Aequus Announces Completion of Dosing in Phase 1 Clinical Trial of Aripiprazole Transdermal Patch

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Dec. 14, 2015) - Aequus Pharmaceuticals Inc. (TSX VENTURE:AQS) (AQSZF) ("Aequus" or the "Company"), a specialty pharmaceutical company with a focus on developing, advancing and promoting differentiated products, today announced completion of dosing in the first stage of its Phase I clinical trial for the once-weekly transdermal aripiprazole patch, AQS1301.

This study is the first in a two-stage Phase I proof-of-concept program designed to assess the rate of absorption and to evaluate the profile of drug delivery over a 7-day period with Aequus' transdermal formulation in twelve healthy volunteers. Previous in vitro and animal studies indicated that aripiprazole, in a proprietary formulation, could adequately be absorbed through the skin. The current clinical study is the first time a topical or transdermal formulation has been applied to humans.

The full analysis and top-line results are expected to be announced early in 2016.

About Aequus Pharmaceuticals

Aequus Pharmaceuticals Inc. (TSX VENTURE:AQS) (AQSZF) is a Vancouver-based, specialty pharmaceutical company primarily focused on developing and commercializing high quality, differentiated products. Aequus' development stage pipeline includes several products in neurology and psychiatry with a goal of addressing the need for improved medication adherence through enhanced delivery systems. Aequus intends to commercialize its internal programs in Canada and to establish strategic partnerships to accelerate product development and maximize the reach of its product candidates worldwide. Through the recent acquisition of TeOra Health, Aequus now has a Canadian commercial platform to build on for the launch of products that are either created internally or brought in through an acquisition or license, remaining focused on highly specialized therapeutic areas. For further information, please visit www.aequuspharma.ca. 

Forward-Looking Statements:

This release contains forward-looking statements or forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities legislation that may not be based on historical fact, including, without limitation, statements containing the words "believe", "may", "plan", "will", "estimate", "continue", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "potential" and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on estimates and assumptions made by us in light of our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as the factors we believe are appropriate. Forward-looking statements in this release include but are not limited to statements relating to: the implementation of our business model and strategic plans, the initiation and parameters of the Phase I clinical trial, the completion of the analysis of the Phase I clinical trial and the next steps in connection therewith. Such statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties and are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Aequus, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In making the forward looking statements included in this release, the Company has made various material assumptions, including, but not limited to general business and economic conditions and the anticipated results of the Phase I clinical trial. In evaluating forward-looking statements, current and prospective shareholders should specifically consider various factors set out herein and under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's Short-Form Prospectus dated June 30, 2015, a copy of which is available on Aequus' profile on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com, and as otherwise disclosed from time to time on Aequus' SEDAR profile. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties, or a risk that is not currently known to us materialize, or should assumptions underlying those forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this release and we do not intend, and do not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable securities laws. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are inherently uncertain. Accordingly, investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Aequus Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Investor Relations
604-336-7906
investors@aequuspharma.ca