Reliant Pharmaceuticals has completed the acquisition of DynaCirc and DynaCirc CR from Novartis. With this transaction, Reliant acquires all rights to the DynaCirc family of products in the United States, including all related patents, trademarks and New Drug Applications.

DynaCirc (isradipine) and DynaCirc CR (isradipine controlled release tablets) are dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers indicated for the treatment of hypertension. DynaCirc is highly efficacious with low incidence of side effects and exerts favorable effects on key target organs. DynaCirc CR provides 24-hour blood pressure control in a convenient once-a-day formulation and has been shown to greatly reduce incidence of edema.

In July 2000, Reliant executed an exclusive license with Novartis to market, sell and distribute the DynaCirc family of products in the U.S. with an option to acquire the brand in 2002. Reliant began promotion of DynaCirc CR in September 2000 and currently promotes the product with its national sales force of over 750 representatives, calling on primary care and specialty prescribers. Reliant's sales force has extensive experience detailing cardiovascular products across the United States and has established strong relationships with high prescribing physicians.

"This is a very important step in Reliant's evolution," said Joseph Krivulka, President and co-founder of Reliant. "With this acquisition, the company will own its first NDAs for marketed products-including one with patent protection through 2008. We assumed responsibility for the promotion of DynaCirc in the third quarter of 2000 and subsequently increased prescriptions resulting in total brand sales growth of 28% in 2002. This validates a fundamental element of Reliant's business model. We believe that the promotional synergies between the DynaCirc brands and the rest of the products that we market offer a unique opportunity to maximize the value of our growing cardiovascular franchise."

In addition to DynaCirc and DynaCirc CR, Reliant markets Lescol capsules (fluvastatin) and Lescol XL extended release tablets (fluvastatin), for cholesterol management under an exclusive promotion agreement with Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation and, more recently, Teveten (eprosartan mesylate), an angiotensin receptor blocker for hypertension through a co-promotion partnership with Biovail.