Drug Delivery

Carpinteria, California - September 27, 2004 - NuSil Technology, a leading formulator and manufacturer of silicone compounds for the healthcare industry, today announced a definitive agreement to acquire certain assets related to the ingestible Simethicone business from GE Advanced Materials – Silicones. Once the transaction is completed, NuSil will begin manufacturing three key products used in ingestible applications – Simethicone USP, Simethicone GS and Simethicone Emulsion USP. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

NuSil has more than 25 years experience working with healthcare-related materials, including silicones for drug delivery systems. In June 2003, with the acquisition of Rhodia Silicones, the company strengthened its position in long-term implantable silicones serving the medical device industry.

“The Simethicone products are a natural strategic addition to the NuSil product line, as we have historically engaged in business with regulatory sensitivities, and customers that approach us for unique silicone materials and technologies for healthcare directly benefit from our regulatory knowledge,” said Richard Compton, CEO and co-founder of NuSil. “This acquisition, when considered with our Rhodia acquisition last year and our leadership in the drug delivery industry, positions NuSil Technology as a premier diversified healthcare silicone provider.”

A trusted component in pharmaceutical formulations for more than 30 years, the Simethicone products have expanded into endoscopic examinations and dermatological formulations. Simethicone USP (100% silicone), Simethicone GS (granular solid containing 30% silicone), and Simethicone Emulsion USP (30% silicone) are each cited in FDA regulations 21 CFR 332.10 and 21 CFR 332.15 as safe and effective over-thecounter drugs for use as an antiflatulant to alleviate the symptoms of gas associated with heartburn, sour stomach, acid indigestion and post operative gas pain. Additionally, Simethicone USP is cited in FDA regulation 21 CFR 332.31 for use in endoscopic examinations and is also used in dermatological ointments, creams, and lotions.

NuSil formulates standard and customized silicone products based on the vast, unique array of properties the material provides. Product quality is assured by the company’s Quality System, which begins with an effective design protocol and continues up the supply chain from vendor qualification through re-inspection of finished product inventories.