Aequus Announces New Chief Commercial Officer

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 20, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aequus Pharmaceuticals Inc. (TSX-V: AQS, OTCQB: AQSZF) (“Aequus” or the “Company”), a specialty pharmaceutical company with a focus on developing, advancing and promoting differentiated products, is pleased to welcome Grant Larsen to the Aequus Team as Chief Commercial Officer, beginning August 17th, 2020.

Mr. Larsen brings almost 20 years of senior management positions in North American Eyecare. His in-depth knowledge of Canadian Optometry, direct to consumer marketing, online technology and medical devices, brings important experience to accelerate growth for Aequus’ expanding portfolio of products. Mr. Larsen has a strong background in strategic leadership, most recently as the past CEO of Eye Recommend, one of Canada’s largest cooperatives of optometrists. In addition, Mr. Larsen has also held senior positions at Allergan, Nikon Canada and Digital ECP.

“I’m excited to join the Aequus team of experienced and driven professionals,” said Mr. Larsen. “The eye care medical market consisting of both prescription and OTC products is poised for double digit growth, not only in Canada, but across North America. My focus and the focus of our commercial team will be the launch of the Evolve line of eye drops and the continued growth in market share of our existing products.”

“We are delighted to have an accomplished entrepreneur and leader like Grant join our growing team,” said Aequus CEO and Chairman, Doug Janzen. “As we prepare for the near-term launch of our Evolve line of eye care products we were looking for a Chief Commercial Officer with deep experience and relationships with Ophthalmologists, Optometrists and associated buyer groups and we are excited to welcome Grant to the team.”

ABOUT AEQUUS PHARMACEUTICALS INC.

Aequus Pharmaceuticals Inc. (TSX-V:AQS) (OTCQB:AQSZF) is a growing specialty pharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing high quality, differentiated products. Aequus has grown its sales and marketing efforts to include several commercial products in ophthalmology and transplant. Aequus plans to build on its Canadian commercial platform through the launch of additional 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

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This release may contain 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 include but are not limited to statements relating to: The eye care medical market consisting of both prescription and OTC products is poised for double digit growth, not only in Canada, but across North America; the successful launch of addition of products to the Company’s portfolio. 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: obtaining positive results of clinical trials; obtaining regulatory approvals; general business and economic conditions; the assumption that the Company’s current good relationships with its manufacturer and other third parties will be maintained; the availability of financing on reasonable terms; the Company’s ability to attract and retain skilled staff; market competition; the products and technology offered by the Company’s competitors; and the Company’s ability to protect patents and proprietary rights. 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 Annual Information Form dated April 30, 2018, a copy of which is available on Aequus’ profile on the SEDAR website at , 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.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Aequus Investor Relations

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Phone: 604-336-7906