Released on = June 5, 2006, 7:48 am

Press Release Author = Cornerstone Biopharma Inc.

Industry = Pharmaceuticals

Press Release Summary = Cornerstone BioPharma™, the Triangle-based specialty
pharmaceutical company, today announced the company has signed a co-promotion
agreement with Athlon Pharmaceuticals (Athlon). This agreement names Athlon as a
partner in the promotion of Balacet 325™, a mild-to-moderate pain medication.

Press Release Body = FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cornerstone BioPharma, Inc. and Athlon Pharmaceuticals
Sign Co-Promotion Agreement

CARY, NORTH CAROLINA - June XX, 2006 - Cornerstone BioPharma™, the Triangle-based
specialty pharmaceutical company currently focused on the development and
commercialization of niche prescription medications in the respiratory arena, today
announced the company has signed a co-promotion agreement with Athlon
Pharmaceuticals (Athlon). This agreement names Athlon as a partner in the promotion
of Balacet 325™, a mild-to-moderate pain medication.

Balacet 325 was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in May 2005 and has
since been promoted to pain specialists and primary care providers by Cornerstone
BioPharma’s sales force. Commencing immediately, the Athlon sales force will
co-promote Balacet 325, significantly increasing awareness, promotional efforts and
reach of the medication. This partnership represents a significant expansion into
the $14 billion U.S. pain market and will serve to increase the recognition of
Balacet 325 among healthcare providers.

Commenting on the agreement, Athlon President Jeff Mason said, “We are very excited
to be partnering with Cornerstone. The market demand for pain medications with
lower levels of acetaminophen such as Balacet 325 is growing and will only continue
to do so. Including Balacet 325 in our pain line will further strengthen Athlon\'s
position in the specialty area of pain management.\"

“The strategic value of this partnership for Balacet 325 quickly became clear during
our discussions with Athlon,” said Craig Collard, CEO of Cornerstone BioPharma.
\"Athlon’s experienced pain sales force is deeply entrenched in the market and will
allow us to reach new marketplaces and increase our overall market share.\"

In March 2006 Cornerstone BioPharma announced a co-promotion agreement with ASCEND
Therapeutics naming the company a partner in the promotion of Balacet 325. Since
that announcement, the ASCEND sales force has co-promoted Balacet 325 with a focus
on obstetrics and gynecology healthcare providers.

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About Cornerstone
Cornerstone BioPharma, Inc. (www.cornerstonebiopharma.com), located next to North
Carolina’s Research Triangle Park, is an emerging specialty pharmaceutical company
that is currently focused on the development and commercialization of niche
prescription medications in the respiratory arena. Cornerstone is actively engaged
in strategic licensing of additional prescription products through acquisitions,
strategic partnerships and new product development.

About Athlon Pharmaceuticals
Athlon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (www.athlonpharm.com), with offices in Birmingham, AL
and Jackson, MS, is a branded specialty pharmaceutical company focusing on the
development and marketing of prescription products in the areas of pain, respiratory
and allergy. Athlon is strategically pursuing product acquisitions, partnerships
and product development to enhance its strength, reach and position in the specialty
pharmaceuticals arena.


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Contact Details = CONTACT: Jonathan Jordan
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