Graceway Pharmaceuticals Acquires Worldwide Rights to GS 9191 from Gilead Sciences

BRISTOL, Tenn., Nov 06, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Graceway Pharmaceuticals, LLC, a portfolio company of GTCR Golder Rauner, LLC, today announced that the company has acquired from Gilead Sciences, Inc. the worldwide license, including related regulatory filings and intellectual properties, to Gilead's investigational molecule, GS 9191, for topical use. GS 9191 is an anti-proliferative agent that works by inhibiting cellular DNA synthesis, leading to the induction of apoptosis, or programmed cell death.

"This acquisition is further evidence of Graceway's proven practice of working with industry leading companies, like Gilead, to acquire and develop cutting edge compounds and technologies. The transaction with Gilead today is similar to our previous transaction with Pfizer in that we have licensed important compounds, processes, and intellectual properties that we hope will lead to exciting products for the treatment of important dermatological conditions faced by patients," stated Jefferson J. Gregory, Chairman and CEO of Graceway.

A topical version of GS 9191 was evaluated for the treatment of external genital warts in a recently completed Phase 2 study. GS 9191 was well tolerated and statistically significantly superior to placebo in this proof of concept study.

These results suggest GS 9191 could be a potential treatment for skin conditions characterized by excessive cellular proliferation.

About Graceway Pharmaceuticals, LLC Graceway Pharmaceuticals, LLC ("Graceway"), headquartered in Bristol, TN, is a pharmaceutical company focused on acquiring, in-licensing, and developing branded prescription pharmaceutical products. Current prescription products marketed by Graceway include ALDARA(R) (imiquimod) Cream, 5%, Maxair(R) Autohaler(R) (pirbuterol acetate inhalation aerosol), Atopiclair(R) Nonsteroidal Cream, and Estrasorb(R) (estradiol topical emulsion). ALDARA(R), Maxair(R), Autohaler(R), Atopiclair(R), and Estrasorb(R) are trademarks owned by or licensed to Graceway. For more information on Graceway's products, including important safety information, please visit www.gracewaypharma.com.

About GTCR Golder Rauner, LLC Founded in 1980, GTCR Golder Rauner, LLC ("GTCR") is a leading private equity investment firm and long-term strategic partner for outstanding management teams. The Chicago-based firm pioneered the investment strategy of identifying and partnering with exceptional executives to acquire and build companies through a combination of acquisitions and strong internal growth. GTCR currently manages more than $8 billion of equity capital invested in a wide range of companies and industries. More information about GTCR may be found at www.gtcr.com.

SOURCE: Graceway Pharmaceuticals, LLC CONTACT: Graceway Pharmaceuticals, LLC John Bellamy, 423-274-2100 Executive Vice President & General Counsel Copyright Business Wire 2009 -0- KEYWORD: United States

North America

Tennessee INDUSTRY KEYWORD: Health

Clinical Trials

Oncology

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