CONNETICS CORP
S-8, 1998-07-02
PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS
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<PAGE>   1
     As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July ___, 1998
                                                      Registration No. 333-_____
================================================================================


                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                                ----------------

                                    FORM S-8

                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                      UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                                ----------------

                              CONNETICS CORPORATION
             (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

            DELAWARE                                   94-3173928
     (State of incorporation)            (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

                             3400 WEST BAYSHORE ROAD
                               PALO ALTO, CA 94303
                    (Address of principal executive offices)
                             -----------------------

                                 1994 STOCK PLAN
                        1995 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
                        1995 DIRECTORS' STOCK OPTION PLAN
                             -----------------------

                                THOMAS G. WIGGANS
                       PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
                              CONNETICS CORPORATION
                             3400 WEST BAYSHORE ROAD
                               PALO ALTO, CA 94303
                                 (650) 843-2800
 (Name, address and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
                             -----------------------
                                    Copy to:

                                 JOSHUA L. GREEN
                                Venture Law Group
                               2800 Sand Hill Road
                          Menlo Park, California 94025
                                 (650) 854-4488

               (Calculation of Registration Fee on following page)


<PAGE>   2
                         CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          Proposed
                                                    Maximum Amount  Proposed Maximum       Maximum         Amount of
                                                        to be        Offering Price      Aggregate       Registration
Title of Securities to be Registered                 Registered(1)     Per Share       Offering Price        Fee
- ------------------------------------                 -------------     ---------       --------------        ---
<S>                                               <C>               <C>                <C>               <C>
1994 STOCK PLAN
   Common Stock Issuable upon Exercise of
   Outstanding Options,                             140,998 Shares    $4.0000 (2)         $563,992         $166.38
   $0.001 par value.........................
   Common Stock,
   $0.001 par value.........................        459,002 Shares    $3.7815 (4)       $1,735,716         $512.04


1995 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
   Common Stock,
   $0.001 par value.........................        400,000 Shares    $3.2200 (3)       $1,288,000         $379.96

1995 DIRECTORS' STOCK OPTION PLAN
   Common Stock,
   $0.001 par value.........................        100,000 Shares    $3.7815 (4)         $378,150         $111.55

                  TOTAL                           1,100,000 Shares                                       $1,169.93
</TABLE>


- -----------------------

(1)     This Registration Statement shall also cover any additional shares of
        Common Stock which become issuable under any of the referenced plans
        being registered pursuant to this Registration Statement by reason of
        any stock dividend, stock split, recapitalization or any other similar
        transaction effected without the receipt of consideration, which results
        in an increase in the number of the Registrant's outstanding shares of
        Common Stock.

(2)     Computed in accordance with Rule 457(h) under the Securities Act solely
        for the purpose of calculating the registration fee. Computation based
        on the weighted average per share exercise price (rounded to the nearest
        cent) of outstanding options under the referenced plan, the shares
        issuable under which are registered hereby.

(3)     Estimated in accordance with Rule 457(h) under the Securities Act of
        1933 (the "Securities Act") solely for the purpose of calculating the
        registration fee. The computation is based upon the average of the high
        and low sale prices of the Common Stock as reported on The Nasdaq
        National Market on June 30, 1998, multiplied by 85%, which is the
        percentage of the trading purchase price applicable to purchases under
        the referenced Plan.

(4)     Estimated in accordance with Rule 457(h) under the Securities Act solely
        for the purpose of calculating the registration fee. The computation is
        based upon the average high and low sale prices of the Common Stock as
        reported on the Nasdaq National Market on June 30, 1998.


                                      -2-
<PAGE>   3
                                     PART II
               INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT

Item 3.           INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE.

        The following documents filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission") are incorporated by reference into this
Registration Statement:

        a. The description of the Company's Common Stock set forth in the
Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the Commission on
December 8, 1995, including any amendment thereto or report filed for the
purpose of updating such description (File No. 0-27406).

        b. The description of the Company's Preferred Share Purchase Rights set
forth in the Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the
Commission on May 23, 1997, including any amendment thereto or report filed for
the purpose of updating such description (File No. 0-27406).

        c. The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1997, filed March 20, 1998 (File No. 0-27406).

        d. The Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
March 31, 1998, filed May 14, 1998 (File No. 0-27406).

        All documents subsequently filed by the Registrant pursuant to Sections
13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act, prior to the filing of a
post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities offered hereby have
been sold or which deregisters all securities then remaining unsold, shall be
deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Registration Statement and to
be part hereof from the date of filing such documents. Any statement contained
in a document incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or
superseded for purposes hereof to the extent that a statement contained herein
(or in any other subsequently filed document which also is incorporated by
reference herein) modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so
modified or superseded shall not be deemed to constitute a part hereof, except
as so modified or superseded.

Item 4.           DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES.

                  Not applicable.

Item 5.           INTERESTS OF NAMED EXPERTS AND COUNSEL.

                  Certain legal matters with respect to the legality of the
issuance of the shares of Common Stock registered hereunder will be passed upon
for the Company by Venture Law Group, A Professional Corporation, 2775 Sand Hill
Road, Menlo Park, California 94025. Joshua L. Green, a director of Venture Law
Group, is Secretary of the Company.

Item 6.           INDEMNIFICATION OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS.

                  Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law authorizes
a court to award, or a corporation's Board of Directors to grant, indemnity to
directors and officers in terms sufficiently broad to permit such
indemnification under certain circumstances for liabilities (including
reimbursement for expenses incurred) arising under the Securities Act of 1933.
Article IX of the Registrant's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation
and Article VII, Section 6 of the Registrant's Bylaws provide for
indemnification of its directors, officers, employees and other agents to the
maximum extent permitted by law. In addition, the Registrant has 


                                      -3-


<PAGE>   4
entered into Indemnification Agreements with its officers and directors and
maintains director and officer liability insurance.

Item 7.           EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION CLAIMED.

                  With regard to the 140,998 shares of Common Stock issuable
upon exercise of outstanding options being registered for resale hereunder, such
options were issued under the exemption from registration provided by Section
4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Such options were granted to
employees of the Company who had a preexisting relationship with the Company and
who were provided the Company's most recent periodic reports under the Exchange
Act, along with detailed information regarding the 1994 Stock Plan.

Item 8.           EXHIBITS.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         Exhibit
          Number
          ------
<S>                   <C>
           4.3        1994 Stock Plan, as amended and form of Option Agreement.

           4.4        1995 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended, and form of
                      Subscription Agreement.

           4.5        1995 Directors' Stock Option Plan, as amended, and form of
                      Option Agreement.

           5.1        Opinion of Venture Law Group, a Professional Corporation.

           23.1       Consent of Venture Law Group, a Professional Corporation
                      (included in Exhibit 5.1).

           23.2       Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors.

           24.1       Power of Attorney.
</TABLE>


                                      -4-


<PAGE>   5
Item 9.           UNDERTAKINGS.

                  The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:

                  (1)      To file, during any period in which offers or sales
are being made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement to
include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not
previously disclosed in the Registration Statement or any material change to
such information in the Registration Statement.

                  (2)      That, for the purpose of determining any liability
under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be
deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be
the initial bona fide offering thereof.

                  (3)      To remove from registration by means of a
post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain
unsold at the termination of the offering.

                  (4)      That, for purposes of determining any liability under
the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the Registrant's annual report
pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual
report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is
incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a
new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona
fide offering thereof.

                  Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling
persons of the Registrant pursuant to the provisions referred to in Item 15
above or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the
Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy
as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In
the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than
the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director,
officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any
action, suit or proceeding) is asserted against the Registrant by such director,
officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered
hereunder, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the
final adjudication of such issue.


                                      -5-


<PAGE>   6
                                   SIGNATURES


         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant, Connetics Corporation (formerly, Connective Therapeutics, Inc.), a
corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware,
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the City of Palo Alto, State of California, on July 2, 1998.

                            CONNETICS CORPORATION


                            By: /s/ John L. Higgins
                                ------------------------------------------------
                                John L. Higgins
                                Vice President of Finance and Administration
                                and Chief Financial Officer


                                      -6-


<PAGE>   7
                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

        KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Thomas G. Wiggans and John L. Higgins,
jointly and severally, his or her attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with the
power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name,
place or stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any amendments to this
Registration Statement on Form S-8, and to file such amendments, together with
exhibits and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, granting to each attorney-in-fact and agent, full power and
authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary
to be done in and about the premises, as fully as he or she might or could do in
person, and ratifying and confirming all that the attorney-in-facts and agents,
or his or her substitute or substitutes, may do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           Signature                                          Title                                     Date
           ---------                                          -----                                     ----
<S>                               <C>                                                             <C>
/s/ Thomas G. Wiggans             President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal      July 1, 1998
- --------------------------------    Executive Officer)
Thomas G. Wiggans               

/s/ John L. Higgins               Vice President of Finance and Administration and Chief          July 1, 1998
- --------------------------------    Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting
John L. Higgins                     Officer)
                                

/s/ G. Kirk Raab                  Chairman of the Board                                           July 2, 1998
- --------------------------------
G. Kirk Raab

/s/ Alexander E. Barkas, Ph.D.    Director                                                        July 2, 1998
- --------------------------------
Alexander E. Barkas, Ph.D.

/s/ Eugene A. Bauer, M.D.         Director                                                        July 1, 1998
- --------------------------------
Eugene A. Bauer, M.D.

/s/ Brian H. Dovey                Director                                                        July 2, 1998
- --------------------------------
Brian H. Dovey

/s/ John C. Kane                  Director                                                        July 2, 1998
- --------------------------------
John C. Kane

/s/ Thomas D. Kiley               Director                                                        July 1, 1998
- --------------------------------
Thomas D. Kiley

/s/ Kenneth B. Plumlee            Director                                                        July 2, 1998
- --------------------------------
Kenneth B. Plumlee

/s/ Joseph J. Ruvane, Jr.         Director                                                        July 2, 1998
- --------------------------------
Joseph J. Ruvane, Jr.
</TABLE>


                                      -7-


<PAGE>   8
                                INDEX TO EXHIBITS


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   Exhibit                                                                                             Page
    Number                                                                                              No.
    ------                                                                                              ---
<S>           <C>                                                                                      <C>
     4.3      1994 Stock Plan, as amended, and form of Option Agreement                                  9

     4.4      1995 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended, and form of Subscription Agreement.        35

     4.5      1995 Directors' Stock Option Plan, as amended, and form of Option Agreement.              45

     5.1      Opinion of Venture Law Group, a Professional Corporation.                                 59

    23.1      Consent of Venture Law Group, a Professional Corporation (included in Exhibit 5.1).       59

    23.2      Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors.                                       60

    24.1      Power of Attorney.                                                                         7
</TABLE>


                                      -8-



<PAGE>   1
                                                                     EXHIBIT 4.3

                              CONNETICS CORPORATION

                                 1994 STOCK PLAN
                        (AS AMENDED THROUGH MAY 22, 1998)


        1. Purposes of the Plan. The purposes of this Stock Plan are to attract
and retain the best available personnel for positions of substantial
responsibility, to provide additional incentive to Employees and Consultants of
the Company and its Subsidiaries and to promote the success of the Company's
business. Options granted under the Plan may be Incentive Stock Options (as
defined under Section 422 of the Code) or Nonstatutory Stock Options, as
determined by the Administrator at the time of grant of an option and reflected
in the terms of the written option agreement. Stock purchase rights may also be
granted under the Plan.

        2. Definitions. As used herein, the following definitions shall apply:

               (a) "Administrator" means the Board or any of its Committees
appointed pursuant to Section 4 of the Plan.

               (b) "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

               (c) "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

               (d) "Committee" means the Committee appointed by the Board of
Directors in accordance with Section 4(a) of the Plan below, if one is
appointed.

               (e) "Common Stock" means the Common Stock of the Company.

               (f) "Company" means Connetics Corporation, a Delaware
corporation.

               (g) "Consultant" means any person, including an advisor, who is
engaged by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary to render services and is
compensated for such services, and any director of the Company, whether
compensated for such services or not.

               (h) "Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant" means the
absence of any interruption or termination of service as an Employee or
Consultant. Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant shall not be
considered interrupted in the case of sick leave, military leave, or any other
leave of absence approved by the Administrator, provided that such leave is for
a period of not more than ninety (90) days, unless reemployment upon the
expiration of such leave is guaranteed by contract or statute, or unless
provided otherwise pursuant to Company policy adopted from time to time, or in
the case of transfers between locations of the Company or between the Company,
its Subsidiaries or its successor. For purposes of this Plan, a change in status
from an Employee to a Consultant or from a Consultant to an Employee will not
constitute a termination of employment.

               (i) "Director" means a member of the Board.

               (j) "Employee" means any person, including Named Executives,
Officers and Directors, employed by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of
the Company. The payment by the Company of a director's fee to a Director shall
not be sufficient to constitute "employment" of such Director by the Company.

               (k) "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.

               (l) "Fair Market Value" means, as of any date, the value of
Common Stock determined as follows:


                                      -9-


<PAGE>   2
                      (i) If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock
exchange or a national market system including without limitation the National
Market of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Automated
Quotation ("Nasdaq") System, its Fair Market Value shall be the closing sales
price for such stock as quoted on such system on the date of determination (or
the closing bid, if no sales were reported on that day) as reported in The Wall
Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable;

                      (ii) If the Common Stock is quoted on the Nasdaq System
(but not on the National Market thereof) or regularly quoted by a recognized
securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, its Fair Market Value
shall be the mean between the high bid and low asked prices for the Common Stock
or;

                      (iii) In the absence of an established market for the
Common Stock, the Fair Market Value thereof shall be determined in good faith by
the Administrator.

               (m) "Incentive Stock Option" means an Option intended to qualify
as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code, as
designated in the applicable written option agreement.

               (n) "Named Executive" means any individual who, on the last day
of the Company's fiscal year, is the chief executive officer of the Company (or
is acting in such capacity) or among the four highest compensated officers of
the Company (other than the chief executive officer). Such officer status shall
be determined pursuant to the executive compensation disclosure rules under the
Exchange Act.

               (o) "Nonstatutory Stock Option" means an Option not intended to
qualify as an Incentive Stock Option, as designated in the applicable written
option agreement.

               (p) "Officer" means a person who is an officer of the Company
within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder.

               (q) "Option" means a stock option granted pursuant to the Plan.

               (r) "Optioned Stock" means the Common Stock subject to an Option
or a Stock Purchase Right.

               (s) "Optionee" means an Employee or Consultant who receives an
Option or Stock Purchase Right.

               (t) "Parent" means a "parent corporation", whether now or
hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code.

               (u) "Plan" means this 1994 Stock Plan.

               (v) "Restricted Stock" means shares of Common Stock acquired
pursuant to a grant of a Stock Purchase Right under Section 11 below.

               (w) "Rule 16b-3" means Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange
Act as the same may be amended from time to time, as any successor provision.

               (x) "Share" means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in
accordance with Section 13 below.

               (y) "Stock Purchase Right" means the right to purchase Common
Stock pursuant to Section 11 below.

               (z) "Subsidiary" means a "subsidiary corporation", whether now or
hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code.


                                      -10-


<PAGE>   3
        3. Stock Subject to the Plan. Subject to the provisions of Section 13 of
the Plan, the maximum aggregate number of shares which may be optioned and sold
under the Plan is 2,600,000 shares of Common Stock. The shares may be
authorized, but unissued, or reacquired Common Stock.

               If an Option should expire or become unexercisable for any reason
without having been exercised in full, the unpurchased Shares which were subject
thereto shall, unless the Plan shall have been terminated, become available for
future grant under the Plan.

               Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, Shares issued
under the Plan and later repurchased by the Company shall not become available
for future grant or sale under the Plan.

        4. Administration of the Plan.

               (a) Composition of the Administrator.

                      (i) Multiple Administrative Bodies. If permitted by Rule
16b-3 and by the legal requirements relating to the administration of incentive
stock option plans, if any, of the applicable securities laws and the Code
(collectively the "Applicable Laws"), grants and sales under the Plan may (but
need not) be made by different administrative bodies with respect to Directors,
Officers who are not directors and Employees who are neither Directors nor
Officers.

                      (ii) Administration With Respect to Directors and
Officers. With respect to grants of Options or Stock Purchase Rights to
Employees or Consultants who are also Officers or Directors of the Company,
grants or sales under the Plan shall be made by (A) the Board if the Board may
make grants or sales under the Plan in compliance with Rule 16b-3 and Section
162(m) of the Code as it applies so as to qualify grants of Options or Stock
Purchase Rights to Named Executives as performance-based compensation, or (B) a
Committee designated by the Board to make grants or sales under the Plan, which
committee shall be constituted in such a manner as to permit grants or sales
under the Plan to comply with Rule 16b-3, to qualify grants of Options or Stock
Purchase Rights to Named Executives as performance-based compensation under
Section 162(m) of the Code and otherwise so as to satisfy the Applicable Laws.

                      (iii) Administration With Respect to Other Persons. With
respect to grants of Options or Stock Purchase Rights to Employees or
Consultants who are neither Directors nor Officers of the Company, the Plan
shall be administered by (A) the Board or (B) a committee designated by the
Board, which committee shall be constituted in such a manner as to satisfy the
Applicable Laws.

                      (iv) General. If a Committee has been appointed pursuant
to subsection (ii) or (iii) of this Section 4(a), such Committee shall continue
to serve in its designated capacity until otherwise directed by the Board. From
time to time the Board may increase the size of the Committee and appoint
additional members thereof, remove members (with or without cause) and appoint
new members in substitution therefor, fill vacancies, however caused, and remove
all members of the Committee and thereafter directly administer the Plan, all to
the extent permitted by the Applicable Laws and, in the case of a Committee
appointed under subsection (ii) of this Section 4(a), to the extent permitted by
Rule 16b-3, and to the extent required under Section 162(m) of the Code to
qualify grants of Options or Stock Purchase Rights to Named Executives as
performance-based compensation.

               (b) Powers of the Administrator. Subject to the provisions of the
Plan and in the case of a Committee, the specific duties delegated by the Board
to such Committee, and subject to the approval of any relevant authorities,
including the approval, if required, of any stock exchange upon which the Common
Stock is listed, the Administrator shall have the authority, in its discretion:

                      (i) to determine the Fair Market Value of the Common
Stock, in accordance with Section 2(l) of the Plan;


                                      -11-


<PAGE>   4
                      (ii) to select the Consultants and Employees to whom
Options and Stock Purchase Rights may from time to time be granted hereunder;

                      (iii) to determine whether and to what extent Options and
Stock Purchase Rights or any combination thereof are granted hereunder;

                      (iv) to determine the number of shares of Common Stock to
be covered by each such award granted hereunder;

                      (v) to approve forms of agreement for use under the Plan;

                      (vi) to determine the terms and conditions, not
inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, of any award granted hereunder;

                      (vii) to determine whether and under what circumstances an
Option may be settled in cash under subsection 10(f) instead of Common Stock;

                      (viii) to reduce the exercise price of any Option to the
then current Fair Market Value if the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock
covered by such Option shall have declined since the date the Option was
granted; and

                      (ix) to determine the terms and restrictions applicable to
Stock Purchase Rights and the Restricted Stock purchased by exercising such
Stock Purchase Rights.

               (c) Effect of Administrator's Decision. All decisions,
determinations and interpretations of the Administrator shall be final and
binding on all Optionees and any other holders of any Options or Stock Purchase
Rights.

        5. Eligibility.

               (a) Nonstatutory Stock Options and Stock Purchase Rights may be
granted to Employees and Consultants. Incentive Stock Options may be granted
only to Employees. An Employee or Consultant who has been granted an Option or
Stock Purchase Right may, if he is otherwise eligible, be granted additional
Options or Stock Purchase Rights.

               (b) Each Option shall be designated in the written option
agreement as either an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonstatutory Stock Option.
However, notwithstanding such designations, to the extent that the aggregate
Fair Market Value of the Shares with respect to which Options designated as
Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by any Optionee
during any calendar year (under all plans of the Company or any Parent or
Subsidiary) exceeds $100,000, such excess Options shall be treated as
Nonstatutory Stock Options. For purposes of this section, Incentive Stock
Options shall be taken into account in the order in which they were granted, and
the Fair Market Value of the Shares shall be determined as of the time the
Option with respect to such Shares is granted.

               (c) The Plan shall not confer upon any Optionee any right with
respect to continuation of employment or consulting relationship with the
Company, nor shall it interfere in any way with his or her right or the
Company's right to terminate his or her employment or consulting relationship at
any time, with or without cause.

        6. Term of Plan. The Plan shall become effective upon the earlier to
occur of its adoption by the Board of Directors or its approval by the
shareholders of the Company as described in Section 21 of the Plan. It shall
continue in effect for a term of ten (10) years unless sooner terminated under
Section 17 of the Plan.

        7. Term of Option. The term of each Option shall be the term stated in
the Option Agreement; provided, however, that in the case of an Incentive Stock
Option, the term shall be no more than ten (10) years from the date of grant
thereof or such shorter term as may be provided in the Option Agreement.
However, in the case of 


                                      -12-


<PAGE>   5
an Option granted to an Optionee who, at the time the Option is granted, owns
stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the voting power of all
classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the term of the
Option shall be five (5) years from the date of grant thereof or such shorter
term as may be provided in the Option Agreement.

        8. Limitation on Grants to Employees. Subject to adjustment as provided
in this Plan, the maximum number of Shares which may be subject to Options or
Stock Purchase Rights granted to any one Employee under this Plan for any fiscal
year of the Company shall be 150,000.

        9. Option Exercise Price and Consideration.

               (a) The per Share exercise price for the Shares to be issued
pursuant to exercise of an Option shall be such price as is determined by the
Administrator, but shall be subject to the following:

                      (i) In the case of an Incentive Stock Option

                           (A) granted to an Employee who, at the time of the
grant of such Incentive Stock Option, owns stock representing more than ten
percent (10%) of the voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any
Parent or Subsidiary, the per Share exercise price shall be no less than 110% of
the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant.

                           (B) granted to any other Employee, the per Share
exercise price shall be no less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on
the date of grant.

                      (ii) In the case of a Nonstatutory Stock Option

                           (A) granted to a person who, at the time of the grant
of such Option, is a Named Executive of the Company, the per Share exercise
price shall be no less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair market Value
on the date of grant; or

                           (B) granted to any person other than a Named
Executive, the per Share exercise price shall be no less than 85% of the Fair
Market Value per Share on the date of grant.

                      (iii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in
subsections 9(a)(i) or 9(a)(ii) above, in the case of an Option granted on or
after the effective date of registration of any class of equity security of the
Company pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act and prior to six months after
the termination of such registration, the per Share exercise price shall be no
less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant.

               (b) The consideration to be paid for the Shares to be issued upon
exercise of an Option, including the method of payment, shall be determined by
the Administrator (and, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option, shall be
determined at the time of grant) and may consist entirely of (1) cash, (2)
check, (3) promissory note, (4) other Shares which (x) in the case of Shares
acquired upon exercise of an Option either have been owned by the Optionee for
more than six months on the date of surrender or were not acquired, directly or
indirectly, from the Company, and (y) have a Fair Market Value on the date of
surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Shares as to which said
Option shall be exercised, (5) authorization from the Company to retain from the
total number of Shares as to which the Option is exercised that number of Shares
having a Fair Market Value on the date of exercise equal to the exercise price
for the total number of Shares as to which the Option is exercised, (6) delivery
of a properly executed exercise notice together with such other documentation as
the Administrator and the broker, if applicable, shall require to effect an
exercise of the Option and delivery to the Company of the sale or loan proceeds
required to pay the exercise price, (7) any combination of the foregoing methods
of payment, (8) or such other consideration and method of payment for the
issuance of Shares to the extent permitted under Applicable Laws. In making its
determination as to the type of consideration to accept, the Board shall
consider if acceptance of such consideration may be reasonably expected to
benefit the Company.


                                      -13-


<PAGE>   6
        10. Exercise of Option.

               (a) Procedure for Exercise; Rights as a Shareholder. Any Option
granted hereunder shall be exercisable at such times and under such conditions
as determined by the Administrator, including performance criteria with respect
to the Company and/or the Optionee, and as shall be permissible under the terms
of the Plan.

                      An Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share.

                      An Option shall be deemed to be exercised when written
notice of such exercise has been given to the Company in accordance with the
terms of the Option by the person entitled to exercise the Option and full
payment for the Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised has been
received by the Company. Full payment may, as authorized by the Administrator,
consist of any consideration and method of payment allowable under Section 9(b)
of the Plan. Until the issuance (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the
books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company) of
the stock certificate evidencing such Shares, no right to vote or receive
dividends or any other rights as a shareholder shall exist with respect to the
Optioned Stock, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option. The Company shall
issue (or cause to be issued) such stock certificate as promptly as practicable
upon exercise of the Option. No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other
right for which the record date is prior to the date the stock certificate is
issued, except as provided in Section 14 of the Plan.

                      Exercise of an Option in any manner shall result in a
decrease in the number of Shares which thereafter may be available, both for
purposes of the Plan and for sale under the Option, by the number of Shares as
to which the Option is exercised.

               (b) Termination of Status as an Employee or Consultant. In the
event of termination of an Optionee's Continuous Status as an Employee or
Consultant, such Optionee may, but only within thirty (30) days (or such other
period of time, not exceeding three (3) months in the case of an Incentive Stock
Option or six (6) months in the case of a Nonstatutory Stock Option, as is
determined by the Administrator, with such determination in the case of an
Incentive Stock Option being made at the time of grant of the Option) after the
date of such termination (but in no event later than the date of expiration of
the term of such Option as set forth in the Option Agreement), exercise his or
her Option to the extent that he or she was entitled to exercise it at the date
of such termination. To the extent that the Optionee was not entitled to
exercise the Option at the date of such termination, or if the optionee does not
exercise such Option (which he or she was entitled to exercise) within the time
specified herein, the Option shall terminate.

               (c) Disability of Optionee.

                (i) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 9(b) above, in the
        event of termination of an Optionee's Continuous Status as an Employee
        or Consultant as a result of his or her total and permanent disability
        (within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code), Optionee may, but
        only within twelve (12) months from the date of such termination (but in
        no event later than the expiration date of the term of such Option as
        set forth in the Option Agreement), exercise the Option to the extent
        otherwise entitled to exercise it at the date of such termination. To
        the extent that Optionee was not entitled to exercise the Option at the
        date of termination, or if Optionee does not exercise such Option to the
        extent so entitled within the time specified herein, the Option shall
        terminate.

                (ii) In the event of termination of an Optionee's Continuous
        Status as an Employee or Consultant as a result of a disability which
        does not fall within the meaning of total and permanent disability (as
        set forth in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code), Optionee may, but only
        within six (6) months from the date of such termination (but in no event
        later than the expiration date of the term of such Option as set forth
        in the Option Agreement), exercise the Option to the extent otherwise
        entitled to exercise it at the date of such termination. However, to the
        extent that such Optionee fails to exercise an Option which is an
        Incentive Stock Option within three (3) months of the date of such
        termination, the Option will not qualify for ISO treatment under the
        Code. To the extent that Optionee was not entitled to exercise the
        Option at the 


                                      -14-


<PAGE>   7
        date of termination, or if Optionee does not exercise such Option to the
        extent so entitled within six months (6) from the date of termination,
        the Option shall terminate.

               (d) Death of Optionee. In the event of the death of an Optionee
during the term of the Option who is at the time of death an Employee or
Consultant of the Company, the Option may be exercised, at any time within
twelve (12) months following the date of death (but in no event later than the
expiration date of the term of such Option as set forth in the Option
Agreement), by the Optionee's estate or by a person who acquired the right to
exercise the Option by bequest or inheritance, but only to the extent the
Optionee was entitled to exercise the Option at the date of death. To the extent
that Optionee was not entitled to exercise the Option at the date of
termination, or if Optionee does not exercise such Option to the extent so
entitled within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate.

               (e) Rule 16b-3. Options granted to persons subject to Section
16(b) of the Exchange Act must comply with Rule 16b-3 and shall contain such
additional conditions or restrictions as may be required thereunder to qualify
for the maximum exemption from Section 16 of the Exchange Act with respect to
Plan transactions.

               (f) Buyout Provisions. The Administrator may at any time offer to
buy out for a payment in cash or Shares, an Option previously granted, based on
such terms and conditions as the Administrator shall establish and communicate
to the Optionee at the time that such offer is made.

        11. Non-Transferability of Options. Option may not be sold, pledged,
assigned, hypothecated, transferred, or disposed of in any manner other than by
will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be exercised, during the
lifetime of the Optionee, only by the Optionee.

        12. Stock Purchase Rights.

               (a) Rights to Purchase. Stock Purchase Rights may be issued
either alone, in addition to, or in tandem with other awards granted under the
Plan and/or cash awards made outside of the Plan. After the Administrator
determines that it will offer Stock Purchase Rights under the Plan, it shall
advise the offeree in writing of the terms, conditions and restrictions related
to the offer, including the number of Shares that such person shall be entitled
to purchase, the price to be paid (which price shall not be less than 85% of the
Fair Market Value of the Shares as of the date of the offer or, in the case of a
shareholder owning ten percent (10%) or more of the Company's outstanding stock
or a person who is a Named Executive, 100% of the Fair Market Value of the
Shares as of the date of the offer), and the time within which such person must
accept such offer, which shall in no event exceed thirty (30) days from the date
upon which the Administrator made the determination to grant the Stock Purchase
Right. The offer shall be accepted by execution of a Restricted Stock purchase
agreement in the form determined by the Administrator. Shares purchased pursuant
to the grant of a Stock Purchase Right shall be referred to herein as
"Restricted Stock."

               (b) Repurchase Option. Unless the Administrator determines
otherwise, the Restricted Stock purchase agreement shall grant the Company a
repurchase option exercisable upon the voluntary or involuntary termination of
the purchaser's employment with the Company for any reason (including death or
Disability). The purchase price for Shares repurchased pursuant to the
Restricted Stock purchase agreement shall be the original price paid by the
purchaser and may be paid by cancellation of any indebtedness of the purchaser
to the Company. The repurchase option shall lapse at such rate as the Board or
Committee may determine.

               (c) Other Provisions. The Restricted Stock purchase agreement
shall contain such other terms, provisions and conditions not inconsistent with
the Plan as may be determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion. In
addition, the provisions of Restricted Stock purchase agreements need not be the
same with respect to each purchaser.

               (d) Rights as a Shareholder. Once the Stock Purchase Right is
exercised, the purchaser shall have the rights equivalent to those of a
shareholder, and shall be a shareholder when his or her purchase is entered 


                                      -15-


<PAGE>   8
upon the records of the duly authorized transfer agent of the Company. No
adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date
is prior to the date the Stock Purchase Right is exercised, except as provided
in Section 14 of the Plan.

        13. Withholding Taxes. As a condition to the exercise of Options or the
purchase of Restricted Stock pursuant to awards granted hereunder, the Optionee
or purchaser shall make such arrangements as the Administrator may require for
the satisfaction of any federal, state, local or foreign withholding tax
obligations that may arise in connection with the exercise, receipt or vesting
of such award. The Company shall not be required to issue any Shares under the
Plan until such obligations are satisfied.

        14. Stock Withholding to Satisfy Withholding Tax Obligations. At the
discretion of the Administrator, Optionees may satisfy withholding obligations
as provided in this paragraph. When an Optionee incurs tax liability in
connection with an Option or Stock Purchase Right, which tax liability is
subject to tax withholding under applicable tax laws, and the Optionee is
obligated to pay the Company an amount required to be withheld under applicable
tax laws, the Optionee may satisfy the withholding tax obligation by electing to
have the Company withhold from the Shares to be issued upon exercise of the
Option, or the Shares to be issued in connection with the Stock Purchase Right,
if any, that number of Shares having a Fair Market Value equal to the amount
required to be withheld. The Fair Market Value of the Shares to be withheld
shall be determined on the date that the amount of tax to be withheld is to be
determined (the "Tax Date").

               Any surrender by an Officer or Director of previously owned
Shares to satisfy tax withholding obligations arising upon exercise of this
Option must comply with the applicable provisions of Rule 16b-3.

               All elections by an Optionee to have Shares withheld for this
purpose shall be made in writing in a form acceptable to the Administrator and
shall be subject to the following restrictions:

               (a) the election must be made on or prior to the applicable Tax
Date;

               (b) once made, the election shall be irrevocable as to the
particular Shares of the Option or Stock Purchase Right as to which the election
is made; and

               (c) all elections shall be subject to the consent or disapproval
of the Administrator.

               In the event the election to have Shares withheld is made by an
Optionee and the Tax Date is deferred under Section 83 of the Code because no
election is filed under Section 83(b) of the Code, the Optionee shall receive
the full number of Shares with respect to which the Option or Stock Purchase
Right is exercised but such Optionee shall be unconditionally obligated to
tender back to the Company the proper number of Shares on the Tax Date.

        15. Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization; Corporate Transaction.

               (a) Changes in Capitalization. Subject to any required action by
the shareholders of the Company, the number of shares of Common Stock covered by
each outstanding Option or Stock Purchase Right, and the number of shares of
Common Stock which have been authorized for issuance under the Plan but as to
which no Options or Stock Purchase Rights have yet been granted or which have
been returned to the Plan upon cancellation or expiration of an Option or Stock
Purchase Right, as well as the price per share of Common Stock covered by each
such outstanding Option or Stock Purchase Right, shall be proportionately
adjusted for any increase or decrease in the number of issued shares of Common
Stock resulting from a stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend,
combination or reclassification of the Common Stock, or any other increase or
decrease in the number of issued shares of Common Stock effected without receipt
of consideration by the Company; provided, however, that conversion of any
convertible securities of the Company shall not be deemed to have been "effected
without receipt of consideration." Such adjustment shall be made by the Board,
whose determination in that respect shall be final, binding and conclusive.
Except as expressly provided herein, no issuance by the Company of shares of
stock of any class, or securities convertible into shares of stock of any class,
shall affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof 


                                      -16-


<PAGE>   9
shall be made with respect to, the number or price of shares of Common Stock
subject to an Option or Stock Purchase Right.

               (b) Corporate Transactions. In the event of a dissolution or
liquidation of the Company, the Option will terminate immediately prior to the
consummation of such action, unless otherwise provided by the Administrator. The
Administrator may, in the exercise of its sole discretion in such instances,
declare that any Option shall terminate as of a date fixed by the Administrator
and give each Optionee the right to exercise his or her Option as to all of the
Optioned Stock, including Shares as to which the Option would not otherwise be
exercisable. In the event of a proposed sale of all or substantially all of the
assets of the Company, the merger of the Company with or into another
corporation or any other capital reorganization in which more than fifty percent
(50%) of the shares of the Company entitled to vote are exchanged, the Option
shall be assumed or an equivalent option shall be substituted by such successor
corporation or a parent or subsidiary of such successor corporation, unless the
Administrator determines, in the exercise of its sole discretion and in lieu of
such assumption or substitution, that the Optionee shall have the right to
exercise the Option as to all of the Optioned Stock, including Shares as to
which the Option would not otherwise be exercisable. If the Administrator makes
an Option exercisable in lieu of assumption or substitution in the event of a
merger or sale of assets, the Administrator shall notify the Optionee that the
Option shall be exercisable for a period of thirty (30) days from the date of
such notice, and the Option will terminate upon the expiration of such period.

        16. Time of Granting Options and Stock Purchase Rights. The date of
grant of an Option or Stock Purchase Right shall, for all purposes, be the date
on which the Administrator makes the determination granting such Option or Stock
Purchase Right, or such other date as is determined by the Administrator;
provided however that in the case of any Incentive Stock Option, the grant date
shall be the later of the date on which the Administrator makes the
determination granting such Incentive Stock Option or the date of commencement
of the Optionee's employment relationship with the Company. Notice of the
determination shall be given to each Employee or Consultant to whom an Option or
Stock Purchase Right is so granted within a reasonable time after the date of
such grant.

        17. Amendment and Termination of the Plan.

               (a) Amendment and Termination. The Board may amend or terminate
the Plan from time to time in such respects as the Board may deem advisable;
provided, however, that the following revisions or amendments shall require
approval of the shareholders of the Company in the manner described in Section
20 of the Plan:

                      (i) any increase in the number of Shares subject to the
Plan, other than in connection with an adjustment under Section 15 above;

                      (ii) any change in the designation of the class of persons
eligible to be granted Options;

                      (iii) any change in the limitation on grants to employees
as described in Section 8 of the Plan or other changes which would require
shareholder approval to qualify options granted hereunder as performance-based
compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code; or

                      (iv) any revision or amendment requiring shareholder
approval in order to preserve the qualification of the Plan under Rule 16b-3.

               (b) Shareholder Approval. If any amendment requiring shareholder
approval under Section 13(a) above is made subsequent to the first registration
of any class of equity security by the Company under Section 12 of the Exchange
Act, then such shareholder approval shall be solicited as described in Section
20 below.

               (c) Effect of Amendment or Termination. Any such amendment or
termination of the Plan shall not affect Options already granted and such
Options shall remain in full force and effect as if this Plan had not 


                                      -17-


<PAGE>   10
been amended or terminated, unless mutually agreed otherwise between the
Optionee and the Board, which agreement must be in writing and signed by the
Optionee and the Company.

        18. Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares. Shares shall not be issued
pursuant to the exercise of an Option or Stock Purchase Right unless the
exercise of such Option and the issuance and delivery of such Shares pursuant
thereto shall comply with all relevant provisions of law, including, without
limitation, the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Exchange Act, the rules
and regulations promulgated thereunder, and the requirements of any stock
exchange upon which the Shares may then be listed, and shall be further subject
to the approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such compliance.

               As a condition to the exercise of an Option or Stock Purchase
Right, the Company may require the person exercising such Option or Stock
Purchase Right to represent and warrant at the time of any such exercise that
the Shares are being purchased only for investment and without any present
intention to sell or distribute such Shares if, in the opinion of counsel for
the Company, such a representation is required by any of the aforementioned
relevant provisions of law.

        19. Reservation of Shares. The Company, during the term of this Plan,
will at all times reserve and keep available such number of Shares as shall be
sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the Plan. The inability of the Company
to obtain authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction, which
authority is deemed by the Company's counsel to be necessary to the lawful
issuance and sale of any Shares hereunder, shall relieve the Company of any
liability in respect of the failure to issue or sell such Shares as to which
such requisite authority shall not have been obtained.

        20. Agreements. Options and Stock Purchase Rights shall be evidenced by
written agreements in such form as the Board shall approve from time to time.

        21. Shareholder Approval.

               (a) Continuance of the Plan shall be subject to approval by the
shareholders of the Company within twelve (12) months before or after the date
the Plan is adopted. Such shareholder approval shall be obtained in the degree
and manner required under applicable state and federal law and the rules of any
stock exchange upon which the Common Stock is listed.

               (b) In the event that the Company registers any class of equity
securities pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act, any required approval of
the shareholders of the Company obtained after such registration shall be
solicited substantially in accordance with Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act and
the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

               (c) If any required approval by the shareholders of the Plan
itself or of any amendment thereto is solicited at any time otherwise than in
the manner described in Section 20(b) hereof, then the Company shall, at or
prior to the first annual meeting of shareholders held subsequent to the later
of (1) the first registration of any class of equity securities of the Company
under Section 12 of the Exchange Act or (2) the granting of an Option hereunder
to an officer or director after such registration, do the following:

                      (i) furnish in writing to the holders entitled to vote for
the Plan substantially the same information that would be required (if proxies
to be voted with respect to approval or disapproval of the Plan or amendment
were then being solicited) by the rules and regulations in effect under Section
14(a) of the Exchange Act at the time such information is furnished; and

                      (ii) file with, or mail for filing to, the Securities and
Exchange Commission four copies of the written information referred to in
subsection (i) hereof not later than the date on which such information is first
sent or given to shareholders.


                                      -18-


<PAGE>   11
        22. Information to Optionees and Purchasers. The Company shall provide
financial statements at least annually to each Optionee and to each individual
who acquired Shares Pursuant to the Plan, during the period such Optionee or
purchaser has one or more Options or Stock Purchase Rights outstanding, and in
the case of an individual who acquired Shares pursuant to the Plan, during the
period such individual owns such Shares. The Company shall not be required to
provide such information if the issuance of Options or Stock Purchase Rights
under the Plan is limited to key employees whose duties in connection with the
Company assure their access to equivalent information.


                                      -19-


<PAGE>   12
                              CONNETICS CORPORATION

                                 1994 STOCK PLAN

                          NOTICE OF STOCK OPTION GRANT

Optionee's Name and Address:

________________________________

________________________________

________________________________



        You have been granted an option to purchase Common Stock of Connetics
Corporation (the "Company") as follows:


         Date of Grant:                       __________________________

         Option Price Per Share:              $_________________________

         Total Number of Shares Granted:

         Total Price of Shares Granted:       $_________________________

         Type of Option:                      ____ Incentive Stock Option
                                              ____ Nonstatutory Stock Option

         Term/Expiration Date:

         Vesting Commencement Date:

         Vesting Schedule:       1/8th of the Shares Granted shall vest on
                                 the six (6) month anniversary of the Vesting
                                 Commencement Date; and 1/48th of the original
                                 number of Shares Granted shall vest on each
                                 monthly anniversary of the Vesting Commencement
                                 Date thereafter while Optionee remains an
                                 employee of or consultant to the Company.

         Termination Period:     Option may be exercised for three
                                 months (3 months maximum for ISO's) after
                                 termination of employment or consulting
                                 relationship except as set out in Sections 7
                                 and 8 of the Stock Option Agreement (but in no
                                 event later than the Expiration Date).


                                      -20-


<PAGE>   13
        By your signature and the signature of the Company's representative
below, you and the Company agree that this option is granted under and governed
by the terms and conditions of the 1994 Stock Plan and the Stock Option
Agreement, all of which are attached and made a part of this document.

OPTIONEE                           CONNETICS CORPORATION


                                   By:_____________________________
________________________________ 
Signature

                                   Title:____________________________
________________________________ 
Print Name


                                      -21-


<PAGE>   14
                              CONNETICS CORPORATION

                                 1994 STOCK PLAN

                             STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT


        1. Grant of Option. Connetics Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the
"Company"), hereby grants to the Optionee named in the Notice of Grant (the
"Optionee"), an option (the "Option") to purchase a total number of shares of
Common Stock (the "Shares") set forth in the Notice of Grant, at the exercise
price per share set forth in the Notice of Grant (the "Exercise Price") subject
to the terms, definitions and provisions of the Company's 1994 Stock Plan (the
"Plan") adopted by the Company, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Plan shall have the
same defined meanings in this Option.

               If designated an Incentive Stock Option, this Option is intended
to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option as defined in Section 422 of the Code.

        2. Exercise of Option. This Option shall be exercisable during its term
in accordance with the Exercise Schedule set out in the Notice of Grant and with
the provisions of Section 9 of the Plan as follows:

               (i) Right to Exercise.

                      (a) This Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a
share.

                      (b) In the event of Optionee's death, disability or other
termination of employment, the exercisability of the Option is governed by
Sections 6, 7 and 8 below, subject to the limitation contained in subsection
2(i)(c).

                      (c) In no event may this Option be exercised after the
date of expiration of the term of this Option as set forth in the Notice of
Grant.

               (ii) Method of Exercise. This Option shall be exercisable by
written notice (in the form attached as Exhibit A) which shall state the
election to exercise the Option, the number of Shares in respect of which the
Option is being exercised, and such other representations and agreements as to
the holder's investment intent with respect to such shares of Common Stock as
may be required by the Company pursuant to the provisions of the Plan. Such
written notice shall be signed by the Optionee and shall be delivered in person
or by certified mail to the Secretary of the Company. The written notice shall
be accompanied by payment of the Exercise Price. This Option shall be deemed to
be exercised upon receipt by the Company of such written notice accompanied by
the Exercise Price.

                      No Shares will be issued pursuant to the exercise of an
Option unless such issuance and such exercise shall comply with all relevant
provisions of law and the requirements of any stock exchange upon which the
Shares may then be listed. Assuming such compliance, for income tax purposes the
Shares shall be considered transferred to the Optionee on the date on which the
Option is exercised with respect to such Shares.

        3. Optionee's Representations. In the event the Shares purchasable
pursuant to the exercise of this Option have not been registered under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, at the time this Option is exercised,
Optionee shall, if required by the Company, concurrently with the exercise of
all or any portion of this Option, deliver to the Company his or her Investment
Representation Statement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B, and shall
read the applicable rules of the Commissioner of Corporations attached to such
Investment Representation Statement.


                                      -22-


<PAGE>   15
        4. Method of Payment. Payment of the Exercise Price shall be by any of
the following, or a combination thereof, at the election of the Optionee:

               (i) cash; or

               (ii) check; or

               (iii) surrender of other shares of Common Stock of the Company
which (A) in the case of Shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of a Company
option, have been owned by the Optionee for more than six (6) months on the date
of surrender, and (B) have a fair market value on the date of surrender equal to
the Exercise Price of the Shares as to which the Option is being exercised; or

               (iv) delivery of a properly executed exercise notice together
with such other documentation as the Administrator and the broker, if
applicable, shall require to effect an exercise of the Option and delivery to
the Company of the sale or loan proceeds required to pay the exercise price.

        5. Restrictions on Exercise. This Option may not be exercised until such
time as the Plan has been approved by the stockholders of the Company, or if the
issuance of such Shares upon such exercise or the method of payment of
consideration for such shares would constitute a violation of any applicable
federal or state securities or other law or regulation, including any rule under
Part 207 of Title 12 of the Code of Federal Regulations ("Regulation G") as
promulgated by the Federal Reserve Board. As a condition to the exercise of this
Option, the Company may require Optionee to make any representation and warranty
to the Company as may be required by any applicable law or regulation.

        6. Termination of Relationship. In the event of termination of
Optionee's consulting relationship or Continuous Status as an Employee, Optionee
may, to the extent otherwise so entitled at the date of such termination (the
"Termination Date"), exercise this Option during the Termination Period set out
in the Notice of Grant. To the extent that Optionee was not entitled to exercise
this Option at the date of such termination, or if Optionee does not exercise
this Option within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate.

        7. Disability of Optionee.

               (a) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 6 above, in the
event of termination of an Optionee's consulting relationship or Continuous
Status as an Employee as a result of his or her total and permanent disability
(within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code), Optionee may, but only
within twelve (12) months from the date of such termination (but in no event
later than the expiration date of the term of such Option as set forth in the
Option Agreement), exercise the Option to the extent otherwise entitled to
exercise it at the date of such termination. To the extent that Optionee was not
entitled to exercise the Option at the date of termination, or if Optionee does
not exercise such Option to the extent so entitled within the time specified
herein, the Option shall terminate.

               (b) In the event of termination of an Optionee's consulting
relationship or Continuous Status as an Employee as a result of a disability
which does not fall within the meaning of total and permanent disability (as set
forth in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code), Optionee may, but only within six (6)
months from the date of such termination (but in no event later than the
expiration date of the term of such Option as set forth in the Option
Agreement), exercise the Option to the extent otherwise entitled to exercise it
at the date of such termination. However, to the extent that such Optionee fails
to exercise an Option which is an Incentive Stock Option ("ISO") (within the
meaning of Section 422 of the Code) within three (3) months of the date of
termination, the Option will not qualify for ISO treatment under the Code. To
the extent that Optionee was not entitled to exercise the Option at the date of
termination, or if Optionee does not exercise such Option to the extent so
entitled within six months (6) from the date of termination, the Option shall
terminate.

        8. Death of Optionee. In the event of the death of Optionee, the Option
may be exercised at any time within twelve (12) months following the date of
death (but in no event later than the date of expiration of the term of this
Option as set forth in Section 10 below), by Optionee's estate or by a person
who acquired the right to exercise 


                                      -23-


<PAGE>   16
the Option by bequest or inheritance, but only to the extent the Optionee could
exercise the Option at the date of death.

        9. Non-Transferability of Option. This Option may not be transferred in
any manner otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and
may be exercised during the lifetime of Optionee only by him. The terms of this
Option shall be binding upon the executors, administrators, heirs, successors
and assigns of the Optionee.

        10. Term of Option. This Option may be exercised only within the term
set out in the Notice of Grant, and may be exercised during such term only in
accordance with the Plan and the terms of this Option. The limitations set out
in Section 7 of the Plan regarding Options designated as Incentive Stock Options
and Options granted to more than ten percent (10%) stockholders shall apply to
this Option.

        11. Taxation Upon Exercise of Option. Optionee understands that, upon
exercising a nonstatutory Option, he or she will recognize income for tax
purposes in an amount equal to the excess of the then fair market value of the
Shares over the exercise price. However, the timing of this income recognition
may be deferred for up to six months if Optionee is subject to Section 16 of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). If the
Optionee is an employee, the Company will be required to withhold from
Optionee's compensation, or collect from Optionee and pay to the applicable
taxing authorities an amount equal to a percentage of this compensation income.
Additionally, the Optionee may at some point be required to satisfy tax
withholding obligations with respect to the disqualifying disposition of an
Incentive Stock Option. The Optionee shall satisfy his or her tax withholding
obligation arising upon the exercise of this Option by one or some combination
of the following methods: (i) by cash payment, or (ii) out of Optionee's current
compensation, or (iii) if permitted by the Administrator, in its discretion, by
surrendering to the Company Shares which (a) in the case of Shares previously
acquired from the Company, have been owned by the Optionee for more than six
months on the date of surrender, and (b) have a fair market value on the date of
surrender equal to or less than Optionee's marginal tax rate times the ordinary
income recognized, (iv) by electing to have the Company withhold from the Shares
to be issued upon exercise of the Option that number of Shares having a fair
market value equal to the amount required to be withheld. For this purpose, the
fair market value of the Shares to be withheld shall be determined on the date
that the amount of tax to be withheld is to be determined (the "Tax Date").

               If the Optionee is subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act (an
"Insider"), any surrender of previously owned Shares to satisfy tax withholding
obligations arising upon exercise of this Option must comply with the applicable
provisions of Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act ("Rule 16b-3") and
shall be subject to such additional conditions or restrictions as may be
required thereunder to qualify for the maximum exemption from Section 16 of the
Exchange Act with respect to Plan transactions.

               All elections by an Optionee to have Shares withheld to satisfy
tax withholding obligations shall be made in writing in a form acceptable to the
Administrator and shall be subject to the following restrictions:

               (1) the election must be made on or prior to the applicable Tax
Date;

               (2) once made, the election shall be irrevocable as to the
particular Shares of the Option as to which the election is made;

               (3) all elections shall be subject to the consent or disapproval
of the Administrator;

               (4) if the Optionee is an Insider, the election must comply with
the applicable provisions of Rule 16b-3 and shall be subject to such additional
conditions or restrictions as may be required thereunder to qualify for the
maximum exemption from Section 16 of the Exchange Act with respect to Plan
transactions.

               12. Tax Consequences. Set forth below is a brief summary as of
the date of this Option of some of the federal and California tax consequences
of exercise of this Option and disposition of the Shares. THIS SUMMARY IS
NECESSARILY INCOMPLETE, AND THE TAX LAWS AND REGULATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO 


                                      -24-


<PAGE>   17
CHANGE. OPTIONEE SHOULD CONSULT A TAX ADVISER BEFORE EXERCISING THIS OPTION OR
DISPOSING OF THE SHARES.

                  (i)      Exercise of ISO. If this Option qualifies as an ISO,
there will be no regular federal income tax liability or California income tax
liability upon the exercise of the Option, although the excess, if any, of the
fair market value of the Shares on the date of exercise over the Exercise Price
will be treated as an adjustment to the alternative minimum tax for federal tax
purposes and may subject the Optionee to the alternative minimum tax in the year
of exercise.

                  (ii)     Exercise of Nonstatutory Stock Option. If this Option
does not qualify as an ISO, there may be a regular federal income tax liability
and a California income tax liability upon the exercise of the Option. The
Optionee will be treated as having received compensation income (taxable at
ordinary income tax rates) equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value
of the Shares on the date of exercise over the Exercise Price. If Optionee is an
employee, the Company will be required to withhold from Optionee's compensation
or collect from Optionee and pay to the applicable taxing authorities an amount
equal to a percentage of this compensation income at the time of exercise.

                  (iii)    Disposition of Shares. In the case of an NSO, if
Shares are held for at least one year, any gain realized on disposition of the
Shares will be treated as long-term capital gain for federal and California
income tax purposes. In the case of an ISO, if Shares transferred pursuant to
the Option are held for at least one year after exercise and are disposed of at
least two years after the Date of Grant, any gain realized on disposition of the
Shares will also be treated as long-term capital gain for federal and California
income tax purposes. If Shares purchased under an ISO are disposed of within
such one-year period or within two years after the Date of Grant, any gain
realized on such disposition will be treated as compensation income (taxable at
ordinary income rates) to the extent of the difference between the Exercise
Price and the lesser of (1) the fair market value of the Shares on the date of
exercise, or (2) the sale price of the Shares.

                  (iv)     Notice of Disqualifying Disposition of ISO Shares. If
the Option granted to Optionee herein is an ISO, and if Optionee sells or
otherwise disposes of any of the Shares acquired pursuant to the ISO on or
before the later of (1) the date two years after the Date of Grant, or (2) the
date one year after the date of exercise, the Optionee shall immediately notify
the Company in writing of such disposition. Optionee agrees that Optionee may be
subject to income tax withholding by the Company on the compensation income
recognized by the Optionee from the early disposition by payment in cash or out
of the current earnings paid to the Optionee.


                                      -25-


<PAGE>   18
OPTIONEE REPRESENTS THAT HE OR SHE IS ACQUIRING THIS OPTION FOR HIS OR HER OWN
ACCOUNT FOR INVESTMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT WITH THE VIEW TO OR IN CONNECTION
WITH THE RESALE OR DISTRIBUTION THEREOF. OPTIONEE FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT ANY
TRANSFER OR SALE OF THIS SECURITY MUST BE MADE IN COMPLIANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE
FEDERAL AND STATE SECURITIES LAWS.

                             CONNETICS CORPORATION
                             a Delaware corporation



                             By: _____________________________

                             Title:____________________________

        OPTIONEE ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THE VESTING OF SHARES PURSUANT TO
THE OPTION HEREOF IS EARNED ONLY BY CONTINUING CONSULTANCY OR EMPLOYMENT AT THE
WILL OF THE COMPANY (NOT THROUGH THE ACT OF BEING HIRED, BEING GRANTED THIS
OPTION OR ACQUIRING SHARES HEREUNDER). OPTIONEE FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES
THAT NOTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT, NOR IN THE COMPANY'S STOCK OPTION PLAN WHICH IS
INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE, SHALL CONFER UPON OPTIONEE ANY RIGHT WITH
RESPECT TO CONTINUATION OF EMPLOYMENT OR CONSULTANCY BY THE COMPANY, NOR SHALL
IT INTERFERE IN ANY WAY WITH HIS OR HER RIGHT OR THE COMPANY'S RIGHT TO
TERMINATE HIS OR HER EMPLOYMENT OR CONSULTANCY AT ANY TIME, WITH OR WITHOUT
CAUSE.

        Optionee acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan and represents that
he is familiar with the terms and provisions thereof, and hereby accepts this
Option subject to all of the terms and provisions thereof. Optionee has reviewed
the Plan and this Option in their entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the
advice of counsel prior to executing this Option and fully understands all
provisions of the Option. Optionee hereby agrees to accept as binding,
conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Administrator upon
any questions arising under the Plan or this Option.



Dated: _______________                            ______________________________
                                                             Optionee


                                      -26-


<PAGE>   19
                                    EXHIBIT A

                                 1994 STOCK PLAN

                                 EXERCISE NOTICE

Connetics Corporation
3400 W. Bayshore
Palo Alto, California 94303
Attn:  _________________

        1. Exercise of Option. Effective as of today, ___________, 19__, the
undersigned ("Optionee") hereby elects to exercise Optionee's option to purchase
_________ shares of the Common Stock (the "Shares") of Connetics Corporation
(the "Company") under and pursuant to the Company's 1994 Stock Plan, as amended
(the "Plan") and the [ ] Incentive [ ] Nonstatutory Stock Option Agreement dated
_____________ (the "Option Agreement").

        2. Representations of Optionee. Optionee acknowledges that Optionee has
received, read and understood the Plan and the Option Agreement and agrees to
abide by and be bound by their terms and conditions. Optionee represents that
Optionee is purchasing the Shares for Optionee's own account for investment and
not with a view to, or for sale in connection with, a distribution of any of
such Shares.

        3. Compliance with Securities Laws. Optionee understands and
acknowledges that the Shares have not been registered under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), and, notwithstanding any other provision
of the Option Agreement to the contrary, the exercise of any rights to purchase
any Shares is expressly conditioned upon compliance with the 1933 Act, all
applicable state securities laws and all applicable requirements of any stock
exchange or over the counter market on which the Company's Common Stock may be
listed or traded at the time of exercise and transfer. Optionee agrees to
cooperate with the Company to ensure compliance with such laws.

        4. Federal Restrictions on Transfer. Optionee understands that the
Shares have not been registered under the 1933 Act and therefore cannot be
resold and must be held indefinitely unless they are registered under the 1933
Act or unless an exemption from such registration is available and that the
certificate(s) representing the Shares may bear a legend to that effect.
Optionee understands that the Company is under no obligation to register the
Shares and that an exemption may not be available or may not permit Optionee to
transfer Shares in the amounts or at the times proposed by Optionee.
Specifically, Optionee has been advised that Rule 144 promulgated under the 1933
Act, which permits certain resales of unregistered securities, is not presently
available with respect to the Shares and, in any event requires that the Shares
be paid for and then be held for at least two years (and in some cases three
years) before they may be resold under Rule 144.

        5. Rights as Shareholder. Until the stock certificate evidencing such
Shares is issued (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the
Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company), no right to vote
or receive dividends or any other rights as a stockholder shall exist with
respect to the optioned Stock, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option. The
Company shall issue (or cause to be issued) such stock certificate promptly
after the Option is exercised. No adjustment will be made for a dividend or
other right for which the record date is prior to the date the stock certificate
is issued, except as provided in Section 12 of the Plan.

               Optionee shall enjoy rights as a stockholder until such time as
Optionee disposes of the Shares or the Company and/or its assignee(s) exercises
the Right of First Refusal hereunder and delivers payment for such Shares. Upon
such exercise, Optionee shall forthwith cause the certificate(s) evidencing the
Shares so purchased to be surrendered to the Company for transfer or
cancellation upon delivery of payment thereafter, after which transfer or
cancellation, Optionee shall have no further rights as a holder of the Shares.


                                      -27-


<PAGE>   20
        6. Company's Right of First Refusal. Before any Shares held by Optionee
or any transferee (either being sometimes referred to herein as the "Holder")
may be sold or otherwise transferred (including transfer by gift or operation of
law), the Company or its assignee(s) shall have a right of first refusal to
purchase the Shares on the terms and conditions set forth in this Section (the
"Right of First Refusal").

               (a) Notice of Proposed Transfer. The Holder of the Shares shall
deliver to the Company a written notice (the "Notice") stating: (i) the Holder's
bona fide intention to sell or otherwise transfer such Shares; (ii) the name of
each proposed purchaser or other transferee ("Proposed Transferee"); (iii) the
number of Shares to be transferred to each Proposed Transferee; and (iv) the
bona fide cash price or other consideration for which the Holder proposes to
transfer the Shares (the "Offered Price"), and the Holder shall offer the Shares
at the Offered Price to the Company or its assignee(s).

               (b) Exercise of Right of First Refusal. At any time within thirty
(30) days after receipt of the Notice, the Company and/or its assignee(s) may,
by giving written notice to the Holder, elect to purchase all, but not less than
all, of the Shares proposed to be transferred to any one or more of the Proposed
Transferees, at the purchase price determined in accordance with subsection (c)
below.

               (c) Purchase Price. The purchase price ("Purchase Price") for the
Shares purchased by the Company or its assignee(s) under this Section shall be
the Offered Price. If the Offered Price includes consideration other than cash,
the cash equivalent value of the non-cash consideration shall be determined by
the Board of Directors of the Company in good faith; provided, however, that if
the Holder does not agree with the valuation of the consideration as determined
by the Board of Directors of the Company, the Holder shall be entitled to have
the valuation determined by an independent appraiser to be mutually agreed upon
by the Company and the Holder and whose fees shall be borne equally by the
Company and the Holder.

               (d) Payment. Payment of the Purchase Price shall be made, at the
option of the Company or its assignee(s), in cash (by check), by cancellation of
all or a portion of any outstanding indebtedness of the Holder to the Company
(or, in the case of repurchase by an assignee, to the assignee), or by any
combination thereof within 30 days after receipt of the Notice or in the manner
and at the times set forth in the Notice.

               (e) Holder's Right to Transfer. If the Shares proposed in the
Notice to be transferred are not purchased by the Company and/or its assignee(s)
as provided in this Section, then the Holder may sell or otherwise transfer such
Shares to the Proposed Transferee(s) at the Offered Price or at a higher price,
provided that such sale or other transfer is consummated within 120 days after
the date of the Notice and provided further that any such sale or other transfer
is effected in accordance with any applicable securities laws and the Proposed
Transferee agrees in writing that the provisions of this Section shall continue
to apply to the Shares in the hands of such Proposed Transferee. If the Shares
described in the Notice are not transferred to the Proposed Transferee within
such period, a new Notice shall be given to the Company, and the Company and/or
its assignees shall again be offered the Right of First Refusal before any
Shares held by the Holder may be sold or otherwise transferred.

               (f) Exception for Certain Family Transfers. Anything to the
contrary contained in this Section notwithstanding, the transfer of any or all
of the Shares during the Optionee's lifetime or on the Optionee's death by will
or intestacy to the Optionee's immediate family or a trust for the benefit of
the Optionee's immediate family shall be exempt from the provisions of this
Section. "Immediate Family" as used herein shall mean spouse, lineal descendant
or antecedent, father, mother, brother or sister. In such case, the transferee
or other recipient shall receive and hold the Shares so transferred subject to
the provisions of this Section, and there shall be no further transfer of such
Shares except in accordance with the terms of this Section.

               (g) Termination of Right of First Refusal. The Right of First
Refusal shall terminate as to any Shares 90 days after the first sale of Common
Stock of the Company to the general public pursuant to a registration statement
filed with and declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission
under the 1933 Act.

        7. Tax Consultation. Optionee understands that Optionee may suffer
adverse tax consequences as a result of Optionee's purchase or disposition of
the Shares. Optionee represents that Optionee has consulted with any 


                                      -28-


<PAGE>   21
tax consultants Optionee deems advisable in connection with the purchase or
disposition of the Shares and that Optionee is not relying on the Company for
any tax advice.

        8. Restrictive Legends and Stop-Transfer Orders.

               (a) Legends. Optionee understands and agrees that the Company
shall cause the legends set forth below or legends substantially equivalent
thereto, to be placed upon any certificate(s) evidencing ownership of the Shares
together with any other legends that may be required by state or federal
securities laws:

            THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED
            UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 (THE "ACT") AND MAY NOT BE
            OFFERED, SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED OR
            HYPOTHECATED UNLESS AND UNTIL REGISTERED UNDER THE ACT OR, IN
            THE OPINION OF COUNSEL IN FORM AND SUBSTANCE SATISFACTORY TO
            THE ISSUER OF THESE SECURITIES, SUCH OFFER, SALE OR TRANSFER,
            PLEDGE OR HYPOTHECATION IS IN COMPLIANCE THEREWITH.

            THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO
            CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER AND RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL
            OPTIONS HELD BY THE ISSUER OR ITS ASSIGNEE(S) AS SET FORTH IN
            THE EXERCISE NOTICE BETWEEN THE ISSUER AND THE ORIGINAL HOLDER
            OF THESE SHARES, A COPY OF WHICH MAY BE OBTAINED AT THE
            PRINCIPAL OFFICE OF THE ISSUER. SUCH TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS AND
            RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL ARE BINDING ON TRANSFEREES OF THESE
            SHARES.

            IT IS UNLAWFUL TO CONSUMMATE A SALE OR TRANSFER OF THIS
            SECURITY, OR ANY INTEREST THEREIN, OR TO RECEIVE ANY
            CONSIDERATION THEREFOR, WITHOUT THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF
            THE COMMISSIONER OF CORPORATIONS OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA,
            EXCEPT AS PERMITTED IN THE COMMISSIONER'S RULES.

               Optionee understands that transfer of the Shares may be
restricted by Section 260.141.11 of the Rules of the California Corporations
Commissioner, a copy of which is attached to Exhibit B, the Investment
Representation Statement.

               (b) Stop-Transfer Notices. Optionee agrees that, in order to
ensure compliance with the restrictions referred to herein, the Company may
issue appropriate "stop transfer" instructions to its transfer agent, if any,
and that, if the Company transfers its own securities, it may make appropriate
notations to the same effect in its own records.

               (c) Refusal to Transfer. The Company shall not be required (i) to
transfer on its books any Shares that have been sold or otherwise transferred in
violation of any of the provisions of this Agreement or (ii) to treat as owner
of such Shares or to accord the right to vote or pay dividends to any purchaser
or other transferee to whom such Shares shall have been so transferred.

        9. Market Standoff Agreement. In connection with the initial public
offering of the Company's securities and upon request of the Company or the
underwriters managing any underwritten offering of the Company's securities,
Optionee hereby agrees not to sell, make any short sale of, loan, grant any
option for the purchase of, or otherwise dispose of any Shares (other than those
included in the registration) without the prior written consent of the Company
or such underwriters, as the case may be, for such period of time (not to exceed
180 days) from the effective date of such registration as may be requested by
the Company or such managing underwriters; provided, however, that the Optionee
need not so agree unless a majority of the Company's officers and directors and
a majority of the holders of at least 5% of the Company's outstanding securities
also agree to be similarly bound.


                                      -29-


<PAGE>   22
        10. Successors and Assigns. The Company may assign any of its rights
under this Agreement to single or multiple assignees, and this Agreement shall
inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company. Subject to
the restrictions on transfer herein set forth, this Agreement shall be binding
upon Optionee and his or her heirs, executors, administrators, successors and
assigns.

        11. Interpretation. Any dispute regarding the interpretation of this
Agreement shall be submitted by Optionee or by the Company forthwith to the
Company's Board of Directors or the committee thereof that administers the Plan,
which shall review such dispute at its next regular meeting. The resolution of
such a dispute by the Board or committee shall be final and binding on the
Company and on Optionee.

        12. Governing Law; Severability. This Agreement shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California excluding that
body of law pertaining to conflicts of law. Should any provision of this
Agreement be determined by a court of law to be illegal or unenforceable, the
other provisions shall nevertheless remain effective and shall remain
enforceable.

        13. Notices. Any notice required or permitted hereunder shall be given
in writing and shall be deemed effectively given upon personal delivery or upon
deposit in the United States mail by certified mail, with postage and fees
prepaid, addressed to the other party at its address as shown below beneath its
signature, or to such other address as such party may designate in writing from
time to time to the other party.

        14. Further Instruments. The parties agree to execute such further
instruments and to take such further action as may be reasonably necessary to
carry out the purposes and intent of this Agreement.

        15. Delivery of Payment. Optionee herewith delivers to the Company the
full Exercise Price for the Shares.

        16. Entire Agreement. The Plan and Notice of Grant/Option Agreement are
incorporated herein by reference. This Agreement, the Plan and the Notice of
Grant/Option Agreement constitute the entire agreement of the parties and
supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company
and Optionee with respect to the subject matter hereof, and is governed by
California law except for that body of law pertaining to conflict of laws.


Submitted by:                   Accepted by:

OPTIONEE:                       CONNETICS CORPORATION


___________________________     By:__________________________________
Signature
                                Its:_________________________________

Address:____________________    Address:  3400 W. Bayshore
____________________________              Palo Alto, California  94303
____________________________


                                      -30-


<PAGE>   23
                                    EXHIBIT B

                       INVESTMENT REPRESENTATION STATEMENT

OPTIONEE :

COMPANY  :        CONNETICS CORPORATION

SECURITY :        COMMON STOCK

AMOUNT   :

DATE     :


In connection with the purchase of the above-listed Securities, I, the Optionee,
represent to the Company the following:

               (a) I am aware of the Company's business affairs and financial
condition, and have acquired sufficient information about the Company to reach
an informed and knowledgeable decision to acquire the Securities. I am
purchasing these Securities for my own account for investment purposes only and
not with a view to, or for the resale in connection with, any "distribution"
thereof for purposes of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities
Act").

               (b) I understand that the Securities have not been registered
under the Securities Act in reliance upon a specific exemption therefrom, which
exemption depends upon, among other things, the bona fide nature of my
investment intent as expressed herein. In this connection, I understand that, in
the view of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), the statutory
basis for such exemption may be unavailable if my representation was predicated
solely upon a present intention to hold these Securities for the minimum capital
gains period specified under tax statutes, for a deferred sale, for or until an
increase or decrease in the market price of the Securities, or for a period of
one year or any other fixed period in the future.

               (c) I further understand that the Securities must be held
indefinitely unless subsequently registered under the Securities Act or unless
an exemption from registration is otherwise available. Moreover, I understand
that the Company is under no obligation to register the Securities. In addition,
I understand that the certificate evidencing the Securities will be imprinted
with a legend which prohibits the transfer of the Securities unless they are
registered or such registration is not required in the opinion of counsel for
the Company.

               (d) I am familiar with the provisions of Rule 701 and Rule 144,
each promulgated under the Securities Act, which, in substance, permit limited
public resale of "restricted securities" acquired, directly or indirectly, from
the issuer thereof, in a non-public offering subject to the satisfaction of
certain conditions. Rule 701 provides that if the issuer qualifies under Rule
701 at the time of issuance of the Securities, such issuance will be exempt from
registration under the Securities Act. In the event the Company later becomes
subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, ninety (90) days thereafter the securities exempt under
Rule 701 may be resold, subject to the satisfaction of certain of the conditions
specified by Rule 144, including among other things: (1) the sale being made
through a broker in an unsolicited "broker's transaction" or in transactions
directly with a market maker (as said term is defined under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934); and, in the case of an affiliate, (2) the availability of
certain public information about the Company, and the amount of securities being
sold during any three month period not exceeding the limitations specified in
Rule 144(e), if applicable. Notwithstanding this paragraph (d), I acknowledge
and agree to the restrictions set forth in paragraph (e) hereof.


                                      -31-


<PAGE>   24
                      In the event that the Company does not qualify under Rule
701 at the time of issuance of the Securities, then the Securities may be resold
in certain limited circumstances subject to the provisions of Rule 144, which
requires among other things: (1) the availability of certain public information
about the Company, (2) the resale occurring not less than one year after the
party has purchased, and made full payment for, within the meaning of Rule 144,
the securities to be sold; and, in the case of an affiliate, or of a
non-affiliate who has held the securities less than two years, (3) the sale
being made through a broker in an unsolicited "broker's transaction" or in
transactions directly with a market maker (as said term is defined under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934) and the amount of securities being sold during
any three month period not exceeding the specified limitations stated therein,
if applicable.

               (e) I further understand that in the event all of the applicable
requirements of Rule 144 or Rule 701 are not satisfied, registration under the
Securities Act, compliance with Regulation A, or some other registration
exemption will be required; and that, notwithstanding the fact that Rule 144 and
Rule 701 are not exclusive, the Staff of the SEC has expressed its opinion that
persons proposing to sell private placement securities other than in a
registered offering and otherwise than pursuant to Rule 144 or Rule 701 will
have a substantial burden of proof in establishing that an exemption from
registration is available for such offers or sales, and that such persons and
their respective brokers who participate in such transactions do so at their own
risk.

               (f) I understand that the certificate evidencing the Securities
may be imprinted with a legend which prohibits the transfer of the Securities
without the consent of the Commissioner of Corporations of California. I have
read the applicable Commissioner's Rules with respect to such restriction, a
copy of which is attached.

                                        Signature of Optionee:


                                        ____________________________


                                      -32-


<PAGE>   25
              STATE OF CALIFORNIA - CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
         Title 10. Investment - Chapter 3. Commissioner of Corporations

        260.141.11: Restriction on Transfer. (a) The issuer of any security upon
which a restriction on transfer has been imposed pursuant to Sections 260.102.6,
260.141.10 or 260.534 shall cause a copy of this section to be delivered to each
issuee or transferee of such security at the time the certificate evidencing the
security is delivered to the issuee or transferee.

        (b) It is unlawful for the holder of any such security to consummate a
sale or transfer of such security, or any interest therein, without the prior
written consent of the Commissioner (until this condition is removed pursuant to
Section 260.141.12 of these rules), except:

                (1) to the issuer;

                (2) pursuant to the order or process of any court;

                (3) to any person described in Subdivision (i) of Section 25102
        of the Code or Section 260.105.14 of these rules;

                (4) to the transferor's ancestors, descendants or spouse, or any
        custodian or trustee for the account of the transferor or the
        transferor's ancestors, descendants, or spouse; or to a transferee by a
        trustee or custodian for the account of the transferee or the
        transferee's ancestors, descendants or spouse;

                (5) to holders of securities of the same class of the same
        issuer;

                (6) by way of gift or donation inter vivos or on death;

                (7) by or through a broker-dealer licensed under the Code
        (either acting as such or as a finder) to a resident of a foreign state,
        territory or country who is neither domiciled in this state to the
        knowledge of the broker-dealer, nor actually present in this state if
        the sale of such securities is not in violation of any securities law of
        the foreign state, territory or country concerned;

                (8) to a broker-dealer licensed under the Code in a principal
        transaction, or as an underwriter or member of an underwriting syndicate
        or selling group;

                (9) if the interest sold or transferred is a pledge or other
        lien given by the purchaser to the seller upon a sale of the security
        for which the Commissioner's written consent is obtained or under this
        rule not required;

                (10)by way of a sale qualified under Sections 25111, 25112,
        25113 or 25121 of the Code, of the securities to be transferred,
        provided that no order under Section 25140 or Subdivision (a) of Section
        25143 is in effect with respect to such qualification;

                (11)by a corporation to a wholly owned subsidiary of such
        corporation, or by a wholly owned subsidiary of a corporation to such
        corporation;

                (12)by way of an exchange qualified under Section 25111, 25112
        or 25113 of the Code, provided that no order under Section 25140 or
        Subdivision (a) of Section 25143 is in effect with respect to such
        qualification;

                (13)between residents of foreign states, territories or
        countries who are neither domiciled nor actually present in this state;

                (14)to the State Controller pursuant to the Unclaimed Property
        Law or to the administrator of the unclaimed property law of another
        state;

                (15)by the State Controller pursuant to the Unclaimed Property
        Law or by the administrator of the unclaimed property law of another
        state if, in either such case, such person (i) discloses to potential
        purchasers at the sale that transfer of the securities is restricted
        under this rule, (ii) delivers to each purchaser a copy of this rule,
        and (iii) advises the Commissioner of the name of each purchaser;

                (16)by a trustee to a successor trustee when such transfer does
        not involve a change in the beneficial ownership of the securities; or

                (17) by way of an offer and sale of outstanding securities in an
        issuer transaction that is subject to the qualification requirement of
        Section 25110 of the Code but exempt from that qualification requirement
        by subdivision (f) of Section 25102;

provided that any such transfer is on the condition that any certificate
evidencing the security issued to such transferee shall contain the legend
required by this section.

        (c) The certificates representing all such securities subject to such a
restriction on transfer, whether upon initial issuance or upon any transfer
thereof, shall bear on their face a legend, prominently stamped or printed
thereon in capital letters of not less than 10-point size, reading as follows:

                                      -33-
<PAGE>   26
"IT IS UNLAWFUL TO CONSUMMATE A SALE OR TRANSFER OF THIS SECURITY, OR ANY
INTEREST THEREIN, OR TO RECEIVE ANY CONSIDERATION THEREFOR, WITHOUT THE PRIOR
WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE COMMISSIONER OR CORPORATIONS OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA,
EXCEPT AS PERMITTED IN THE COMMISSIONER'S RULES."


                                      -34-



<PAGE>   1
                                                                     EXHIBIT 4.4

                              CONNETICS CORPORATION

                        1995 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
                        (AS AMENDED THROUGH MAY 22, 1998)




        The following constitute the provisions of the 1995 Employee Stock
Purchase Plan of Connetics Corporation.

        1. Purpose. The purpose of the Plan is to provide employees of the
Company and its Designated Subsidiaries with an opportunity to purchase Common
Stock of the Company. It is the intention of the Company to have the Plan
qualify as an "Employee Stock Purchase Plan" under Section 423 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The provisions of the Plan shall, accordingly,
be construed so as to extend and limit participation in a manner consistent with
the requirements of that section of the Code.

        2. Definitions.

               (a) "Board" shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.

               (b) "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended.

               (c) "Common Stock" shall mean the Common Stock of the Company.

               (d) "Company" shall mean Connetics Corporation a Delaware
corporation. Prior to May 15, 1997, the Company's name was Connective
Therapeutics, Inc.

               (e) "Compensation" shall mean all regular straight time gross
earnings, excluding payments for overtime, shift premium, incentive
compensation, incentive payments, bonuses, commissions and other compensation.

               (f) "Continuous Status as an Employee" shall mean the absence of
any interruption or termination of service as an Employee. Continuous Status as
an Employee shall not be considered interrupted in the case of a leave of
absence agreed to in writing by the Company, provided that such leave is for a
period of not more than 90 days or reemployment upon the expiration of such
leave is guaranteed by contract or statute.

               (g) "Contributions" shall mean all amounts credited to the
account of a participant pursuant to the Plan.

               (h) "Designated Subsidiaries" shall mean the Subsidiaries which
have been designated by the Board from time to time in its sole discretion as
eligible to participate in the Plan.

               (i) "Employee" shall mean any person, including an Officer, who
is customarily employed for at least twenty (20) hours per week and more than
five (5) months in a calendar year by the Company or one of its Designated
Subsidiaries.

               (j) "Exchange Act" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended.

               (k) "Purchase Date" shall mean the last day of each Purchase
Period of the Plan.

               (l) "Offering Date" shall mean the first business day of each
Offering Period of the Plan, except that in the case of an individual who
becomes an eligible Employee after the first business day of an Offering 


                                      -35-


<PAGE>   2
Period but prior to the first business day of the last calendar quarter of such
Offering Period, the term "Offering Date" shall mean the first business day of
the calendar quarter coinciding with or next succeeding the day on which that
individual becomes an eligible Employee.

                      Options granted after the first business day of an
Offering Period will be subject to the same terms as the options granted on the
first business day of such Offering Period except that they will have a
different grant date (thus, potentially, a different exercise price) and,
because they expire at the same time as the options granted on the first
business day of such Offering Period, a shorter term.

               (m) "Offering Period" shall mean a period of twenty-four (24)
months commencing on December 1 and June 1 of each year, except for the first
Offering Period as set forth in Section 4(a).

               (n) "Officer" shall mean a person who is an officer of the
Company within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder.

               (o) "Plan" shall mean this Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

               (p) "Purchase Period" shall mean a period of six (6) months
within an Offering Period, except for the first Purchase Period as set forth in
Section 4(b).

               (q) "Subsidiary" shall mean a corporation, domestic or foreign,
of which not less than 50% of the voting shares are held by the Company or a
Subsidiary, whether or not such corporation now exists or is hereafter organized
or acquired by the Company or a Subsidiary.

        3. Eligibility.

               (a) Any person who is an Employee as of the Offering Date of a
given Offering Period shall be eligible to participate in such Offering Period
under the Plan subject to the requirements of Section 5(a) and the limitations
imposed by Section 423(b) of the Code.

               (b) Any provisions of the Plan to the contrary notwithstanding,
no Employee shall be granted an option under the Plan (i) if, immediately after
the grant, such Employee (or any other person whose stock would be attributed to
such Employee pursuant to Section 424(d) of the Code) would own stock and/or
hold outstanding options to purchase stock possessing five percent (5%) or more
of the total combined voting power or value of all classes of stock of the
Company or of any subsidiary of the Company, or (ii) if such option would permit
his or her rights to purchase stock under all employee stock purchase plans
(described in Section 423 of the Code) of the Company and its Subsidiaries to
accrue at a rate which exceeds Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000) of fair
market value of such stock (determined at the time such option is granted) for
each calendar year in which such option is outstanding at any time.

        4. Offering Periods and Purchase Periods.

               (a) Offering Periods. The Plan shall be implemented by a series
of Offering Periods of twenty-four (24) months duration, with new Offering
Periods commencing on or about June 1 and December 1 of each year (or at such
other time or times as may be determined by the Board of Directors). The first
Offering Period commenced on the beginning of the effective date of the
Registration Statement on Form S-1 for the initial public offering of the
Company's Common Stock (the "IPO Date") and continued until May 31, 1996. The
Plan shall continue until terminated in accordance with Section 20 hereof. The
Board of Directors of the Company shall have the power to change the duration
and/or the frequency of Offering Periods with respect to future offerings
without stockholder approval if such change is announced at least fifteen (15)
days prior to the scheduled beginning of the first Offering Period to be
affected. Eligible employees may not participate in more than one Offering
Period at a time.


                                      -36-


<PAGE>   3
               (b) Purchase Periods. Each Offering Period shall consist of four
(4) consecutive purchase periods of six (6) months duration. The last day of
each Purchase Period shall be the "Purchase Date" for such Purchase Period. A
Purchase Period commencing on June 1 shall end on the next November 30. A
Purchase Period commencing on December 1 shall end on the next May 31. The first
Purchase Period commenced on the IPO Date and ended on May 31, 1996. The Board
of Directors of the Company shall have the power to change the duration and/or
frequency of Purchase Periods with respect to future purchases without
stockholder approval if such change is announced at least fifteen (15) days
prior to the scheduled beginning of the first Purchase Period to be affected.

        5. Participation.

               (a) An eligible Employee may become a participant in the Plan by
completing a subscription agreement on the form provided by the Company and
filing it with the Company's payroll office prior to the applicable Offering
Date, unless a later time for filing the subscription agreement is set by the
Board for all eligible Employees with respect to a given offering. The
subscription agreement shall set forth the percentage of the participant's
Compensation (which shall be not less than 1% and not more than 15%) to be paid
as Contributions pursuant to the Plan.

               (b) Payroll deductions shall commence on the first payroll
following the Offering Date and shall end on the last payroll paid on or prior
to the last Purchase Period of the Offering Period to which the subscription
agreement is applicable, unless sooner terminated by the participant as provided
in Section 10.

        6. Method of Payment of Contributions.

               (a) The participant shall elect to have payroll deductions made
on each payday during the Offering Period in an amount not less than one percent
(1%) and not more than fifteen percent (15%) of such participant's Compensation
on each such payday. All payroll deductions made by a participant shall be
credited to his or her account under the Plan. A participant may not make any
additional payments into such account.

               (b) A participant may discontinue his or her participation in the
Plan as provided in Section 10, or, on one occasion only during the Offering
Period, may increase or decrease the rate of his or her Contributions during the
Offering Period by completing and filing with the Company a new subscription
agreement. The change in rate shall be effective as of the beginning of the
calendar quarter following the date of filing of the new subscription agreement.

               (c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent necessary to
comply with Section 423(b)(8) of the Code and Section 3(b) herein, a
participant's payroll deductions may be decreased to 0% at such time during any
Offering Period which is scheduled to end during the current calendar year that
the aggregate of all payroll deductions accumulated with respect to such
Offering Period and any other Offering Period ending within the same calendar
year equal $21,250. Payroll deductions shall re-commence at the rate provided in
such participant's subscription Agreement at the beginning of the first Offering
Period which is scheduled to end in the following calendar year, unless
terminated by the participant as provided in Section 10.

        7. Grant of Option.

               (a) On the Offering Date of each Offering Period, each eligible
Employee participating in such Offering Period shall be granted an option to
purchase on each Purchase Date a number of shares of the Company's Common Stock
determined by dividing such Employee's Contributions accumulated prior to such
Purchase Date and retained in the participant's account as of the Purchase Date
by the lower of (i) eighty-five percent (85%) of the fair market value of a
share of the Company's Common Stock on the Offering Date, or (ii) eighty-five
percent (85%) of the fair market value of a share of the Company's Common Stock
on the Purchase Date; provided however, that the maximum number of shares an
Employee may purchase during each Offering Period shall be determined at the
Offering Date by dividing $50,000 by the fair market value of a share of the
Company's Common Stock on the Offering Date, and provided further that such
purchase shall be subject to the 


                                      -37-


<PAGE>   4
limitations set forth in Sections 3(b) and 12. The fair market value of a share
of the Company's Common Stock shall be determined as provided in Section 7(b).

               (b) The option price per share of the shares offered in a given
Offering Period shall be the lower of: (i) 85% of the fair market value of a
share of the Common Stock of the Company on the Offering Date; or (ii) 85% of
the fair market value of a share of the Common Stock of the Company on the
Purchase Date. The fair market value of the Company's Common Stock on a given
date shall be determined by the Board in its discretion based on the closing
price of the Common Stock for such date (or, in the event that the Common Stock
is not traded on such date, on the immediately preceding trading date), as
reported by the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation
(Nasdaq) National Market or, if such price is not reported, the mean of the bid
and asked prices per share of the Common Stock as reported by Nasdaq or, in the
event the Common Stock is listed on a stock exchange, the fair market value per
share shall be the closing price on such exchange on such date (or, in the event
that the Common Stock is not traded on such date, on the immediately preceding
trading date), as reported in The Wall Street Journal. For purposes of the
Offering Date under the first Offering Period under the Plan, the fair market
value of a share of the Common Stock of the Company shall be the Price to Public
as set forth in the final prospectus filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission pursuant to Rule 424 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

        8. Exercise of Option. Unless a participant withdraws from the Plan as
provided in paragraph 10, his or her option for the purchase of shares will be
exercised automatically on each Purchase Date of an Offering Period, and the
maximum number of shares, including fractional shares, subject to the option
will be purchased at the applicable option price with the accumulated
Contributions in his or her account. The shares purchased upon exercise of an
option hereunder shall be deemed to be transferred to the participant on the
Purchase Date. During his or her lifetime, a participant's option to purchase
shares hereunder is exercisable only by him or her.

        9. Delivery. As promptly as practicable after each Purchase Date of each
Offering Period, the Company shall arrange the delivery to each participant, as
appropriate, of a certificate representing the shares purchased upon exercise of
his or her option or the deposit of such number of shares with the broker
selected by the Company for administration of Plan stock purchases, as
determined by the Company. Any cash remaining to the credit of a participant's
account under the Plan after a purchase by him or her of shares at the
termination of each Offering Period, or which is insufficient to purchase a full
share of Common Stock of the Company, shall be carried over to the next Offering
Period if the Employee continues to participate in the Plan, or if the Employee
does not continue to participate, shall be returned to said participant.

        10. Voluntary Withdrawal; Termination of Employment.

               (a) A participant may withdraw all but not less than all the
Contributions credited to his or her account under the Plan at any time prior to
each Purchase Date by giving written notice to the Company. All of the
participant's Contributions credited to his or her account will be paid to him
or her promptly after receipt of his or her notice of withdrawal and his or her
option for the current period will be automatically terminated, and no further
Contributions for the purchase of shares will be made during the Offering
Period.

               (b) Upon termination of the participant's Continuous Status as an
Employee prior to the Purchase Date of an Offering Period for any reason,
including retirement or death, the Contributions credited to his or her account
will be returned to him or her or, in the case of his or her death, to the
person or persons entitled thereto under Section 14, and his or her option will
be automatically terminated.

               (c) In the event an Employee fails to remain in Continuous Status
as an Employee of the Company for at least twenty (20) hours per week during the
Offering Period in which the employee is a participant, he or she will be deemed
to have elected to withdraw from the Plan and the Contributions credited to his
or her account will be returned to him or her and his or her option terminated.


                                      -38-


<PAGE>   5
               (d) A participant's withdrawal from an offering will not have any
effect upon his or her eligibility to participate in a succeeding offering or in
any similar plan which may hereafter be adopted by the Company.

        11. Automatic Withdrawal. If the fair market value of the shares on the
first Purchase Date of an Offering Period is less than the fair market value of
the shares on the Offering Date for such Offering Period, then every participant
shall automatically (i) be withdrawn from such Offering Period at the close of
such Purchase Date and after the acquisition of shares for such Purchase Period,
and (ii) be enrolled in the Offering Period commencing on the first business day
subsequent to such Purchase Period.

        12. Interest. No interest shall accrue on the Contributions of a
participant in the Plan.

        13. Stock.

               (a) The maximum number of shares of the Company's Common Stock
which shall be made available for sale under the Plan shall be 500,000 shares,
subject to adjustment upon changes in capitalization of the Company as provided
in Section 18. If the total number of shares which would otherwise be subject to
options granted pursuant to Section 7(a) on the Offering Date of an Offering
Period exceeds the number of shares then available under the Plan (after
deduction of all shares for which options have been exercised or are then
outstanding), the Company shall make a pro rata allocation of the shares
remaining available for option grant in as uniform a manner as shall be
practicable and as it shall determine to be equitable. In such event, the
Company shall give written notice of such reduction of the number of shares
subject to the option to each Employee affected thereby and shall similarly
reduce the rate of Contributions, if necessary.

               (b) The participant will have no interest or voting right in
shares covered by his or her option until such option has been exercised.

               (c) Shares to be delivered to a participant under the Plan will
be registered in the name of the participant or in the name of the participant
and his or her spouse.

        14. Administration. The Board, or a committee named by the Board, shall
supervise and administer the Plan and shall have full power to adopt, amend and
rescind any rules deemed desirable and appropriate for the administration of the
Plan and not inconsistent with the Plan, to construe and interpret the Plan, and
to make all other determinations necessary or advisable for the administration
of the Plan. The composition of the committee shall be in accordance with the
requirements to obtain or retain any available exemption from the operation of
Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act pursuant to Rule 16b-3 promulgated thereunder.

        15. Designation of Beneficiary.

               (a) A participant may file a written designation of a beneficiary
who is to receive any shares and cash, if any, from the participant's account
under the Plan in the event of such participant's death subsequent to the end of
a Purchase Period but prior to delivery to him or her of such shares and cash.
In addition, a participant may file a written designation of a beneficiary who
is to receive any cash from the participant's account under the Plan in the
event of such participant's death prior to the Purchase Date of an Offering
Period. If a participant is married and the designated beneficiary is not the
spouse, spousal consent shall be required for such designation to be effective.

               (b) Such designation of beneficiary may be changed by the
participant (and his or her spouse, if any) at any time by written notice. In
the event of the death of a participant and in the absence of a beneficiary
validly designated under the Plan who is living at the time of such
participant's death, the Company shall deliver such shares and/or cash to the
executor or administrator of the estate of the participant, or if no such
executor or administrator has been appointed (to the knowledge of the Company),
the Company, in its discretion, may deliver such shares and/or cash to the
spouse or to any one or more dependents or relatives of the participant, or if
no spouse, dependent or relative is known to the Company, then to such other
person as the Company may designate.


                                      -39-


<PAGE>   6
        16. Transferability. Neither Contributions credited to a participant's
account nor any rights with regard to the exercise of an option or to receive
shares under the Plan may be assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise
disposed of in any way (other than by will, the laws of descent and
distribution, or as provided in Section 14) by the participant. Any such attempt
at assignment, transfer, pledge or other disposition shall be without effect,
except that the Company may treat such act as an election to withdraw funds in
accordance with Section 10.

        17. Use of Funds. All Contributions received or held by the Company
under the Plan may be used by the Company for any corporate purpose, and the
Company shall not be obligated to segregate such Contributions.

        18. Reports. Individual accounts will be maintained for each participant
in the Plan. Statements of account will be given to participating Employees
promptly following the Purchase Date, which statements will set forth the
amounts of Contributions, the per share purchase price, the number of shares
purchased and the remaining cash balance, if any.

        19. Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization; Corporate Transactions.

               (a) Adjustment. Subject to any required action by the
shareholders of the Company, the number of shares of Common Stock covered by
each option under the Plan which has not yet been exercised and the number of
shares of Common Stock which have been authorized for issuance under the Plan
but have not yet been placed under option (collectively, the "Reserves"), as
well as the price per share of Common Stock covered by each option under the
Plan which has not yet been exercised, shall be proportionately adjusted for any
increase or decrease in the number of issued shares of Common Stock resulting
from a stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, combination or
reclassification of the Common Stock, or any other increase or decrease in the
number of shares of Common Stock effected without receipt of consideration by
the Company; provided, however, that conversion of any convertible securities of
the Company shall not be deemed to have been "effected without receipt of
consideration". Such adjustment shall be made by the Board, whose determination
in that respect shall be final, binding and conclusive. Except as expressly
provided herein, no issue by the Company of shares of stock of any class, or
securities convertible into shares of stock of any class, shall affect, and no
adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the number or price
of shares of Common Stock subject to an option.

               (b) Corporate Transactions. In the event of the proposed
dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the Offering Period will terminate
immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed action, unless otherwise
provided by the Board. In the event of a proposed sale of all or substantially
all of the assets of the Company, or the merger of the Company with or into
another corporation, each option under the Plan shall be assumed or an
equivalent option shall be substituted by such successor corporation or a parent
or subsidiary of such successor corporation, unless the Board determines, in the
exercise of its sole discretion and in lieu of such assumption or substitution,
to shorten the Offering Period then in progress by setting a new Purchase Date
(the "New Purchase Date"). If the Board shortens the Offering Period then in
progress in lieu of assumption or substitution in the event of a merger or sale
of assets, the Board shall notify each participant in writing, at least ten (10)
days prior to the New Purchase Date, that the Purchase Date for his or her
option has been changed to the New Purchase Date and that his or her option will
be exercised automatically on the New Purchase Date, unless prior to such date
he or she has withdrawn from the Offering Period as provided in Section 10. For
purposes of this paragraph, an option granted under the Plan shall be deemed to
be assumed if, following the sale of assets or merger, the option confers the
right to purchase, for each share of option stock subject to the option
immediately prior to the sale of assets or merger, the consideration (whether
stock, cash or other securities or property) received in the sale of assets or
merger by holders of Common Stock for each share of Common Stock held on the
effective date of the transaction (and if such holders were offered a choice of
consideration, the type of consideration chosen by the holders of a majority of
the outstanding shares of Common Stock); provided, however, that if such
consideration received in the sale of assets or merger was not solely common
stock of the successor corporation or its parent (as defined in Section 424(e)
of the Code), the Board may, with the consent of the successor corporation and
the participant, provide for the consideration to be received upon exercise of
the option to be solely common stock of the successor corporation or its parent
equal in fair market value to the per share consideration received by holders of
Common Stock and the sale of assets or merger.


                                      -40-


<PAGE>   7
                      The Board may, if it so determines in the exercise of its
sole discretion, also make provision for adjusting the Reserves, as well as the
price per share of Common Stock covered by each outstanding option, in the event
that the Company effects one or more reorganizations, recapitalizations, rights
offerings or other increases or reductions of shares of its outstanding Common
Stock, and in the event of the Company being consolidated with or merged into
any other corporation.

        20. Amendment or Termination.

               (a) The Board of Directors of the Company may at any time
terminate or amend the Plan. Except as provided in Section 19, no such
termination may affect options previously granted, nor may an amendment make any
change in any option theretofore granted which adversely affects the rights of
any participant. In addition, to the extent necessary to comply with Rule 16b-3
under the Exchange Act, or under Section 423 of the Code (or any successor rule
or provision or any applicable law or regulation), the Company shall obtain
shareholder approval in such a manner and to such a degree as so required.

               (b) Without shareholder consent and without regard to whether any
participant rights may be considered to have been adversely affected, the Board
(or its committee) shall be entitled to change the Offering Periods and Purchase
Periods, limit the frequency and/or number of changes in the amount withheld
during an Offering Period, establish the exchange ratio applicable to amounts
withheld in a currency other than U.S. dollars, permit payroll withholding in
excess of the amount designated by a participant in order to adjust for delays
or mistakes in the Company's processing of properly completed withholding
elections, establish reasonable waiting and adjustment periods and/or accounting
and crediting procedures to ensure that amounts applied toward the purchase of
Common Stock for each participant properly correspond with amounts withheld from
the participant's Compensation, and establish such other limitations or
procedures as the Board (or its committee) determines in its sole discretion
advisable which are consistent with the Plan.

        21. Notices. All notices or other communications by a participant to the
Company under or in connection with the Plan shall be deemed to have been duly
given when received in the form specified by the Company at the location, or by
the person, designated by the Company for the receipt thereof.

        22. Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares. Shares shall not be issued with
respect to an option unless the exercise of such option and the issuance and
delivery of such shares pursuant thereto shall comply with all applicable
provisions of law, domestic or foreign, including, without limitation, the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Exchange Act, the rules and regulations
promulgated thereunder, and the requirements of any stock exchange upon which
the shares may then be listed, and shall be further subject to the approval of
counsel for the Company with respect to such compliance.

               As a condition to the exercise of an option, the Company may
require the person exercising such option to represent and warrant at the time
of any such exercise that the shares are being purchased only for investment and
without any present intention to sell or distribute such shares if, in the
opinion of counsel for the Company, such a representation is required by any of
the aforementioned applicable provisions of law.

        23. Term of Plan; Effective Date. The Plan shall become effective upon
the earlier to occur of its adoption by the Board of Directors or its approval
by the shareholders of the Company. It shall continue in effect for a term of
twenty (20) years unless sooner terminated under Section 20.

        24. Additional Restrictions of Rule 16b-3. The terms and conditions of
options granted hereunder to, and the purchase of shares by, persons subject to
Section 16 of the Exchange Act shall comply with the applicable provisions of
Rule 16b-3. This Plan shall be deemed to contain, and such options shall
contain, and the shares issued upon exercise thereof shall be subject to, such
additional conditions and restrictions as may be required by Rule 16b-3 to
qualify for the maximum exemption from Section 16 of the Exchange Act with
respect to Plan transactions.


                                      -41-


<PAGE>   8
                              CONNETICS CORPORATION

                        1995 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
                             SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT





New Election ______
Change of Election ______


        1. I, ________________________, hereby elect to participate in the
CONNETICS CORPORATION 1995 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "Plan") for the
Offering Period ______________, 19__ to _______________, 19__, and subscribe to
purchase shares of the Company's Common Stock in accordance with this
Subscription Agreement and the Plan.

        2. I elect to have Contributions in the amount of ____% of my
Compensation, as those terms are defined in the Plan, applied to this purchase.
I understand that this amount must not be less than 1% and not more than 15% of
my Compensation during the Offering Period. (Please note that no fractional
percentages are permitted).

        3. I hereby authorize payroll deductions from each paycheck during the
Offering Period at the rate stated in Item 2 of this Subscription Agreement. I
understand that all payroll deductions made by me shall be credited to my
account under the Plan and that I may not make any additional payments into such
account. I understand that all payments made by me shall be accumulated for the
purchase of shares of Common Stock at the applicable purchase price determined
in accordance with the Plan. I further understand that, except as otherwise set
forth in the Plan, shares will be purchased for me automatically on the Purchase
Date of each Offering Period unless I otherwise withdraw from the Plan by giving
written notice to the Company for such purpose.

        4. I understand that I may discontinue at any time prior to the Purchase
Date my participation in the Plan as provided in Section 10 of the Plan. I also
understand that I can decrease the rate of my Contributions on one occasion only
during any Offering Period by completing and filing a new Subscription Agreement
with such decrease taking effect as of the beginning of the calendar quarter
following the date of filing of the new Subscription Agreement. Further, I may
change the rate of deductions for future Offering Periods by filing a new
Subscription Agreement, and any such change will be effective as of the
beginning of the next Offering Period. In addition, I acknowledge that, unless I
discontinue my participation in the Plan as provided in Section 10 of the Plan,
my election will continue to be effective for each successive Offering Period.

        5. I have received a copy of the Company's most recent description of
the Plan and a copy of the complete "CONNETICS CORPORATION 1995 Employee Stock
Purchase Plan." I understand that my participation in the Plan is in all
respects subject to the terms of the Plan.

        6. Shares purchased for me under the Plan should be issued in the
name(s) of (name of employee or employee and spouse only):

                                       ____________________________________

                                       ____________________________________


                                      -42-


<PAGE>   9
        7. In the event of my death, I hereby designate the following as my
beneficiary(ies) to receive all payments and shares due to me under the Plan:

NAME:  (Please print)              _____________________________________
                                    (First)       (Middle)        (Last)

____________________               _____________________________________
(Relationship)                                                 (Address)

                                   _____________________________________

        8. I understand that if I dispose of any shares received by me pursuant
to the Plan within 2 years after the Offering Date (the first day of the
Offering Period during which I purchased such shares) or within 1 year after the
Purchase Date, I will be treated for federal income tax purposes as having
received ordinary compensation income at the time of such disposition in an
amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares on the
Purchase Date over the price which I paid for the shares, regardless of whether
I disposed of the shares at a price less than their fair market value at the
Purchase Date. The remainder of the gain or loss, if any, recognized on such
disposition will be treated as capital gain or loss.

               I hereby agree to notify the Company in writing within 30 days
after the date of any such disposition, and I will make adequate provision for
federal, state or other tax withholding obligations, if any, which arise upon
the disposition of the Common Stock. The Company may, but will not be obligated
to, withhold from my compensation the amount necessary to meet any applicable
withholding obligation including any withholding necessary to make available to
the Company any tax deductions or benefits attributable to the sale or early
disposition of Common Stock by me.

        9. If I dispose of such shares at any time after expiration of the
2-year and 1-year holding periods, I understand that I will be treated for
federal income tax purposes as having received compensation income only to the
extent of an amount equal to the lesser of (1) the excess of the fair market
value of the shares at the time of such disposition over the purchase price
which I paid for the shares under the option, or (2) 15% of the fair market
value of the shares on the Offering Date. The remainder of the gain or loss, if
any, recognized on such disposition will be treated as capital gain or loss.

        I understand that this tax summary is only a summary and is subject to
change. I further understand that I should consult a tax advisor concerning the
tax implications of the purchase and sale of stock under the Plan.

        10. I hereby agree to be bound by the terms of the Plan. The
effectiveness of this Subscription Agreement is dependent upon my eligibility to
participate in the Plan.

SIGNATURE:__________________________

SOCIAL SECURITY #:__________________

DATE:_______________________________

SPOUSE'S SIGNATURE (necessary 
if beneficiary is not spouse):


____________________________________
(Signature)

____________________________________
(Print name)


                                      -43-


<PAGE>   10
                              CONNETICS CORPORATION

                        1995 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN

                              NOTICE OF WITHDRAWAL




        I, __________________________, hereby elect to withdraw my participation
in the CONNETICS CORPORATION 1995 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "Plan") for
the Offering Period _________. This withdrawal covers all Contributions credited
to my account and is effective on the date designated below.

        I understand that all Contributions credited to my account will be paid
to me within ten (10) business days of receipt by the Company of this Notice of
Withdrawal and that my option for the current period will automatically
terminate, and that no further Contributions for the purchase of shares can be
made by me during the Offering Period.

        The undersigned further understands and agrees that he or she shall be
eligible to participate in succeeding offering periods only by delivering to the
Company a new Subscription Agreement.

        If the undersigned is an Officer or Director of CONNETICS CORPORATION or
other person subject to Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
undersigned further understands that under rules promulgated by the U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commission he or she may not re-enroll in the Plan for a
period of six (6) months after withdrawal.



Dated:___________________               _____________________________
                                        Signature of Employee


                                        _____________________________
                                        Social Security Number


                                      -44-



<PAGE>   1
                                                                     EXHIBIT 4.5

                              CONNETICS CORPORATION

                        1995 DIRECTORS' STOCK OPTION PLAN
                        (AS AMENDED THROUGH MAY 22, 1998)


        1. Purposes of the Plan. The purposes of this Directors' Stock Option
Plan are to attract and retain the best available personnel for service as
Directors of the Company, to provide additional incentive to the Outside
Directors of the Company to serve as Directors, and to encourage their continued
service on the Board.

               All options granted hereunder shall be "nonstatutory stock
options".

        2. Definitions. As used herein, the following definitions shall apply:

               (a) "Board" shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.

               (b) "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended.

               (c) "Common Stock" shall mean the Common Stock of the Company.

               (d) "Company" shall mean Connetics Corporation, a Delaware
corporation.

               (e) "Continuous Status as a Director" shall mean the absence of
any interruption or termination of service as a Director.

               (f) "Director" shall mean a member of the Board.

               (g) "Employee" shall mean any person, including officers and
directors, employed by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company.
The payment of a director's fee by the Company shall not be sufficient in and of
itself to constitute "employment" by the Company.

               (h) "Exchange Act" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended.

               (i) "Option" shall mean a stock option granted pursuant to the
Plan. All options shall be nonstatutory stock options (i.e., options that are
not intended to qualify as incentive stock options under Section 422 of the
Code).

               (j) "Optioned Stock" shall mean the Common Stock subject to an
Option.

               (k) "Optionee" shall mean an Outside Director who receives an
Option.

               (l) "Outside Director" shall mean a Director who is not an
Employee.

               (m) "Parent" shall mean a "parent corporation", whether now or
hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code.

               (n) "Plan" shall mean this 1995 Directors' Stock Option Plan.

               (o) "Share" shall mean a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted
in accordance with Section 11 of the Plan.


                                      -45-


<PAGE>   2
               (p) "Subsidiary" shall mean a "subsidiary corporation", whether
now or hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code.

        3. Stock Subject to the Plan. Subject to the provisions of Section 11 of
the Plan, the maximum aggregate number of Shares which may be optioned and sold
under the Plan is 250,000 Shares (the "Pool") of Common Stock. The Shares may be
authorized, but unissued, or reacquired Common Stock.

               If an Option should expire or become unexercisable for any reason
without having been exercised in full, the unpurchased Shares which were subject
thereto shall, unless the Plan shall have been terminated, become available for
future grant under the Plan. If Shares which were acquired upon exercise of an
Option are subsequently repurchased by the Company, such Shares shall not in any
event be returned to the Plan and shall not become available for future grant
under the Plan.

        4. Administration of and Grants of Options under the Plan.

               (a) Administrator. Except as otherwise required herein, the Plan
shall be administered by the Board.

               (b) Procedure for Grants. All grants of Options hereunder shall
be automatic and nondiscretionary and shall be made strictly in accordance with
the following provisions:

                      (i) No person shall have any discretion to select which
Outside Directors shall be granted Options or to determine the number of Shares
to be covered by Options granted to Outside Directors.

                      (ii) Each Outside Director who first becomes an Outside
Director after the effective date of this Plan shall be automatically granted an
Option (the "First Option") to purchase 30,000 Shares on the date on which such
person first becomes an Outside Director, whether through election by the
shareholders of the Company or appointment by the Board of Directors to fill a
vacancy.

                      (iii) Each Outside Director (including Outside Directors
who were not eligible for a First Option) shall thereafter be automatically
granted an Option to purchase 7,500 Shares (a "Subsequent Option") on the date
of each Annual Meeting of the Company's shareholders at which such Outside
Director is elected, provided that, on such date, he or she shall have served on
the Board for at least six (6) months prior to the date of such Annual Meeting.

                      (iv) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (ii)
and (iii) hereof, in the event that a grant would cause the number of Shares
subject to outstanding Options plus the number of Shares previously purchased
upon exercise of Options to exceed the Pool, then each such automatic grant
shall be for that number of Shares determined by dividing the total number of
Shares remaining available for grant by the number of Outside Directors
receiving an Option on such date on the automatic grant date. Any further grants
shall then be deferred until such time, if any, as additional Shares become
available for grant under the Plan through action of the shareholders to
increase the number of Shares which may be issued under the Plan or through
cancellation or expiration of Options previously granted hereunder.

                      (v) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (ii) and
(iii) hereof, any grant of an Option made before the Company has obtained
shareholder approval of the Plan in accordance with Section 17 hereof shall be
conditioned upon obtaining such shareholder approval of the Plan in accordance
with Section 17 hereof.

                      (vi) The terms of each First Option granted hereunder
shall be as follows:

                           (1) the First Option shall be exercisable only while
the Outside Director remains a Director of the Company, except as set forth in
Section 9 hereof.


                                      -46-


<PAGE>   3
                           (2) the exercise price per Share shall be 100% of the
fair market value per Share on the date of grant of the First Option, determined
in accordance with Section 8 hereof.

                           (3) the First Option shall become exercisable in
installments cumulatively as to 25% of the Shares subject to the First Option on
each of the first, second, third and fourth anniversaries of the date of grant
of the Option.

                      (vii) The terms of each Subsequent Option granted
hereunder shall be as follows:

                           (1) the Subsequent Option shall be exercisable only
while the Outside Director remains a Director of the Company, except as set
forth in Section 9 hereof.

                           (2) the exercise price per Share shall be 100% of the
fair market value per Share on the date of grant of the Subsequent Option,
determined in accordance with Section 8 hereof.

                           (3) the Subsequent Option shall become exercisable as
to one hundred percent (100%) of the Shares subject to the Subsequent Option on
the first anniversary of the date of grant of the Subsequent Option.

               (c) Powers of the Board. Subject to the provisions and
restrictions of the Plan, the Board shall have the authority, in its discretion:
(i) to determine, upon review of relevant information and in accordance with
Section 8(b) of the Plan, the fair market value of the Common Stock; (ii) to
determine the exercise price per share of Options to be granted, which exercise
price shall be determined in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Plan; (iii) to
interpret the Plan; (iv) to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations
relating to the Plan; (v) to authorize any person to execute on behalf of the
Company any instrument required to effectuate the grant of an Option previously
granted hereunder; and (vi) to make all other determinations deemed necessary or
advisable for the administration of the Plan.

               (d) Effect of Board's Decision. All decisions, determinations and
interpretations of the Board shall be final and binding on all Optionees and any
other holders of any Options granted under the Plan.

               (e) Suspension or Termination of Option. If the President or his
or her designee reasonably believes that an Optionee has committed an act of
misconduct, the President may suspend the Optionee's right to exercise any
option pending a determination by the Board of Directors (excluding the Outside
Director accused of such misconduct). If the Board of Directors (excluding the
Outside Director accused of such misconduct) determines an Optionee has
committed an act of embezzlement, fraud, dishonesty, nonpayment of an obligation
owed to the Company, breach of fiduciary duty or deliberate disregard of the
Company rules resulting in loss, damage or injury to the Company, or if an
Optionee makes an unauthorized disclosure of any Company trade secret or
confidential information, engages in any conduct constituting unfair
competition, induces any Company customer to breach a contract with the Company
or induces any principal for whom the Company acts as agent to terminate such
agency relationship, neither the Optionee nor his or her estate shall be
entitled to exercise any option whatsoever. In making such determination, the
Board of Directors (excluding the Outside Director accused of such misconduct)
shall act fairly and shall give the Optionee an opportunity to appear and
present evidence on Optionee's behalf at a hearing before the Board or a
committee of the Board.

        5. Eligibility. Options may be granted only to Outside Directors. All
Options shall be automatically granted in accordance with the terms set forth in
Section 4(b) hereof. An Outside Director who has been granted an Option may, if
he or she is otherwise eligible, be granted an additional Option or Options in
accordance with such provisions.

               The Plan shall not confer upon any Optionee any right with
respect to continuation of service as a Director or nomination to serve as a
Director, nor shall it interfere in any way with any rights which the Director
or the Company may have to terminate his or her directorship at any time.


                                      -47-


<PAGE>   4
        6. Term of Plan; Effective Date. The Plan shall become effective on the
earlier to occur of its adoption by the Board of Directors or its approval by
the shareholders of the Company. It shall continue in effect for a term of ten
(10) years unless sooner terminated under Section 13 of the Plan.

        7. Term of Options. The term of each Option shall be ten (10) years from
the date of grant thereof.

        8. Exercise Price and Consideration.

               (a) Exercise Price. The per Share exercise price for the Shares
to be issued pursuant to exercise of an Option shall be 100% of the fair market
value per Share on the date of grant of the Option.

               (b) Fair Market Value. The fair market value shall be determined
by the Board; provided, however, that where there is a public market for the
Common Stock, the fair market value per Share shall be the mean of the bid and
asked prices of the Common Stock in the over-the-counter market on the date of
grant, as reported in The Wall Street Journal (or, if not so reported, as
otherwise reported by the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated
Quotation ("Nasdaq") System) or, in the event the Common Stock is traded on the
Nasdaq National Market or listed on a stock exchange, the fair market value per
Share shall be the closing price on such system or exchange on the date of grant
of the Option, as reported in The Wall Street Journal. With respect to any
Options granted hereunder concurrently with the initial effectiveness of the
Plan, the fair market value shall be the Price to Public as set forth in the
final prospectus relating to such initial public offering.

               (c) Form of Consideration. The consideration to be paid for the
Shares to be issued upon exercise of an Option shall consist entirely of cash,
check, other Shares of Common Stock having a fair market value on the date of
surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Shares as to which said
Option shall be exercised (which, if acquired from the Company, shall have been
held for at least six months), or any combination of such methods of payment
and/or any other consideration or method of payment as shall be permitted under
applicable corporate law.

        9. Exercise of Option.

               (a) Procedure for Exercise; Rights as a Shareholder. Any Option
granted hereunder shall be exercisable at such times as are set forth in Section
4(b) hereof; provided, however, that no Options shall be exercisable prior to
shareholder approval of the Plan in accordance with Section 17 hereof has been
obtained.

                      An Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share.

                      An Option shall be deemed to be exercised when written
notice of such exercise has been given to the Company in accordance with the
terms of the Option by the person entitled to exercise the Option and full
payment for the Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised has been
received by the Company. Full payment may consist of any consideration and
method of payment allowable under Section 8(c) of the Plan. Until the issuance
(as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly
authorized transfer agent of the Company) of the stock certificate evidencing
such Shares, no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a
shareholder shall exist with respect to the Optioned Stock, notwithstanding the
exercise of the Option. A share certificate for the number of Shares so acquired
shall be issued to the Optionee as soon as practicable after exercise of the
Option. No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the
record date is prior to the date the stock certificate is issued, except as
provided in Section 11 of the Plan.

                      Exercise of an Option in any manner shall result in a
decrease in the number of Shares which thereafter may be available, both for
purposes of the Plan and for sale under the Option, by the number of Shares as
to which the Option is exercised.

               (b) Termination of Status as a Director. If an Outside Director
ceases to serve as a Director, he or she may, but only within ninety (90) days
after the date he or she ceases to be a Director of the Company, exercise his or
her Option to the extent that he or she was entitled to exercise it at the date
of such termination. 


                                      -48-


<PAGE>   5
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event may the Option be exercised after its
term set forth in Section 7 has expired. To the extent that such Outside
Director was not entitled to exercise an Option at the date of such termination,
or does not exercise such Option (which he or she was entitled to exercise)
within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate.

               (c) Disability of Optionee. Notwithstanding Section 9(b) above,
in the event a Director is unable to continue his or her service as a Director
with the Company as a result of his or her total and permanent disability (as
defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code), he or she may, but
only within six (6) months (or such other period of time not exceeding twelve
(12) months as is determined by the Board) from the date of such termination,
exercise his or her Option to the extent he or she was entitled to exercise it
at the date of such termination. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event may
the Option be exercised after its term set forth in Section 7 has expired. To
the extent that he or she was not entitled to exercise the Option at the date of
termination, or if he or she does not exercise such Option (which he or she was
entitled to exercise) within the time specified herein, the Option shall
terminate.

               (d) Death of Optionee. In the event of the death of an Optionee:

                      (i) During the term of the Option who is, at the time of
his or her death, a Director of the Company and who shall have been in
Continuous Status as a Director since the date of grant of the Option, the
Option may be exercised, at any time within six (6) months following the date of
death, by the Optionee's estate or by a person who acquired the right to
exercise the Option by bequest or inheritance, but only to the extent of the
right to exercise that would have accrued had the Optionee continued living and
remained in Continuous Status as Director for six (6) months (or such lesser
period of time as is determined by the Board) after the date of death.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event may the Option be exercised after its
term set forth in Section 7 has expired.

                      (ii) Within three (3) months after the termination of
Continuous Status as a Director, the Option may be exercised, at any time within
six (6) months following the date of death, by the Optionee's estate or by a
person who acquired the right to exercise the Option by bequest or inheritance,
but only to the extent of the right to exercise that had accrued at the date of
termination. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event may the option be
exercised after its term set forth in Section 7 has expired.

        10. Nontransferability of Options. The Option may not be sold, pledged,
assigned, hypothecated, transferred, or disposed of in any manner other than by
will or by the laws of descent or distribution or pursuant to a qualified
domestic relations order (as defined by the Code or the rules thereunder). The
designation of a beneficiary by an Optionee does not constitute a transfer. An
Option may be exercised during the lifetime of an Optionee only by the Optionee
or a transferee permitted by this Section.

        11. Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization; Corporate Transactions.

               (a) Adjustment. Subject to any required action by the
shareholders of the Company, the number of shares of Common Stock covered by
each outstanding Option, and the number of shares of Common Stock which have
been authorized for issuance under the Plan but as to which no Options have yet
been granted or which have been returned to the Plan upon cancellation or
expiration of an Option, as well as the price per share of Common Stock covered
by each such outstanding Option, shall be proportionately adjusted for any
increase or decrease in the number of issued shares of Common Stock resulting
from a stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, combination or
reclassification of the Common Stock, or any other increase or decrease in the
number of issued shares of Common Stock effected without receipt of
consideration by the Company; provided, however, that conversion of any
convertible securities of the Company shall not be deemed to have been "effected
without receipt of consideration." Such adjustment shall be made by the Board,
whose determination in that respect shall be final, binding and conclusive.
Except as expressly provided herein, no issuance by the Company of shares of
stock of any class, or securities convertible into shares of stock of any class,
shall affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to,
the number or price of shares of Common Stock subject to an Option.


                                      -49-


<PAGE>   6
               (b) Corporate Transactions. In the event of (i) a dissolution or
liquidation of the Company, (ii) a sale of all or substantially all of the
Company's assets, (iii) a merger or consolidation in which the Company is not
the surviving corporation, or (iv) any other capital reorganization in which
more than fifty percent (50%) of the shares of the Company entitled to vote are
exchanged, the Company shall give to the Eligible Director, at the time of
adoption of the plan for liquidation, dissolution, sale, merger, consolidation
or reorganization, either a reasonable time thereafter within which to exercise
the Option, including Shares as to which the Option would not be otherwise
exercisable, prior to the effectiveness of such liquidation, dissolution, sale,
merger, consolidation or reorganization, at the end of which time the Option
shall terminate, or the right to exercise the Option, including Shares as to
which the Option would not be otherwise exercisable (or receive a substitute
option with comparable terms), as to an equivalent number of shares of stock of
the corporation succeeding the Company or acquiring its business by reason of
such liquidation, dissolution, sale, merger, consolidation or reorganization.

        12. Time of Granting Options. The date of grant of an Option shall, for
all purposes, be the date determined in accordance with Section 4(b) hereof.
Notice of the determination shall be given to each Outside Director to whom an
Option is so granted within a reasonable time after the date of such grant.

        13. Amendment and Termination of the Plan.

               (a) Amendment and Termination. The Board may amend or terminate
the Plan from time to time in such respects as the Board may deem advisable;
provided that, to the extent necessary and desirable to comply with Rule 16b-3
under the Exchange Act (or any other applicable law or regulation), the Company
shall obtain approval of the shareholders of the Company to Plan amendments to
the extent and in the manner required by such law or regulation. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the provisions set forth in Section 4 of this Plan (and any other
Sections of this Plan that affect the formula award terms required to be
specified in this Plan by Rule 16b-3) shall not be amended more than once every
six months, other than to comport with changes in the Code, the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, or the rules thereunder.

               (b) Effect of Amendment or Termination. Any such amendment or
termination of the Plan that would impair the rights of any Optionee shall not
affect Options already granted to such Optionee and such Options shall remain in
full force and effect as if this Plan had not been amended or terminated, unless
mutually agreed otherwise between the Optionee and the Board, which agreement
must be in writing and signed by the Optionee and the Company.

        14. Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares. Shares shall not be issued
pursuant to the exercise of an Option unless the exercise of such Option and the
issuance and delivery of such Shares pursuant thereto shall comply with all
relevant provisions of law, including, without limitation, the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, the Exchange Act, the rules and regulations promulgated
thereunder, state securities laws, and the requirements of any stock exchange
upon which the Shares may then be listed, and shall be further subject to the
approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such compliance. As a
condition to the exercise of an Option, the Company may require the person
exercising such Option to represent and warrant at the time of any such exercise
that the Shares are being purchased only for investment and without any present
intention to sell or distribute such Shares, if, in the opinion of counsel for
the Company, such a representation is required by any of the aforementioned
relevant provisions of law.

        15. Reservation of Shares. The Company, during the term of this Plan,
will at all times reserve and keep available such number of Shares as shall be
sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the Plan. Inability of the Company to
obtain authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction, which authority
is deemed by the Company's counsel to be necessary to the lawful issuance and
sale of any Shares hereunder, shall relieve the Company of any liability in
respect of the failure to issue or sell such Shares as to which such requisite
authority shall not have been obtained.

        16. Option Agreement. Options shall be evidenced by written option
agreements in such form as the Board shall approve.


                                      -50-


<PAGE>   7
        17. Shareholder Approval. Continuance of the Plan shall be subject to
approval by the shareholders of the Company at or prior to the first annual
meeting of shareholders held subsequent to the granting of an Option hereunder.
If such shareholder approval is obtained at a duly held shareholders' meeting,
it may be obtained by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the
outstanding shares of the Company present or represented and entitled to vote
thereon. If such shareholder approval is obtained by written consent, it may be
obtained by the written consent of the holders of a majority of the outstanding
shares of the Company. Options may be granted, but not exercised, before such
shareholder approval.


                                      -51-


<PAGE>   8
                              CONNETICS CORPORATION

                        1995 DIRECTORS' STOCK OPTION PLAN

                          NOTICE OF STOCK OPTION GRANT




_____________________________

_____________________________

_____________________________


         You have been granted an option to purchase Common Stock of Connetics
Corporation (the "Company") as follows:

         Date of Grant                  _____________________________

         Vesting Commencement Date      _____________________________

         Exercise Price per Share       _____________________________

         Total Number of Shares Granted 30,000 [for Initial Grant] OR
                                        7,500 [for Annual Grant]

         Total Exercise Price           _____________________________

         Expiration Date                _____________________________

         Vesting Schedule               This Option may be exercised, in
                                        whole or in part, in accordance with the
                                        following schedule: [FOR INITIAL GRANT
                                        -- 25% of the shares subject to the
                                        Option on each of the first, second,
                                        third and fourth anniversaries of the
                                        date of grant of the Option.] [FOR
                                        ANNUAL GRANT -- one hundred percent
                                        (100%) of the shares subject to the
                                        Option on the first anniversary of the
                                        date of grant of the Option]

         Termination Period             This Option may be exercised
                                        for 90 days after termination of
                                        Optionee's Continuous Status as a
                                        Director, or such longer period as may
                                        be applicable upon death or Disability
                                        of Optionee as provided in the Plan, but
                                        in no event later than the Expiration
                                        Date as provided above.


                                      -52-


<PAGE>   9
        By your signature and the signature of the Company's representative
below, you and the Company agree that this option is granted under and governed
by the terms and conditions of the 1995 Directors' Stock Option Plan and the
Nonstatutory Stock Option Agreement, all of which are attached and made a part
of this document.


OPTIONEE:                                    CONNETICS CORPORATION



_____________________________                By:_____________________________
Signature
                                             Title:__________________________
_____________________________
Print Name


                                      -53-


<PAGE>   10
                              CONNETICS CORPORATION

                       NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT



        1. GRANT OF OPTION. The Board of Directors of the Company hereby grants
to the Optionee named in the Notice of Stock Option Grant attached as Part I of
this Agreement (the "Optionee"), an option (the "Option") to purchase a number
of Shares, as set forth in the Notice of Stock Option Grant, at the exercise
price per share set forth in the Notice of Stock Option Grant (the "Exercise
Price"'), subject to the terms and conditions of the 1995 Directors' Stock
Option Plan (the "Plan"), which is incorporated herein by reference.
(Capitalized terms not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to such
terms in the Plan.) In the event of a conflict between the terms and conditions
of the Plan and the terms and conditions of this Nonstatutory Stock Option
Agreement, the terms and conditions of the Plan shall prevail.

        2. EXERCISE OF OPTION.

               (a) RIGHT TO EXERCISE. This Option is exercisable during its term
in accordance with the Vesting Schedule set out in the Notice of Stock Option
Grant and the applicable provisions of the Plan and this Nonstatutory Stock
Option Agreement. In the event of Optionee's death, disability or other
termination of Optionee's employment or consulting relationship, the
exercisability of the Option is governed by the applicable provisions of the
Plan and this Nonstatutory Stock Option Agreement.

               (b) METHOD OF EXERCISE. This Option is exercisable by delivery of
an exercise notice, in the form attached as Exhibit A (the "Exercise Notice"),
which shall state the election to exercise the Option, the number of Shares in
respect of which the Option is being exercised (the "Exercised Shares"), and
such other representations and agreements as may be required by the Company
pursuant to the provisions of the Plan. The Exercise Notice shall be signed by
the Optionee and shall be delivered in person or by certified mail to the
Secretary of the Company. The Exercise Notice shall be accompanied by payment of
the aggregate Exercise Price as to all Exercised Shares. This Option shall be
deemed to be exercised upon receipt by the Company of such fully executed
Exercise Notice accompanied by such aggregate Exercise Price.

               No Shares shall be issued pursuant to the exercise of this Option
unless such issuance and exercise complies with all relevant provisions of law
and the requirements of any stock exchange or quotation service upon which the
Shares are then listed. Assuming such compliance, for income tax purposes the
Exercised Shares shall be considered transferred to the Optionee on the date the
Option is exercised with respect to such Exercised Shares.

        3. METHOD OF PAYMENT. Payment of the aggregate Exercise Price shall be
by any of the following, or a combination thereof, at the election of the
Optionee:

               (a) cash;

               (b) check;

               (c) delivery of a properly executed exercise notice together with
such other documentation as the Administrator and the broker, if applicable,
shall require to effect an exercise of the Option and delivery to the Company of
the sale or loan proceeds required to pay the exercise price; or

               (d) surrender of other Shares which (i) in the case of Shares
acquired upon exercise of an option, have been owned by the Optionee for more
than six (6) months on the date of surrender, and (ii) have a Fair Market Value
on the date of surrender equal to the aggregate Exercise Price of the Exercised
Shares.

        4. NON-TRANSFERABILITY OF OPTION. This Option may not be transferred in
any manner otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution or
pursuant to a domestic relations order (as defined by the 


                                      -54-


<PAGE>   11
Code or the rules thereunder) and may be exercised during the lifetime of
Optionee only by the Optionee or a transferee permitted by Section 10 of the
Plan. The terms of the Plan and this Nonstatutory Stock Option Agreement shall
be binding upon the executors, administrators, heirs, successors and assigns of
the Optionee.

        5. TERM OF OPTION. This Option may be exercised only within the term set
out in the Notice of Stock Option Grant, and may be exercised during such term
only in accordance with the Plan and the terms of this Nonstatutory Stock Option
Agreement.

        6. TAX CONSEQUENCES. Set forth below is a brief summary of certain
federal and California tax consequences relating to this Option under the law in
effect as of the date of grant. THIS SUMMARY IS NECESSARILY INCOMPLETE, AND THE
TAX LAWS AND REGULATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. OPTIONEE SHOULD CONSULT HIS OR
HER OWN TAX ADVISER BEFORE EXERCISING THIS OPTION OR DISPOSING OF THE SHARES.

               (a) EXERCISING THE OPTION. Since this Option does not qualify as
an incentive stock option under Section 422 of the Code, the Optionee may incur
regular federal and California income tax liability upon exercise. The Optionee
will be treated as having received compensation income (taxable at ordinary
income tax rates) equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the
Exercised Shares on the date of exercise over their aggregate Exercise Price.

               (b) DISPOSITION OF SHARES. If the Optionee holds the Option
Shares for more than one year, gain realized on disposition of the Shares will
be treated as long-term capital gain for federal and California income tax
purposes.


                                      -55-


<PAGE>   12
        By your signature and the signature of the Company's representative
below, you and the Company agree that this Option is granted under and governed
by the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Nonstatutory Stock Option
Agreement. Optionee has reviewed the Plan and this Nonstatutory Stock Option
Agreement in their entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of
counsel prior to executing this Nonstatutory Stock Option Agreement and fully
understands all provisions of the Plan and Nonstatutory Stock Option Agreement.
Optionee hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions
or interpretations of the Administrator upon any questions relating to the Plan
and Nonstatutory Stock Option Agreement.

                                   CONNETICS CORPORATION

_____________________________      
Optionee                           By:_____________________________

                                   Title:__________________________


                                      -56-


<PAGE>   13
                                CONSENT OF SPOUSE



        The undersigned spouse of Optionee has read and hereby approves the
terms and conditions of the Plan and this Nonstatutory Stock Option Agreement.
In consideration of the Company's granting his or her spouse the right to
purchase Shares as set forth in the Plan and this Nonstatutory Stock Option
Agreement, the undersigned hereby agrees to be irrevocably bound by the terms
and conditions of the Plan and this Nonstatutory Stock Option Agreement and
further agrees that any community property interest shall be similarly bound.
The undersigned hereby appoints the undersigned's spouse as attorney-in-fact for
the undersigned with respect to any amendment or exercise of rights under the
Plan or this Nonstatutory Stock Option Agreement.



                                                  _____________________________
                                                  Spouse of Optionee


                                      -57-


<PAGE>   14
                                    EXHIBIT A

                               NOTICE OF EXERCISE



To:               Connetics Corporation

Attn:             Stock Option Administrator

Subject:          Notice of Intention to Exercise Stock Option



        This is official notice that the undersigned ("Optionee") intends to
exercise Optionee's option to purchase __________ shares of Connetics
Corporation Common Stock, under and pursuant to the Company's 1995 Directors'
Stock Option Plan and the Nonstatutory Stock Option Agreement dated
_______________, as follows:

         Grant Number:                  _____________________________

         Date of Purchase:              _____________________________

         Number of Shares:              _____________________________

         Purchase Price:                _____________________________

         Method of Payment of           
         Purchase Price:                _____________________________

         Social Security No.:           _____________________________

         The shares should be issued as follows:

                  Name:       _____________________________

                  Address:    _____________________________



                  Signed:     _____________________________

                  Date:       _____________________________


                                      -58-



<PAGE>   1
                                   EXHIBIT 5.1

                               OPINION OF COUNSEL

                                  July 2, 1998



Connetics Corporation
3400 W. Bayshore Road
Palo Alto, CA  94303

        REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-8

Ladies and Gentlemen:

        We have examined the Registration Statement on Form S-8 to be filed by
you with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about July 2, 1998 (the
"Registration Statement") in connection with the registration under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act") of a total of an additional
1,100,000 shares of your Common Stock (the "Shares"). Of these shares, (i)
600,000 have been reserved for issuance under the 1994 Stock Plan, as amended,
(ii) 400,000 have been reserved for issuance under the 1995 Employee Stock
Purchase Plan, as amended, and (iii) 100,000 have been reserved for issuance
under the 1995 Directors' Stock Option Plan (collectively, the "Plans"). As your
legal counsel, we have examined the proceedings taken and are familiar with the
proceedings proposed to be taken by you in connection with the sale and issuance
of the Shares being registered.

        It is our opinion that, when issued and sold in the manner referred to
in each Plan and pursuant to the respective agreement which accompanies each
grant under a Plan, the Shares will be legally and validly issued, fully paid
and nonassessable.

        We consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement and further consent to the use of our name wherever it appears in the
Registration Statement and any amendments to it.

                                       Sincerely,

                                       VENTURE LAW GROUP

                                       /s/ Venture Law Group


                                      -59-



<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.2

                CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

        We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration
Statement (Form S-8), pertaining to the 1995 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, 1994
Stock Plan and 1995 Directors' Stock Option Plan of Connetics Corporation and to
the incorporation by reference of our report dated January 15, 1998 with respect
to the financial statements of Connetics Corporation included in the its Annual
Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1997 filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.



                                       ERNST & YOUNG LLP
                                       /s/ Ernst & Young LLP


Palo Alto, California
July 2, 1998


                                      -60-


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