TheraTech's Androderm Is Launched In Germany

Business Wire, July 7, 1998

SALT LAKE CITY--(BW HealthWire)--July 7, 1998--TheraTech Inc. (NASDAQ:THRT) Tuesday announced that its 2.5 mg/day Androderm(R) transdermal testosterone system for men has been launched in Germany by marketing partner Astra AB.

The 5 mg/day Androderm system is awaiting regulatory approval.

"This is a significant step forward in the marketing of Androderm," noted Dinesh C. Patel, Ph.D., chairman, president and chief executive officer of TheraTech. "Germany is the world's third largest pharmaceutical market, exceeded only by the United States and Japan, and we are looking forward to the sales growth that this market should provide."

Astra has previously launched the testosterone transdermal patch in Scandinavia, where it is marketed under the trade name Atmos(R).

Androderm is the transdermal testosterone delivery system market leader in all countries in which it is currently sold, according to industry prescription tracking reports. SmithKline Beecham markets the product in the United States under the trade name Androderm, and in the United Kingdom and Ireland under the trade name Andropatch(R).

The patented Androderm patch is intended for the treatment of male hypogonadism, a syndrome in which the body produces insufficient amounts of the male hormone, testosterone. A naturally occurring hormone, testosterone is essential for the development and maintenance of male physical and sexual characteristics.

Studies in the United States and Europe have indicated that men of all ages can be affected by hypogonadism, the symptoms of which can include fatigue, depression, erectile dysfunction, and decreased libido.

Astra AB, headquartered in Sodertalje, Sweden, is one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in Europe. The company's 1997 total sales were approximately $5.5 billion (U.S.).

TheraTech Inc. develops and manufactures innovative, controlled-release and other drug delivery technologies, systems, and products, including: a variety of transdermal patches; oral transmucosal systems for delivery of peptides and other drugs requiring rapid onset (i.e. pain medications); a range of oral controlled-release systems; pulmonary technologies for local and systemic drug administration; topical preparations; and drug targeting products.

TheraTech has four products on the market, over 20 products in its development pipeline and holds 50 issued, allowed and/or pending U.S. patents, with international counterparts granted and/or filed.

TheraTech has research, development and/or marketing agreements, with leading multi-national as well as regional pharmaceutical companies, including: Eli Lilly, Procter & Gamble, Pfizer, SmithKline Beecham, Wyeth-Ayerst, Astra AB, CEPA, Lavipharm S.A., Schwarz Pharma AG, Samyang, Meiji, and Sankyo.

For additional information, visit TheraTech Inc.'s Web Site at www.thrt.com, or e-mail requests to Investor@thrt.com

Statements contained in this release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including TheraTech's beliefs, expectations, hopes or intentions regarding the future.

All forward-looking statements included in this release are made as of the date hereof and are based on information available to TheraTech as of such date. TheraTech assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement. It is important to note that actual outcomes and TheraTech's actual results could differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements.

Readers and editors should refer to the risks and other disclosures outlined in TheraTech's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Forms 10-K and 10-Q.

CONTACT: TheraTech Inc., Salt Lake City

Alexander L. Searl or Alan Behunin, 801/588-6200