AlphaRx, Venturepharm sign supply agreement for ARX1088's API

AlphaRx Inc. (OTCBB: ALRX) announced today that it has signed an agreement that provides long-term supply of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) for ARX1088, an orally active interferon inducer intended for the adjunctive treatment of Hepatitis in China and other emerging markets. Under the agreement, Venturepharm will be the primary supplier of AlphaRx's worldwide requirements for the compound.

Hepatitis is a potentially life-threatening liver infection caused by the hepatitis virus. It is a major global health problem and the most serious type of viral hepatitis. It can cause chronic liver disease and puts people at high risk of death from cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer. Worldwide, an estimated two billion people have been infected with the hepatitis virus, and more than 350 million have chronic (long-term) liver infections. There are no satisfactory treatment options currently available for Hepatitis.

"This contract manufacturing relationship marks another important step in our strategic plan for the development of ARX1088. We are currently focused on commercializing ARX1088 in China and South America," said Ruby Hui, President of AlphaRx China Operations. "The supply agreement provides us with an uninterrupted supply of product to complete our planned clinical trials in China. It also assures that there will not be a gap between the supply of clinical materials and the supply of product for commercialization, the agreement potentially eliminates manufacturing delays that could affect bringing ARX1088 to market."