Aequus Closes Previously Announced Equity Financings

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Jan. 12, 2016) -

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

Aequus Pharmaceuticals Inc. (TSX VENTURE:AQS)(OTCQB:AQSZF) ("Aequus" or the "Company"), a specialty pharmaceutical company with a focus on developing, advancing and promoting differentiated products, is pleased to announce that it has closed its previously announced non-brokered private placement in the United States of 1,797,422 Common Shares (the "Private Placement") and non-brokered public offering in Canada of 3,500,000 Common Shares (the "Public Offering"), at a price of C$0.50 per Common Share for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately C$2.65 million. Aequus intends to use the net proceeds of both financings for research and development and general working capital purposes.

"We are very pleased to have achieved our financing goal from US and Canadian investors in this non-brokered deal," said Doug Janzen, Chairman and CEO of Aequus. "In Q4 of 2015 we sought to raise $3M - $5M in a broker led financing but due to market conditions at the time we closed on $1.25M. This fully subscribed transaction executed over the holidays with investors from both sides of the border brings our total raise to nearly $4 million in less than three months. This indicates to us that investor appetite is positive for high growth, revenue generating life sciences companies like Aequus. With this capital we look forward to aggressively building our business in 2016 and welcome all new investors who participated as well as appreciate the continued support of pre-existing investors."

Securities issued under the Private Placement are subject to a four month hold period in Canada and are "restricted securities" as defined in U.S. federal securities laws.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

About Aequus Pharmaceuticals

Aequus Pharmaceuticals Inc. (TSX VENTURE:AQS)(OTCQB:AQSZF) is a Vancouver-based, specialty pharmaceutical company primarily focused on developing and commercializing high quality, differentiated products. Aequus' development stage pipeline includes several products in neurology and psychiatry with a goal of addressing the need for improved medication adherence through enhanced delivery systems. Aequus intends to commercialize its internal programs in Canada and to establish strategic partnerships to accelerate product development and maximize the reach of its product candidates worldwide. Through the recent acquisition of TeOra Health, Aequus now has a Canadian commercial platform to build on for the launch of 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 www.aequuspharma.ca.

Forward-Looking Statements:

This release contains forward-looking statements or forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities legislation that may not be based on historical fact. 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 in this release include but are not limited to statements relating to Aequus' intended use of the net proceeds of the Private Placement and Public Offering, the growth and revenue prospects of Aequus and Aequus' intention to build its business in 2016. 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 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 Aequus' future needs for the net proceeds of the Private Placement and Public Offering, the impact of the funds raised on Aequus' business prospects and general business and economic conditions. In evaluating forward-looking statements, current and prospective shareholders should specifically consider various factors set out under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's base shelf prospectus dated June 30, 2015, a copy of which is available on Aequus' profile on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com, 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.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.