IVAX To Distribute Tramadol HCl And Acetaminophen Tablets

    Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers

    MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 22, 2005--IVAX Corporation (AMEX:IVX) (LSE:IVX.L) (WSE:IVX) announced today that its subsidiary, IVAX Pharmaceuticals, Inc., will distribute in the United States tramadol HCl and acetaminophen tablets (37.5 mg and 325 mg), manufactured and supplied by OMJ Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Tramadol HCl and acetaminophen tablets are the generic equivalent of Ultracet(R) and are indicated for the short-term - five days or less - management of acute pain associated with strains and sprains, post-operative pain, joint pain flares (such as those associated with osteoarthritis) and muscle aches. According to IMS data, U.S. sales for Ultracet(R) were approximately $318 million during 2004.
    IVAX Corporation, headquartered in Miami, Florida, discovers, develops, manufactures, and markets branded and brand equivalent (generic) pharmaceuticals and veterinary products in the U.S. and internationally.
    Copies of this and other news releases may be obtained free of charge from IVAX' website at http://www.ivax.com.

    Except for the historical matters contained herein, statements in this press release are forward-looking and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties which may affect the company's business and prospects, including the risks that the launch of Tramadol HCl and acetaminophen tablets (37.5mg and 325mg) will be delayed; changing market conditions; the results of new or changed regulations regarding authorized generics; the impact of competitive products and pricing; and other risks and uncertainties based on economic, competitive, governmental, technological and other factors discussed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and its other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Ultracet(R) is a registered trademark of Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

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CONTACT: IVAX Corporation, Miami David Malina, 305-575-6043

KEYWORD: FLORIDA UNITED KINGDOM INTERNATIONAL EUROPE INDUSTRY KEYWORD: MEDICAL PHARMACEUTICAL SOURCE: IVAX Corporation

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