Rockwell Medical Reports First Quarter 2015 Results

WIXOM, Mich., May 7, 2015 (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 replacement, secondary hyperparathyroidism and hemodialysis, reported results for the first quarter of 2015.

Q1 2015 Financial Highlights

• Sales were $13.9 million, a 7.1% increase over Q1 2014.
• Gross profit was $2.3 million, a 37.6% increase over Q1 2014.
• Gross profit margins increased to 16.7% compared to 13.0% in Q1 2014.
• R&D expense was $0.8 million, a $3.8 million or 83% decrease compared to Q1 2014.
• Net loss was $3.7 million or $0.07 per share, compared to a net loss of $7.8 million or $0.20 per share in Q1 2014, a $4.1 million improvement.
• Cash and investments were $83.3 million at March 31, 2015.

Q1 2015 Corporate Highlights

• Obtained U.S. FDA drug approval to market Triferic (ferric pyrophosphate citrate) for iron replacement and hemoglobin maintenance in hemodialysis patients.
• Presented Triferic clinical data at the National Kidney Foundation Spring Meeting and the Annual Dialysis Conference.
• Increased manufacturing of Triferic active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) in preparation for commercial product launch.

"The first quarter was highlighted by obtaining FDA drug approval to market Triferic, a major milestone for our Company," stated Mr. Robert L. Chioini, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Rockwell. "Triferic is a true iron maintenance therapy and we believe it will greatly benefit patients while becoming the new standard of care for treating anemia in hemodialysis patients. We are working diligently toward a successful commercial launch for Triferic, and we are pleased with the nephrology community's strong interest and feedback on the drug. Currently, both Triferic and Calcitriol are on track for commercial launch."

Mr. Chioini further commented, "Our concentrate business continued to perform well and was in line with expectations following the Baxter distribution agreement. We had $83.3 million in cash and liquid investments and no long-term debt at the end of March 2015, giving us a strong financial position as we prepare for commercial drug launch and further Company growth."

Conference Call Information

Rockwell Medical will be hosting a conference call to review its first quarter 2015 results on Thursday, May 7, 2015 at 4:30 pm ET. Investors are encouraged to call a few minutes in advance at (877) 383-7438, or for international callers (678) 894-3975, passcode #35684591 or to listen to the call via webcast at the Rockwell Medical IR web page: http://ir.rockwellmed.com/

About Triferic

Triferic is a unique iron compound that is delivered to hemodialysis patients via dialysate, replacing the ongoing iron loss that occurs during their dialysis treatment. Triferic is introduced into bicarbonate concentrate, on-site at the dialysis clinic, and subsequently mixed into dialysate. Once in dialysate, Triferic crosses the dialyzer membrane and enters the blood where it immediately binds to transferrin and is transported to the erythroid precursor cells to be incorporated into hemoglobin. In completed clinical trials, Triferic has demonstrated that it can effectively deliver sufficient iron to the bone marrow and maintain hemoglobin, without increasing iron stores (ferritin). Please visit www.triferic.com for more information.

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 replacement, secondary hyperparathyroidism and hemodialysis.

Rockwell's recent FDA approved drug Triferic is indicated for iron replacement and maintenance of hemoglobin in hemodialysis patients. Triferic delivers iron to patients during their regular dialysis treatment, using dialysate as the delivery mechanism. In completed clinical trials, Triferic has demonstrated that it safely and effectively delivers sufficient iron to the bone marrow and maintains hemoglobin, without increasing iron stores (ferritin). Rockwell intends to market Triferic to hemodialysis patients in the U.S. dialysis market.

Rockwell's FDA approved generic drug Calcitriol is for treating 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 market Calcitriol to hemodialysis patients in the U.S. dialysis 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/distribution facilities located in the U.S.

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 Triferic for indications outside of hemodialysis. Please visit www.rockwellmed.com for more information.

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 Triferic 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.

Triferic^™ is a trademark of Rockwell Medical, Inc.

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

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