Apricus Biosciences Announces Poster Presentations On Progress Of PrevOnco(TM) In Combination With NexACT(R) Technology At The American Association For Cancer Research 2011 Annual Meeting

SAN DIEGO, March 22, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Apricus Biosciences, Inc. ("Apricus Bio") (Nasdaq:APRI) announced today that it will present two posters at the American Association for Cancer Research ("AACR") 102 ^nd Annual Meeting to be held April 2-6, 2011 in Orlando, Florida.

The presentations will include one poster discussing how the Company's NexACT ^® technology, involving a small molecule permeation enhancer called Dodecyl 2-(N,N dimethylamino) propionate ("DDAIP"), improves the pharmacokinetic profile of PrevOnco ^™, Apricus Bio's proprietary drug for human hepatocellular carcinoma ("HCC") or liver cancer, in different species in mice, beagle dogs and cynomolgus monkeys. The second poster discusses the anti-tumor activity of PrevOnco ^™ in in vitro and in vivo human tumor models using a combination therapy of PrevOnco ^™ and Doxorubicin that resulted in a better efficacy profile with enhanced survival rate in a liver cancer model.

PrevOnco ^™ Posters

Title: DDAIP improves the pharmacokinetic profile of PrevOnco ^® in different species: Comparison of DDAIP, CMC and PEG-300/400 formulations in mice, beagle dogs and cynomolgus monkeys. 

Abstract Number:	1297
April 4, 2011:	8:00 am to 12:00 pm ET
Session Title:	Pharmacokinetics and Metabolism
Session Category:	Clinical Research 5
Poster Section:	13
Board Number:	9

Title: PrevOnco ^™ exhibits anti-tumor activity in in vitro and in vivo human tumor models: Combination therapy (PrevOnco ^™/Doxorubicin) demonstrates a better efficacy profile with enhanced survival rate in a liver cancer model.

Abstract Number:	2535
April 4, 2011:	1:00 pm to 5:00 pm ET
Session Title:	Chemotherapeutic Agents
Session Category:	Experimental and Molecular Therapeutics 15
Poster Section:	26
Board Number	20

About PrevOnco ^™

PrevOnco ^™ is Apricus Bio's proprietary treatment for HCC or liver cancer. The product incorporates lansoprazole, a commonly marketed anti-ulcer compound which has shown strong anti-cancer activity in mice bearing human liver tumors. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration ("FDA") granted PrevOnco ^™ Orphan Drug status in August 2008. The Company is currently in discussions with the FDA regarding a Special Protocol Assessment ("SPA") Phase III protocol which was submitted in November 2011, and expects to have a final protocol agreed upon within eight to 12 months. 

About Apricus Biosciences, Inc.

Apricus Bio, a San Diego based revenue-generating pharmaceutical company, has leveraged the flexibility of its clinically-validated NexACT ^® drug delivery technology to enable multi-route administration of new and improved compounds across numerous therapeutic classes. Revenues and growth are driven from out-licensing of this technology for the development and commercialization of such compounds to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies worldwide. In addition, the Company is seeking to monetize its existing product pipeline, including its first product, Vitaros ^®, approved in Canada for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, which is currently expected to be available on the Canadian market in 2011, as well as compounds in development from pre-clinical through Phase III, currently focused on sexual dysfunction, oncology, dermatology, autoimmune, pain, anti-infectives, diabetes and cosmeceuticals among others.

For further information on Apricus Bio, visit http://www.apricusbio.com and for information on its subsidiaries please visit www.nexmedusa.com or www.bio-quant.com . You can also find out more about the company by visiting http://twitter.com/apricusbio , http://facebook.com/apricusbio .

Apricus Bio's Forward-Looking Statement Safe Harbor

Statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act, as amended: with the exception of the historical information contained in this release, the matters described herein contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that may individually or mutually impact the matters herein described for a variety of reasons that are outside the control of the Company, including, but not limited to, the FDA and other countries' regulatory approval of PrevOnco ^™ and other of its products and product candidates, its ability to commercialize such products and to enter into license agreements with potential pharmaceutical partners and obtain upfront and milestone payments as well as royalties and to achieve other of its financial goals. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements as actual results could differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained herein. Readers are urged to read the risk factors set forth in the Company's most recent annual report on Form 10-K, subsequent quarterly reports filed on Form 10-Q and other filings made with the SEC. Copies of these reports are available from the SEC's website or without charge from the Company.

CONTACT: Apricus Biosciences, Inc.
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