Anti-Fibrotic Data from Amira Pharmaceuticals' LPA1 Receptor Antagonist Program Published in the British Journal of Pharmacology

SAN DIEGO, May 6, 2010 - Amira Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced today that preclinical data from
its LPA1 receptor antagonist program has been published in the British
Journal of Pharmacology.

The LPA1 receptor is part of the Phosphatidic Acid/
Lysophosphatidylcholine pathway and has recently been implicated for having a
role in lung, kidney and skin fibrosis. In particular, activation of the LPA1
receptor may promote fibrosis in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), a lung
disease for which there are currently no effective treatments available.

"The data in this publication demonstrate the potential of a high
affinity, oral antagonist of the LPA1 receptor in diseases associated with
fibrosis, edema and inflammation," said James Swaney, Ph.D., Senior Scientist
at Amira and the senior author of the paper. "Importantly, our proof of
concept compound, AM966, demonstrates superior efficacy in a preclinical
model when compared to other anti-inflammatory and/or anti-fibrotic agents
including dexamethasone and pirfenidone. We feel that these data pave the way
for novel, 'first in class' molecules to target IPF and other fibrotic
diseases via blockade of the LPA1 receptor."

Bob Baltera, Chief Executive Officer of Amira, added, "We are focused on
developing LPA1 antagonists in fibrotic diseases. Many of the potential
indications address specialty care markets and give Amira the opportunity to
bring a therapeutic product through to commercialization. Grievous diseases
such as IPF desperately need new therapies and the team at Amira is working
hard to see these opportunities into the clinic as soon as possible."

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 disease. Our discovery 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 fibrotic diseases. Amira
has a partnership with GlaxoSmithKline for the development of FLAP
(5-lipoxygenase activating protein) inhibitors in respiratory and
cardiovascular disease.

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. Its scientific founders have successfully worked
together for more than a decade and were pivotal in the discovery of a number
of inflammatory drugs, including Singulair(R). The drug hunters at Amira are
now actively leveraging their history of success to create high-value
compounds for the future. For more information, visit
www.amirapharm.com.

Ian Stone of Russo Partners, +1-619-528-2220, ian.stone at russopartnersllc.com, for Amira Pharmaceuticals, Inc.