-PREFERRED VERSAFOAM FORMULATION NOW AVAILABLE
PALO ALTO, CALIF. (DECEMBER 13, 2004) - CONNETICS CORPORATION (NASDAQ: CNCT), a
specialty pharmaceutical company that develops and commercializes dermatology
products, today announced the U.S. commercial launch of Evoclin(TM) (clindamycin
1%) delivered in Connetics' proprietary VersaFoam(R) vehicle for the treatment
of acne vulgaris. Evoclin is the first product approval in the acne market for
Connetics, and is available in 50g and 100g trade unit sizes as well as 10g
professional samples.
"Evoclin offers patients suffering from acne vulgaris a new, once-daily therapy
that dissolves rapidly upon contact with skin, leaves minimal residue and is
easy to apply to large body surface areas," said Thomas G. Wiggans, Chief
Executive Officer of Connetics. "Clindamycin is the most popular topical
antibiotic used for treating acne and sales of clindamycin products account for
approximately one-third of the topical acne market. Our VersaFoam formulation is
a novel delivery vehicle and has been well received by dermatologists, primary
care physicians and patients in two of our other products. We are optimistic
about the commercial prospects for Evoclin as it is being launched by an
experienced sales and marketing team into a sizeable market that is receptive to
innovative products such as Evoclin."
The topical prescription acne category is one of the largest segments in the
U.S. dermatology market, and is estimated to exceed $1.2 billion annually.
Approximately 17 million people in the U.S. have acne resulting in approximately
5.5 million visits to physicians each year.
"In early November, we completed the hiring of an additional 66 sales
professionals. This represented a near doubling of our salesforce to 124
professionals in anticipation of this launch. Our sales professionals have
completed a rigorous training program on our products and are prepared to sell,"
commented Michael Miller, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing and Chief
Commercial Officer. "Our salesforce is arranged in a mirrored configuration with
Evoclin positioned as a primary product for half of our sales professionals.
This structure assures that our existing marketed brands, OLUX, Luxiq and
Soriatane also receive valuable selling time and continue their growth during
the launch of Evoclin."
In November, Connetics commenced shipments of Evoclin to pharmaceutical
wholesalers who distribute to retail pharmacies, hospitals and other
institutional customers. As part of a comprehensive marketing program, Connetics
will launch a unique journal advertising campaign, direct promotion, media
placements and internet marketing. The Company also plans to have a strong
presence at relevant medical conferences by way of poster and symposia
presentations. To complement its sales force, Connetics intends to continue to
actively explore potential strategic sales collaborations for Evoclin in the
U.S. and overseas.
Evoclin is indicated for topical application in the treatment of acne vulgaris.
Evoclin is contraindicated in individuals with a history of hypersensitivity to
preparations containing clindamycin or lincomycin, a history of regional
enteritis or ulcerative colitis, or a history of antibiotic-associated colitis.
ABOUT CONNETICS
Connetics Corporation is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the
development and commercialization of innovative therapeutics for the dermatology
market. Connetics has branded its proprietary foam drug delivery vehicle
VersaFoam(R). The Company's marketed products are OLUX(R) (clobetasol
propionate) Foam, 0.05%, Luxiq(R) (betamethasone valerate) Foam, 0.12%,
Soriatane(R) (acitretin) capsules and Evoclin(TM) (clindamycin) Foam, 1%.
Connetics is developing Velac(R) (a combination of 1% clindamycin and 0.025%
tretinoin) Gel, for treating acne, and Desilux(TM) (desonide) Foam, 0.05% a
low-potency topical steroid formulated to treat atopic dermatitis. Our product
formulations aim to improve the management of dermatological diseases and
provide significant product differentiation. In our marketed products, these
formulations have earned wide acceptance by both physicians and patients due to
their clinical effectiveness, high quality and cosmetic elegance. For more
information about Connetics and its products, please visit www.connetics.com.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of
the Securities Litigation Reform Act. Statements about the launch plans for
Evoclin, the impact of the launch of Evoclin and the sales force expansion on
results, as well as comments regarding the market potential for Evoclin, among
others, are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on certain
perceptions of historical trends, past experience, current conditions, expected
future developments and other factors believed to be appropriate in the
circumstances. These forward-looking statements are also subject to a number of
assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Connetics'
control, and which could cause actual results or events to differ materially
from those expressed in such statements. Factors that could cause or contribute
to such differences include, but are not limited to, risks and other factors
that are discussed in documents filed by Connetics with the Securities and
Exchange Commission from time to time, including Connetics' Annual Report on
form 10-K filed for the year ended December 31, 2003 and form 10-Q for the
quarter ended September 30, 2004. Forward-looking statements represent the
judgment of Connetics' management as of the date of this release, and Connetics
disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
CONTACTS: Press Release Code: CNCT-G
Patrick O'Brien Ina McGuinness or Bruce Voss
Director, Investor Relations Lippert/Heilshorn & Associates
(650) 739-2950 (310) 691-7100
pobrien@connetics.com imcguinness@lhai.com
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