Orexo's product NLA Nasal Spray shows excellent local tolerability in patients with rhinitis

Orexo's product NLA Nasal Spray shows excellent local tolerability in patients
with rhinitis

Uppsala, 18th March, 2008 - Orexo has completed a study which confirms that the
liposomes in Orexo's product NLA Nasal Spray, can mask the irritating
characteristics of cetirizine, which is used for treatment of rhinitis. The
results of the study are an important step in Orexo's process of developing and
commercializing NLA Nasal Spray as a treatment for patients with rhinitis. 

Cetirizine is one of the most sold treatments for rhinitis in the world, with
annual sales amounting to USD 1.6 bn. The compound is however known to have side
effects such as sedation. In order to avoid such side effects, cetirizine nasal
spray has been tested by scientists, but this formulation has shown other side
effects such as smarting pain in the nose. 

Orexo has developed a unique and patented formulation of cetirizine and
liposomes, NLA Nasal Spray. Earlier studies have shown that treatment with NLA
Nasal Spray gives a rapid relief of rhinitis symptoms and is as effective as
cetirizine in tablets. A newly completed study with rhinitis patients also shows
that NLA Nasal Spray causes no side effects such as smarting pain in the nose.

In the study, 25 people were exposed to the pollen of their allergy during three
periods consisting of five days each, setting off rhinitis. Starting with the
last day of the pollen exposure, the group was treated in a blind test with NLA
Nasal Spray (cetirizine and liposomes), cetirizine in liquid form or placebo
treatment. There was no distinction in terms of local irritating characteristics
in the nose between patients treated with NLA Nasal Spray and patients treated
with placebo. The local irritating characteristics were also significantly lower
than for the patients treated with cetirizine in liquid form, which immediately
generated a strong reaction. 

The conclusion of the study is that the liposomes in NLA Nasal Spray are able to
mask the irritating characteristics of cetirizine. 

”NLA Nasal Spray has the potential to become a valuable contribution in the
treatment of patients suffering from rhinitis. The test results of the study
that has been completed bear positive implications for these patients. Orexo's
primary objective is to promote existing collaborations and sign new license and
development agreements. Therefore, the results of this study also form a
valuable contribution to our process of finding a partner to develop and
commercialize NLA Nasal Spray” says Torbjörn Bjerke, President and CEO of Orexo.

For more information, please contact: 
Torbjörn Bjerke, President and CEO, Orexo AB
Tel: +46 (0)708-66 19 90
E-mail: torbjorn.bjerke@orexo.com

Claes Wenthzel, Executive Vice President & CFO, Orexo AB 
Tel: +46 (0)18-780 88 44 
E-mail: claes.wenthzel@orexo.com



TO THE EDITORS

About Orexo

Orexo is a specialty pharmaceutical company, focusing on development of new,
patented drugs by combining well-documented substances with innovative
technologies, and the development of new treatments for respiratory and
inflammatory diseases.

Orexo has a broad and competitive late-stage product portfolio, including two
marketed products, five products in clinical phase and two undergoing
registration. 

To date, Orexo have out-licensed the market rights for Rapinyl™ for the US, the
EU and Japan markets, and signed a research collaboration with Boehringer
Ingelheim regarding the development of a new class of drugs to treat pain and
inflammation. Also, Orexo has established a Nordic sales force by entering into
a joint venture with ProStrakan.

Orexo has head office in Uppsala and is listed on the OMX Nordic Exchange
Stockholm, Small Cap (ticker: ORX).  

www.orexo.com