Amira Pharmaceuticals to Present Preclinical Data on AM152 , an LPA1 Receptor Antagonist, at the Annual Meeting of the American Thoracic Society

SAN DIEGO, May 11, 2011 - Amira Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced today that it will present
preclinical data on AM152, an LPA1 receptor antagonist, during the Annual
Meeting of the American Thoracic Society (ATS) in Denver, Colorado. The
poster, titled "The LPA1 Antagonist, AM152, Is Efficacious in Mouse Models of
Fibrosis," will be presented on Monday, May 16, from 8:15 to 10:45 a.m. MDT.

The LPA1 receptor is part of the lysophosphatidic acid signaling pathway.
Under pathological conditions, LPA1 is associated with a breakdown of the
endothelial barrier and the stimulation of fibroblast recruitment,
proliferation and transformation, resulting in excessive deposition of
extracellular matrix proteins. Studies have shown that the LPA1 receptor may
play a role in several fibrotic diseases, including Idiopathic Pulmonary
Fibrosis (IPF).

"Our preclinical data demonstrate that AM152 reduces pro-fibrotic
activity by fibroblasts in vitro and tissue fibrosis in numerous in vivo
models," said Gretchen Bain, Ph.D., Executive Director of Biology. "AM152
reduces fibrosis in multiple tissue types thus providing a strong rationale
for clinical exploration in patients suffering from a variety of fibrotic
diseases."

Bob Baltera, Chief Executive Officer, added, "Our lead LPA1 program,
AM152, is one of the cornerstones for Amira's future. As previously
disclosed, we look forward to initiating Phase 2a clinical studies in
patients suffering from fibrotic disease in order to explore the therapeutic
benefit of this compound."

About Amira

Founded in 2005 and headquartered in San Diego, Amira Pharmaceuticals is
a small molecule pharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and early
development of new drugs to treat inflammatory and fibrotic diseases. Amira
combines the rigor of a big pharmaceutical company with the ingenuity and
energy of a small company, creating an environment for efficient development
of novel compounds and effective pre-clinical and clinical program decisions.
Our team is building on unparalleled insights into bioactive lipid pathways
and complex signaling processes controlling many conditions including asthma,
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular and various fibrotic
diseases. Amira has a partnership with GlaxoSmithKline for the development of
FLAP (5-lipoxygenase activating protein) inhibitors in respiratory and
cardiovascular disease. For more information, visit
www.amirapharm.com.

    Media Contact
    Ian Stone
    Russo Partners
    Tel: +1-619-528-2220
    ian.stone@russopartnersllc.com

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