Rockwell Medical Reports 2013 First Quarter Results; Signs Long-Term, National Supply Agreement With DaVita

- Compelling PRIME Data, Calcitriol Manufacturing Submission Highlight Q1-

- Company to expand business with DaVita via multi-year supply deal -

WIXOM, Mich., May 8, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rockwell Medical, Inc. (Nasdaq:RMTI), a fully-integrated biopharmaceutical company targeting end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) with innovative products and services for the treatment of iron deficiency, secondary hyperparathyroidism and hemodialysis, reported financial results for the first quarter of 2013.

Q1 2013 Highlights

• Sales were $12.3 million, an increase of 2.6% over Q1 2012.
• Domestic sales increased 5.5% over Q1 2012.
• Gross profit decreased $300,000, primarily due to higher material and operational costs.
• Cash and investments aggregated $5.8 million as of March 31, 2013.

Drug Development Highlights

• Calcitriol (active vitamin D) injection data was submitted to FDA for manufacturing approval.
• PRIME clinical data showing 35% ESA reduction to be presented at upcoming ERA-EDTA, Istanbul, Turkey.
• CRUISE-1 top-line data projected Q3 2013; CRUISE-2 top-line data projected Q4 2013.

For the quarter, Rockwell reported a loss of ($15.4) million or ($0.72) per share compared to ($10.6) million or ($0.54) per share in the first quarter of 2012. R&D costs were $12.75 million compared to $9.4 million in the first quarter of 2012. Non-cash charges for equity compensation and warrant revaluation expense were $2.3 million.

"We achieved two very important clinical goals in Q1," stated Rob Chioini, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Rockwell Medical. "First, our SFP clinical data from the PRIME study was excellent, showing an impressive reduction in the need for ESA and supporting our belief that SFP will demonstrate efficacy in the Phase 3 CRUISE clinical studies. Second, we submitted our Calcitriol manufacturing data to the FDA, which was the last major step we needed to complete to be able to launch the drug commercially. Once we get approval confirmation from the FDA, we plan to offer Calcitriol to dialysis providers across the U.S. and we are optimistic that we will have success gaining sales."

Mr. Chioini further stated, "Our domestic sales were in line with our expectations. Going forward we expect to see increased sales growth, notably from our CitraPure^® product line, new product offerings and from the increased commitment in our new supply contract with DaVita."

Conference Call Information

Rockwell Medical will be hosting a conference call to review its first quarter 2013 results on Wednesday, May 8, 2013 at 4:30 pm ET. Investors are encouraged to call a few minutes in advance at (877) 383-7438, passcode #64250555 or to listen to the call via webcast at the Rockwell Medical IR web page: http://ir.rockwellmed.com/

About SFP

SFP is a unique iron compound that is delivered to the hemodialysis patient via dialysate, replacing the 5-7mg of iron lost during a dialysis treatment. SFP is introduced into the sodium bicarbonate concentrate that subsequently is mixed into dialysate. Once in the dialysate, SFP crosses the dialyzer membrane and enters the bloodstream where it immediately binds to apo-transferrin and is taken to the bone marrow, mimicking the way dietary iron is processed in the human body. In completed clinical trials to date, SFP has demonstrated that it can safely deliver iron and maintain hemoglobin levels, while decreasing ESA use without an increase in iron stores.

About Rockwell Medical

Rockwell Medical is a fully-integrated biopharmaceutical company targeting end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) with innovative products and services for the treatment of iron deficiency, secondary hyperparathyroidism and hemodialysis. 

Rockwell's lead drug candidate in late-stage clinical development is for the treatment of iron deficiency in dialysis patients and is called Soluble Ferric Pyrophosphate (SFP).  SFP delivers iron to the bone marrow of dialysis patients in a non-invasive, physiologic manner via dialysate during their regular dialysis treatment. In completed clinical trials to date, SFP has demonstrated that it can safely deliver sufficient iron to the bone marrow. SFP is nearing completion of its Phase 3 clinical studies (CRUISE-1 and CRUISE-2) and is expected to address an estimated $600M U.S. market. 

Rockwell is preparing to launch its FDA approved generic drug called Calcitriol to treat secondary hyperparathyroidism in dialysis patients. Calcitriol active vitamin D injection is indicated in the management of hypocalcemia in patients undergoing chronic renal dialysis. It has been shown to significantly reduce elevated parathyroid hormone levels. Reduction of PTH has been shown to result in an improvement in renal osteodystrophy. Rockwell intends to launch Calcitriol as soon as it receives FDA manufacturing approval, addressing an estimated $350M U.S. market.   

Rockwell is also an established manufacturer and leader in delivering high-quality hemodialysis concentrates/dialysates to dialysis providers and distributors in the U.S. and abroad. As one of the two major suppliers in the U.S., Rockwell's products are used to maintain human life by removing toxins and replacing critical nutrients in the dialysis patient's bloodstream.  Rockwell has three manufacturing and distribution facilities located in the U.S. and its operating infrastructure is a ready-made sales and distribution channel that is able to provide seamless integration into the commercial market for its drug products, Calcitriol and SFP upon FDA market approval. 

Rockwell's exclusive renal drug therapies support disease management initiatives to improve the quality of life and care of dialysis patients and are intended to deliver safe and effective therapy, while decreasing drug administration costs and improving patient convenience.  Rockwell Medical is developing a pipeline of drug therapies, including extensions of SFP for indications outside of hemodialysis. Please visit www.rockwellmed.com for more information. For a demonstration of SFP's unique mechanism of action in delivering iron via dialysate, please view the animation video at http://www.rockwellmed.com/collateral/documents/english-us/mode-of-action.html.

The Rockwell Medical Technologies, Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=6773

Certain statements in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including, but not limited to, Rockwell's intention to launch Calcitriol and SFP following FDA approval. Words such as "may," "might," "will," "should," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "continue," "predict," "forecast," "project," "plan", "intend" or similar expressions, or statements regarding intent, belief, or current expectations, are forward-looking statements. While Rockwell Medical believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on any such forward-looking statements, which are based on information available to us on the date of this release. These forward looking statements are based upon current estimates and assumptions and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including without limitation those set forth in Rockwell Medical'sSEC filings. Thus, actual results could be materially different. Rockwell Medical expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

CONTACT: Michael Rice, Investor Relations; (646) 597-6979

         David Connolly, Media Contact; (617) 374-8800

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