NPS Reports Two Teduglutide Abstracts Accepted for Presentation at American College of Gastroenterology Annual Scientific Meeting

The details of the two poster presentations, which will be presented on October 25, 2009 from 3:30 -- 7:00 PM PT, are summarized below.

Abstract P272: "Teduglutide (TG), a Dipeptidyl-peptidase IV
Resistant Glucagon-like Peptide 2 (GLP-2) Analogue, Improves Lean
Body Mass and Total Mineral Content in Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS)
Patients Depending on Home Parenteral Nutrition (PN). Dual Energy
X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Results from a Randomized,
Placebo-controlled, 24-week Study" by P. Jeppesen et al.
Abstract P273: "Teduglutide (TG) Improves Electrolyte and
Wet Weight Absorption in Short Bowel Syndrome Patients, but this
is not correlated to increases in Plasma Citrulline (PC)" by P.
Jeppesen et al.

The ACG 2009 program and abstracts are available online and can be accessed at http://www.acg.gi.org/acgmeetings/ by clicking on the schedule page and searching abstracts for teduglutide.

About Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS)

SBS is a highly disabling condition that impairs quality of life and can lead to serious life-threatening complications. SBS typically arises after extensive resection of the bowel. There are an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 SBS patients in North America who are dependent on parenteral nutrition (PN), the cost of which can exceed $100,000 annually per patient. SBS patients suffer from malnutrition, severe diarrhea, dehydration, fatigue, osteopenia, and weight loss due to an inability to absorb adequate amounts of nutrients, fluid, and electrolytes. The goals of current treatment are to maintain fluid, electrolytes and nutrient balances through dietary management, including the use of PN. Long-term complications of the condition may include an increased risk of systemic infections due to the presence of an intravenous feeding line, degenerative changes in the bones and nerves due to vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and liver failure. Potential benefits derived from reduced dependence on PN may include improved nutrition and hydration, lower rates of infections, and improved quality-of-life due to more time away from PN, which may provide greater mobility and improved sleep.

About GATTEX(TM) (teduglutide)

GATTEX (teduglutide) is a proprietary analog of human glucagon-like peptide 2 that stimulates the repair and regeneration of cells lining the intestine. GATTEX is in Phase 3 clinical development to reduce dependence on parenteral nutrition (PN) in patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS). NPS has reported positive findings from completed studies in which GATTEX demonstrated a favorable safety profile and significant reductions in mean PN volume from pretreatment baseline were observed. NPS is also advancing preclinical studies to evaluate teduglutide in additional intestinal failure related conditions.

NPS has granted Nycomed the rights to develop and commercialize teduglutide outside of North America and the two companies are collaborating on the development of teduglutide for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.

Teduglutide has received orphan drug designation for the treatment of SBS from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency.

About NPS Pharmaceuticals

NPS Pharmaceuticals is developing new treatment options for patients with rare gastrointestinal and endocrine disorders. The company is currently conducting two Phase 3 registration studies. Teduglutide, a proprietary analog of GLP-2, is being evaluated as GATTEX(TM) in a Phase 3 registration study known as STEPS for intestinal failure associated with short bowel syndrome and in preclinical development for gastrointestinal mucositis and other pediatric indications. NPSP558 (parathyroid hormone 1-84 [rDNA origin] injection) is being evaluated in a Phase 3 registration study known as REPLACE as a hormone replacement therapy for hypoparathyroidism. NPS complements its proprietary programs with a royalty-based portfolio of products and product candidates that includes agreements with Amgen, GlaxoSmithKline, Kyowa Kirin, Nycomed, and Ortho-McNeil. Additional information is available at http://www.npsp.com.

"NPS" and "NPS Pharmaceuticals" are the company's registered trademarks.

Statements made in this press release, which are not historical in nature, constitute forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on the company's current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Risks associated to the company's business include, but are not limited to, the risks associated with any failure by the company to successfully complete its preclinical and clinical studies within the projected time frames or not at all, the risk of not gaining marketing approvals for GATTEX and NPSP558, the risks associated with the company's strategy, the risks associated with the company's auction-rate securities, as well as other risk factors described in the company's periodic filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K and Form 10-Qs. All information in this press release is as of the date of this release and NPS undertakes no duty to update this information.

SOURCE: NPS Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Investors: 
NPS Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 
Susan M. Mesco, 908-450-5516 
smesco@npsp.com 
or 
Media: 
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Hollister Hovey, 212-867-1762 
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