EATONTOWN, N.J., Oct. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Roberts Pharmaceutical Corporation
(Nasdaq: RPCX) and Monarch Pharmaceuticals, a Division of King Pharmaceuticals
of Bristol, Tennessee, announced today that Monarch has acquired two separate
respiratory care product lines from Roberts.  The two product lines involved
in the acquisition are Nucofed(R) and Quibron(R).
    The Nucofed family of products consists of four separate dosage forms, all
of which are indicated for the symptomatic relief of coughing and congestion
associated with respiratory infections and related conditions such as the
common cold, bronchitis, influenza, and sinusitis.  The Quibron family,
consisting of four separate dosage forms is indicated for relief and/or
prevention of symptoms of asthma and reversible bronchospasm associated with
chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
    Dr. Robert A. Vukovich, President and CEO of Roberts noted, "The sale of
these two product lines is in keeping with Roberts plans to divest certain
brands in order to concentrate on the commercialization of our pipeline.
ProAmatine(TM), a cardiovascular agent and our first pipeline drug, was
recently cleared for U.S. marketing and is now being labeled and packaged for
shipment.  We are also encouraged by progress with regard to the potential
approval of our second pipeline drug, Agrelin(R) for excessive blood platelet
levels."  Dr. Vukovich continued, "With the advancement of our pipeline
products and with our sales force in position, Roberts is well poised for the
next phase of it's long-term growth strategy.  While we are excited about the
future of our pipeline products, we are also pleased that Nucofed and Quibron
will continue to be offered to the marketplace by Monarch Pharmaceuticals."
    Joseph R. Gregory, President and CEO of Monarch Pharmaceuticals stated,
"This acquisition significantly expands Monarch's prescription pharmaceutical
business and is representative of Monarch's strategy to grow through the
acquisition of well-established brand name products."  Gregory also noted,
"Combined with the launch of Monarch's Tussend(R) Tablets, this strategic
acquisition complements our existing respiratory care product line.  Nucofed
is currently manufactured in our facility and, along with Quibron, represents
well-recognized, brand name products with a consistent track record.
Monarch's plan is to grow through additional product acquisition
opportunities, combining additional pipeline products through internal product
development activities, and adding strategic marketing alliances and
innovative licensing relationships."  The company has hired twenty-two
additional Field Sales Representatives who will begin promotion of these
products immediately.
    Roberts Pharmaceutical Corporation is an international pharmaceutical
company focusing on the acquisition and development of late-stage drugs.
Roberts currently markets its products in seven countries and has operating
subsidiaries in the U.S., Canada, and the United Kingdom.
    Monarch is dedicated to establishing secure and beneficial partnerships
with health care customers through providing well-established, high quality
products, unparalleled service, and expanded product offerings.  This
acquisition is an important milestone in the emergence of Monarch as a
marketer of branded pharmaceuticals.
    This and past news releases by Roberts Pharmaceutical Corporation are
available through PR Newswire's Company News On-Call fax service at 1-800-758-
5804, extension 760975 and on the Internet at http//www.prnewswire.com
    This release may contain forward-looking statements which reflect
management's current views of future events and operations.  These forward-
looking statements are based on assumptions and external factors, including
assumptions relating to regulatory action and competing products.  Any changes
in such assumptions or external factors could produce significantly different
results.

Link to this page: