SALIX HOLDINGS LTD
S-1/A, 1997-10-14
PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS
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<PAGE>
 
     
  AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON OCTOBER 14, 1997     
                                                     REGISTRATION NO. 333-33781
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                                 -----------
                               
                            AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO     
                                   FORM S-1
                            REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                          THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                                 -----------
                             SALIX HOLDINGS, LTD.
            (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
                                 -----------
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS               2834                    94-3267443
    (STATE OR OTHER      (PRIMARY STANDARD INDUSTRIAL     (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
    JURISDICTION OF       CLASSIFICATION CODE NUMBER)  IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
   INCORPORATION OR
     ORGANIZATION)      
                                 -----------
                      3600 WEST BAYSHORE ROAD, SUITE 205
                          PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA 94303
                                (650) 856-1550
  (ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
                                 -----------
                                  DAVID BOYLE
     VICE PRESIDENT, FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION, AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
                             SALIX HOLDINGS, LTD.
                      3600 WEST BAYSHORE ROAD, SUITE 205
                          PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA 94303
                                (650) 856-1550
     (NAME, ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AGENT FOR SERVICE OF PROCESS)
                                 -----------
                                  COPIES TO:
        DOUGLAS H. COLLOM, ESQ.               ROBERT M. CHILSTROM, ESQ.
       ROBERT F. KORNEGAY, ESQ.              CHRISTOPHER W. MORGAN, ESQ.
       ROSEMARY G. REILLY, ESQ.         SKADDEN, ARPS, SLATE, MEAGHER & FLOM
   WILSON SONSINI GOODRICH & ROSATI                      LLP
       PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION            P.O. BOX 189, ROYAL BANK PLAZA
          650 PAGE MILL ROAD                   NORTH TOWER, SUITE 1820
      PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA 94304             TORONTO, ONTARIO M5J 2J4
            (650) 493-9300                         (416) 777-4700
                                 -----------
       APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC:
     AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS REGISTRATION
                                  STATEMENT.
 
  If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, check the following box. [_]
  If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following
box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering. [_]
  If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. [_]
  If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box. [_]
                        
                     CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE     
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- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                  PROPOSED MAXIKMUM   PROPOSED MAXIMUM     AMOUNT OF
     TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF         AMOUNT TO BE   OFFERING PRICE        AGGREGATE        REGISTRATION
   SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED     REGISTERED(1)   PER SHARE(2)(3)  OFFERING PRICE(2)(3)      FEE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                <C>            <C>               <C>                  <C>
Common Shares, no par value......    3,450,000        U.S.$5.16       U.S.$17,817,137    U.S.$5,400(4)
</TABLE>    
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
(1)  Includes 450,000 Common Shares which the Underwriters have the option to
     purchase solely to cover over-allotments, if any.     
   
(2)  Estimated in accordance with Rule 457 solely for the purpose of computing
     the amount of the registration fee.     
   
(3)  For purposes of computing the amount of the registration fee, proposed
     maximum offering price per share and the proposed maximum aggregate
     offering price have been converted to U.S. dollars based on an exchange
     rate of Cdn. $1.3748 to U.S. $1.00. The Common Shares of the Registrant
     are currently traded on The Toronto Stock Exchange in Canadian Dollars
     and the Common Shares being registered hereby will be purchased and
     subsequently traded in Canadian Dollars.     
   
(4)  Filing fee of $6,409 was paid on August 15, 1997.     
                               ---------------
  THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT
SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS
REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH
SECTION 8(A) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID
SECTION 8(A), MAY DETERMINE.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
                               EXPLANATORY NOTE
 
  This Registration Statement contains a Prospectus relating to a public
offering in the United States (the "U.S. Offering") of the Common Shares, no
par value (the "Common Shares"), of Salix Holdings, Ltd., together with
alternate prospectus pages relating to a concurrent offering of the Common
Shares in Canada (the "Canadian Offering"). The complete Prospectus for the
U.S. Offering follows immediately after this explanatory note. After such
Prospectus are the following alternate prospectus pages for the Canadian
Offering: a front outside cover page, a front inside cover page and the pages
containing the captions "Certificate of the Company" and "Certificate of the
Underwriters". All other pages of the Prospectus for the U.S. Offering are to
be used for both the U.S. Offering and the Canadian Offering.
<PAGE>
 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A         +
+REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE   +
+SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY  +
+OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT        +
+BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR   +
+THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE      +
+SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE    +
+UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF  +
+ANY SUCH STATE OR JURISDICTION.                                               +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                  
               SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED OCTOBER 14, 1997     
 
                            3,000,000 Common Shares

                                    [LOGO]
                                   --------
   
  All of the Common Shares offered hereby are being sold by Salix Holdings,
Ltd. ("Salix" or the "Company"). The Company's Common Shares are traded on The
Toronto Stock Exchange. Prior to this offering, there was no public market for
the Company's Common Shares in the United States, and following this offering
the Common Shares will be traded only in Canada. See "Description of Share
Capital". On October 9, 1997, the closing price of the Company's Common Shares
as reported on The Toronto Stock Exchange was Cdn. $7.10 per Common Share. See
"Price Range of Common Shares". On October 9, 1997, The Bank of Canada noon
rate of exchange for United States dollars into Canadian dollars was
Cdn. $1.3748 = U.S. $1.00.     
 
  The 3,000,000 Common Shares offered hereby are being offered outside the
United States by the Canadian Underwriters and in the United States by certain
U.S. affiliates of the Canadian Underwriters. See "Plan of Distribution".
 
  The Company has only a limited history of operations and a history of
operating losses. During the period from its inception to June 30, 1997, the
Company incurred cumulative losses of approximately $11.1 million. The Company
currently expects operating losses to continue at least through 1999 and to
increase from current levels prior to 1999.
 
                                   --------
 
        THE COMMON SHARES OFFERED HEREBY INVOLVE A HIGH DEGREE OF RISK.
                    SEE "RISK FACTORS" COMMENCING ON PAGE 9.
 
                                   --------
 THESE SECURITIES  HAVE NOT  BEEN  APPROVED OR  DISAPPROVED BY  THE SECURITIES
  AND  EXCHANGE  COMMISSION  OR  ANY  STATE  SECURITIES  COMMISSION  NOR  HAS
   THE  COMMISSION   OR  ANY   STATE   SECURITIES  COMMISSION   PASSED  UPON
    THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF  THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE
     CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
<TABLE>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
                                                 UNDERWRITING       PROCEEDS
                                   PRICE TO      DISCOUNTS AND         TO
                                 PUBLIC (/1/)  COMMISSIONS (/2/) COMPANY (/3/)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>            <C>               <C>
Per Share.....................  Cdn. $           Cdn. $          Cdn. $
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total (/4/)...................  Cdn. $           Cdn. $          Cdn. $
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Purchasers will be required to pay for the Common Shares in Canadian
    dollars. The Underwriters have arranged for the conversion of U.S. dollars
    into Canadian dollars to enable U.S. purchasers to pay for the Common
    Shares. All costs of exchange will be borne by the purchasers of the Common
    Shares. See "Plan of Distribution".
(2) The Company has agreed to indemnify the Underwriters against certain
    liabilities, including liabilities under the United States Securities Act
    of 1933, as amended, and applicable Canadian securities laws. See "Plan of
    Distribution".
   
(3) Before deducting expenses payable by the Company, estimated at Cdn.
    $1,202,950 (U.S. $875,000).     
(4) The Company has granted to the Underwriters a 60-day option to purchase up
    to an additional 450,000 Common Shares, solely to cover over-allotments, if
    any. See "Plan of Distribution". If such option is exercised in full, the
    total Price to Public, Underwriting Discounts and Commissions and Proceeds
    to Company will be Cdn. $    , Cdn. $     and Cdn. $    , respectively.
 
                                   --------
 
  The Common Shares are offered by the Underwriters as stated herein, subject
to receipt and acceptance by them and subject to their right to reject any
order in whole or in part. It is expected that delivery of such shares will be
made through the offices of Levesque Beaubien Geoffrion Inc., Montreal, Quebec
on or about      , 1997.
 
NBC Levesque International Ltd.                            Yorkton Capital Inc.
 
Marleau, Lemire Securities Inc.               Midland Walwyn Capital Corporation
 
                  THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS       , 1997
 
<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
  [ARTWORK: PHOTOGRAPHIC DEPICTION OF THE MANUFACTURE OF BALSALAZIDE CAPSULES
              AND PHOTOGRAPHS OF FINISHED BALSALAZIDE CAPSULES].
 
 
 
  In July 1997, Salix received
authorization to market its first product,
Colazide, for treatment of acute ulcerative
colitis from the United Kingdom Medicines
Control Agency. The Company submitted a New
Drug Application to the United States Food
and Drug Administration in June 1997 for
the same indication. The Company has in-
licensed a second product, rifaximin, and
intends to pursue regulatory approvals for
the drug in the treatment of two initial
indications, hepatic encephalopathy and
antibiotic associated colitis. The Company
believes that a New Drug Application will
not be filed for rifaximin prior to mid-
1998 and that Food and Drug Administration
approval for rifaximin will not be obtained
for at least one year after filing, if at
all.
 
  Colazide is currently being manufactured
in preparation for the scheduled October
1997 United Kingdom product launch.
Colazide has been approved for marketing in
the United Kingdom only and there can be no
assurance that it will be approved for use
in the United States or any other
jurisdiction in which the Company seeks
approval.
 
  Salix, Salix Pharmaceuticals, Glycyx Pharmaceuticals, and Salix Holdings are
trade names of the Company. Colazide is a trademark of Biorex Laboratories
Limited. This Prospectus also contains trademarks and trade names of other
companies.
 
  CERTAIN PERSONS PARTICIPATING IN THIS OFFERING MAY ENGAGE IN TRANSACTIONS
THAT STABILIZE, MAINTAIN OR OTHERWISE AFFECT THE PRICE OF THE COMMON SHARES.
SPECIFICALLY, THE UNDERWRITERS MAY OVER-ALLOT IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING,
MAY BID FOR, AND PURCHASE, THE COMMON SHARES IN THE OPEN MARKET AND MAY IMPOSE
PENALTY BIDS. FOR A DESCRIPTION OF THESE ACTIVITIES, SEE "PLAN OF
DISTRIBUTION".
 
<PAGE>
 
  No dealer, sales representative or any other person has been authorized to
give any information or to make any representation in connection with this
offering other than those contained in this Prospectus, and, if given or made,
such information or representations must not be relied upon as having been
authorized by the Company or any Underwriter. This Prospectus does not
constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any
securities other than the registered securities to which it relates or an
offer to, or solicitation of, any person in any jurisdiction where such an
offer or solicitation would be unlawful. Neither the delivery of this
Prospectus nor any sale made hereunder shall, under any circumstances, create
any implication that there has been no change in the affairs of the Company
since the date hereof or that the information contained herein is correct as
of any time subsequent to the date hereof.
 
  Until     , 1997 (90 days after the date of this Prospectus), all dealers
effecting transactions in the Common Shares, whether or not participating in
this distribution, may be required to deliver a Prospectus. This delivery
requirement is in addition to the obligation of dealers to deliver a
Prospectus when acting as Underwriters and with respect to their unsold
allotments or subscriptions.
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          PAGE
                                                                          ----
<S>                                                                       <C>
Exchange Rates...........................................................   4
Eligibility for Investment...............................................   4
Summary..................................................................   5
Risk Factors.............................................................   9
Use of Proceeds..........................................................  20
Price Range of Common Shares.............................................  21
Dividend Policy..........................................................  21
Capitalization...........................................................  22
Dilution.................................................................  23
Selected Consolidated Financial Data.....................................  24
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
 of Operations...........................................................  25
Business.................................................................  29
Management...............................................................  48
Principal Shareholders...................................................  58
Description of Share Capital.............................................  59
Prior Sales of Securities................................................  60
Comparison of Canadian, United States and British Virgin Islands
 Corporate Laws..........................................................  61
Certain Tax Considerations...............................................  63
Shares Eligible for Future Sale..........................................  67
Plan of Distribution.....................................................  69
Legal Matters............................................................  71
Auditors.................................................................  71
Transfer Agent...........................................................  71
Material Contracts.......................................................  72
Canadian Purchasers' Statutory Rights....................................  73
Additional Information...................................................  73
Glossary.................................................................  74
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements............................... F-1
</TABLE>
                                 ------------
 
  The Company intends to furnish its shareholders with annual reports
containing audited financial statements examined by an independent accounting
firm and quarterly reports for the first three quarters of each year
containing interim unaudited consolidated financial information. Upon
completion of the offering contemplated hereby, the Company will be subject to
the informational requirements of the United States Securities Exchange Act of
1934, and in accordance therewith, will be filing reports and other
information with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. The
Company is also subject to the informational requirements of The Toronto Stock
Exchange and applicable Canadian securities legislation.
 
                                 ------------
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
                                EXCHANGE RATES
 
  IN THIS PROSPECTUS, UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED OR THE CONTEXT OTHERWISE
REQUIRES, ALL DOLLAR AMOUNTS ARE EXPRESSED IN UNITED STATES DOLLARS. The
average exchange rate for the six months ended June 30, 1997 and 1996 and the
years ended December 31, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993 and 1992 and the exchange rate
at the end of each such period for the conversion of United States dollars
into Canadian dollars based on the Bank of Canada noon rate of exchange for
United States dollars were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                SIX MONTHS         YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                              ENDED JUNE 30,  ----------------------------------
                               1997    1996    1996   1995   1994   1993   1992
                              ------- ------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
<S>                           <C>     <C>     <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>
End of period................  1.3811  1.3651 1.3696 1.3652 1.4028 1.3240 1.2711
Period average...............  1.3724  1.3668 1.3636 1.3726 1.3659 1.2898 1.2083
</TABLE>
   
  On October 9, 1997, the Bank of Canada noon rate of exchange for United
States dollars into Canadian dollars was Cdn. $1.3748 = U.S. $1.00. Unless
otherwise noted, all exchange rate conversions within this Prospectus assume
an exchange rate of Cdn. $1.3748 = U.S. $1.00.     
 
                          ELIGIBILITY FOR INVESTMENT
 
  Eligibility of the Common Shares offered hereby for investment by purchasers
to whom any of the following statutes apply is, in certain cases, governed by
criteria which such purchasers are required to establish as policies or
guidelines pursuant to the applicable statute (and, where applicable, the
regulations thereunder) and is subject to the prudent investment standards and
general investment provisions and restrictions provided therein:
<TABLE> 
<S>                                                     <C> 
Insurance Companies Act (Canada)                          An Act respecting insurance (Quebec)   
Pension Benefits Standards Act, 1985 (Canada)              (for insurers as defined therein      
Trust and Loan Companies Act (Canada)                      incorporated under the laws of the    
Pension Benefits Act (Ontario)                             province of Quebec other than a       
Financial Institutions Act (British Columbia)              mutual association or guarantee fund) 
Pension Benefits Standards Act (British Columbia)                                                 
Supplemental Pension Plans Act (Quebec)                   An Act respecting trust companies     
                                                           and savings companies (Quebec) (for  
                                                           savings companies investing their    
                                                           own funds, and by trust companies    
                                                           investing their own funds and        
                                                           deposits received by them)            
</TABLE> 
 
  The Common Shares will be qualified investments under the Income Tax Act
(Canada) (the "Canadian Act") for trusts governed by registered retirement
savings plans, registered retirement income funds and deferred profit sharing
plans.
 
  The Common Shares will be foreign property for the purposes of the foreign
property limitations under the Canadian Act. Part XI of the Canadian Act
requires that certain tax payers, including registered retirement savings
plans, registered retirement income funds and deferred profit sharing plans,
restrict their investments in foreign property within the limits contained in
the Canadian Act in order to avoid a penalty tax. The foreign property limit
is currently 20% of the cost amount of all property held by the taxpayer.
 
                              FOREIGN CORPORATION
 
  The Company is an International Business Company incorporated under the laws
of the British Virgin Islands. Accordingly, principles of law relating to such
matters as the validity of corporate procedures, the fiduciary duties of
management and the rights of the Company's shareholders and other stakeholders
may differ from those that would apply if the Company were incorporated in a
jurisdiction within the United States or Canada. The shareholders and other
stakeholders of Salix may have more difficulty in protecting their interests
in the face of actions by the Board of Directors of the Company or a majority
shareholder than they might have with respect to a corporation incorporated in
a jurisdiction in the United States or Canada.
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
                                    SUMMARY
 
  The following summary is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed
information and the financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere
in this Prospectus. Prospective investors should consider carefully the
information discussed under "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in this Prospectus.
This Prospectus contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and
uncertainties. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those
anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors,
including those set forth under "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in this
Prospectus.
   
  The "as adjusted" and other proforma financial information contained in this
Prospectus under "Summary", "Dilution", "Capitalization" and "Use of Proceeds"
assumes the completion of the offering of the Common Shares made hereby at an
assumed public offering price of Cdn. $7.10 per Common Share. This assumed
price represents the closing price of the Company's Common Shares as reported
on The Toronto Stock Exchange on October 9, 1997, and is not indicative of the
actual offering price of the Common Shares to be determined by the Company and
the Underwriters.     
 
  UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED, ALL REFERENCES TO "$" OR "DOLLARS" REFER TO
UNITED STATES DOLLARS. ALL REFERENCES TO "CDN. $" REFER TO CANADIAN DOLLARS.
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
  Salix Holdings, Ltd. ("Salix" or the "Company") identifies and in-licenses
gastrointestinal products that have near-term commercial potential and applies
its product development expertise to accelerate the commercialization of these
products. The Company's business strategy is to select and in-license
gastrointestinal products that have the potential for rapid regulatory
approval. By in-licensing drugs with late-stage clinical data and developing
these drugs for diseases that are in need of new pharmaceutical treatments, the
Company believes that it can significantly reduce the risk, time and investment
normally associated with the development and commercialization of
pharmaceutical products.
   
  The Company's first product, Colazide, recently was approved for marketing in
the United Kingdom for the treatment of acute ulcerative colitis. The Company
currently expects that commercial launch of Colazide in the United Kingdom will
occur in October 1997 and, subject to regulatory approvals, that Colazide will
become commercially available in other countries in Europe in 1998. In
addition, the Company's New Drug Application ("NDA") for Colazide for the same
indication was recently accepted for filing by the United States Food and Drug
Administration ("FDA"). The NDA is subject to a detailed substantive review by
the FDA. See "Business--Government Regulation."     
 
  The Company has also in-licensed a second product, rifaximin, and intends to
pursue regulatory approvals for the drug in the treatment of two initial
indications, hepatic encephalopathy and antibiotic associated colitis. The
Company presently expects to submit an application to the FDA in the fourth
quarter of 1997 seeking Orphan Drug Status for rifaximin in the treatment of
hepatic encephalopathy. If the Company's application is approved, rifaximin
could receive priority review from the FDA following completion of clinical
trials for the drug and filing of an NDA for marketing approval. It is not
currently expected that the Company will be in a position to file an NDA for
rifaximin prior to mid-1998.
 
  In the course of its transition to a commercial stage company, the Company
has leveraged its resources by establishing strategic alliances with companies
that have significant resources in clinical monitoring and manufacturing. In
anticipation of the commercial release of Colazide in the United
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
   
Kingdom in October 1997, the Company has entered into manufacturing
arrangements with Courtaulds Chemicals (Holdings) Limited ("Courtaulds") and
Anabolic, Inc. ("Anabolic"), each of which is a commercially established
pharmaceutical manufacturer. The Company's arrangement with Courtaulds is
pursuant to a manufacturing agreement whereas the arrangement with Anabolic is
on a purchase-order basis.     
 
  Colazide will be distributed in all markets except certain countries in
southern Europe and Asia by Astra AB ("Astra"), a Swedish international
pharmaceutical company, under a distribution agreement that provides Astra with
exclusive distribution rights, and in Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Greece by a
division of Menarini Pharmaceutical Industries s.r.l. ("Menarini"), an Italian
manufacturer and distributor of pharmaceutical products. The Company's
distribution arrangements with Astra and Menarini have provided the Company
with funding necessary to complete the late-stage development of Colazide, in-
license other gastrointestinal products and help establish the Company as a
viable gastrointestinal pharmaceutical company.
 
  The Company expects to market and sell rifaximin and other future products
in-licensed and commercialized by the Company through a small, specialized
direct sales force to be established by Salix. The Company believes that a
direct sales model will reflect higher operating margins than the distribution
partner model that the Company will use in connection with sales of Colazide.
 
  The Company was incorporated in the British Virgin Islands in December 1993.
Prior to December 1993, the business of the Company was conducted by Salix
Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a California corporation ("Salix Pharmaceuticals"),
which was incorporated in California in 1989, and Glycyx Pharmaceuticals, Ltd.,
a Bermuda corporation ("Glycyx"), each of which is now a subsidiary of Salix
Holdings, Ltd. Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this
Prospectus to "Salix" and the "Company" refer to Salix Holdings, Ltd., a
corporation organized under the laws of the British Virgin Islands, and its
wholly owned subsidiaries, Salix Pharmaceuticals and Glycyx. The Company's
executive offices are located at 3600 West Bayshore Road, Suite 205, Palo Alto,
California 94303, and its telephone number at that address is (650) 856-1550.
 
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
                                  THE OFFERING
 
<TABLE>   
<S>                      <C>
Securities Offered...... 3,000,000 Common Shares of the Company
Common Shares
 Outstanding after the
 Offering............... 10,118,173 Common Shares(/1/)
Toronto Stock Exchange
 Symbol................. SLX(/2/)
Use of Proceeds......... The net proceeds to the Company from the sale of the 3,000,000
                         Common Shares offered hereby are estimated to be approximately
                         Cdn. $18,712,550 (approximately Cdn. $21,699,875 if the
                         Underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised in full) at an
                         assumed public offering price of Cdn. $7.10 per Common Share,
                         which is not indicative of the actual offering price, and after
                         deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and
                         offering expenses payable by the Company.

                         Of the offering proceeds, the Company expects to apply
                         approximately Cdn. $4,000,000 (U.S. $2,909,514) toward the
                         commercialization of Colazide in the United Kingdom and
                         obtaining regulatory approval in the United States,
                         approximately Cdn. $11,712,550 (U.S. $8,519,457) toward the
                         Company's other product development and clinical programs, and
                         approximately Cdn. $3,000,000 (U.S. $2,182,136) for other
                         working capital and general corporate purposes. The Company's
                         allocation of offering proceeds to other product development and
                         clinical programs will be increased by the amount of any net
                         proceeds resulting from the exercise of the Underwriters' over-
                         allotment option. There can be no assurance that the actual
                         allocation of the offering proceeds will not differ materially
                         from their currently anticipated use. See "Use of Proceeds" and
                         "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
                         Results of Operations".
</TABLE>    
 
- --------
(1) Based on Common Shares outstanding as of June 30, 1997. Excludes (i)
    713,500 Common Shares issuable upon exercise of options outstanding as of
    June 30, 1997 under the Company's 1994 Stock Plan (the "1994 Plan") and the
    1996 Stock Option Plan (the "1996 Plan" and together with the 1994 Plan,
    the "Stock Plans") at a weighted average exercise price of $3.72 per Common
    Share, (ii) 303,362 Common Shares reserved for issuance under future option
    grants as of June 30, 1997 under the Stock Plans, and (iii) 602,331 Common
    Shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding warrants as of June 30, 1997
    at an exercise price of $3.00 per Common Share. See "Management--Stock
    Plans", "Description of Share Capital" and Notes 8 and 10 of Notes to
    Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
(2) The Company's Common Shares currently trade on The Toronto Stock Exchange
    under the symbol "SLX.s" and carry a legend reflecting the Company's
    reliance, in connection with its initial public offering in Canada in May
    1996, on the exemption from the registration requirements of the United
    States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), set
    forth in Regulation S thereunder. It is the Company's current intention to
    authorize the removal on May 28, 1998 of the Regulation S legend from all
    shares currently bearing such legend. Shareholders may request that the
    Company remove such legend in connection with resales prior to May 28,
    1998, subject to the shareholder's ability to establish, to the
    satisfaction of the Company and its legal counsel, that the requirements of
    the U.S. Securities Act have been satisfied. After May 28, 1998, all Common
    Shares that are then freely tradeable on The Toronto Stock Exchange will
    trade under the symbol "SLX". The Common Shares offered by the Company
    hereby will be registered under the U.S. Securities Act and will not,
    therefore, carry a legend. See "Shares Eligible for Future Sale".
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
Risk Factors..  Investment in the Common Shares may be regarded as speculative
                due to the nature of the Company's business and the various
                stages of development of its new products. In particular,
                investors should consider that the Company has only one product
                approved for sale, such approval relates to the sale of the
                product only in the United Kingdom, and the product has not yet
                been launched commercially. The Company has incurred operating
                losses and cash flow deficiencies to date and does not expect to
                achieve profitability on an annual basis before 2000. The
                Company's products are subject to strict regulatory approval
                requirements. The proceeds from this offering may be inadequate
                to fund the development of the new products, and it is likely
                the Company will require additional funding in the future. The
                Company's success is dependent upon its relationships with
                certain strategic partners and third party manufacturers, as
                well as on its ability to adequately protect its intellectual
                property. The Company is subject to intense competition and
                faces risks arising from product liability. The Company is
                dependent on certain key personnel. Certain directors and
                executive officers and their respective affiliates own a
                significant portion of the Company's stock and may be able to
                effectively control the Company, even following consummation of
                this offering. Following consummation of this offering, a
                portion of the Common Shares will be subject to various
                restrictions arising from U.S. securities laws. Investors
                purchasing shares in this offering will incur immediate
                dilution. In addition, the Company's Common Shares could be
                subject to price volatility and have, to date, experienced
                limited trading volume. Non-Canadian investors may face a
                currency risk as a result of transactions involving the Common
                Shares. See "Risk Factors".
 
                      SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            SIX MONTHS
                          ENDED JUNE 30,            YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                          ----------------  -------------------------------------------
                           1997     1996     1996     1995     1994     1993     1992
                          -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  -------
                            (UNAUDITED)
<S>                       <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT
 OF OPERATIONS DATA:
License revenue.........  $    --  $    --  $ 1,186  $    --  $    --  $ 1,000  $ 1,712
Revenue from
 collaborative
 agreements and other...       21      384      634    1,990    2,827    3,439    1,212
Loss from operations....   (2,575)  (1,443)  (2,569)  (2,332)  (1,497)    (755)  (1,023)
Net loss................   (2,475)  (1,571)  (2,451)  (2,420)  (1,452)    (714)  (1,011)
Net loss per
 share(/1/).............  $ (0.35) $ (0.41) $ (0.46) $ (0.77) $ (0.46) $ (0.23) $ (0.38)
Shares used in computing
 net loss per
 share(/1/).............    6,975    3,877    5,365    3,149    3,144    3,144    2,688
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                            JUNE 30, 1997
                                                      --------------------------
                                                       ACTUAL   AS ADJUSTED(/2/)
                                                      --------  ----------------
                                                             (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                   <C>       <C>
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Cash and cash equivalents............................ $  3,657       $17,268
Working capital......................................    2,986        16,597
Total assets.........................................    4,250        17,861
Accumulated deficit..................................  (11,076)      (11,076)
Shareholders' equity.................................    3,181        16,792
</TABLE>    
- --------
(1) See Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for an explanation
    of shares used in computing net loss per share.
   
(2) Adjusted to give effect to the sale of 3,000,000 Common Shares offered by
    the Company hereby at an assumed public offering price of Cdn. $7.10 per
    Common Share (and an assumed exchange rate of Cdn. $1.3748 per U.S. $1.00)
    and the application of the estimated net proceeds therefrom after deducting
    estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses
    payable by the Company. See "Use of Proceeds" and "Capitalization".     
 
                                  ------------
 
  Except as otherwise indicated herein, all information in this Prospectus
assumes no exercise of the Underwriters' over-allotment option.
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
                                 RISK FACTORS
 
  An investment in the Common Shares offered by this Prospectus involves a
high degree of risk. Prospective purchasers of the Common Shares offered
hereby should carefully review the following risk factors as well as the other
information set forth in this Prospectus. This Prospectus contains forward-
looking statements based upon current expectations of future events that
involve risks and uncertainties. The Company's actual results and the timing
of certain events could differ materially from those anticipated in these
forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including those set
forth in the following risk factors and elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
                               ----------------
 
  Dependence on Currently Licensed Products; Uncertainty of Regulatory
Approval of Company's Products. The Company's future success will depend,
among other factors, on its ability to in-license, develop, and commercialize
new pharmaceutical products. The Company currently licenses two pharmaceutical
products, balsalazide and rifaximin, and the Company's prospects over the next
three to five years are substantially dependent on regulatory approval and
successful commercialization of these products. The Company has in-licensed
certain rights to balsalazide and rifaximin in certain markets from Biorex
Laboratories Limited ("Biorex") and Alfa Wassermann S.p.A. ("Alfa
Wassermann"), respectively. In addition, the Company has entered into
agreements relating to the development, commercialization, manufacture, and
marketing of Colazide, the disodium salt of balsalazide, with Astra AB, a
Swedish pharmaceutical company ("Astra"), and with a division of Menarini
Pharmaceutical Industries s.r.l., an Italian pharmaceutical company
("Menarini"). See "--Dependence on Exclusive Licenses" and "--Dependence on
Collaborative Partners".
 
  Development, manufacture, and marketing of both balsalazide and rifaximin
are subject to extensive regulation by governmental authorities in the United
States and other countries. Neither drug has been approved by the United
States Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") for use in the United States. In
June 1997, the Company submitted a New Drug Application ("NDA") to the FDA
relating to Colazide as a therapy for acute ulcerative colitis. The NDA was
accepted for filing by the FDA in August 1997 and is subject to a detailed
substantive review. The Company believes that FDA approval to market Colazide
will not be obtained before mid-1998, if at all. In July 1997, the Medicines
Control Agency in the United Kingdom approved Colazide as a treatment for
acute ulcerative colitis in the United Kingdom, and the Company and its
partners, Astra and Menarini, are in the process of seeking approvals in other
member countries of the European Union through a mutual recognition procedure.
There can be no assurance that Colazide will receive approval from the FDA or
from regulatory agencies in any member country of the European Union other
than the United Kingdom. Even if such approvals are ultimately received, there
can be no assurance as to the timing of such approvals or market acceptance of
Colazide for the approved indications. With respect to rifaximin, Alfa
Wassermann is currently conducting a clinical trial in Spain relating to the
drug as a therapy for hepatic encephalopathy. The Company has not yet reviewed
the protocol for this trial, has not audited the data collection procedures,
and has not determined that such study is being conducted in accordance with
Good Clinical Procedures ("GCP"). There can be no assurance that the clinical
trial for rifaximin currently being performed by Alfa Wassermann will
demonstrate that the drug is safe and effective for the indication tested,
that such clinical trial will support the filing of an NDA for rifaximin as a
therapy for hepatic encephalopathy, that in the event an NDA is filed with the
FDA, the Company will be successful in obtaining regulatory approval in the
United States, or that the Company will obtain regulatory approval for
rifaximin from authorities in any other jurisdiction. The Company believes
that an NDA will not be filed for rifaximin prior to mid-1998 and that FDA
approval for rifaximin will not be obtained for at least one year after
filing, if at all. The Company expects that a significant portion of its
potential revenues for the next few years will depend on regulatory approval
and sales of these products. Failure to obtain regulatory approvals, delays in
obtaining regulatory approvals, obtaining regulatory approvals for Colazide or
rifaximin in only limited markets or for limited uses, or lack of market
acceptance for either product, to the extent regulatory approvals are
obtained,
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
would have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial
condition, and results of operations. See "--Significant Government
Regulation; No Assurance of Product Approvals" and "Business--Products Under
Development".
 
  Limited Operating History and History of Operating Losses. The Company has
only a limited history of operations consisting primarily of development of
its products and sponsorship with third parties of research and clinical
trials. The Company has had no earnings to date and has not realized any
material operating revenues from product sales, either directly by the Company
or indirectly through its development and distribution partners. Substantially
all of the Company's revenues to date have been derived from milestone
payments from the Company's collaborative partners related to the development
of Colazide. As of June 30, 1997, the Company had incurred cumulative losses
since inception of approximately $11.1 million. See "Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations".
 
  Expectation of Future Losses. The Company currently expects operating losses
to continue at least through 1999 and to increase from current levels prior to
1999 as the Company continues to develop Colazide and rifaximin. The Company's
future operating performance will depend on the timing of regulatory approvals
of Colazide and rifaximin, particularly the timing of FDA approval, and if
such approvals can be obtained, will also depend on market acceptance. See "--
Uncertainty of Market Acceptance; Lack of Sales and Marketing Experience", "--
Future Capital Needs; Uncertainty of Additional Funding", and "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations".
 
  Dependence on Collaborative Partners. The initial commercialization of
Colazide in the United Kingdom and, to the extent regulatory approval is
obtained, in other countries in which the Company has commercial rights to
Colazide is entirely dependent on Astra and Menarini, in their respective
territories. Under its agreements with Astra, the Company has granted Astra
exclusive rights to distribute and sell Colazide on a worldwide basis with the
exception of Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Greece, where the Company has granted
exclusive distribution rights to Menarini, and with the exception of Japan,
Taiwan, and Korea, where the Company does not have rights to Colazide.
Although Astra has agreed to use its best endeavors to promote, market, and
sell Colazide in its exclusive markets, there are no specified financial
thresholds that must be achieved for Astra to maintain its exclusivity. The
Company's agreements with Astra provide for, with respect to Europe, a term of
15 years and, with respect to the United States, a term ending on the later to
occur of the expiration date of the last expiring patent and the date 9 years
from the first commercial launch date of Colazide but, in either event, the
agreements may be terminated earlier by either party upon the occurrence of
specified events, including a material breach.
 
  The Company's agreements with Astra require Astra to accomplish the
commercial launch of Colazide in any jurisdiction within 90 days of receipt of
regulatory approval in that jurisdiction, subject to a 90 day cure period
during which period Astra has the opportunity to accomplish the commercial
launch without triggering Salix's rights to terminate the Agreement or amend
it to make Astra's right non-exclusive. The Company received marketing
approval for Colazide in the United Kingdom from the Medicine Controls Agency
in July 1997, and the Company and Astra have announced that the commercial
launch of Colazide is expected to occur in the United Kingdom in October 1997,
based on a selling price set by Astra. Following regulatory approval of
Colazide in each country in Europe where Astra has exclusive distribution
rights, the Company and Astra must agree on the Colazide sales price for such
country, which may be less than the selling price in the United Kingdom. The
agreed sales price for Colazide will directly affect the Company's revenues
because the parties' agreement obligates Astra to purchase Colazide from the
Company, and the Company to supply Colazide to Astra, at a transfer price
equal to a percentage of Astra's selling price. The Company does not
anticipate significant margins from Colazide sales by Astra in the United
Kingdom or in continental Europe, where pricing has not yet been determined.
In addition, while the Company has been advised by both Astra and Menarini
that they intend to seek approval in other European countries through the
mutual recognition procedures of the European Union (the "EU"), the decision
as to which approvals to seek, the order in which to seek them and the
responsibility to complete the approval process lies with Astra and Menarini.
 
                                      10
<PAGE>
 
  There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to negotiate
acceptable collaborative arrangements in the future, or that its current or
future collaborative arrangements, including the agreements with Astra or
Menarini, will be successful or will not be terminated by the other party.
Although the Company believes that parties to any collaborative arrangements
would have an economic motivation to succeed in performing their contractual
responsibilities, the amount and timing of resources to be devoted to these
activities in most instances will not be within the control of the Company.
Failure of the Company and its collaborative partners to develop,
commercialize, manufacture or market products, including Colazide, would have
a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition, and
results of operations.
 
  Significant Governmental Regulation; No Assurance of Product Approvals. The
production and marketing of the Company's products and its ongoing research
and development activities are subject to extensive regulation by governmental
authorities in the United States and other countries. Failure to comply with
FDA or other applicable regulatory requirements may subject a company to
administrative sanctions or judicially imposed sanctions such as civil
penalties, criminal prosecution, injunctions, product seizure or detention,
product recalls, total or partial suspension of production. In addition, non-
compliance may result in the FDA's refusal to approve pending NDAs or
supplements to approved NDAs or in the withdrawal of an NDA. Any such sanction
could result in adverse publicity, which could have a material adverse effect
on the Company's business, financial condition, and results of operation. The
Company has not received regulatory approval in the United States or any
foreign jurisdiction other than the United Kingdom for the commercial sale of
any of its products. Prior to marketing in the United States, any drug
developed by the Company must undergo rigorous preclinical (animal) and
clinical (human) testing and an extensive regulatory approval process
implemented by the FDA under the United States Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic
Act, and implementing regulations. Satisfaction of such regulatory
requirements, which includes satisfying the FDA that the product is both safe
and effective for its proposed uses, typically takes several years or more,
depending upon the type, complexity, and novelty of the product, and requires
the expenditure of substantial resources. Preclinical studies must be
conducted in conformance with the FDA's Good Laboratory Practice regulations.
Clinical testing, which is rigorously regulated, must meet requirements for
Institutional Review Board oversight and informed consent, as well as FDA
prior review and oversight, and Good Clinical Practice requirements. The
Company has limited experience in conducting preclinical and clinical testing
necessary to obtain regulatory approval and will rely on clinical research
organizations ("CROs") to perform this work. There can be no assurance that
those conducting clinical trials for the Company will be able to initiate
trials at preferred clinical test sites or recruit sufficient test subjects or
that clinical trials will be started or completed successfully in a timely
fashion, if at all, with respect to any of the Company's products.
Furthermore, the Company or the FDA may suspend clinical trials at any time if
it believes that the subjects participating in such trials are being exposed
to unacceptable health risks. There can be no assurance that the Company will
not encounter problems in clinical trials which will cause the Company or the
FDA to delay or suspend clinical trials.
 
  On June 23, 1997, the Company submitted an NDA to the FDA covering the use
of Colazide as a therapy for acute ulcerative colitis and in August 1997, the
NDA was accepted for filing by the FDA. The NDA can be approved only if the
FDA determines that the NDA contains substantial evidence from clinical trials
that the drug is safe and effective for its intended use. There can be no
assurance that the results of the Company's preclinical or clinical studies,
including its United States Phase III clinical testing in combination with the
results from a European Phase III safety and efficacy study, will demonstrate,
to the FDA's satisfaction, substantial evidence that the drug is safe and
effective. If clinical data, in addition to that filed in the NDA, is
requested from the Company to support approval of Colazide, such a request is
likely to delay significantly any pending review and approval of the product,
if approval is granted at all. It is unlikely the FDA will approve marketing
of Colazide in the United States before mid-1998, if at all. If regulatory
approval of Colazide or any other product is granted, such approval will be
limited to those disease states and conditions for which the product has been
shown to be safe and effective, as demonstrated to the FDA's satisfaction
through well controlled clinical studies. Furthermore, approval may
 
                                      11
<PAGE>
 
entail ongoing requirements for post-marketing studies. Even if such
regulatory approval is obtained, a marketed product, promotional activities
for the product, its manufacturer and its manufacturing facilities are subject
to continual review and periodic inspections. In addition, identification of
certain side effects after a drug is on the market or the occurrence of
manufacturing problems could cause subsequent withdrawal of approval,
reformulation of the drug, additional preclinical testing or clinical trials
and changes in labeling of the product. The Company does not expect to file an
NDA for rifaximin prior to mid-1998 and will do so only if the clinical trials
support such a filing. See "Business--Government Regulation".
 
  Pursuant to the license agreements with Astra and Menarini, Astra and
Menarini will decide which EU countries to seek approval in pursuant to the
mutual recognition procedures of the EU and are responsible for the process of
obtaining such approval. The Company has been advised that Astra intends
initially to seek approval through the EU's mutual recognition procedure in
Germany, France and the Netherlands and that Menarini will seek approval
initially in Italy, Spain, Portugal and Greece. Regulatory approvals for the
marketing of Colazide in European countries other than the United Kingdom are
not expected until 1998. There can be no assurance that Astra and Menarini
will seek such approvals or that any such countries will grant such approval.
 
  Dependence on Third Parties for Manufacturing. The Company currently does
not intend to manufacture its potential pharmaceutical products, including
Colazide and rifaximin, and, therefore, will be dependent on contract
manufacturers for the production of such products for development and
commercial purposes. In the event that the Company is unsuccessful in
obtaining or retaining third-party manufacturing or if the Company's
manufacturers experience production difficulties, delays or disruptions or
fail to comply with regulatory requirements, the Company may not be able to
obtain adequate supplies of products in a timely fashion or at acceptable
quality, quantity, timing or prices, or to commercialize its potential
products as planned. The Company's initial product, Colazide, has never been
manufactured in commercial quantities. No assurances can be given that the
Company, or its manufacturing partners, will be able to manufacture Colazide
(or other future developed products) in commercial quantities that would
enable the Company to meet its business objectives. Under the terms of the
Company's distribution agreements with Astra and Menarini, the obligations of
such companies to purchase product will terminate under certain circumstances
in which the Company is unable or unwilling to adequately supply them with
product. In such circumstances, Astra or Menarini, as the case may be, is
granted a temporary license to manufacture Colazide. Under certain situations,
such manufacturing licenses may become permanent, in which case the Company's
revenues from the arrangements could be, depending on the circumstances,
severely reduced or eliminated. Moreover, contract manufacturers that the
Company may use must adhere to current Good Manufacturing Practices ("GMPs"),
which are regulations strictly enforced by the FDA through its facilities
inspection program. If these facilities cannot pass a pre-approval plant
inspection, the likelihood of the FDA's pre-market approval of Colazide will
be adversely affected. Certain material manufacturing changes that may occur
after approval are also subject to FDA review and approval. There can be no
assurance that the FDA or other regulatory agencies will approve the processes
or the facilities by which any of the Company's products may be manufactured.
In addition, if the facilities cannot pass regular post-approval FDA
inspections, manufacturing and distribution may be disrupted, recalls of
distributed products may be necessary, and other sanctions could be applied.
Any disruption in the supply in manufacturing and marketing of the Company's
proposed products would have a material adverse effect on the Company's
business, financial condition, and results of operations.
 
  Dependence on In-Licensing and Acquisition of New Products for Future
Growth. Whether or not Colazide or rifaximin receives regulatory approvals and
is successfully marketed, the Company's ability to grow in the future will
depend on its success in in-licensing or acquiring additional pharmaceutical
products. The Company seeks to in-license or acquire pharmaceutical products
that have been developed beyond the initial discovery phase and for which
late-stage human clinical data is already available. There can be no assurance
that such pharmaceutical products will be available on attractive terms for
in-licensing or acquisition by the Company.
 
                                      12
<PAGE>
 
  Uncertainties Related to Clinical Trials of Development Stage Products. Any
product in-licensed by Salix will likely require significant further research
and development, including clinical testing, regulatory approval, and
investment prior to commercialization, and as a result will be subject to the
risks of failure inherent in the development of therapeutic products based on
innovative technologies. These risks include the possibility that any or all
of these proposed products may not be found to be safe or effective or that
they may otherwise fail to receive necessary regulatory approvals; that the
proposed products will prove uneconomical to market or will not achieve broad
market acceptance; that third parties will hold proprietary rights that
prevent the marketing of the proposed products; or that third parties will
market a superior or equivalent product. In addition, due to the extended
testing and regulatory review process required before marketing approval can
be obtained, the time-frames for commercialization of any products are long
and uncertain. See "Business--Government Regulation".
 
  Uncertainty of Market Acceptance.  The Company's future success will depend
in part on its ability to develop and commercialize new products, including
Colazide and rifaximin, or new formulations of or indications for current
products. Assuming the Company can successfully develop such products and
obtain regulatory approvals, their future success will depend upon their
acceptance by the medical community and third-party payors as useful and cost-
effective. Market acceptance will depend upon several factors, including the
establishment of the safety, effectiveness, patient tolerance, and cost of the
Company's products relative to those of competitors. The Company and its
collaborative partners may be required to engage in extensive advertising,
educational programs or other means to market its products. Failure of any of
the Company's products to achieve market acceptance would have a material
adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition, and results of
operations.
 
  Lack of Sales and Marketing Experience. The Company has no experience
marketing and selling its products either directly or through distributors.
The Company's sales and marketing strategy for Colazide relies on its third-
party distributors, Astra and Menarini, to whom the Company has granted
exclusive marketing rights. There can be no assurance that either Astra or
Menarini will market Colazide successfully in any country in which they have
exclusive rights. The Company intends to establish its own direct sales force
for the purpose of achieving direct sales of rifaximin and other future
products. There can be no assurance that the Company's marketing and direct
sales efforts will be successful.
 
  Dependence on Exclusive Licenses. The Company's rights to balsalazide and
rifaximin are derived from its license agreements with Biorex and Alfa
Wassermann, respectively. The Company's rights under these licenses are
subject to early termination by Biorex or Alfa Wassermann, as the case may be,
under certain circumstances, including material breach by the Company, the
bankruptcy or insolvency of the Company, the failure to commence marketing of
products within specified periods after their regulatory approval, or the
Company's failure to satisfy its manufacturing obligations under its
agreements with distribution partners. In the event that Biorex or Alfa
Wassermann terminate their respective license agreements, the Company would
have no further rights to utilize their respective patents or trade secrets to
manufacture and market products based on balsalazide or rifaximin, as the case
may be. The Company's licenses for balsalazide and rifaximin provide that the
Company's royalty obligations may extend beyond the expiration date of the
underlying patents, which could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's business, financial condition, and results of operations in the
event a generic version of balsalazide or rifaximin, as the case may be, were
introduced. In addition, the Company's license agreement with Alfa Wassermann
also provides that the Company may not promote, distribute or sell any
antibiotic products that compete with rifaximin in its licensed territory (the
United States and Canada) for a period of five years after the first
commercial sale of rifaximin under the agreement, thereby limiting the
Company's ability to in-license, develop, or market such products. See
"Business--Strategic Alliances".
 
  Patents and Proprietary Rights; Expiration of Patents. Because of the
substantial length of time and expense associated with bringing new products
through development and regulatory approval to the marketplace, the
pharmaceutical industry places considerable importance on obtaining patent and
trade
 
                                      13
<PAGE>
 
secret protection for new technologies, products and processes. Because the
Company's strategy is to in-license or acquire pharmaceutical products which
typically have been discovered and initially researched by others, such
products may have limited or no remaining patent protection due to the time
elapsed since their discovery. The patents for the Colazide composition of
matter and method of treating ulcerative colitis with Colazide expire in July
2001 in the United States, February 2002 in the United Kingdom, May 2002 in
France, July 2001 in Italy, and April 2002 in Germany. The patents for the
method of treating colon cancer using Colazide expire in January 2014 in the
United States and, assuming patents issue from pending applications, in
January 2015 in various countries in Europe, Asia, and North America. The
patents for the rifaximin composition of matter (also covering the process of
making rifaximin and using rifaximin to treat gastrointestinal infectious
diseases) expire in May 2001 in the United States and Canada. The patents for
the process of making rifaximin expire in April 2005 in both the United States
and Canada. Patents for the use of rifaximin for H. pylori infections expire
in June 2013 in the United States and February 2014 in Canada. Although the
Company believes it may be granted extensions of up to five years in certain
circumstances, based on patent term restoration procedures established in
Europe and in the United States under the Waxman-Hatch Act for products that
have received regulatory approval, there is no assurance that such extensions
will be granted. See "--Uncertainty Regarding Waxman-Hatch Act and Similar
Foreign Laws". The Company has filed applications for use patents for
additional indications using balsalazide and related chemical substances.
There can be no assurance that any patents will be issued. There can be no
assurance that competitors will not develop products based on the same active
ingredients for marketing as soon as the applicable patents expire or at any
time thereafter or that competitors will not design around existing patents.
Sales of such generic versions could have an adverse effect on the Company's
business, financial condition, and results of operations. The Company's
success will depend in part on its ability to obtain United States and foreign
patent protection for its products and processes, preserve its trade secrets,
and operate without infringing on the proprietary rights of third parties.
There can be no assurance that patents will issue with respect to, or that the
claims allowed will provide sufficient protection to, the Company's present or
future technology.
 
  There can be no assurance that any other patents will be issued on any of
the Company's patent applications or on patent applications licensed from
third parties. Moreover, there can be no assurance that the claims allowed in
the patents or patent applications are or will be sufficiently broad to
protect the Company's technology or that the patents will provide protection
against competitive products or otherwise be commercially valuable.
 
  Furthermore, as with any pharmaceutical company, the Company's patent and
other proprietary rights are subject to uncertainty. The Company's patent or
other proprietary rights related to its products might conflict with current
or future rights of others. For instance, there is no assurance that the use
of the Company's technology will not infringe the patent rights of others. For
the same reasons, the products of others could infringe the patent or other
proprietary rights of the Company. Litigation or patent interference
proceedings, either of which could result in substantial cost to the Company,
may be necessary to enforce any patents issued to and other proprietary rights
of the Company or to determine the scope and validity of other parties'
proprietary rights. The defense and prosecution of patent and intellectual
property claims are both costly and time-consuming, even if the outcome is
favorable to the Company. Any adverse outcome could subject the Company to
significant liabilities to third parties, require disputed rights to be
licensed from third parties, or require the Company to cease selling its
products.
 
  In addition to patent protection, the Company also relies on trade secrets,
proprietary know-how and technological advances which it seeks to protect, in
part, through confidentiality agreements with its collaborative partners,
employees and consultants. There can be no assurance that these agreements
will not be breached, that the Company will have adequate remedies for any
breach, or that the Company's trade secrets and proprietary know-how will not
otherwise become known or be independently developed by others.
 
                                      14
<PAGE>
 
  There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain a license
to any third-party technology that it may require to conduct its business or
that, if obtainable, such technology can be licensed at a reasonable cost.
Failure by the Company to obtain a license to any technology that it may
require to commercialize its technologies or products will have a material
adverse effect on the Company. In addition, there can be no assurance that
others will not independently develop substantially equivalent proprietary
information or obtain access to the Company's know-how, or that others will
not be issued patents which prevent the manufacture or sale of Company
products or require licensing and the payment of significant fees or royalties
by the Company in order for it to be able to carry on its business.
Litigation, which could result in substantial cost to the Company, may be
necessary to enforce or defend the Company's patents or proprietary rights.
 
  Uncertainty Regarding Waxman-Hatch Act and Similar Foreign Laws. Certain
provisions of the Waxman-Hatch Act provide patent term extensions for the
first permitted commercial marketing or use of a new drug that is subject to
regulatory review prior to marketing. Under the Waxman-Hatch Act, the Patent
and Trademark Office is directed to extend the term of an eligible patent for
a time equal to the "regulatory review period for the approved product". This
time period is generally one-half the length of time between the effective
date of the IND and submission of the NDA, plus the length of time between
filing and approval of the NDA, up to a total possible extension of five
years. Periods during which the applicant did not act with "due diligence" are
subtracted from the regulatory review period. Under this law, the Colazide
patent in the United States could be extended by up to five years, giving the
product patent protection until as late as 2006 if approval in the United
States is received before expiration of the original patent term in 2001. In
addition, the Company intends to seek patent extensions under similar laws in
effect in the European Union, which could give Colazide patent protection in
these jurisdictions until as late as 2006. There can be no assurance that any
of the benefits of the Waxman-Hatch Act or similar foreign laws will be
available to the Company or that such laws will not be amended or repealed.
 
  Uncertain Availability of Health Care Reimbursement; Health Care Reform
Proposals. The Company's ability to commercialize gastrointestinal products
may depend in part on the extent to which reimbursement for the costs of such
products and related treatments will be available from government health
administration authorities, private health insurers and others. Significant
uncertainty exists as to the reimbursement status of newly approved health
care products. There can be no assurance of the availability of adequate third
party insurance reimbursement coverage that would enable the Company to
establish and maintain price levels sufficient for realization of an
appropriate return on its investment in developing new therapies. Government
and other third party payors are increasingly attempting to contain health
care costs by limiting both coverage and the level of reimbursement for new
therapeutic products approved for marketing by the FDA and by refusing, in
some cases, to provide any coverage for uses of approved products for disease
indications for which the FDA has not granted marketing approval. If adequate
coverage and reimbursement levels are not provided by government and third
party payors for uses of the Company's therapeutic products, the market
acceptance of these products could be adversely affected.
 
  Health care reform proposals have been introduced in the United States
Congress and in various state legislatures in the United States. It is
currently uncertain whether any health care reform legislation will be enacted
at the federal level or what actions governmental and private payors may take
in response to the suggested reforms. The Company cannot predict when any
suggested reforms will be implemented, if ever, or the effect of any
implemented reforms on the Company's business. There can be no assurance that
any implemented reforms will not have a material adverse effect on the
Company's future results of operations. Such reforms, if enacted, may affect
the availability of third party reimbursement for products developed by the
Company as well as the price levels at which the Company is able to sell such
products. In addition, to the extent that the Company is able to commercialize
products in markets outside the United States, the Company's ability to
achieve success in such markets will depend, in part, on the health care
financing and reimbursement policies of such countries.
 
                                      15
<PAGE>
 
  Intense Competition. Competition in the pharmaceutical industry is intense
and characterized by extensive research efforts and rapid technological
progress. The Company believes that there are numerous pharmaceutical and
biotechnology companies, both public and private and including large well-
known pharmaceutical companies, as well as academic research groups throughout
the world engaged in research and development efforts with respect to
pharmaceutical products targeted at gastrointestinal diseases and conditions
addressed by the Company's current and potential products. In particular, the
Company is aware of products in research or development by competitors that
address the diseases being targeted by the Company's products. There can be no
assurance that developments by others will not render the Company's current
and potential products obsolete or non-competitive. Competitors may be able to
complete the development and regulatory approval process sooner and,
therefore, market their products earlier than the Company. Many of the
Company's competitors have substantially greater financial, marketing and
personnel resources and development capabilities than the Company. For
example, many large, well capitalized companies already offer products in the
United States and Europe that target the proposed indications for Colazide,
including mesalamine (SmithKline Beecham plc, Dr. Falk Pharma GmbH, Pharmacia
& Upjohn, Inc., Solvay S.A., The Procter & Gamble Company, and Hoechst Marion
Roussel, Inc.), sulfasalazine (Pharmacia & Upjohn, Inc.), and olsalazine
(Pharmacia & Upjohn, Inc.). Technological developments by competitors, earlier
regulatory approval for marketing competitive products, or superior marketing
capabilities possessed by competitors could adversely affect the commercial
potential of the Company's products, including Colazide, and could have a
material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition, and
results of operations. In addition, manufacturers of generic drugs may seek to
compete directly with the Company's products in the absence of effective
patent protection or non-patent exclusivity protection.
 
  Future Capital Needs; Uncertainty of Additional Funding. The Company
believes that the anticipated net proceeds of this offering, together with the
Company's existing cash reserves and cash flows from operations, should be
sufficient to satisfy the cash requirements of the Company through at least
1998. The Company's actual cash requirements will depend on numerous factors,
including the costs of obtaining regulatory approvals, including FDA
approvals; costs associated with the commercialization of Colazide in the
United Kingdom and, if necessary regulatory approvals are obtained, in other
member countries of the European Union and the United States; the Company's
research and development efforts, including expenditures in connection with
alliances, license agreements and acquisitions of and investments in
additional pharmaceutical products; the cost of filing, prosecuting, defending
and enforcing intellectual property rights; and the purchase or lease of
additional capital equipment. There can be no assurance that changes in the
Company's product offerings, product development plans or other changes
affecting the Company's operating expenses will not result in unanticipated
increases in expenditures of the Company's capital resources. In addition, the
Company anticipates that it will need to raise additional funds in the form of
debt or equity financing to fund future licensing, development and
commercialization of new products. If additional capital is raised through the
sale of equity or convertible debt securities (including warrants or other
convertible securities issued in connection with any debt financing),
additional dilution to existing shareholders could result. There can be no
assurance that additional funding will be available on commercially reasonable
terms, if at all. If required funds are not available, the Company may be
compelled to curtail operations or to obtain funds through collaborative
arrangements that may require the Company to relinquish rights to certain of
its products, product candidates, or potential markets. See "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations".
 
  Currency Fluctuations. A significant portion of the Company's business is
conducted in currencies other than the United States dollar. Foreign currency
transaction gains and losses arising from normal business operations are
credited to or charged against earnings in the period incurred. As a result,
fluctuations in the value of the currencies in which the Company conducts its
business relative to the United States dollar have caused and will continue to
cause currency transaction gains and losses. Due to the substantial volatility
of currency exchange rates, among other factors, the Company cannot predict
 
                                      16
<PAGE>
 
the effect of exchange rate fluctuations upon future operating results. There
can be no assurance that the Company will not experience currency losses in
the future. The Company has not previously undertaken hedging transactions to
cover its currency exposure but may hedge a portion of its currency exposure
in the future as management deems appropriate. See "Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations".
 
  Management of Growth. The Company expects to experience significant growth
in the number of its employees and the scope of its operations. This growth is
expected to place a significant strain on the Company's management and
operations. The Company's ability to manage such growth effectively will
depend upon its ability to broaden its management team and its ability to
attract, hire, and retain skilled employees. The Company's success will also
depend on the ability of its officers and key employees to continue to
implement and improve its operational, management information and financial
control systems and to expand, train and manage its employee base. The
Company's inability to manage growth effectively could have a material adverse
effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of
operations.
 
  Product Liability and Insurance; No Assurance of Adequate Insurance
Coverage. The Company's business exposes it to potential product liability
risks which are inherent in the testing, manufacture, and marketing of human
therapeutic products. The Company currently has product liability insurance
providing coverage of $1 million per occurrence and $1 million in the
aggregate. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to maintain
its current product liability insurance, that such insurance will provide
adequate coverage against potential losses, or that such insurance will remain
available to the Company at acceptable costs. Claims or losses in excess of
any liability insurance coverage obtained by the Company could have a material
adverse effect on the business, financial condition, or results of operations
of the Company.
 
  Dependence on Key Personnel; Ability to Recruit Personnel. The Company is
dependent upon a number of key management and technical personnel, none of
whom is bound by an employment agreement with the Company, including Randy
Hamilton, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President, Lorin Johnson, Vice
President, Research, and James Shook, Senior Vice President, Development
(Salix Pharmaceuticals). The loss of the services of one or more key employees
could have a material adverse effect on the Company. The Company's success
will also depend on its ability to attract and retain additional highly
qualified management and technical personnel. The Company faces intense
competition for qualified personnel, many of whom are often subject to
competing employment offers. In the event the Company obtains regulatory
approvals for rifaximin, it intends to sell rifaximin through a small direct
sales force. New employees, particularly new sales and marketing employees,
will require substantial training and education concerning the Company's
products. There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in
attracting and retaining qualified personnel as necessary, and the failure to
do so could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business,
operating results, and financial condition.
 
  Control by Directors and Executive Officers. The Company's directors,
executive officers, and entities affiliated with them will, in the aggregate,
beneficially own approximately 33% of the Company's outstanding Common Shares
immediately after the completion of this offering. Accordingly, these
shareholders as a group could effectively control the Company on substantially
all matters requiring approval by the shareholders of the Company, including
the election of directors and the approval of mergers or other business
combination transactions. See "Principal Shareholders".
 
  Shares Eligible for Future Sale. Sales of a substantial number of Common
Shares in the public market following this offering could adversely affect the
market price for the Common Shares. The number of Common Shares available for
resale in the public market by holders in the United States is limited by
restrictions under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"U.S. Securities Act"), including Rule 144 and Regulation S. Following this
offering, all of the 3,000,000 Common Shares sold in this offering will be
freely tradeable in the United States without restriction (unless such shares
 
                                      17
<PAGE>
 
are held by an "affiliate" of the Company as such term is defined in the U.S.
Securities Act) and will trade on The Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol
"SLX". An additional 2,200,000 Common Shares were issued in connection with
the Company's initial public offering in Canada in May 1996 (the "Canadian
IPO"). The Common Shares issued in the Canadian IPO and all other outstanding
Common Shares available for resale under applicable securities laws currently
trade on The Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "SLX.s", carry a legend
reflecting the Company's reliance, in connection with the Canadian IPO, on the
exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act set
forth in Regulation S thereunder and are not presently available for resale in
the United States or to "U.S. Persons" (as defined in Regulation S) in the
absence of an exemption from registration under the U.S. Securities Act. It is
the Company's current intention to authorize the removal of the Regulation S
legend from all shares currently bearing the legend on May 28, 1998. After May
28, 1998, all shares that are then freely tradeable on The Toronto Stock
Exchange will trade under the symbol "SLX". Prior to May 28, 1998,
shareholders may request that the Company remove applicable legends in
connection with resales on The Toronto Stock Exchange, subject to the
shareholder's ability to establish, to the satisfaction of the Company and its
legal counsel, that such shares may be resold in the United States in
compliance with the requirements of the U.S. Securities Act. Following removal
of the legend, such Common Shares will be freely tradeable in the United
States without restriction or further registration under the U.S. Securities
Act, except for shares held by "affiliates" of the Company as that term is
defined in Rule 144 under the U.S. Securities Act.
 
  Of the 7,118,173 Common Shares outstanding prior to the completion of this
offering, except for shares purchased by affiliates of the Company, (i) the
2,200,000 Common Shares issued in connection with the Canadian IPO and
approximately 500,000 Common Shares issued in other transactions will be
available for resale in accordance with Regulation S at any time on The
Toronto Stock Exchange, subject to the legend removal conditions set forth
above, and (ii) approximately 1,165,000 Common Shares will be available for
resale only in compliance with Rule 144(k) or another exemption under the U.S.
Securities Act. Approximately 3,259,000 Common Shares are held by affiliates
of the Company and are subject to additional legal and contractual
restrictions on resale. See "--Price Volatility; Limited Trading Volume" and
"Shares Eligible for Future Sale".
 
  Price Volatility; Limited Trading Volume. The securities markets have from
time to time experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that may be
unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. In addition,
the market prices of the common stock of many publicly traded pharmaceutical
and biotechnology companies have in the past and can in the future be expected
to be especially volatile. Announcements of technological innovations or new
products by the Company or its competitors, developments or disputes
concerning proprietary rights, publicity regarding actual or potential medical
results relating to products under development by the Company or its
competitors, regulatory developments in both the United States and other
countries, public concern as to the safety of pharmaceutical products and
economic and other external factors, as well as period-to-period fluctuations
in the Company's financial results, may have a significant impact on the
market price of the Company's Common Shares. The Company's Common Shares have
been traded on The Toronto Stock Exchange since May 1996. Prior to this
offering, the Common Shares have not been freely tradable in the United
States, and after this offering, no public trading market will exist for the
Common Shares in the United States. In addition, trading volume in the Common
Shares on The Toronto Stock Exchange has been low, and there can be no
assurances that an active trading market will develop or be sustained on The
Toronto Stock Exchange, or any other exchange or dealer quotation system,
following this offering. See "Price Range of Common Shares".
 
  Currency Risk to Non-Canadian Investors. The Common Shares offered hereby
will be sold in Canadian dollars and will trade in Canadian dollars on The
Toronto Stock Exchange. In addition to the general market risks associated
with ownership of equity securities and the more specific risks of ownership
of the Common Shares as set forth herein, non-Canadian purchasers will also
bear exchange rate risks resulting from fluctuations in the relative values of
the Canadian dollar and foreign currencies.
 
                                      18
<PAGE>
 
The value of the Canadian dollar has fluctuated substantially in the past
relative to the United States dollar and other currencies and may continue to
do so in the future. As a result, for non-Canadian investors, the value of the
Common Shares in United States dollars and other currencies may vary
independent of changes in the trading price of the Common Shares on The
Toronto Stock Exchange and for reasons unrelated to the Company or its
business, results of operations, or financial condition.
 
  Foreign Corporation Risks. The Company is an International Business Company
incorporated under the laws of the British Virgin Islands. Accordingly,
principles of law relating to such matters as the validity of corporate
procedures, the fiduciary duties of management and the rights of the Company's
shareholders and other stakeholders may differ from those that would apply if
the Company were incorporated in a jurisdiction within the United States or
Canada. The shareholders and other stakeholders of Salix may have more
difficulty in protecting their interests in the face of actions by the Board
of Directors of the Company or a majority shareholder than they might have
with respect to a corporation incorporated in a jurisdiction in the United
States or Canada. See "Comparison of Canadian, United States and British
Virgin Islands Corporate Laws".
   
  Immediate and Substantial Dilution. The estimated offering price of the
Company's Common Shares in this offering is substantially higher than the book
value per Common Share. Investors purchasing shares in this offering will,
therefore, incur immediate dilution of Cdn. $4.82 (U.S. $3.50) in net tangible
book value per Common Share from the estimated offering price after deducting
estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering
expenses payable by the Company and will be subject to additional dilution
upon the exercise of outstanding stock options. See "Dilution".     
 
  Discretion as to Use of Proceeds. Although the Company presently intends to
apply the net proceeds of this offering in the manner described under "Use of
Proceeds", it has broad discretion within such proposed uses as to the
allocation of the net proceeds, the timing of expenditures, and all other
aspects relating to the application of such proceeds. The Company reserves the
right to reallocate the net proceeds of this offering as management, in its
discretion, deems necessary or advisable. There can be no assurance that the
actual allocation of the offering proceeds will not differ materially from
their currently anticipated use.
 
                                      19
<PAGE>
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
   
  The net proceeds to the Company from the sale of the 3,000,000 Common Shares
offered hereby are estimated to be approximately Cdn. $18,712,550
(approximately Cdn. $21,699,875 if the Underwriters' over-allotment option is
exercised in full) at an assumed public offering price (which is not
indicative of the actual offering price of the Common Shares) of Cdn. $7.10
per share and after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions
and offering expenses payable by the Company. The Underwriters will pay the
proceeds of the offering to the Company in Canadian dollars. The Company will
convert such proceeds to United States dollars as soon as practicable after
the offering. Based on an assumed exchange rate of Cdn. $1.3748 per U.S.$1.00,
the net proceeds to the Company from the sale of the 3,000,000 Common Shares
offered hereby are estimated to be approximately U.S.$13,611,107
(approximately U.S.$15,784,023 if the Underwriters' over-allotment option is
exercised in full).     
   
  The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the offering for working
capital and other general corporate purposes, including to fund research and
development activities and capital expenditures. Of the offering proceeds, the
Company expects to apply approximately Cdn. $4,000,000 (U.S.$2,909,514) toward
the commercialization of Colazide in the United Kingdom and obtaining
regulatory approval in the United States, approximately Cdn. $11,712,550
(U.S.$8,519,457) toward the Company's other product development and clinical
programs, and approximately Cdn. $3,000,000 (U.S.$2,182,136) for other working
capital and general corporate purposes. See "Business--Products Under
Development". The Company's allocation of offering proceeds to other product
development and clinical programs will be increased by the amount of any net
proceeds resulting from the exercise of the Underwriters' over-allotment
option. The amount and timing of these expenditures will depend on numerous
factors either outside of or only partially within the Company's control,
including the results of the Company's research and development programs, the
regulatory approval process, technological advances by the Company and other
pharmaceutical companies, the terms of collaborative agreements entered into
by the Company and the status of competitive products. As a result, there can
be no assurance that the actual allocation of the net proceeds of this
offering will not differ materially from their currently anticipated use. The
Company may also use a portion of the net proceeds for the acquisition of
technologies, businesses or products that are complementary to those of the
Company, although the Company does not presently have any agreements to effect
any such acquisitions, and no portion of the net proceeds has been allocated
for any specific acquisition. Pending such uses, the net proceeds of this
offering will be invested in short-term, interest-bearing, investment grade
securities. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations--Liquidity and Capital Resources".     
 
                                      20
<PAGE>
 
                         PRICE RANGE OF COMMON SHARES
 
  The Company's Common Shares have been quoted on The Toronto Stock Exchange
under the symbol "SLX.s" since the Company's Canadian IPO in May 1996. The
3,000,000 Common Shares offered hereby will be quoted on The Toronto Stock
Exchange under the symbol "SLX". Beginning on May 28, 1998, all the Company's
Common Shares available for resale on The Toronto Stock Exchange will trade
under the symbol "SLX". See "Shares Eligible for Future Sale". The following
is a summary of the market price range in Canadian dollars and the aggregate
volume for the Common Shares as reported on The Toronto Stock Exchange for the
periods indicated.
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                         SHARE
                                              HIGH (CDN.$) LOW (CDN.$)  VOLUME
                                              ------------ ----------- ---------
<S>                                           <C>          <C>         <C>
Fiscal Year ending December 31, 1997
  October 1, 1997 to October 10, 1997........    $7.25        $6.50       19,600
  September 1997.............................     8.05         6.50       58,600
  August 1997................................     8.80         8.00       47,100
  July 1997..................................     9.00         7.75      129,479
  Third Quarter 1997.........................     9.00         6.50      235,200
  Second Quarter 1997........................     9.95         7.60      640,283
  First Quarter 1997.........................     9.35         4.25    1,016,263
Fiscal Year ended December 31, 1996
  Fourth Quarter.............................     5.95         4.50      625,388
  Third Quarter..............................     6.60         5.00      428,425
  Second Quarter (from May 27, 1996).........     7.50         6.20      241,800
</TABLE>    
   
  On October 9, 1997, the closing price for the Common Shares as reported on
The Toronto Stock Exchange was Cdn. $7.10 per share. As of July 31, 1997,
there were 76 shareholders of record.     
 
                                DIVIDEND POLICY
 
  The Company has never declared or paid cash dividends on its share capital.
The Company currently expects to retain future earnings, if any, for use in
the operation and expansion of its business and does not anticipate paying any
cash dividends in the foreseeable future.
 
                                      21
<PAGE>
 
                                CAPITALIZATION
   
  The following table sets forth, as of June 30, 1997, the capitalization of
the Company, both actual and as adjusted to give effect to the Company's
receipt of net proceeds from the sale of the 3,000,000 Common Shares offered
hereby at an assumed public offering price (which is not indicative of the
actual offering price of the Common Shares) of Cdn. $7.10 per share (and an
assumed exchange rate of Cdn. $1.3748 per U.S. $1.00) and the application of
the estimated net proceeds therefrom. The capitalization information set forth
below should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements
and Notes thereto included elsewhere in this Prospectus.     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                             JUNE 30, 1997
                                                          ---------------------
                                                           ACTUAL   AS ADJUSTED
                                                          --------  -----------
                                                              (UNAUDITED)
                                                             (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                       <C>       <C>
Shareholders' equity:
  Common shares, no par value; 20,000,000 shares
   authorized, 7,118,173 shares issued and outstanding,
   actual; 20,000,000 shares authorized, 10,118,173
   shares issued and outstanding, as adjusted(/1/)....... $ 14,257   $ 27,868
  Accumulated deficit....................................  (11,076)   (11,076)
                                                          --------   --------
    Total shareholders' equity...........................    3,181     16,792
                                                          --------   --------
      Total capitalization............................... $  3,181   $ 16,792
                                                          ========   ========
</TABLE>    
- --------
(1) Excludes (i) 713,500 Common Shares issuable upon exercise of options
    outstanding as of June 30, 1997 under the Stock Plans, with a weighted
    average exercise price of $3.72 per Common Share, (ii) 303,362 Common
    Shares reserved for issuance under future option grants as of June 30,
    1997 under the Stock Plans, and (iii) 602,331 Common Shares issuable upon
    exercise of outstanding warrants as of June 30, 1997 at an exercise price
    of $3.00 per Common Share. See "Management--Stock Plans", "Description of
    Share Capital" and Notes 8 and 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial
    Statements.
 
                                      22
<PAGE>
 
                                   DILUTION
   
  The net tangible book value of the Company as of June 30, 1997 was
approximately $3.2 million or $0.45 per Common Share. "Net tangible book
value" per share represents the amount of total tangible assets less total
liabilities, divided by the number of Common Shares outstanding. After giving
effect to the receipt of the net proceeds from the sale of the 3,000,000
Common Shares offered by the Company hereby at an assumed public offering
price (which is not indicative of the actual offering price of the Common
Shares) of Cdn. $7.10 per Common Share, equal to approximately U.S. $5.16, the
Company's net tangible book value as of June 30, 1997 would have been $16.8
million, or $1.66 per Common Share (after deducting estimated underwriting
discounts and commissions and offering expenses payable by the Company). This
represents an immediate increase in net tangible book value of $1.21 per
Common Share to existing shareholders and an immediate dilution of $3.50 per
Common Share to new investors. The following table illustrates this per share
dilution (in both U.S. and Canadian dollars, based on an assumed exchange rate
of Cdn. $1.3942 per U.S. $1.00):(/1/)     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                        U.S. $       CDN. $
                                                      -----------  -----------
<S>                                                   <C>   <C>    <C>   <C>
Assumed public offering price per Common Share.......       $5.16        $7.10
  Net tangible book value per share as of
   June 30, 1997..................................... $0.45        $0.62
                                                      -----        -----
  Increase in net tangible book value per share
   attributable to the offering......................  1.21         1.66
                                                      -----        -----
Pro forma net tangible book value per share after
 the offering........................................        1.66         2.28
                                                            -----        -----
Dilution per share to new investors..................       $3.50        $4.82
                                                            =====        =====
Percentage dilution in relation to offering price....        67.8%        67.8%
</TABLE>    
   
  The following table summarizes, on a pro forma basis as of June 30, 1997,
the difference between the number of Common Shares purchased from the Company,
the total consideration paid and the average price per Common Share paid by
the existing shareholders and by new public investors purchasing Common Shares
in this offering at an assumed public offering price (which is not indicative
of the actual offering price of the Common Shares) of Cdn. $7.10 per share,
equal to approximately U.S. $5.16 (before deducting estimated underwriting
discounts and commissions and offering expenses payable by the Company).     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                          AVERAGE PRICE
                         SHARES PURCHASED(/1/)      TOTAL CONSIDERATION     PER SHARE
                         ------------------------------------------------ -------------
                            NUMBER      PERCENT   AMOUNT (U.S. $) PERCENT U.S. $ CDN. $
                         ------------- -------------------------- ------- ------ ------
<S>                      <C>           <C>        <C>             <C>     <C>    <C>
Existing shareholders...     7,118,173      70.4%   $15,729,934     50.4% $2.21  $3.04
New investors...........     3,000,000      29.6     15,480,000     49.6   5.16   7.10
                         -------------  --------    -----------    -----
  Total.................    10,118,173     100.0%   $31,209,934    100.0%
                         =============  ========    ===========    =====
</TABLE>    
- --------
(1) The foregoing computations assume no exercise of stock options after June
    30, 1997. As of June 30, 1997, there were outstanding options to purchase
    713,500 Common Shares, with a weighted average exercise price of $3.72 per
    Common Share. In addition, as of June 30, 1997, there were 303,362 Common
    Shares reserved for issuance under future option grants under the Company's
    Stock Plans, and 602,331 Common Shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding
    warrants at an exercise price of $3.00 per Common Share. To the extent that
    any shares available for issuance upon exercise of outstanding options or
    warrants or reserved for future issuance under the Company's Stock Plans are
    issued, there will be further dilution to new public investors. See
    "Management--Stock Plans" and "Description of Share Capital".
 
                                      23
<PAGE>
 
                     SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
 
  The following selected consolidated financial data should be read in
conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations" and the Consolidated Financial Statements and the
Notes thereto included elsewhere in this Prospectus. The statement of
operations data for each of the five years in the period ended December 31,
1996, and the balance sheet data as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, are derived
from financial statements of the Company that have been audited by Ernst &
Young LLP, independent auditors, and are included elsewhere in this
Prospectus. The balance sheet data as of December 31, 1994, 1993 and 1992 are
derived from audited financial statements of the Company that are not included
in this Prospectus. The consolidated statement of operations data for the six-
month periods ended June 30, 1997 and 1996 and the balance sheet data as of
June 30, 1997 are derived from unaudited financial statements included
elsewhere in this Prospectus. The unaudited consolidated financial statements
have been prepared on the same basis as the audited consolidated financial
statements and, in the opinion of management, contain all adjustments,
consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair
presentation of the Company's consolidated operating results and financial
position for such periods. The consolidated operating results for the six
months ended June 30, 1997 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be
expected for any other interim period or any future fiscal year. See
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations". The Company has paid no cash dividends.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           SIX MONTHS
                         ENDED JUNE 30,           YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                         ----------------  ------------------------------------------
                          1997     1996     1996     1995     1994     1993    1992
                         -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  ------  -------
                           (UNAUDITED)
                                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>     <C>
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT
 OF OPERATIONS DATA:
 Revenues:
   License revenue...... $    --  $    --  $ 1,186  $    --  $    --  $1,000  $ 1,712
   Revenues from
    collaborative
    agreements
    and other...........      21      384      634    1,990    2,827   3,439    1,212
                         -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  ------  -------
     Total revenues.....      21      384    1,820    1,990    2,827   4,439    2,924
 Expenses:
   License fees.........      50       50      605      100       --      --       --
   Research and
    development.........   1,315    1,037    2,053    2,888    3,199   4,321    3,539
   General and
    administrative......   1,231      740    1,731    1,334    1,125     873      408
                         -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  ------  -------
     Total expenses.....   2,596    1,827    4,389    4,322    4,324   5,194    3,947
                         -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  ------  -------
 Loss from operations...  (2,575)  (1,443)  (2,569)  (2,332)  (1,497)   (755)  (1,023)
 Interest income........     122       45      290       18       48      48       15
 Interest expense.......     (22)    (173)    (172)    (106)      (3)     (7)      (3)
                         -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  ------  -------
 Net loss............... $(2,475) $(1,571) $(2,451) $(2,420) $(1,452) $ (714) $(1,011)
                         =======  =======  =======  =======  =======  ======  =======
 Net loss per
  share(/1/)............ $ (0.35) $ (0.41) $ (0.46) $ (0.77) $ (0.46) $(0.23) $ (0.38)
                         =======  =======  =======  =======  =======  ======  =======
 Shares used in
  computing net loss
  per share(/1/)........   6,975    3,877    5,365    3,149    3,144   3,144    2,688
                         =======  =======  =======  =======  =======  ======  =======
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   DECEMBER 31,
                           JUNE 30,   -------------------------------------------
                             1997      1996     1995     1994     1993     1992
                          ----------- -------  -------  -------  -------  -------
                                            (IN THOUSANDS)
                          (UNAUDITED)
<S>                       <C>         <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE
 SHEET DATA:
 Cash and cash
  equivalents...........   $  3,657   $ 5,624  $   188  $   329  $ 1,552  $   929
 Working capital
  (deficit).............      2,986     4,438   (3,432)  (3,061)  (1,570)    (729)
 Total assets...........      4,250     5,858      433      593    1,967    1,013
 Long-term liabilities..         --        --    2,005       --       --       --
 Accumulated deficit....    (11,076)   (8,601)  (6,150)  (3,729)  (2,278)  (1,564)
 Shareholders' equity
  (net capital
  deficiency)...........      3,181     4,593   (5,226)  (2,813)  (1,372)    (659)
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) See Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for an
    explanation of shares used in computing net loss per share.
 
                                      24
<PAGE>
 
                     MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
               OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
  The following Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations contains forward-looking statements relating to
future events or the future financial performance of the Company, which
involve risks and uncertainties. The Company's actual results and the timing
of certain events could differ materially from those anticipated in these
forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including those set
forth under "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
OVERVIEW
 
  The Company's principal focus is to identify and acquire gastrointestinal
products that have near-term commercial potential and to apply its product
development expertise to commercialize these products. The Company selects
products that it believes serve a gastrointestinal disease in need of new
treatments, have the potential for rapid regulatory approval, and are
marketable to a small group of specialized physicians. Salix believes this
strategy will reduce the expense, time and risk normally associated with
pharmaceutical development. The Company believes that its first two products,
Colazide and rifaximin, will demonstrate the Company's ability to execute this
strategy.
 
  The Company has generated no revenues to date from the sales of products,
and it has been unprofitable since inception. The Company expects to continue
to incur substantial and increasing losses and expects its operating expenses
to increase as the Company commences its Colazide commercialization efforts in
the United Kingdom and, subject to regulatory approval, elsewhere in Europe
and continues its product development and clinical programs for other
products. The Company does not expect to achieve profitability on an annual
basis before 2000. As of June 30, 1997, the Company had accumulated losses of
approximately $11.1 million. Over the five and a half years ended on June 30,
1997, the Company has financed its operations principally through
reimbursement payments, license fees and milestone revenues, totaling
approximately $14.0 million under collaborative research and licensing
agreements, and sales of equity and convertible debt securities totaling
approximately $14.2 million. Over the same period, the Company has recorded
expenses totaling $24.8 million, of which $17.3 million were in research and
development expenses and $0.8 million in license fees to licensors. The
Company's alliances with Astra AB ("Astra") and a division of Menarini
Pharmaceutical Industries s.r.l. ("Menarini") have allowed Salix to fund the
development of Colazide, to in-license other gastrointestinal products, and to
help establish itself with a relatively small amount of outside capital.
 
  The Company's collaborative research and licensing agreements provide for
payments in support of the Company's research activities, as well as
additional payments for licensing fees and upon the attainment of specified
milestones. Research reimbursements under these agreements are recorded when
earned based on contract costs incurred to date compared with total estimated
contract costs. License fees and milestone revenues are recognized according
to contract terms. Amounts received in advance of the applicable research
activities are deferred as unearned revenue. Amounts received which are
refundable until the milestones are achieved are deferred as advances from
licensees until earned.
 
  The Company licensed balsalazide from Biorex Laboratories Limited ("Biorex")
in exchange for participation in future milestone revenues and profits. The
Company will sell Colazide, the disodium salt of balsalazide, which is
manufactured by third parties under contract with the Company, to its
distribution partners, Astra and Menarini, at a formula price. The Company
received approval in July 1997 to market Colazide in the United Kingdom for
the treatment of acute ulcerative colitis. The commercial launch of Colazide
by Astra in the United Kingdom is expected in October 1997, with launches in
other European countries by Astra and Menarini beginning in 1998, subject to
receipt of necessary regulatory approvals. The Company expects to realize
product revenues from Astra's sales of Colazide in 1997 and sales of
 
                                      25
<PAGE>
 
Colazide by Menarini in 1998. The selling price of Colazide to Astra outside
the United Kingdom has not been determined, and the Company will be obligated
to pay to Biorex, the original licensor of the product, a portion of any gross
profit on Colazide sales to Astra and Menarini outside the United States. In
addition, the Company anticipates high initial product launch costs due to the
cost of scaling up manufacturing processes for commercial distribution.
   
  The Company's second product, rifaximin, is currently under development. The
Company obtained the rights to develop, make, use and sell rifaximin in Canada
and the United States from Alfa Wassermann S.p.A. ("Alfa Wassermann") in
exchange for future royalties and milestone payments. Under a separate
agreement, Alfa Wassermann will supply Salix with bulk active ingredient
rifaximin at a fixed price. If regulatory approvals are obtained, the Company
intends to establish its own direct sales force to market rifaximin. This
strategy for rifaximin represents the business model that the Company intends
to adopt for future product development and commercialization. Although the
creation of an independent sales organization will require a substantial
investment by the Company, the Company anticipates that the financial results
from rifaximin and future products will be more favorable to the Company than
those anticipated from the sale of Colazide by Astra and Menarini since the
Company has retained the distribution rights to rifaximin, whereas Astra and
Menarini have the distribution rights for Colazide. In the case of Colazide,
the Company granted exclusive distribution rights in certain territories in
exchange for funding needed to complete late-stage development of Colazide, to
in-license other gastrointestinal products and to help establish the Company
as a viable gastrointestinal pharmaceutical company. The Company is currently
unable to provide a meaningful estimate of the investment required to create
an independent sales organization because such investment is dependent on a
number of contingencies, including receipt of necessary regulatory approvals
and developments with current and future strategic partners.     
 
  The Company intends to pursue regulatory approvals for two initial
indications for rifaximin, hepatic encephalopathy and antibiotic associated
colitis. The Company believes that an NDA will not be filed for rifaximin for
the hepatic encephalopathy indication prior to mid-1998 and that FDA approval
would not be obtained for at least one year after filing, if at all. The
filing of an NDA for rifaximin for the antibiotic associated colitis
indication is not expected to occur until at least 1999. The Company plans
further development of rifaximin for several other possible indications. The
Company plans to submit an application to the FDA seeking Orphan Drug Status
for rifaximin to treat hepatic encephalopathy. Orphan Drug Status, if granted,
can entail certain possible advantages in the testing and approval process for
the drug. See "Business--Products Under Development" and "Business--Government
Regulation". Should rifaximin be designated Orphan Drug Status, costs incurred
through submission of an NDA for the hepatic encephalopathy indication may be
expected to be significantly reduced. Salix also intends to begin clinical
trials using rifaximin to treat antibiotic associated colitis later this year
with the full costs to be borne by Salix.
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
 Six Months Ended June 30, 1997 and 1996
 
  Because certain clinical trials for Colazide were completed in 1996, product
development revenues for the six months ended June 30, 1997 were minimal.
Revenues for the six months ended June 30, 1996 were comprised primarily of
revenue recognized from collaborative agreements for product development of
Colazide.
 
  Operating expenses were $2.6 million and $1.8 million for the six months
ended June 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively. The increase in operating expenses
is due to increases of $0.3 million in research and development expenses and
$0.5 million in general and administrative expenses. The increase in research
and development expenses is due primarily to increased regulatory affairs
activities for the preparation of the NDA filing in the United States. The
increase in general and administrative expenses of $0.5 million is due mainly
to the addition of key personnel and the increased administrative costs
related to becoming a public company in Canada.
 
                                      26
<PAGE>
 
  Interest expense decreased from $173,000 to $22,000, and interest income
increased from $45,000 to $122,000 due primarily to interest income derived
from the Company's initial public offering in Canada and the conversion of
outstanding debentures as a result of the public offering.
 
  The Company incurred net losses of $2.5 million and $1.6 million for the six
months ended June 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
 
 Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994
 
  Revenues totaled $1.8 million, $2.0 million and $2.8 million for 1996, 1995
and 1994, respectively. For 1996, license revenues were $1.2 million and
revenue from collaborative agreements for product development was $0.6
million. In 1996 revenues from collaborative agreements for product
development decreased as certain clinical trials for Colazide were completed.
Revenues in 1994 and 1995 were comprised primarily of revenue recognized from
collaborative agreements for product development. The decline in revenues over
the three fiscal periods corresponds to the reductions in the level of the
clinical trial efforts in the United States and Europe.
 
  License fee expenses in 1996 of $0.6 million relate primarily to payments
made to Biorex under the terms of the Colazide license agreement.
 
  Research and development expenses through 1996 are primarily for clinical
trials and both domestic and foreign regulatory affairs activities related to
the development of Colazide. Research and development expenditures were $2.1
million, $2.9 million and $3.2 million for 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
The decrease in research and development expenses of $0.8 million from 1995 to
1996 is due to the completion of certain clinical trials for Colazide in 1996,
partially offset by increased regulatory affairs activities for the
preparation of the NDA filing in the United States. The $0.3 million decrease
in research and development expenditures from 1994 to 1995 relates to
decreased regulatory affairs activities, as the Company had filed a marketing
authorization application in the United Kingdom in early 1995, which
expenditures were partially offset by increased clinical trial expenses
associated with the United States development efforts.
 
  General and administrative expenses were $1.7 million, $1.3 million and $1.1
million for 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. The increase of $0.4 million in
1996 from 1995 was due mainly to the addition of key personnel throughout the
year and the increased administrative costs related to being a public company.
The $0.2 million increase in 1995 from 1994 was comprised of personnel-related
expenses and professional fees related to corporate development activities.
 
  The Company has experienced net losses of $2.5 million, $2.4 million and
$1.5 million for 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
 
  At December 31, 1996, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards of
approximately $5.6 million for United States income tax purposes. These
carryforwards will expire in varying amounts through 2011. As the Company adds
new investors, utilization of the current loss carryforwards may be limited
if, under United States Internal Revenue Code Section 382, a change in
ownership is deemed to have occurred within the three most recent fiscal
years.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
  Since inception, the Company has financed product development, operations
and capital expenditures primarily from funding arrangements with
collaborative partners and from public and private sales of debt and equity
securities.
 
  As of June 30, 1997, the Company had approximately $3.7 million in cash and
cash equivalents. The decrease of $1.9 million from December 31, 1996 was due
primarily to cash used in operating activities of $3.0 million partially
offset by cash provided by financing activities of $1.1 million from issuance
of Common Shares upon exercise of warrants. Capital expenditures for the
remainder of 1997 are not expected to be material.
 
                                      27
<PAGE>
 
  As of June 30, 1997, the Company had no long term obligations. The Company
has non-cancelable purchase order commitments for inventory purchases of $0.4
million.
 
  The Company's purchases of raw materials are, and its future product sales
to its European distribution partners will be, denominated in Pounds Sterling.
Translation into the Company's reporting currency, the United States dollar,
has not historically had a material impact on the Company's financial
position. Additionally, the Company's net assets denominated in currencies
other than the functional currency have not exposed the Company to material
risk associated with fluctuations in currency rates. Given these facts, the
Company has not considered it necessary to use foreign currency contracts or
other derivative instruments to manage changes in currency rates.
 
  The Company has sustained continuing operating losses and expects to incur
substantial and increasing losses until product approvals are obtained and
product revenues reach a sufficient level to support ongoing operations. The
Company believes that the anticipated net proceeds from this offering,
together with the Company's existing cash reserves and cash flow from
operations, should be sufficient to satisfy the cash requirements of the
Company's product development programs through at least 1998. The Company's
actual cash requirements may vary materially from those now planned because of
a number of factors, including the results of research and development
activities, FDA and foreign regulatory processes, establishment of and changes
in relationships with strategic partners, technological advances by the
Company and other pharmaceutical companies, the terms of the Company's
collaboration arrangements with strategic partners, and the status of
competitive products. The Company anticipates that it will need to raise
additional funds in the form of debt or equity financing to fund future
licensing, development, and commercialization of new products. The Company may
also enter into collaborative arrangements with corporate partners that could
provide the Company with additional funding in the form of equity, debt,
licensing, milestone and/or royalty payments. There can be no assurance that
the Company will be able to enter into such arrangements or raise any
additional funds on terms favorable to the Company.
 
                                      28
<PAGE>
 
                                   BUSINESS
 
  The following Business section contains forward-looking statements relating
to future events or the future financial performance of the Company, which
involve risks and uncertainties. The Company's actual results could differ
materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a
result of certain factors, including those set forth under "Risk Factors" and
elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
OVERVIEW
 
  The Company identifies and in-licenses gastrointestinal products that have
near-term commercial potential and applies its product development expertise
to accelerate the commercialization of these products. The Company's business
strategy is to select and in-license gastrointestinal products that have the
potential for rapid regulatory approval. By in-licensing drugs with late-stage
clinical data and developing these drugs for diseases that are in need of new
pharmaceutical treatments, the Company believes that it can significantly
reduce the risk, time and investment normally associated with the development
and commercialization of pharmaceuticals products.
 
  The Company's first product, Colazide, recently was approved for marketing
in the United Kingdom for the treatment of acute ulcerative colitis. The
Company currently expects that commercial launch of Colazide in the United
Kingdom will occur in October 1997 and, subject to regulatory approvals, that
Colazide will become commercially available in other countries in Europe in
1998. In addition, the Company's New Drug Application ("NDA") for Colazide for
the same indication was recently accepted for filing by the United States Food
and Drug Administration ("FDA").
 
  The Company has also in-licensed a second product, rifaximin, and intends to
pursue regulatory approvals for the drug in the treatment of two initial
indications, hepatic encephalopathy and antibiotic associated colitis. The
Company presently expects to submit an application to the FDA in the fourth
quarter of 1997 seeking Orphan Drug Status for rifaximin for the treatment of
hepatic encephalopathy. If the Company's application is approved, rifaximin
could receive priority review from the FDA following completion of clinical
trials for the drug and filing of an NDA for marketing approval. It is not
currently expected that the Company will be in a position to file an NDA for
rifaximin prior to mid-1998.
 
  In the course of its transition to a commercial stage company, the Company
has leveraged its resources by establishing strategic alliances with companies
that have significant resources in clinical monitoring and manufacturing. In
anticipation of the commercial release of Colazide in the United Kingdom in
October 1997, the Company has entered into manufacturing arrangements with
Courtaulds Chemicals (Holdings) Limited and Anabolic, Inc., each of which is a
commercially established pharmaceutical manufacturer.
 
  Colazide will be distributed in all markets except certain countries in
southern Europe and Asia by Astra AB ("Astra"), a Swedish international
pharmaceutical company, under a distribution agreement that provides Astra
with exclusive distribution rights, and in Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Greece
by a division of Menarini Pharmaceutical Industries s.r.l. ("Menarini"), an
Italian manufacturer and distributor of pharmaceutical products. The Company's
distribution arrangements with Astra and Menarini have provided the Company
with funding necessary to complete the late-stage development of Colazide, in-
license other gastrointestinal products and help establish the Company as a
viable gastrointestinal pharmaceutical company.
 
  The Company expects to market and sell rifaximin and other future products
in-licensed and commercialized by the Company through a small, specialized
direct sales force to be established by Salix. The Company believes that a
direct sales model will reflect higher operating margins than the distribution
partner model that the Company will use in connection with sales of Colazide.
 
 
                                      29
<PAGE>
 
  The Company was incorporated in the British Virgin Islands in December 1993.
Prior to December 1993, the business of the Company was conducted by Salix
Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a California corporation ("Salix Pharmaceuticals"),
which was incorporated in California in 1989, and Glycyx Pharmaceuticals,
Ltd., a Bermuda corporation ("Glycyx"), each of which is now a subsidiary of
Salix Holdings, Ltd. Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this
Prospectus to "Salix" and the "Company" refer to Salix Holdings, Ltd., a
corporation organized under the laws of the British Virgin Islands, and its
wholly owned subsidiaries, Salix Pharmaceuticals and Glycyx. The Company's
executive offices are located at 3600 West Bayshore Road, Suite 205, Palo
Alto, California 94303, and its telephone number at that address is (650) 856-
1550.
 
DISEASE BACKGROUND
 
 Gastrointestinal Disease Overview
 
  Gastrointestinal diseases have a major impact in the United States and
across the world. According to the National Institutes of Health, more than 60
million cases of gastrointestinal disease are reported annually in the United
States alone, resulting in more than 200 million days of restricted activity,
50 million visits to physicians, 10 million hospitalizations, and nearly
200,000 deaths. Current treatments for gastrointestinal disease in many
instances either have serious side effects or provide only partial symptomatic
relief. The Company believes there is significant need for new pharmaceutical
therapies to improve treatment of gastrointestinal diseases.
 
  The Company is pursuing product indications for select gastrointestinal
conditions, including ulcerative colitis, hepatic encephalopathy, antibiotic
associated colitis, colonic polyps, familial adenomatous polyposis,
diverticular disease of the colon, infectious diarrhea, and ulcers.
 
 Inflammatory Bowel Disease/Ulcerative Colitis
 
  Inflammatory bowel disease ("IBD") is a condition that covers both
ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. The cause of IBD is unknown and onset
can occur at any age but is most prevalent between the ages of 15 and 25. The
symptoms of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are similar, but ulcerative
colitis affects the large colon while Crohn's disease can affect any part of
the gastrointestinal tract. These debilitating diseases are usually lifelong,
and there is currently no cure.
 
  The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America estimates that IBD afflicts
two million people in the United States. Sales of drugs used to treat IBD
worldwide totaled approximately $550 million in 1996 and have reflected a
compound annual growth rate of approximately 20% between 1987 and 1996.
 
  Ulcerative colitis is a chronic disease which causes ulceration of the inner
lining of the colon and rectum. Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain,
rectal bleeding and fever. Decreased appetite and weight loss are also common.
As with many chronic illnesses, ulcerative colitis also can have serious
emotional side effects, including depression, anxiety and reduced self-esteem,
typically resulting from the painful and embarrassing symptoms caused by the
disease.
 
  Medical treatment of ulcerative colitis over the past 50 years has generally
consisted of corticosteroids, which are typically unsuitable for long-term
treatment because of their significant side effects, and 5-aminosalicylic-acid
("5-ASA") drugs. To be effective, these drugs must travel through the stomach
and small intestine to the colon and be released in the colon without
significant quantities being absorbed in the bloodstream. Sulfasalazine
("SASP"), which is taken orally, is the original 5-ASA drug and is considered
the current "gold standard" treatment (i.e., the most effective available
treatment). SASP is effective in reaching the colon with only low absorption
rates in the bloodstream. However, SASP also contains a carrier molecule
(sulfapyridine) which is toxic and results in a high incidence of side effects
such as nausea, headache, dizziness, anemia or other blood disorders, and skin
rashes. In approximately
 
                                      30
<PAGE>
 
30% of IBD patients who attempt treatment with SASP, these side effects are so
severe that the patient cannot tolerate continued treatment.
 
  In the early 1980s, pharmaceutical companies began developing new drugs
designed to deliver 5-ASA to the colon without the side effect profile of
SASP, and these drugs, including mesalamine, first appeared in the United
States market in the early 1990s. While the new drugs are generally better
tolerated than SASP, they continue to be limited in use because significant
amounts of the drugs may be absorbed in the bloodstream before reaching the
colon. In other cases, the drugs may not dissolve in the body, in which case
they may remain whole when passed through the bowel and are, therefore, not
absorbed in the colon. One of these drugs is mesalamine, the current market
leader when measured by sales of drugs to treat IBD.
 
  An alternative treatment for ulcerative colitis where drug intervention is
ineffective is surgical removal of the large bowel. This procedure effectively
eliminates ulcerative colitis but with substantial physical and emotional
consequences for the patient, who must carry an external bag or have an
internal pouch constructed to collect waste.
 
 Hepatic Encephalopathy
 
  Hepatic encephalopathy, a neuropsychiatric syndrome caused by the build-up
of toxic products, such as ammonia, in the bloodstream, is a common
complication of acute or chronic liver disease. Causes of liver disease
include alcohol abuse and hepatitis due to viruses, drug abuse or toxins. The
liver plays a key role in removing certain toxins found in the digestive tract
from the blood. In severe liver disease, the liver does not effectively remove
ammonia from the blood. As a result, ammonia accumulates in the bloodstream
and travels to the brain, potentially causing personality changes, impaired
consciousness, agitation or mania, and coma. Hepatic encephalopathy affects
approximately 160,000 people in North America. Approximately 30% of hepatic
encephalopathy patients go into coma, which is fatal in up to 80% of these
patients, despite aggressive intervention.
 
  To date, no product has been approved in North America to treat hepatic
encephalopathy. Existing non-approved treatment strategies, including
antibiotics, focus on reducing levels of ammonia in the bloodstream. The
Company believes that current antibiotic therapies, including neomycin and
metronidazole, are inadequate treatments, however, due to their limited
antibacterial spectrum and side effects. Oral lactulose is also used to reduce
the amount of ammonia accumulated in the intestine by increasing the number of
bowel movements per day.
 
  In spite of the small number of people afflicted with hepatic
encephalopathy, the Company believes that a significant market opportunity
exists for a drug that offers a more effective therapy than currently
available treatments. In addition, because hepatic encephalopathy affects a
relatively small number of patients, the Company believes the FDA will permit
drugs that treat hepatic encephalopathy to qualify for Orphan Drug Status. In
practice, Orphan Drug Status is available for therapies addressing indications
affecting less than 200,000 people, may allow the drug to receive a priority
review by the FDA, provides the product seven years of market exclusivity for
the orphan indication regardless of the drug's patent status, and may allow
the FDA to rely only on a single pivotal trial in approving an NDA. See "--
Government Regulation".
 
 Antibiotic Associated Colitis
 
  Antibiotic associated colitis ("AAC") can be caused by taking certain
antibiotics to treat a variety of illnesses. These antibiotics can cause a
reduction in the presence of normal bacteria in the colon, a condition which
promotes overgrowth of the bacterium Clostridium difficile ("C. difficile").
C. difficile produces toxins that cause severe diarrhea and inflammation of
the colon. If untreated, these symptoms can lead to toxic megacolon, colonic
perforation and death. Institutionalized patients, such as patients in
 
                                      31
<PAGE>
 
nursing homes, have a high risk of developing AAC. Independent research
indicates that up to 2,000,000 people develop AAC each year in North America.
 
  Until recently, oral vancomycin was the preferred treatment for AAC.
However, the widespread use of vancomycin for treating enterococcal infections
has resulted in the development of vancomycin-resistant organisms (organisms
that do not respond to vancomycin therapy). Vancomycin resistant genes may
also be transferred to other microorganisms such as Staphylococcus aureus, an
organism responsible for many common infections. The emergence of these
resistant organisms has led the United States Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention to recommend that vancomycin be used for treatment of AAC only in
cases which fail to respond to metronidazole therapy or are severe and
potentially life-threatening.
 
  Metronidazole, although not approved for AAC, is now the preferred treatment
for AAC. Although metronidazole is less costly than vancomycin, the drug is
absorbed not only in the digestive tract but also in the bloodstream following
drug administration. In addition, the safety and effectiveness of
metronidazole in treating AAC has not been confirmed by the FDA through the
NDA clearance process.
 
 Colorectal Cancer/Colonic Polyp
 
  A polyp is a growth that projects, often on a stalk, from the interior
lining of the intestine or rectum. Approximately 30% of individuals in Western
countries have polyps. Based on population indices, this equates to
approximately 80 million persons in the United States and 95 million in
Europe. In addition, the probability of having polyps increases with age. One-
half to two-thirds of individuals over 65 in Western countries have polyps.
When a polyp is diagnosed, it is normally removed surgically through a
procedure known as polypectomy. Polyp recurrence rates following polypectomy
average 45% after 24 months. Currently, no proven pharmaceutical treatment is
available for the common polyp patient.
 
  All colorectal cancer starts as a polyp. Conversion of benign polyps to
neoplastic or metaplastic tissue (cancer) occurs in approximately five percent
of polyp patients. Colorectal cancer includes cancer of the colon and rectum
and is the third most common cancer in men and the fourth most common cancer
in women. Cancers of the colon and rectum may be present for as long as five
years before symptoms appear. Common symptoms include rectal bleeding, anemia,
constipation, abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss and fatigue. Patients with
diagnosed colon cancer have a five year survival rate of less than 50%.
Current standard treatment includes surgical removal of the colon combined
with chemotherapy. This treatment regimen has helped improve survival rates
for early and mid-stage cancers but not for late stage, invasive cancers.
 
  The Company believes that managing polyp recurrence will help decrease the
incidence of polyp progression to colorectal cancer.
 
 Familial Adenomatous Polyposis
 
  Familial Adenomatous Polyposis ("FAP") is a hereditary condition that
predisposes patients to a large number of colonic polyps. Studies estimate
that approximately 40,000 people in the United States have the genetic
abnormality that causes FAP. Colorectal cancer is considered an inevitable
consequence in patients with FAP, and most FAP patients develop colorectal
cancer by age 40. Due to the small number of patients with FAP, drugs to treat
FAP may be eligible for Orphan Drug Status by the FDA.
 
 Diverticular Disease of the Colon
 
  Diverticular disease of the colon results from an acquired deformity of the
colon (diverticulosis) that leads to subsequent complications. The deformity
results in a build-up of fecal matter in the colon, which causes symptoms such
as pain and fever. If not treated, these symptoms can progress and result in
 
                                      32
<PAGE>
 
additional complications such as intra-abdominal abscess, bowel obstruction
and possible bowel perforation. Because this fecal build-up contains entrapped
bacteria, it creates an environment susceptible to infection, suggesting that
this symptom of diverticulosis can be treated with antibiotic therapy. The
disease is common in Western societies, afflicting more than 25 million people
in the United States and more than 35 million people in Western Europe. Of
those people affected by diverticular disease, approximately 20% will develop
symptoms that require therapy.
 
 Infectious Diarrhea
 
  Diarrhea is a leading cause of death in most developing countries, with the
greatest impact seen in infants and children. In the United States, children
under 5 years of age average two episodes of diarrhea per year. In developing
countries, the rate is two to three times higher. Overall, physicians in the
United States are consulted annually for 8.2 million diarrhea episodes.
Primary therapy for infectious diarrhea is antibiotics, with the choice of
antibiotic made on the basis of effectiveness against the specific bacterial
cause in each case or in similar local cases. Antibiotic development in recent
years has tended to focus on broad spectrum antibiotics to cover the widest
possible range of bacterial forms. As new bacterial forms mutate and develop
resistance to currently available antibiotics, there is ongoing effort to
develop more effective antibiotic therapies.
 
 Ulcers
 
  Peptic ulcer is a chronic inflammatory condition of the stomach and small
intestine. The bacterium Helicobacter pylori ("H. pylori") is considered to be
the underlying cause of most peptic ulcers, suggesting that antibiotics could
be used to treat infected ulcer patients. It is estimated that at least half
of the world's population and 25% of people in the United States are infected
with the H. pylori organism. Studies have shown that eradication of H. pylori
may reduce the rate of ulcer recurrence.
 
BUSINESS STRATEGY
 
  The Company's objective is to become a leading gastrointestinal
pharmaceutical company. The Company believes that by implementing the
strategies summarized below it will reduce significantly the risk, time and
investment normally associated with development and commercialization of
pharmaceuticals.
 
  In-license proprietary gastrointestinal products with near-term commercial
potential. The Company's principal focus is to identify and in-license
gastrointestinal products that have near-term commercial potential, and to
apply its product development expertise to commercialize these products. In
pursuing this strategy, the Company evaluates each product based on the
following:
 
  . The product must treat gastrointestinal diseases that are in need of new
  pharmaceutical therapies. The Company believes the gastrointestinal disease
  market is in need of new or more effective pharmaceutical treatments and
  will provide the Company with a significant return on investment. The
  Company also believes that by establishing itself as a recognized leader in
  the gastrointestinal disease market, it will enhance its ability to attract
  future in-licensing product opportunities.
 
  . The product must have a substantial base of positive late-stage clinical
  research data in humans and have the potential for rapid regulatory
  approval. The Company will carefully evaluate and in-license only products
  that have an existing base of positive late-stage data in humans and that
  the Company believes demonstrate safety and efficacy. By in-licensing drugs
  with a substantial base of late-stage clinical data and developing these
  drugs for diseases that are in need of new or more effective pharmaceutical
  treatments, the Company believes that it will be able to minimize the costs
  and risk associated with inventing a drug and conducting early-stage
  clinical trials needed to
 
                                      33
<PAGE>
 
  determine if a drug is safe and effective in humans. The Company also
  believes that its strategy can significantly reduce the time and risk of
  obtaining regulatory clearances.
 
  . The product must be available to the Company on acceptable licensing
  terms. The Company believes that there are significant opportunities to in-
  license or acquire gastrointestinal products from pharmaceutical companies
  in the United States and internationally. This includes products developed
  by companies that lack either the expertise or resources to pursue
  regulatory approvals in the United States and certain other territories. In
  addition, the Company believes that large pharmaceutical companies are
  willing to out-license or sell products and technologies that do not fit
  their product portfolios or fail to meet their business or market criteria.
 
  Establish a small, specialized sales force to market to a targeted group of
physicians. Of the 738,000 physicians in the United States, gastrointestinal
diseases are treated primarily by approximately 9,700 gastroenterologists. The
Company believes that it can effectively reach this small number of physicians
through a small, specialized sales and marketing group, without the investment
needed to develop and maintain the large sales force typically required in the
pharmaceutical industry. This direct sales force model will be the basis for
the Company's commercialization of rifaximin and future products in the United
States. The Company expects that, once fully established and operational, a
sales and marketing model premised on a domestic direct sales force will
result in higher operating margins than the distribution partner model that
the Company has established for Colazide sales. See "--Marketing and Sales".
 
  In the case of Colazide, the alliances with Astra and Menarini have provided
the Company funding needed to complete late-stage development of Colazide, to
in-license other gastrointestinal products and to help establish the Company
as a viable gastrointestinal pharmaceutical company. The Company received the
necessary funding in exchange for the grant of exclusive distribution rights
in certain territories to Astra and Menarini. The Company plans to implement
future North American product sales and marketing based on the direct sales
force model. See "--Strategic Alliances".
 
  Enhance market potential of products through development of additional
indications. Where appropriate, the Company intends to conduct clinical trials
for multiple indications to expand the approved use of its products. The
Company believes that both balsalazide and rifaximin have potential
applications in other disease indications which, if developed by the Company
and approved by regulatory authorities, will significantly enhance the
commercial potential of such products. In the case of Colazide, which has been
approved in the United Kingdom for the treatment of acute ulcerative colitis
and for which the Company has filed an NDA with the FDA for the same
indication, the Company believes that balsalazide, the active ingredient in
Colazide, may also have therapeutic applications for reduction of colonic
polyps. Similarly, rifaximin may be developed in the future for potential use
in treating infectious diarrhea, diverticular disease and other
gastrointestinal diseases. Currently, Alfa Wassermann, one of the Company's
partners, is conducting a Phase III clinical trial in Spain relating to
rifaximin as a therapy for hepatic encephalopathy, and the Company expects to
commence Phase II/III clinical trials in the United States for rifaximin as a
treatment for AAC in the fourth quarter of 1997. The Company believes that the
strategy of commercializing products for initial indications will enable it to
begin realizing product revenues while completing the development of multiple
indications. See "--Products Under Development".
 
  Enhance research and manufacturing capabilities through strategic
partnerships. The Company has established strategic relationships with
companies it believes have proven expertise in clinical monitoring and
manufacturing. The Company uses clinical research organizations ("CROs") to
manage its clinical trials, thus enabling the Company to reduce its fixed
overhead costs and to leverage its management resources. In anticipation of
the commercial release of Colazide in the United Kingdom in October 1997, the
Company has entered into pharmaceutical manufacturing arrangements with
Courtaulds Chemical (Holdings) Limited for bulk drug substance and Anabolic,
Inc. for finished dosage forms. See "--Manufacturing".
 
                                      34
<PAGE>
 
PRODUCTS UNDER DEVELOPMENT
 
  The Company's principal focus is on gastrointestinal products with late-
stage clinical data on human safety and efficacy. The following table
summarizes Salix's current products in development.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     PRODUCT              INDICATION                        STATUS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  <C>           <C>                            <S>
                                               . Approved in United Kingdom in
Colazide(/1/)   Acute ulcerative colitis         July 1997
                                               . NDA accepted for filing by FDA
                                                 in United States in August
                                                 1997
                                               . European submissions to occur
                                                 through mutual recognition
                                                 procedure of European Union in
                                                 1997 and 1998
                                               . Additional Phase III/IV
                                                 clinical study scheduled to
                                                 commence in the fourth quarter
                                                 of 1997
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               . European clinical studies
Colazide(/1/)   Ulcerative colitis maintenance   ongoing
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               . Phase III clinical trial
Rifaximin       Hepatic encephalopathy           ongoing(/2/)
                                               . Orphan drug application to be
                                                 submitted in the fourth
                                                 quarter of 1997 as supplement
                                                 to IND
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rifaximin       Antibiotic associated colitis  . IND submitted in April 1997
                                               . Phase II/III clinical trials
                                                 scheduled to commence in the
                                                 fourth quarter of 1997
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rifaximin       H. pylori                      . IND planned for later date
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rifaximin       Diverticulitis                 . IND planned for later date
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rifaximin       Infectious diarrhea            . IND planned for later date
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BX-661A         Familial adenomatous polyposis . Orphan Drug Status application
                                                 to be submitted in 1998
                                               . IND filing and Phase II/III
                                                 clinical trials planned in
                                                 1998
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BX-661C         Colonic polyp reduction        . Pre-clinical development
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 (1) Astra has exclusive commercial rights in all countries excluding Italy,
     Spain, Portugal, Greece, Japan, Taiwan, and Korea. Menarini has
     exclusive commercial rights in Italy, Spain, Portugal and Greece. See
     "--Strategic Alliances" and "--Marketing and Sales".
 (2) This trial is being conducted by Alfa Wassermann in Spain. The data
     obtained in this trial may be used in partial support of an NDA filing,
     subject to the Company's audit of the clinical protocols, data
     collection procedures and methodology established by Alfa Wassermann as
     well as the outcome of the trial.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 Colazide
 
  Colazide (balsalazide disodium) is an orally administered, anti-inflammatory
drug designed to act in the gastrointestinal tract and specifically in the
colon. The Company recently obtained authorization to market Colazide in the
United Kingdom for the treatment of acute ulcerative colitis. The Company
believes that Colazide is also a potential treatment for large bowel Crohn's
disease and other inflammatory bowel disease conditions. Salix licensed
Colazide from Biorex and will sell Colazide, manufactured by third parties
under contract with the Company, to its distribution partners, Astra and
Menarini. Astra has announced that Colazide will be one of its major product
launches in 1997. Sales of drugs used to treat
 
                                      35
<PAGE>
 
IBD worldwide totaled approximately $550 million in 1996 and have reflected a
compound annual growth rate of approximately 20% between 1987 and 1996. See
"--Strategic Alliances".
 
  Colazide was developed after careful evaluation of the benefits and side
effects of existing therapies. Colazide is an orally administered drug therapy
that the Company believes is superior in delivering drug directly to the
colon. Medical treatment of ulcerative colitis over the past 50 years has
consisted of corticosteroids, which are typically unsuited for long-term
treatments because of their significant side effect profile, and 5-ASA drugs.
To be effective, these drugs must travel through the stomach and small
intestine to the colon and be released in the colon without significant
quantities being absorbed in the bloodstream. SASP, which is taken orally, is
the original 5-ASA drug and is effective in reaching the colon with only low
absorption rates in the bloodstream. However, SASP also contains a carrier
molecule (sulfapyridine) which is toxic and results in a high incidence of
side effects such as nausea, headache, dizziness, anemia or other blood
disorders, and skin rashes. In approximately 30% of IBD patients who attempt
treatment with SASP, these side effects are so severe that the patient cannot
tolerate continued treatment.
 
  In the early 1980s, pharmaceutical companies began developing new drugs to
deliver 5-ASA to the colon without the side effect profile of SASP. These
drugs first appeared in the United States market in the early 1990s. While the
new drugs, including mesalamine, are generally better tolerated than SASP,
they continue to be limited in use because significant amounts of the drugs
may be absorbed in the bloodstream before reaching the colon. In other cases,
the drugs may not dissolve in the body, in which case they may remain whole
when passed through the bowel and are therefore not absorbed in the colon. See
"--Inflammatory Bowel Disease/Ulcerative Colitis".
 
  Colazide is a new chemical entity that consists of two molecular structures.
The first molecule, 5-ASA, is the active drug and responsible for the actual
therapeutic effect. The second molecule, 4-ABA, is a non-toxic carrier
molecule that enables the 5-ASA molecule to travel to the colon without being
absorbed in the bloodstream. The combination of these two molecules into one
chemical compound is designed to deliver the therapeutic agent to the disease
site and has a favorable side effect profile.
 
  In June 1997, the Company submitted an NDA to the FDA seeking approval in
the United States for Colazide as a treatment for acute ulcerative colitis. In
July 1997, the Company received marketing authorization in the United Kingdom
for acute ulcerative colitis from the Medicines Control Agency (the "MCA").
Under new mutual recognition procedures of the European Union, the Company's
marketing partners, Astra and Menarini, have informed the Company that they
will file submissions during 1997 and 1998, based on the MCA authorization,
seeking marketing approval for Colazide in Germany, France, Italy, Spain and
certain other member countries of the European Union. The Company believes
that approvals through these mutual recognition procedures will be received
beginning in 1998.
 
  In August 1997, the FDA accepted the NDA for filing. This NDA can be
approved only if the FDA determines that the NDA contains substantial evidence
from clinical trials that the drug is safe and effective for its intended use.
The Company submitted the NDA following completion of five double-blind,
randomized, controlled, safety and efficacy studies evaluating Colazide as a
treatment for acute ulcerative colitis. Two pivotal Phase III studies were
completed in March 1995 and March 1996, respectively.
 
  The multi-center Phase III study conducted in the United States, which
evaluated 150 recently relapsed patients with long-standing disease symptoms,
was completed in March 1996. The proposed marketing dose (6.75 grams per day)
of Colazide was compared to a lower dose of Colazide (2.25 grams per day) and
to mesalamine over an eight week treatment period. The study demonstrated a
statistically significant dose-response between the two Colazide doses for the
primary endpoint of symptom improvement, including stool frequency, rectal
bleeding, sigmoidoscopic score and physician's global assessment. Although the
primary measure of symptom improvement was not statistically significantly
 
                                      36
<PAGE>
 
different between Colazide and mesalamine, symptom improvement was noticeably
favorable for Colazide. Secondary measures of study-end symptom scores were
also significantly more favorable for Colazide than mesalamine with respect to
rectal bleeding, sigmoidoscopic score and physician's global assessment.
 
  A trial completed in March 1995 evaluated 100 patients, most of whom had
been recently diagnosed with acute ulcerative colitis, over a 12 week
treatment period at multiple centers in the United Kingdom. The primary study
endpoint measured patient tolerance of Colazide versus mesalamine. While only
one patient in each group withdrew due to intolerance, patients treated with
Colazide had statistically significantly fewer side effects than those treated
with mesalamine. The secondary endpoint of the trial measured the efficacy of
Colazide relative to mesalamine and included primary measures of complete
remission, symptomatic remission, and median time to complete relief of
symptoms. Colazide proved statistically significantly more effective than
mesalamine for the endpoints of complete remission, symptomatic remission, and
median time to complete relief of symptoms.
 
  In addition to the two pivotal Phase III trials, the Company completed
another trial in February 1996, comparing two doses of Colazide to placebo and
evaluating 180 patients at multiple centers in the United States. Due to
ethical concerns regarding treatment of active-disease patients with placebo,
the Company limited the study to four weeks, which reduced the opportunity for
Colazide to demonstrate its full therapeutic effect and no significant
difference between placebo and Colazide for the primary efficacy endpoint was
found. However, patients treated with Colazide showed statistically
significantly fewer side effects than patients treated with placebo. In
addition, the Company believes the lack of difference in efficacy between the
two treatments is attributable to the nature of the patients enrolled and the
short duration of the trial. Many of the patients enrolled had previously
failed treatment with other therapies, including 5-ASA containing products
such as mesalamine.
 
  The Company and its distribution partners are planning to conduct a Phase
III/IV clinical study of Colazide in the treatment of acute ulcerative
colitis, which is scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 1997.
 
 Rifaximin
 
  Rifaximin, a new antibiotic, belongs to the rifamycin class of antibiotics
and distinguishes itself from others of analogous structure due to its almost
complete lack of absorption by gastroenteric mucosa, which allows high
concentrations of the active drug to reach and be maintained in the digestive
tract. The Company licensed rights in the United States and Canada to
rifaximin from Alfa Wassermann, which developed and currently markets the
product in Italy for hepatic encephalopathy and chronic intestinal infections
as well as for prophylactic use with infective complications of
gastrointestinal surgery. The Company currently has full commercial rights for
rifaximin for the treatment of gastrointestinal and respiratory tract diseases
in the United States and Canada and intends to establish an independent sales
and marketing organization for the purpose of fully exploiting these rights.
The Company believes that a business model premised on a direct sales force
will result in higher operating margins than the distribution partner model
that the Company has established for Colazide.
 
  The Company intends to pursue regulatory approvals for rifaximin for two
initial indications, hepatic encephalopathy and AAC. In the future, the
Company plans to develop rifaximin for other potential indications, including
infectious diarrhea, diverticular disease, peptic ulcer treatment through H.
pylori eradication, other gastrointestinal infections, and for perioperative
prophylaxis of septic complications of large bowel surgery.
 
  Hepatic encephalopathy is a neuro-psychiatric syndrome caused by the build-
up of ammonia in the blood. When ammonia is not removed from the body, it
travels to the brain and causes the neuropsychiatric syndrome known as hepatic
encephalopathy. The Company believes that antibiotic treatment for hepatic
encephalopathy may prevent the accumulation of ammonia in the bloodstream.
 
                                      37
<PAGE>
 
  The Company plans to submit an application to the FDA in the fourth quarter
of 1997 seeking Orphan Drug Status for rifaximin to treat hepatic
encephalopathy. Orphan drug status is generally available for indications
affecting less than 200,000 patients. In practice, it may allow an NDA to
receive a priority review by the FDA, gives the product seven years of market
exclusivity for the orphan indication regardless of the drug's patent status,
and may allow the FDA to permit approval of an NDA based on a single pivotal
Phase III trial. See "--Government Regulation". The Company believes that
approximately 160,000 persons currently suffer from hepatic encephalopathy in
North America.
 
  As part of its agreement with Alfa Wassermann, the Company obtained clinical
trial data for rifaximin. In addition to previous studies, Alfa Wassermann is
currently conducting a study in Spain which may provide the Company with data
in support of an NDA filing in the United States for hepatic encephalopathy.
The validity of this data is subject to the Company's audit of the clinical
protocol, data collection procedures and methodology established by Alfa
Wassermann in conducting this study. Previous studies in patients with hepatic
encephalopathy include open-label trials and randomized, double-blind,
comparative trials in patients with hepatic encephalopathy. In these studies,
a total of 237 patients were treated with rifaximin and 149 patients with
comparative agents (other antibiotics and lactulose). In the comparative
studies with lactulose, rifaximin was comparable to or more effective than
lactulose for the improvement of signs and symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy
and had a superior side effect profile.
 
  The Company intends to conduct its own clinical trials using rifaximin to
treat AAC caused by C. difficile, a gram negative bacterium for which there
are currently few effective therapies. The Company has received allowance from
the FDA to begin these clinical trials, which the Company expects to begin in
the fourth quarter of 1997. Based on research conducted by Alfa Wassermann,
the Company believes that rifaximin has broad spectrum activity and may be
shown to be effective against C. difficile. Oral vancomycin was until recently
the preferred treatment for AAC. However, the emergence of vancomycin-
resistant bacteria has prompted the United States Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention to recommend limited use of vancomycin. No other therapy has
been approved for the treatment of AAC in the United States. Independent
research indicates that up to 2,000,000 people develop AAC each year in North
America.
 
  Given the extremely low gastrointestinal absorption of rifaximin and a
promising cross-resistance profile, the Company believes rifaximin may be more
effective in eradicating H. pylori than other more commonly used antibiotics.
Alfa Wassermann has conducted a single non-comparative trial in Italy to
assess the efficacy of rifaximin in treating H. pylori induced peptic ulcers
and is currently organizing a co-operative study to supplement the earlier
findings.
 
 BX-661A (Balsalazide) and BX-661C (Balsalazide)
 
  Based on a preclinical evaluation of BX-661A, the Company believes that the
drug may be shown to be a chemopreventive agent to reduce colonic polyp growth
and believes that the drug may have potential for this indication. All
colorectal cancer starts as a polyp, and eventually all FAP patients develop
colorectal cancer. There are approximately 40,000 people in the United States
that have the genetic abnormality that causes FAP. Because this patient
population is genetically predisposed to polyp growth consistently throughout
life, they are an important subset of the general population who would be
eligible for therapy to retard polyp growth. Currently, the Company intends to
apply to the FDA for Orphan Drug Status for BX-661A (balsalazide) to treat
FAP. The Company plans to begin Phase III clinical trials of BX-661A in 1998
to measure its ability to prevent the recurrence of rectal polyps in patients
with FAP who have had partial or total colectomy.
 
  Subsequently, the Company intends to pursue the possibility for a broader
indication of colonic polyp reduction in the general population with BX-661C
(balsalazide) should the data from the BX-661A prove positive. The Company
estimates that approximately 80 million persons in the United States and 95
million persons in Europe have colonic polyps, although the number of persons
who seek diagnosis and treatment for the condition is unknown.
 
                                      38
<PAGE>
 
  The Company believes that balsalazide has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
properties that are similar to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
("NSAIDs") but lack NSAIDs' upper gastrointestinal ulcerogenic activity. In
addition, the Company believes that the colonic-specific delivery mechanism
for the drug results in very low systemic absorption significantly reducing
the possibility of renal side effects. In clinical studies evaluating a total
of more than 900 patients treated with balsalazide for a mean duration of 1.5
years, no cases of gastrointestinal ulceration or renal side effects have been
reported.
 
  In collaboration with scientists at the University of California at San
Francisco ("UCSF") and the San Francisco Veterans Administration Medical
Center ("VA Medical Center"), balsalazide and a newly discovered metabolite of
balsalazide were shown in early studies to inhibit human colon cancer cell
proliferation in culture and to inhibit in animals one of the earliest steps
in colon polyp and cancer formation.
 
  Further pre-clinical studies performed by the Company, using a genetic
strain of mice which develop multiple intestinal tumors and die before 5
months of age, showed that balsalazide prevented the formation of greater than
75% of these tumors in the colon. Based on these preliminary results, the
Company and scientists at UCSF and the VA Medical Center in San Francisco have
responded to a request from the National Cancer Institute ("NCI") to submit a
grant proposal to fund a clinical trial to test the effectiveness of
balsalazide in patients who are at increased risk of developing colorectal
cancer. The target patients are those who have had polyps removed and are
undergoing surveillance for polyp occurrence. The Company plans to commence
this study after receiving grant approval from the NCI and obtaining necessary
FDA clearance.
 
STRATEGIC ALLIANCES
 
  The Company enters into various collaborations with corporate partners,
licensors, licensees and others. To date, the Company has entered into the
following strategic alliances:
 
 Biorex Laboratories Limited
 
  The Company in-licensed balsalazide and all its salts, including the
Company's first product, Colazide (balsalazide disodium), from Biorex, a
private, independent drug company headquartered in England. Biorex developed
Colazide and completed limited Phase III clinical trials. Under its agreements
with the Company, Biorex will participate in future milestone revenues and
profits from Colazide.
 
  Pursuant to an agreement between Biorex and the Company, Biorex granted the
Company the exclusive worldwide right (other than Japan, Taiwan, Korea, and
the United States) to develop, manufacture and sell balsalazide for all
disease indications for a period of 15 years from the date of commercial
launch, subject to early termination in certain circumstances, including upon
the material breach by either party and, in the case of Biorex, in the event
of Salix's bankruptcy or if a sublicensee of the Company terminates or becomes
entitled to terminate such sublicense as a result of actions by the Company.
Under a separate agreement, Biorex granted the Company the exclusive right to
develop, manufacture and sell balsalazide for all disease indications in the
United States for a period of nine years from the date of commercial launch or
the term of the applicable patent, whichever is longer. Under these
agreements, the Company paid Biorex fees upon entering into the agreements and
is obligated to make additional milestone and royalty payments for the drug.
The royalty payments to be made by the Company pursuant to the agreement
governing the United States market are based on net sales, subject to minimum
royalty payments for the first five years following commercial launch. Under
the agreement governing territories other than the United States, the Company
is obligated to pay to Biorex a portion of any gross profit on Colazide sales
to Astra and Menarini outside the United States. Pursuant to such agreements,
the Company is responsible for completion of preclinical testing, clinical
trials and regulatory approvals for balsalazide.
 
 Alfa Wassermann S.p.A.
 
  The Company in-licensed rifaximin from Alfa Wassermann, a privately held
pharmaceutical company headquartered in Italy. Alfa Wassermann has developed
several glycosaminoglycans, rifaximin and alpha-
 
                                      39
<PAGE>
 
interferon from human leukocytes. Alfa Wassermann's principal areas of
therapeutic focus include anti-thrombotics, antibiotics, gastrointestinal
products, NSAIDs, immunomodulators, anti-hypertensives, and bronchopulmonary
products. During recent years, Alfa Wassermann has formed alliances with
international partners to expand and strengthen its marketing and research
activities.
 
  Pursuant to an agreement with the Company, Alfa Wassermann granted the
Company, in exchange for certain royalties, the exclusive right in the United
States and Canada to develop, make, use and sell or have sold rifaximin for
the treatment of gastrointestinal and respiratory tract diseases. Alfa
Wassermann has agreed separately to supply the Company with bulk active
ingredient rifaximin at a fixed price.
 
  Pursuant to the license agreement, the Company has agreed to pay Alfa
Wassermann a net sales-based royalty as well as certain milestone payments.
The Company's obligation to pay royalties commences upon the commercial launch
of the product and continues until the later of (i) the expiration of the
period in which the manufacture, use or sale of the products by an unlicensed
third party would constitute an infringement on the patent covering the
product or (ii) the expiration of a period of 10 years from commercial launch.
Thereafter, the licenses granted to the Company shall continue as irrevocable
royalty-free paid-up licenses.
 
  The license agreement does not have a set term and continues until
terminated in accordance with its terms. Either party to the agreement may
terminate it following a material breach by the other party and the failure of
such breaching party to remedy such breach within 60 days. In addition, Alfa
Wassermann has the right to terminate the agreement on three-months' written
notice in the event that the Company fails to use best efforts to develop the
product in a timely manner, fails to effect commercial launch within six
months of receipt of regulatory approval or fails to sell the product for a
period of six consecutive months after commercial launch. In addition, Alfa
Wassermann may terminate the agreement if the Company becomes involved in
bankruptcy, liquidation or similar proceedings. The Company may terminate the
agreement in respect of any indication or any part of the territory covered on
90 days' notice at which point its rights with respect to such indiction or
territory shall cease.
 
 Astra AB
 
  Astra, an international pharmaceutical company headquartered in Sweden, has
extensive experience developing and marketing therapies for gastrointestinal
diseases. The Company's alliance with Astra partially funded the development
of Colazide. Through June 30, 1997, Salix had received revenues for milestone
payments and product development funding of approximately $10.8 million out of
a total of $16.0 million payable upon achievement of certain milestones under
its agreements with Astra. The remaining milestone revenues relate to European
marketing approvals, the Company's recent NDA submission for Colazide and FDA
approval of the NDA. Under the terms of agreements between the Company and
Astra, the Company will sell encapsulated Colazide to Astra for marketing and
distribution in its territories at a price based on a percentage of Astra's
average ex-factory sales price. Astra has announced that commercial sales of
Colazide will begin in the United Kingdom in October 1997.
 
  Pursuant to contracts between the Company and Astra, the two companies
agreed to collaborate in developing and obtaining regulatory approval of
Colazide in all the countries of the world excluding Italy, Spain, Portugal,
and Greece (collectively, "Southern Europe") and Japan, Taiwan and Korea
(collectively, "East Asia"). Under these agreements, the Company granted Astra
exclusive distribution rights to Colazide in all markets (except for Southern
Europe and East Asia) for specified indications. In addition, the companies
agreed to collaborate on development and promotional plans for Colazide in the
United States market. Astra is obligated to provide the Company with
milestone, license and development payments, and has agreed to purchase
encapsulated product from the Company at a transfer price based on a
percentage of Astra's selling price. In addition, the Company granted Astra
certain rights of first negotiation with respect to the development and
exploitation of additional indications for balsalazide
 
                                      40
<PAGE>
 
disodium and a right of first refusal to obtain marketing rights in the United
States for gastrointestinal products for which Salix chooses not to assume the
sole and exclusive responsibility for marketing. For new indications for
Colazide, the agreements provide that the Company cannot market Colazide,
either directly or through third parties, without the prior consent of Astra.
 
  The distribution agreement, with Astra (which covers all countries of the
world except Spain, Portugal, Greece, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and the United
States) has a base term of 15 years from the date of initial commercial
launch, unless terminated earlier in accordance with its terms. The agreement
governing the United States market expires, unless terminated earlier in
accordance with its terms, upon the later of (i) the expiration of the
validity of the last of the patents relating to the product or (ii) nine years
from launch of the product, except with respect to provisions governing
trademark license, indemnification and confidential information each of which
have independent termination provisions. Under both agreements, either party
to the agreement is entitled to terminate the agreement upon a material breach
by the other party and the failure to remedy such breach within 30 days in the
case of a payment breach or 90 days in the case of any other material breach
or if the other party enters bankruptcy, liquidation or similar proceedings.
 
 Menarini Pharmaceutical Industries s.r.l.
 
  Menarini, headquartered in Italy, is the largest manufacturer and
distributor of pharmaceuticals in Southern Europe. Menarini also has extensive
experience developing and marketing therapies for gastrointestinal disease in
its markets. Under its agreements with Menarini, the Company granted Menarini
certain manufacturing rights and exclusive distribution rights with respect to
Colazide in Italy, Spain, Portugal and Greece. Through June 30, 1997 the
Company has received revenues as partial contribution to research and
development costs borne by the Company of approximately $1.2 million. The
agreement calls for additional milestone revenues of $0.5 million to be paid
to Salix relating to European marketing approvals in the Menarini territories.
The funding provided through this alliance has allowed Salix to fund partially
the development of Colazide. Under the terms of its agreements, Salix will
sell bulk active ingredient Colazide to Menarini for marketing and
distribution in its territories at cost plus a sales-based royalty.
 
  Unless terminated sooner in accordance with its terms, the agreement with
Menarini continues until the earlier of the expiration of (i) the patents
relating to the product or (ii) a period of 15 years from the date of the
agreement, provided however that in any case the agreement shall continue for
a period of 10 years from the date of first launch. Either party may terminate
the agreement upon a material breach by the other party and the failure to
remedy such breach within 30 days in the case of a payment breach or 90 days
in the case of any other material breach or if a party enters liquidation,
bankruptcy or similar proceedings.
 
MANUFACTURING
 
  The Company has in the past used and will continue to use third party
manufacturers to produce material for use in clinical trials and for
commercial product. This manufacturing strategy enables the Company to direct
its financial resources to product in-licensing and acquisition, product
development, and sales and marketing efforts, without devoting resources to
the time and cost associated with building large manufacturing plants. The
Company chooses manufacturers who have demonstrated the ability to manufacture
products in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practice regulations and who
have manufactured products that have passed an FDA inspection.
 
  Currently, bulk active ingredient Colazide is being manufactured for the
Company by Courtaulds Chemicals (Holdings) Limited in Scotland and is being
encapsulated for the Company by Anabolic, Inc. in Irvine, California.
 
                                      41
<PAGE>
 
  Under its supply agreement with the Company, Alfa Wassermann is obligated to
supply the Company with bulk active ingredient rifaximin. Currently, Alfa
Wassermann manufactures rifaximin for the Italian and other European markets.
 
MARKETING AND SALES
 
  The Company has retained marketing rights in the United States and Canada to
rifaximin and plans to establish its own marketing and sales organization for
rifaximin and future products. The Company intends to establish a small,
specialized sales force to market rifaximin to the limited group of
approximately 9,700 gastroenterologists in the United States who are
responsible for treating most gastrointestinal disease. The Company believes
that a domestic direct sales force can effectively reach this small number of
physicians without the investment needed to develop and maintain a large sales
force. This direct sales force model will be the basis for the
commercialization of rifaximin and future products in the United States.
 
  The Company has licensed the exclusive distribution rights for Colazide to
Astra and Menarini. The commercial relationships with Astra and Menarini have
provided the Company money needed to fund the late-stage development of
Colazide, to in-license other gastrointestinal products and to help establish
the Company as a viable gastrointestinal pharmaceutical company. The Company
received the necessary funding in exchange for the grant of exclusive
distribution rights to Astra and Menarini. The Company plans to implement
future North American product sales and marketing based on the direct sales
force model. See "--Strategic Alliances".
 
PATENTS AND PROPRIETARY RIGHTS
 
 General
 
  As with all pharmaceutical companies, the Company's success will depend on
its ability to maintain patent protection for its products, preserve trade
secrets, prevent third parties from infringing upon its proprietary rights,
and operate without infringing upon the proprietary rights of others, both in
the United States and internationally.
 
 Colazide
 
  The active ingredient of Colazide, balsalazide, and the method of treating
ulcerative colitis with Colazide are the subject of composition of matter
patents which have been issued to Biorex in the United States (expiring July
2001), the United Kingdom (expiring February 2002), France (expiring May
2002), Italy (expiring July 2001), and Germany (expiring April 2002). The
Company holds exclusive worldwide rights under the issued patents, excluding
Japan, Korea and Taiwan. The patents claim balsalazide disodium as well as
several variant molecules.
 
  Additional patent applications have been filed by the Company in its own
name covering the use of balsalazide or any metabolite thereof for colorectal
cancer chemoprevention. A patent for the method of treating colon cancer was
issued in the United States to the Company in March 1996 and expires in
January 2014. Assuming patents issue for pending applications, patents for the
method of treating colon cancer will expire in January 2015 in various
countries in Europe, Asia, and North America. Claims to additional metabolites
are still pending in subsequent filings worldwide. No assurances can be given
that such additional patents will issue or, if issued, that they will provide
protection against similar or competing products.
 
 Rifaximin
 
  Rifaximin is covered by substance of matter patents which have issued in the
United States and major market territories of Europe. The original United
States composition-of-matter patent, which also covers the process of making
rifaximin and the use of rifaximin for the treatment of gastrointestinal
infectious
 
                                      42
<PAGE>
 
diseases, expires in May 2001. A related Canadian patent also expires in May
2001. Additional patents on a manufacturing process and on the use of
rifaximin for the treatment of H. pylori infections have been issued in the
United States to Alfa Wassermann and such patents expire in April 2005 and
June 2013, respectively. Related Canadian patents expire in April 2005 and
February 2014, respectively.
 
 Patent Term Extensions
 
  The Company believes that some of these patents may be eligible for
extensions of up to five years based upon patent term restoration procedures
in Europe and in the United States under the Waxman-Hatch Act. Under the
Waxman-Hatch Act, the United States Patent and Trademark Office is directed to
extend the term of an eligible patent for a time equal to the "regulatory
review period for the approved product". This time period is generally one-
half the length of time between the effective date of the IND and submission
of the NDA, plus the length of time between filing and approval of the NDA, up
to a total possible extension of five years. Periods during which the
applicant did not act with "due diligence" are subtracted from the regulatory
review period. Under this law, the Colazide patent in the United States could
be extended by up to five years, giving the product patent protection until as
late as 2006 if approval in the United States is received before expiration of
the original patent term in 2001. In addition, the Company intends to seek
patent extensions under similar laws in effect in the European Union, which
could give Colazide extended patent protection in these jurisdictions until as
late as 2006.
 
GOVERNMENT REGULATION
 
  The research, testing, manufacture, marketing and distribution of drug
products are extensively regulated by governmental authorities in the United
States and other countries. In the United States, drugs are subject to
rigorous regulation by the FDA. The Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, as
amended (the "FDC Act"), and the regulations promulgated thereunder, and other
federal and state statutes and regulations, govern, among other things, the
research, development, testing, manufacture, storage, record keeping,
labeling, promotion and marketing and distribution of pharmaceutical products.
Failure to comply with applicable regulatory requirements may subject a
company to administrative sanctions or judicially imposed sanctions such as
civil penalties, criminal prosecution, injunctions, product seizure or
detention, product recalls, and total or partial suspension of product
marketing and/or approvals. In addition, non-compliance may result in the
FDA's refusal to approve pending NDAs or supplements to approved NDAs or in
the withdrawal of an NDA. Any such sanction could result in adverse publicity,
which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business,
financial conditions, and results of operation.
 
  The steps ordinarily required before a new pharmaceutical product may be
marketed in the United States include: (i) preclinical laboratory tests,
preclinical studies in animals and formulation studies; (ii) the submission to
the FDA of a notice of claimed investigational exemption for a new drug or
antibiotic, which must become effective before clinical testing may commence;
(iii) adequate and well-controlled clinical human trials to establish the
safety and efficacy of the drug for each indication; (iv) the submission of an
NDA to the FDA; and (v) FDA review and approval of the NDA prior to any
commercial sale or shipment of the drug. Preclinical tests include laboratory
evaluation of product chemistry and formulation, as well as animal studies to
assess the potential safety and efficacy of the product. Preclinical tests
must be conducted in compliance with Good Laboratory Practice regulations. The
results of preclinical testing are submitted to the FDA as part of an IND. A
30-day waiting period after the filing of each IND is required prior to the
commencement of clinical testing in humans. In addition, the FDA may, at any
time during this 30-day period or at any time thereafter, impose a clinical
hold on proposed or ongoing clinical trials. If the FDA imposes a clinical
hold, clinical trials cannot commence or recommence without FDA authorization
and then only under terms authorized by the FDA. In some instances, the IND
application process can result in substantial delay and expense.
 
                                      43
<PAGE>
 
  Clinical trials to support NDAs are typically conducted in three sequential
phases, but the phases may overlap. In Phase I, the initial introduction of
the drug into healthy human subjects or patients, the drug is tested to assess
metabolism, pharmacokinetics and pharmacological actions and safety, including
side effects associated with increasing doses. Phase II usually involves
studies in a limited patient population to (i) assess the efficacy of the drug
in specific, targeted indications, (ii) assess dosage tolerance and optimal
dosage and (iii) identify possible adverse effects and safety risks. If a
compound is found to be potentially effective and to have an acceptable safety
profile in Phase II evaluations, Phase III trials are undertaken to further
demonstrate clinical efficacy and to further test for safety within an
expanded patient population at geographically dispersed clinical study sites.
There can be no assurance that Phase I, Phase II or Phase III testing will be
completed successfully within any specified time period, if at all, with
respect to any of the Company's products subject to such testing.
 
  After successful completion of the required clinical testing, generally an
NDA is submitted. FDA approval of the NDA is required before marketing may
begin in the United States. The FDA reviews all NDAs submitted before it
accepts them for filing and may request additional information rather than
accepting an NDA for filing. In such an event, the NDA must be resubmitted
with the additional information and, again, is subject to review before
filing. Once the submission is accepted for filing, the FDA begins an in-depth
review of the NDA. Under the FDC Act, the FDA has 180 days in which to review
the NDA and respond to the applicant. The review process is often
significantly extended by FDA requests for additional information or
clarification regarding information already provided in the submission. The
FDA may refer the application to an appropriate advisory committee, typically
a panel of clinicians, for review, evaluation and a recommendation as to
whether the application should be approved. The FDA is not bound by the
recommendation of an advisory committee. If FDA evaluations of the NDA and the
manufacturing facilities are favorable, the FDA may issue either an approval
letter or an approvable letter, which usually contains a number of conditions
that must be met in order to secure final approval of the NDA. When and if
those conditions have been met to the FDA's satisfaction, the FDA will issue
an approval letter, authorizing commercial marketing of the drug for certain
indications. If the FDA's evaluation of the NDA submission or manufacturing
facilities is not favorable, the FDA may refuse to approve the NDA or issue a
not approvable letter, outlining the deficiencies in the submission and often
requiring additional testing or information. If regulatory approval of
Colazide or any other product is granted, such approval will be limited to
those disease states and conditions for which the product has been found by
the FDA to be safe and effective, as demonstrated through well controlled
clinical studies. Even if such regulatory approval is obtained, a marketed
product, its manufacturer and its manufacturing facilities are subject to
continual review and periodic inspections. In addition, identification of
certain side effects after a drug is on the market or the occurrence of
manufacturing problems could cause subsequent withdrawal of approval,
reformulation of the drug, additional preclinical testing or clinical trials
and changes in labeling of the product.
 
  For antibiotic drug products such as rifaximin, FDA testing and approval
procedures are analogous to those applicable to non-antibiotic drugs except
that approval also requires the establishment of an antibiotic monograph
setting forth the tests and specifications for the drug, which are published
by the FDA as a regulation and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations.
 
  On June 23, 1997, the Company submitted an NDA to the FDA covering the use
of Colazide as a therapy for acute ulcerative colitis and in August 1997, the
NDA was accepted for filing by the FDA. The NDA can be approved only if the
FDA determines that the NDA contains substantial evidence from clinical trials
that the drug is safe and effective for its intended use. There can be no
assurance that the results of the Company's preclinical or clinical studies,
including its United States Phase III clinical testing in combination with the
results from a European safety and efficacy study, will demonstrate, to the
FDA's satisfaction, substantial evidence that the drug is safe and effective.
If clinical data, in addition to that filed in the NDA, is requested from the
Company to support approval of Colazide, such a request is likely to
significantly delay approval of the product, if approval is granted at all. If
regulatory approval of Colazide
 
                                      44
<PAGE>
 
or any other product is granted, such approval will be limited to those
disease states and conditions for which the product has been shown to be safe
and effective, as demonstrated to the FDA's satisfaction through well
controlled clinical studies. Furthermore, approval may entail ongoing
requirements for post-marketing studies. Even if such regulatory approval is
obtained, a marketed product, promotional activities for the product, its
manufacturer and its manufacturing facilities are subject to continual review
and periodic inspections. In addition, identification of certain side effects
after a drug is on the market or the occurrence of manufacturing problems
could cause subsequent withdrawal of approval, reformulation of the drug,
additional preclinical testing or clinical trials and changes in labeling of
the product. The Company does not expect to file an NDA for rifaximin prior to
mid-1998 and will do so only if the clinical trials support such a filing.
 
  Under the Orphan Drug Act, the FDA may designate a product as an orphan drug
if it is a drug intended to treat a "rare disease or condition", which is a
disease or condition that affects populations of fewer than 200,000
individuals in the United States or a disease whose incidence rates number
more than 200,000 where the sponsor establishes that it does not realistically
anticipate that its product sales will be sufficient to recover its costs. The
sponsor that obtains the first marketing approval for a designated orphan drug
for a given rare disease is eligible to receive marketing exclusivity for use
of that drug for the orphan indication for a period of seven years. The
Company may apply for orphan drug designation for some of its products and
indications in development. There is no assurance that the FDA would grant
orphan drug designation or marketing exclusivity for any such indications or
products or that, if granted, such exclusivity would effectively protect the
product from competition.
 
  Drug manufacturing establishments are subject to periodic inspection by
regulatory authorities and must comply with Good Manufacturing Practice
regulations. The Company or its third party manufacturer must pass a
preapproval inspection of its manufacturing facilities by the FDA before
obtaining marketing approval of any products for sale in the United States.
These manufacturers are also subject to periodic FDA inspections. In the event
that violations of applicable standards are found, the Company may be required
to cease distribution of some or all products and may be required to recall
products already distributed.
 
REGULATION OF DRUG COMPOUNDS OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES
 
  Outside the United States, the Company's ability to market a product is
contingent upon receiving marketing authorizations from the appropriate
regulatory authorities. The requirements governing the conduct of clinical
trials and marketing authorization vary widely from country to country. At
present, foreign marketing authorizations are applied for at a national level,
although within the European Union procedures are available to companies
wishing to market a product in more than one European Union member state. The
foreign regulatory approval process includes all of the risks associated with
FDA approval set forth above.
 
  To market its products in Europe, the Company also must satisfy foreign
regulatory requirements, implemented by foreign health authorities, governing
human clinical trials and marketing approval. In the United Kingdom, the sale
and marketing of new drugs is subject to the approval of the Medicines Control
Agency (the "MCA"). As in the United States, a company seeking regulatory
approval must submit an application requesting such approval, which is
referred to as a Product Licence Application ("PLA"). The PLA is submitted
after completion of pre-clinical and clinical studies. The MCA may request
additional clinical information on efficacy or safety before formally
reviewing the application. Following a review of the PLA, the MCA makes a
determination as to approval of the new drug compound. The review process in
the United Kingdom is subject to many of the same uncertainties and risks
associated with the approval of new drugs by the FDA in the United States.
Furthermore, approval may entail ongoing requirements for post-marketing
studies. Even if such regulatory approval is obtained, a marketed product and
its manufacturer and its manufacturing facilities are subject to continual
review and periodic inspections by the MCA.
 
                                      45
<PAGE>
 
  Under a new regulatory system in Europe, marketing authorizations, broadly
speaking, may be submitted at either a centralized, a decentralized or a
national level. The centralized procedure is mandatory for the approval of
biotechnology and high technology products and available at the applicant's
option for other products. The centralized procedure provides for the first
time in the European Union (the "EU") for the grant of a single marketing
authorization which is valid in all EU Member States.
 
  As of January 1995, a mutual recognition procedure is available at the
request of the applicant for all medicinal products which are not subject to
the centralized procedure under the so called "decentralized procedure". The
decentralized procedure, which will be mandatory beginning in January 1998,
creates a new system for mutual recognition of national approval decisions,
makes changes in existing procedures for national approvals and establishes
procedures for coordinated EU actions on products, suspensions and
withdrawals. Under this procedure, the holder of a national marketing
authorization for which mutual recognition is sought may submit an application
to one or more Member States, certify that the dossier is identical to that on
which the first approval was based or explain any differences and certify that
identical dossiers are being submitted to all Member States for which
recognition is sought. Within 90 days of receiving the application and
assessment report, each Member State must decide whether to recognize the
approval. The procedure encourages Member States to work with applicants and
other regulatory authorities to resolve disputes concerning mutual
recognition. Lack of objection of a given country within 90 days automatically
results in approval of the EU country. If such disputes cannot be resolved
within the 90 day period provided for review, the application will be subject
to a binding arbitration procedure. Notwithstanding these simplified
procedures, the foreign regulatory approval process includes many of the risks
associated with FDA approval set forth above. The PLA that the Company filed
with the MCA for the acute ulcerative colitis indication, which was approved
in July 1997, was filed under these mutual recognition procedures.
 
  The Company will choose the appropriate route of European regulatory filing
to accomplish the most rapid regulatory approvals. However, there can be no
assurance that the chosen regulatory strategy will secure regulatory approvals
or approvals of the Company's chosen product indications.
 
COMPETITION
 
  Competition in the pharmaceutical industry is intense and characterized by
extensive research efforts and rapid technological progress. The Company
believes that there are numerous pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies,
both public and private and including large well known pharmaceutical
companies, as well as academic research groups that are engaged in research
and development efforts for gastrointestinal diseases and conditions addressed
by the Company's current and potential products. In particular, the Company is
aware of products in research or development by competitors that address the
diseases being targeted by the Company's products. There can be no assurance
that developments by others will not render the Company's current and
potential products obsolete or noncompetitive. Competitors may be able to
complete the development and regulatory approval process sooner and,
therefore, market their products earlier than the Company. Many of the
Company's competitors have substantially greater financial, marketing and
human resources and development capabilities than the Company. For example,
many large, well capitalized companies already offer products in the United
States and Europe that will compete with the Company's proposed therapeutic
applications of Colazide, including mesalamine (SmithKline Beecham plc, Dr.
Falk Pharma GmbH, Pharmacia & Upjohn, Inc., Solvay S.A., The Procter & Gamble
Company, and Hoechst Marion Roussel, Inc.), sulfasalazine (Pharmacia & Upjohn,
Inc.), and olsalazine (Pharmacia & Upjohn, Inc.). Technological developments
by competitors, earlier regulatory approval for marketing competitive
products, or superior marketing capabilities possessed by competitors could
adversely affect the commercial potential of the Company's products, including
Colazide, and could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business,
financial condition, and results of operations. In addition, manufacturers of
generic drugs may seek to compete directly with the Company's products in the
absence of effective patent protection or non-patent exclusivity protections.
 
                                      46
<PAGE>
 
FACILITIES
 
  The Company occupies approximately 7,500 square feet of office space in Palo
Alto, California, approximately 200 square feet of office space in Hamilton,
Bermuda, and approximately 260 square feet of office space in Dorset, England.
The Palo Alto facility's lease extends through August 31, 2001. The Company
considers this space adequate for its anticipated needs into the foreseeable
future.
 
EMPLOYEES
 
  As of June 30, 1997, the Company had 17 employees. The Company believes that
its future success will depend in part on its continued ability to attract,
hire, and retain qualified personnel. Competition for such personnel is
intense, and there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to
identify, attract, and retain such personnel in the future. None of the
Company's employees is represented by a labor union. The Company has not
experienced any work stoppages and considers its relations with its employees
to be good.
 
                                      47
<PAGE>
 
                                  MANAGEMENT
 
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, AND KEY EMPLOYEES
 
  The following table sets forth certain information concerning the executive
officers, directors, and certain key employees of the Company and its
subsidiaries, including their ages as of July 31, 1997 and their place of
residence:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          NAME           AGE           POSITION                      RESIDENCE
          ----           ---           --------                      ---------
<S>                      <C> <C>                          <C>
Randy W. Hamilton.......  44 Chairman, President and      Los Altos, California, U.S.A.
                             Chief Executive Officer
David Boyle.............  43 Vice President, Finance &    Cupertino, California, U.S.A.
                             Administration, and Chief
                             Financial Officer
John Brough.............  44 President, Glycyx            Southampton, Bermuda
                             Pharmaceuticals, Ltd.
Alvaro E. Carvajal......  54 Vice President, Information  San Francisco, California,
                             Systems (Salix               U.S.A.
                             Pharmaceuticals)
Lorin K. Johnson,         44 Vice President, Research,    Pleasanton, California, U.S.A.
 Ph.D...................     and Director
Robert P. Ruscher.......  37 Vice President, Corporate    Raleigh, North Carolina, U.S.A.
                             Development
James G. Shook, Ph.D....  57 Senior Vice President,       Redwood City, California, U.S.A.
                             Development (Salix
                             Pharmaceuticals)
Jay A. Lefton...........  41 Corporate Secretary          Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Lily Baxendale,
 F.R.S.C................  72 Director                     London, United Kingdom
Lawrance A. Brown,
 Jr.(/1/)(/2/)..........  69 Director                     Palo Alto, California, U.S.A.
John F.                   60 Director                     Gladwyne, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
 Chappell(/1/)(/2/).....
Nicholas M. Ediger......  69 Director                     Fredericton, New Brunswick,
                                                          Canada
David E. Lauck..........  62 Director                     Florence, Oregon, U.S.A.
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Member of Audit Committee.
(2) Member of Compensation Committee.
 
  Randy W. Hamilton is a co-founder of the Company and has served as Chairman
of its Board of Directors and President and Chief Executive Officer since
December 1993. From November 1989 to December 1993, Mr. Hamilton served as
President and Chief Executive Officer and as a director of Salix
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Prior to 1989, Mr. Hamilton served as Director of
Planning and Business Development with SmithKline Diagnostics, Inc., a medical
diagnostic subsidiary of SmithKline Beecham plc, a pharmaceutical company, and
as head of Asian business development for California Biotechnology Inc. (now
Scios, Inc.), a biotechnology company.
 
  David Boyle has served as the Company's Vice President, Finance and
Administration, and Chief Financial Officer since November 1996. From May 1992
to October 1996, Mr. Boyle was employed by Ares Serono Group, a Swiss
pharmaceutical company, most recently as Vice President, Finance and
Administration (North America), and previously as Director, Business Analysis
Group. Prior to joining Ares Serono, Mr. Boyle held various accounting and
finance positions with Ernst & Young LLP.
 
  John Brough has served as President of Glycyx Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. since
July 1996. From April 1995 to April 1996, he served as President, and from May
1989 to April 1995 as Director, Finance and Administration, of Syntex
Pharmaceuticals International Ltd., a subsidiary of Syntex Corporation
("Syntex"), a pharmaceutical company acquired in 1994 by The Roche Group.
 
 
                                      48
<PAGE>
 
  Alvaro E. Carvajal has served as the Vice President, Information Systems of
Salix Pharmaceuticals since August 1997. From January 1994 to August 1997, Mr.
Carvajal served as the Director, Information Systems of Salix Pharmaceuticals.
From 1989 to January 1994, he served as an international systems consultant
for Syntex.
 
  Lorin K. Johnson, Ph.D. is a co-founder of the Company and has served as the
Company's Vice President, Research, and as a member of its Board of Directors
since December 1993. From November 1989 to December 1993, Dr. Johnson held the
same positions at Salix Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Prior to co-founding Salix, Dr.
Johnson served as Director of Scientific Operations at California
Biotechnology Inc. Prior to joining California Biotechnology, Dr. Johnson was
assistant Professor of Pathology at Stanford University Medical Center.
 
  Robert P. Ruscher has served as the Company's Vice President, Corporate
Development, and General Counsel since February 1996. From May 1996 to
November 1996, he also served as the Company's Chief Financial Officer. Since
April 1994, Mr. Ruscher has been associated with the law firm of Wyrick,
Robbins, Yates & Ponton, L.L.P. in Raleigh, North Carolina. From February 1993
to April 1994, Mr. Ruscher was an associate at the law firm Venture Law Group
in Menlo Park, California, and from August 1989 to February 1993, he was an
associate at the law firm Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati in Palo Alto,
California.
 
  James G. Shook, Ph. D. has served as the Senior Vice President, Development
of Salix Pharmaceuticals, Inc. since April 1997. From August 1994 to April
1997, Dr. Shook served as Vice President, Research and Development of Fujisawa
Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., a pharmaceutical company. From September 1993 to
August 1994, Dr. Shook served as Acting Vice President, Research and
Development, and Vice President, Research and Development Operations at
Fujisawa and from June 1992 to September 1993 as Vice President, Research and
Development Operations and Project Director, Immunology.
 
  Jay A. Lefton has served as the Company's Corporate Secretary since April
1997. Mr. Lefton has been a partner of the law firm of Aird & Berlis in
Toronto, Ontario since 1986, where he specializes in corporate and securities
law. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of International Murex
Technologies Corporation, a publicly-traded company on The Nasdaq National
Market, and Harley Street Software Ltd. and Sumtra Diversified Inc., each of
which is publicly-traded in Canada. Aird & Berlis has and is currently
providing legal counsel to the Company in Canada.
 
  Lily Baxendale, F.R.S.C., has served as a director of the Company since July
1995. Miss Baxendale has served since 1983 as Managing Director of Biorex, a
pharmaceutical development company, which she co-founded in 1950. Prior to
1983, Miss Baxendale served as a director and secretary of Biorex. Miss
Baxendale is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemists.
 
  Lawrance A. Brown, Jr. has served as a director of the Company since October
1994 and as a member of its audit and compensation committees since December
1994. Since 1992, Mr. Brown has been a self-employed consultant. Prior to
1992, Mr. Brown was a General Partner of Continental Capital and,
subsequently, a consultant to MBW Ventures. Before his venture capital
activities, Mr. Brown worked for SmithKline Corporation, a pharmaceutical
company, retiring as a Group Vice President.
 
  John F. Chappell has served as a director of the Company since September
1990 and as a member of its audit and compensation committees since December
1994. Since December 1990, Mr. Chappell has been President of Plexus Ventures,
Inc., a private consulting firm specializing in advising early stage
pharmaceutical companies. Prior to 1990, Mr. Chappell served in various
capacities at SmithKline Beecham plc, most recently as Chairman, Worldwide
Pharmaceuticals and a member of its Board of Directors. Mr. Chappell also
serves as a director of Neurex Corporation.
 
 
                                      49
<PAGE>
 
  Nicholas M. Ediger has served as a director of the Company since February
1997. Since October 1988, Mr. Ediger has served as Managing Director of
Sentinel Associates, a finance and energy consulting firm. Prior to joining
Sentinel, Mr. Ediger served for 14 years as President and Chief Executive
Officer of Eldorado Resources Ltd., an energy and mineral company. Prior to
joining Eldorado, Mr. Ediger worked for 25 years with Gulf Oil Corporation,
including as Chief Operating Officer of Gulf Minerals Canada Ltd.
 
  David E. Lauck is a co-founder of the Company and has served as a director
since December 1993. Mr. Lauck served as the Company's Vice President,
Development from February 1994 until June 1997 and has been working as a part
time employee with the Company since such time. From December 1993 to January
1994, he was the Company's Director of European Development. Prior to December
1993, Mr. Lauck served as an officer and director of Salix Pharmaceuticals
including in the positions of Director/Europe from October 1992 to December
1993 and Vice President of Regulatory Affairs from November 1989 to September
1992.
 
  All directors are elected at the annual meeting of shareholders and hold
office until the election and qualification of their successors at the next
annual meeting of shareholders. Officers of the Company serve at the
discretion of the Board of Directors.
 
SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY BOARD
 
  The Company assembles teams of scientific and medical advisors to advise the
Company on issues related to specific pharmaceutical products. The Company's
current group of advisors are experts in gastrointestinal disease and
specifically inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer. The Company
plans to assemble different advisory groups specific to other products under
development. In certain cases, these advisors have agreed to be available for
consultation for a specified number of days each year, but individuals may
consult and meet informally with the Company on a more frequent basis. All of
the Company's scientific and medical advisors are employed by major medical
schools, research institutions, hospitals or other institutions and may have
other commitments that may limit their availability to the Company. Salix's
current advisory group is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  NAME                                 POSITION
                  ----                                 --------
 <C>                                    <S>
 Marvin H. Sleisenger, M.D., M.A.C.P... Consulting Medical Director of Salix
                                        and Professor of Medicine, University
                                        of California, San Francisco
 J.E. Lennard-Jones, M.D., F.R.C.P..... Professor Emeritus of
                                        Gastroenterology, University of
                                        London, England
 Young S. Kim, M.D..................... Professor of Medicine, University of
                                        California,
                                        San Francisco
 Stephen B. Hanauer, M.D............... Director, Gastrointestinal Clinical
                                        Research Center, University of Chicago
 James L. Madara, M.D.................. Professor of Pathology, Harvard
                                        Medical School
 Robert W. Beart, Jr., M.D............. Professor of Surgery, University of
                                        Southern California
 James M. Church, M.D.................. Member, Department of Colorectal
                                        Surgery,
                                        Cleveland Clinic
 Robert D. Madoff, M.D................. Clinical Assistant Professor of
                                        Surgery, Director of Research,
                                        University of Minnesota Medical School
</TABLE>
 
  Marvin H. Sleisenger, M.D., MACP is the Consulting Medical Director of the
Company and past Chairman of the Company's Scientific and Medical Advisory
Board. Dr. Sleisenger is Professor of Medicine and Director, Cancer Research
Institute at the University of California, San Francisco. He is author of
Gastrointestinal Disease, a widely used medical textbook. Dr. Sleisenger is
past President of the American Gastroenterological Association, a Fellow of
the Royal College of Physicians (London) and a Master of the American College
of Physicians.
 
 
                                      50
<PAGE>
 
  J.E. Lennard-Jones, M.D., FRCP, FRCS is Professor Emeritus of
Gastroenterology at the University of London, England. Until recently, Dr.
Lennard-Jones was a consulting gastroenterologist at St. Mark's Hospital in
London, and he is Professor Emeritus at the London Hospital Medical College.
He is past President of the British Society of Gastroenterology and President
of the British Digestive Foundation. He has contributed to numerous scientific
publications, primarily on topics related to inflammatory bowel disease.
 
  Young S. Kim, M.D. is a Professor of Medicine at the University of
California at San Francisco, where he is also Scientific Director of the
Colorectal Cancer Program. Dr. Kim is also Director of the Gastrointestinal
Research Laboratory at the San Francisco Veterans Administration Medical
Center. He has been associated with both of these institutions since 1968. Dr.
Kim's major research interests are in the areas of experimental pathology in
gastrointestinal neoplasms, glycoprotein biochemistry, and enzymology and
membrane biochemistry of the gut. Dr. Kim has authored numerous articles in
his areas of study and currently serves on the editorial boards of The
International Journal of Experimental and Clinical Gastroenterology, Tumor
Biology and Pancreas.
 
  Stephen B. Hanauer, M.D. has served as Director of the Gastrointestinal
Clinical Research Center at the University of Chicago since 1983 and is co-
director of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research Center at the University
of Chicago. He was Chairman of the Clinical Affairs/Professional Education
Committee of the Crohns & Colitis Foundation of America and has served on
numerous other national committees in the field of gastroenterology. Dr.
Hanauer served as a member of the FDA Advisory Panel for gastrointestinal
products and has authored the FDA guidelines for the clinical evaluation of
drugs for patients with inflammatory bowel disease. He has authored numerous
articles in the field and is a reviewer for publications including the New
England Journal of Medicine, Gastroenterology, the American Journal of
Gastroenterology and the Annals of Internal Medicine. He is a member of the
editorial board for the American Journal of Gastroenterology, Alimentary
Pharmacology & Therapeutics, and the Journal of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
 
  James L. Madara, M.D. is Associate Professor of Pathology and Associate
Professor of Health Sciences and Technology at Harvard University. Dr. Madara
has been associated with the Harvard Medical School since 1978. His major
research interests are in the areas of regulation of intestinal epithelial
permeability, inflammation of the intestinal epithelium and repair of
epithelial wounding. He is an author of numerous articles in
gastroenterological research and holds or has held editorial positions with
Gastroenterology, The American Journal of Physiology (Cell), Epithelial Cell
Biology, the Journal of Clinical Investigation and The American Journal of
Pathology.
 
  Robert W. Beart, Jr., M.D. is currently a Professor of Surgery, specializing
in colon and rectal surgery, at the University of Southern California in Los
Angeles. His major research interests include prevention and management of
recurrent colorectal cancer, fecal continence preservation, and related areas
of gastrointestinal medicine. Previous academic appointments have included
several positions with the Mayo Clinic School of Medicine. He has served as
President of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons and has served
on the editorial board of several medical journals in the fields of surgery,
oncology and gastroenterology.
 
  James M. Church, M.D. is currently a member of the Colorectal Surgery
Department of the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio. His major research
interests include chemoprevention of colonic polyps, familial adenomatous
polyposis, desmoid tumors, management of recurrent colorectal cancer, and
related areas of colorectal surgery and medicine. Previous appointments have
included positions at the University of Auckland in New Zealand. Dr. Church
has been the recipient of numerous fellowships and awards and has published
extensively in the field of colorectal disease and surgery.
 
                                      51
<PAGE>
 
  Robert D. Madoff, M.D. is currently a Clinical Assistant Professor of
Surgery and Director of Research in the Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery
at the University of Minnesota Medical School. His major research interests
include management of polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticular
disease, colorectal cancer, fecal incontinence, and rectal prolapse. Previous
appointments have included positions at the University of Massachusetts
Medical School. He has served as Chief of the Colorectal Surgery Section of
the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Minneapolis. Dr. Madoff has
published and presented numerous papers in the field of colorectal disease and
surgery.
 
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
 
  The Company reimburses each member of the Company's Board of Directors for
out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with attending Board meetings.
In addition, directors Nicholas M. Ediger and Lawrance A. Brown are
compensated $1,000 for each meeting of the Board they attend in person. Other
than Messrs. Ediger and Brown, all directors are either employed by the
Company and/or hold a substantial equity position in the Company, and no
member of the Board of Directors currently receives any additional cash
compensation for his or her service as director. In February 1997, Mr. Ediger
was granted a non-qualified stock option under the Company's 1996 Stock Option
Plan to purchase 10,000 Common Shares at an exercise price equal to the fair
market value of the Common Shares on the date of grant. Such option vests at
the rate of 1/36th of the shares subject to option per month. In addition, the
Company paid Mr. Brown $11,500 during the year ended December 31, 1996 in
connection with a consulting arrangement with the Company. Directors may from
time to time provide services as consultants that may provide for additional
consulting services at agreed upon rates.
 
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
 
  The Compensation Committee is responsible for determining salaries,
incentives and other forms of compensation for executive officers of the
Company and administers various incentive compensation and benefit plans. The
Compensation Committee consists of directors Lawrance A. Brown and John F.
Chappell. Randy W. Hamilton, President and Chief Executive Officer of the
Company, participates in all discussions and decisions regarding salaries and
incentive compensation for all executive officers of the Company, except that
he is excluded from discussions regarding his own salary and incentive stock
compensation. No interlocking relationship exists between any member of the
Company's Compensation Committee and any member of any other company's board
of directors or compensation committee.
 
                                      52
<PAGE>
 
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
  The following table sets forth information concerning the compensation
awarded to, earned by, or paid for services rendered to the Company in all
capacities during each of the fiscal years in the three year period ended
December 31, 1996, by (i) the Company's Chief Executive Officer and (ii) the
Company's executive officers whose salary and bonus for fiscal year 1996
exceeded Cdn. $100,000, which totals approximately U.S. $73,000 based on a
December 31, 1996 exchange rate of Cdn. $1.3696 per U.S. $1.00. The officers
of the Company listed on the table set forth below are referred to
collectively in this Prospectus as the "Named Executive Officers".
 
                          SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      LONG-TERM
                                                                     COMPENSATION
                                                                        AWARDS
                                                                     ------------
                                      ANNUAL COMPENSATION (/1/)       SECURITIES    ALL OTHER
                             FISCAL --------------------------------  UNDERLYING   COMPENSATION
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION   YEAR  SALARY (U.S. $)   BONUS (U.S. $) OPTIONS (#)  (U.S. $) (/2/)
- ---------------------------  ------ ---------------   -------------- ------------ --------------
<S>                          <C>    <C>               <C>            <C>          <C>
Randy W. Hamilton.........    1996     $216,000            $--              --         $998
  Chairman, President and     1995       78,000             --              --           --
   Chief Executive Officer    1994      119,167             --              --           --

Lorin K. Johnson..........    1996      182,333             --              --          837
  Vice President, Research    1995       66,000             --              --           --
   and Director               1994      100,833             --              --           --

David E. Lauck(/3/).......    1996      181,113             --              --           --
  Former Vice President,      1995       63,308             --              --           --
   Development                1994       95,854             --              --           --

Robert P. Ruscher(/4/)....    1996      136,086             --              --          787
  Vice President,             1995       52,677(/5/)        --          60,000           --     
   Corporate Development      1994       12,500(/6/)        --           2,825           --      
                                                                                            
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Other than the salary described herein, the Company did not pay any Named
    Executive Officer any fringe benefits, perquisites, or other compensation
    in excess of 10% of such executive officer's salary and bonus during
    fiscal years 1994, 1995 or 1996.
(2) Represents matching contributions under the Company's 401(k) retirement
    plan.
(3) Mr. Lauck resigned as the Company's Vice President, Development in June 
    1997.
(4) Mr. Ruscher became the Company's Vice President, Corporate Development in
    February 1996.
(5) Represents compensation paid to Mr. Ruscher as Director of Corporate
    Affairs and General Counsel.
(6) Represents compensation paid to Mr. Ruscher as a consultant to the
    Company.
 
                       OPTION GRANTS IN FISCAL YEAR 1996
 
  No stock options were granted to any Named Executive Officer during the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1996.
 
                                      53
<PAGE>
 
   AGGREGATE OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION
                                    VALUES
 
  Options to purchase an aggregate of 2,825 Common Shares were exercised by a
Named Executive Officer during the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996. The
following table sets forth certain information regarding the exercise of stock
options by the Named Executive Officers during the fiscal 1996 and stock
options held as of December 31, 1996 by the Named Executive Officers.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   NUMBER OF SECURITIES
                          SHARES                  UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED         VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
                         ACQUIRED                       OPTIONS AT             IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS AT
                            ON        VALUE         DECEMBER 31,1996(#)     DECEMBER 31, 1996(U.S. $)(/2/)
                         EXERCISE   REALIZED    --------------------------- ----------------------------------
NAME                       (#)    (U.S. $)(/1/) EXERCISABLE  UNEXERCISABLE   EXERCISABLE        UNEXERCISABLE
- ----                     -------- ------------- ------------ -------------- ---------------    ---------------
<S>                      <C>      <C>           <C>          <C>            <C>                <C>
Randy W. Hamilton.......     --      $   --            --            --               $    --         $    --    
Lorin K. Johnson........     --          --            --            --                    --              --    
David E. Lauck..........     --          --            --            --                    --              --    
Robert P. Ruscher.......  2,825       2,825        25,000        35,000                66,250          92,750     
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Based on the fair market value of the Common Shares on the date of exercise
    minus the exercise price.
(2) Based on the closing sales price in trading on The Toronto Stock Exchange
    on December 31, 1996 as converted to U.S. dollars at the exchange rate of
    Cdn. $1.3696 to U.S. $1.00 minus the exercise price for the applicable
    options.
 
STOCK PLANS
 
  The Company's 1996 Stock Option Plan (the "1996 Plan") was adopted by the
Board of Directors and approved by the Company's shareholders in February
1996. The 1996 Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options to
employees (including officers and employee directors) and for the grant of
non-statutory stock options to eligible participants. A total of 1,150,000
Common Shares have been reserved for issuance under the 1996 Plan; provided,
however, that the number of Common Shares that may be optioned and sold under
the 1996 Plan must not exceed the sum of (i) 711,175 Common Shares plus (ii)
such number of Common Shares as are subject to outstanding and unexercised
options under the Company's 1994 Stock Plan (the "1994 Plan" and, together
with the 1996 Plan, the "Stock Plans") as of the date of adoption of the 1996
Plan, which options are thereafter canceled or otherwise terminated without
exercise. Unless terminated sooner, the 1996 Plan will terminate automatically
in 2006. The 1996 Plan replaced the 1994 Plan. Options and share purchase
rights previously issued under the 1994 Plan shall be exercisable according to
their terms.
 
  The 1996 Plan provides for administration by the Board of Directors of
Company or by a committee approved by the Board (as applicable, the
"Administrator"), in either case, in a manner that complies with requirements
under the applicable state and federal corporate and securities laws, the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and any applicable
stock exchange. If permitted by Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act, the 1996 Plan
may be administered by different bodies with respect to directors, officers
and employees who are neither directors nor officers. The interpretation and
construction of any provision of the 1996 Plan will be determined by the
Administrator whose determination will be final and conclusive. The
Administrator has the power to determine the terms of the options granted,
including the exercise price of the option, the number of shares subject to
each option, the exercisability thereof, and the form of consideration payable
upon such exercise. However, no participant may be granted (i) more than 50%
of the total number of shares reserved under the 1996 Plan within any twelve
calendar month period, or (ii) options covering a number of shares that exceed
5% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares at the time of grant. With
respect to grants to officers, the following limitations shall apply: (i) the
maximum number of shares which may be granted under options held by all
officers of the Company may not exceed 10% of the issued and outstanding
shares of Common Shares at the time of grant (excluding shares issued pursuant
to share compensation arrangements over the preceding 12-month period); (ii)
the maximum number of shares which may be granted under options to any one
officer and such officer's associates in any 12-month period shall be 5% of
the issued and outstanding Common Shares at the time
 
                                      54
<PAGE>
 
of grant (excluding shares issued pursuant to share compensation arrangements
over the preceding 12-month period); and (iii) the maximum number of shares
which may be granted under options to officers in any 12-month period shall be
10% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares at the time of grant
(excluding shares issued pursuant to share compensation arrangements over the
preceding 12-month period). In addition, the Administrator has the authority
to amend, suspend or terminate the 1996 Plan, provided that no such action may
affect any Common Shares previously issued and sold or any option previously
granted under the 1996 Plan.
 
  Options granted under the 1996 Plan are not transferable by the optionee.
Options granted under the 1996 Plan must generally be exercised within 90 days
after the end of optionee's status as an employee or consultant of the
Company, or within 12 months after such optionee's termination by death or
disability, but in no event later than the expiration of the option's term.
 
  The exercise price of all incentive stock options granted under the 1996
Plan must be at least equal to the fair market value of the Common Shares on
the date of grant. The exercise price of nonstatutory stock options granted
under the 1996 Plan is determined by the Administrator, but with respect to
nonstatutory stock options granted to officers, the exercise price must at
least be equal to the fair market value of the Common Shares on the date of
grant. With respect to any participant who owns shares possessing more than
10% of the voting power of all classes of the Company's outstanding share
capital, the exercise price of any incentive stock option granted must equal
at least 110% of the fair market value on the grant date and the term of such
incentive stock option must not exceed five years. The term of all other
options granted under the 1996 Plan may not exceed 10 years.
 
  The 1996 Plan provides that in the event of a merger of the Company with or
into another corporation, or a sale of substantially all of the Company's
assets, each option shall be assumed or an equivalent option substituted for
by the successor corporation. If the outstanding options are not assumed or
substituted for by the successor corporation, the Administrator shall provide
for the optionee to have the right to exercise the option as to all of the
optioned shares, including shares as to which it would not otherwise be
exercisable. If the Administrator makes an option exercisable in full in the
event of a merger or sale of assets, the Administrator shall notify the
optionee that the option shall be fully exercisable for a period of 10 days
from the date of such notice, and the option will terminate upon the
expiration of such period.
 
  Options granted under the 1994 Plan must generally be exercised within three
months of the end of the Optionee's status as an employee or consultant of the
Company, within six months of such optionee's termination by disability or
within six months after such optionee's death but in no event later than the
expiration of 10 years from the grant of such options. Options granted under
the 1994 Plan provide that in the event of a proposed sale of all or
substantially all of the Company's assets or a merger of the Company with or
into another corporation each outstanding option shall be assumed or an
equivalent option substituted for by the successor corporation. If the
successor corporation does not assume such option or substitute an equivalent
option, the option shall vest in its entirety and become fully exercisable. If
the option becomes fully exercisable in such case, the Board of Directors
shall notify such optionee and the option shall be exercisable for a period of
10 days from the date of such notice, and will terminate upon the expiration
of such period.
 
  As of June 30, 1997, an aggregate of 133,138 Common Shares had been issued
upon exercise of options outstanding under the Stock Plans, and 7,000 Common
Shares had been issued to consultants outside of the Stock Plans. Options to
purchase an aggregate of 713,500 Common Shares at a weighted average exercise
price of $3.72 were outstanding under the Stock Plans as of June 30, 1997. As
of June 30, 1997, 303,362 Common Shares are available for issuance under
future option grants. No share purchase rights remain outstanding under the
1994 Plan.
 
 
                                      55
<PAGE>
 
  As of June 30, 1997, there were outstanding options under the Stock Plans
entitling the holders to acquire up to 713,500 Common Shares, all of which
expire 10 years from the date of grant, as set out below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           EXERCISE  MARKET VALUE  MARKET VALUE OF      
                                               NUMBER OF   PRICE PER OF SECURITIES   SECURITIES         
 NAME OR DESCRIPTION                         COMMON SHARES  COMMON    OPTIONED AT    OPTIONED AT        
  OF OPTION HOLDER            DATE OF GRANT  UNDER OPTION  SHARE(1)  DATE OF GRANT  JUNE 30, 1997       
- ----------------------        -------------- ------------- --------- ------------- ---------------      
<S>                           <C>            <C>           <C>       <C>           <C>                  
Executive Officers            April 1994         40,000    Cdn.$1.35   Cdn.$1.35      Cdn.$8.50         
 (5 persons)                  July 1995          60,000    Cdn.$1.35   Cdn.$1.35      Cdn.$8.50         
                              December 1996     120,000    Cdn.$5.00   Cdn.$5.00      Cdn.$8.50         
                              April 1997        200,000    Cdn.$8.95   Cdn.$8.95      Cdn.$8.50         
                                                                                                        
Directors                     February 1997      10,000    Cdn.$4.80   Cdn.$4.80      Cdn.$8.50         
 (1 person)                                                                                             
                                                                                                        
Employees who are not         April 1994        188,000    Cdn.$1.38   Cdn.$1.38      Cdn.$8.50         
 Executive Officers or        May 1996           13,000    Cdn.$7.00   Cdn.$7.00      Cdn.$8.50         
 Directors                    May 1997           22,500    Cdn.$9.75   Cdn.$9.75      Cdn.$8.50         
                              June 1997          60,000    Cdn.$8.70   Cdn.$8.70      Cdn.$8.50         
 Total                                          713,500                                                  
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) The option agreements under the Company's Stock Plans provide for the
    payment of the applicable exercise price in United States dollars. For all
    options granted after May 1996, the exercise price is based on the fair
    market value of the Company's Common Shares on the last business day
    preceding the date of grant, as determined in trading on The Toronto Stock
    Exchange and converted into U.S. dollars at the then-applicable exchange
    rates.
 
  401(k) Plan. Salix Pharmaceuticals participates in a tax-qualified employee
savings and retirement plan (the "401(k) Plan") which covers all of the
Company's full-time employees. Pursuant to the 401(k) Plan, employees may
elect to reduce their current compensation by up to the lower of 15% or the
statutorily prescribed annual limit and have the amount of such reduction
contributed to the 401(k) Plan. The Company makes matching contributions on
behalf of all participants in the 401(k) Plan in the amount of 25% of employee
contributions, provided, however, that for purposes of calculating such
matching contributions, the employee's contribution shall be treated as not
exceeding 6% of the employee's compensation. The Company may make additional
discretionary contributions on an annual basis. The 401(k) Plan is intended to
qualify under Section 401 of the Code so that contributions by employees or by
the Company to the 401(k) Plan, and income earned on plan contributions, are
not taxable to employees until withdrawn from the 401(k) Plan, and so that
contributions by the Company, if any, will be deductible by the Company when
made. The trustee under the 401(k) Plan, at the direction of each participant,
invests the assets of the 401(k) Plan in any of a number of investment
options.
 
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS AND CHANGE IN CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS
 
  The Company does not currently have any employment contracts in effect with
any Named Executive Officer.
 
  Under the Stock Plans, in the event of a merger or a change in control of
the Company, under certain circumstances, vesting of options outstanding under
the Stock Plans will automatically accelerate such that outstanding options
will become fully exercisable, including with respect to shares for which such
shares would be otherwise unvested. See "Stock Plans".
 
                                      56
<PAGE>
 
LIMITATIONS ON LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION MATTERS
 
  The Company has adopted provisions in its Memorandum and Articles of
Association that eliminate to the fullest extent permissible under British
Virgin Islands law the liability of its directors to the Company for monetary
damages. Such limitation of liability does not affect the availability of
equitable remedies such as injunctive relief or rescission. The Company has
entered into indemnification agreements with its officers and directors
containing provisions which may require the Company, among other things, to
indemnify the officers and directors against certain liabilities that may
arise by reason of their status or service as directors or officers (other
than liabilities arising from willful misconduct of a culpable nature), and to
advance their expenses incurred as a result of any proceeding against them as
to which they could be indemnified.
 
  At the present time, there is no pending litigation or proceeding involving
a director, officer, employee or other agent of the Company in which
indemnification would be required or permitted. The Company is not aware of
any threatened litigation or proceeding which may result in a claim for such
indemnification.
 
                                      57
<PAGE>
 
                            PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
 
  The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the
beneficial ownership of the Company's Common Shares as of June 30, 1997 and as
adjusted to reflect the sale of the 3,000,000 Common Shares offered by the
Company hereby: (i) by each person or entity who is known by the Company to
own beneficially more than 5% of the Common Shares; (ii) by each director of
the Company; (iii) by the Named Executive Officers; and (iv) by all directors
and executive officers of the Company as a group.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  PERCENTAGE TOTAL SHARES(/2/)
                               NUMBER OF SHARES  ------------------------------
NAME AND ADDRESS(/1/)         BENEFICIALLY OWNED BEFORE OFFERING AFTER OFFERING
- ---------------------         ------------------ --------------- --------------
<S>                           <C>                <C>             <C>
Randy W. Hamilton(/3/).......     1,038,982           14.6%           10.3%
Lorin K. Johnson(/4/)........       745,693           10.4%            7.3%
David E. Lauck...............       300,000            4.2%            3.0%
Robert P. Ruscher(/5/).......        39,435              *               *
Lily Baxendale(/6/)..........       323,124            4.5%            3.2%
Lawrance A. Brown, Jr........        37,668              *               *
John F. Chappell(/7/)........       879,494           12.3%            8.7%
Nicholas M. Ediger(/8/)......         1,667              *               *
All current executive
 officers and directors
 as a group (12
 persons)(/9/)...............     3,429,396           47.0%           33.3%
</TABLE>
- ----------------
*Less than 1%.
 
(1) The address of each listed shareholder is c/o Salix Holdings, Ltd., 3600
    West Bayshore Road, Suite 205, Palo Alto, California 94303.
(2) Applicable percentage ownership is based on 7,118,173 Common Shares
    outstanding as of June 30, 1997 and 10,118,173 Common Shares outstanding
    immediately following the completion of this offering, together with
    applicable options for such shareholder. Beneficial ownership is
    determined in accordance with the rules of the United States Securities
    and Exchange Commission, based on factors including voting and investment
    power with respect to shares, subject to community property laws, where
    applicable. Common Shares subject to options or warrants currently
    exercisable, or exercisable within 60 days after June 30, 1997, are deemed
    outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of the
    person holding such options or warrants, but are not deemed outstanding
    for computing the percentage ownership of any other person. To the extent
    that any shares are issued upon exercise of options, warrants, or other
    rights to acquire the Company's share capital that are presently
    outstanding or granted in the future or reserved for future issuance under
    the Company's Stock Plans, there will be further dilution to new
    investors.
   
(3) Includes 1,667 Common Shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding
    warrants which are presently exercisable or will become exercisable within
    60 days of June 30, 1997. Also includes 190,000 shares held by Mr.
    Hamilton's spouse, for which Mr. Hamilton disclaims beneficial ownership.
        
(4) Includes 33,333 Common Shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding
    warrants which are presently exercisable or will become exercisable within
    60 days of June 30, 1997. Also includes 674,500 shares held by a trust for
    the benefit of Dr. Johnson and his wife and 37,860 Common Shares held by a
    family trust, the beneficiaries of which include Dr. Johnson's minor
    children. Dr. Johnson's wife is the trustee of both trusts.
(5) Includes 35,000 Common Shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding
    options and 833 Common Shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding
    warrants, which are presently exercisable or will become exercisable
    within 60 days of June 30, 1997.
(6) Represents 306,457 Common Shares held by Biorex Laboratories Limited and
    16,667 Common Shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding warrants held
    by Biorex Laboratories Limited which are presently exercisable or will
    become exercisable within 60 days of June 30, 1997. Miss Baxendale is the
    Managing Director and a co-founder of Biorex Laboratories Limited.
(7) Includes 10,000 Common Shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding
    warrants which are presently exercisable or will become exercisable within
    60 days of June 30, 1997.
(8) Represents 1,667 Common Shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding
    options which are presently exercisable or will become exercisable within
    60 days of June 30, 1997.
(9) Includes 100,000 Common Shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding
    options and 70,833 Common Shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding
    warrants which are presently exercisable or will become exercisable within
    60 days of June 30, 1997.
 
                                      58
<PAGE>
 
                         DESCRIPTION OF SHARE CAPITAL
 
GENERAL
 
  The Company is authorized to issue 20,000,000 Common Shares, no par value,
and 5,000,000 undesignated Preferred Shares, no par value.
 
COMMON SHARES
 
  As of June 30, 1997, there were 7,118,173 Common Shares outstanding held of
record by approximately 76 shareholders. As of June 30, 1997, options to
purchase an aggregate of 713,500 Common Shares and warrants to purchase an
aggregate of 602,331 Common Shares were also outstanding. See "Management--
Stock Plans".
 
  The holders of Common Shares are entitled to one vote per share on all
matters to be voted on by shareholders and have cumulative voting rights with
respect to the election of directors. Subject to the prior rights of holders
of Preferred Shares, if any, the holders of Common Shares are entitled to
receive such dividends, if any, as may be declared from time to time by the
Board of Directors in its discretion from funds legally available therefor.
Upon liquidation or dissolution of the Company, the remainder of the assets of
the Company will be distributed ratably among the holders of Common Shares
after payment of liabilities and the liquidation preferences of any
outstanding shares of Preferred Shares. The Common Shares have no preemptive
or other subscription rights and there are no conversion rights or redemption
or sinking fund provisions with respect to such shares. All of the outstanding
Common Shares are, and the shares to be sold in this offering will be, fully
paid and nonassessable.
 
PREFERRED SHARES
 
  The Company is authorized to issue 5,000,000 undesignated Preferred Shares.
The Board of Directors has the authority to issue the Preferred Shares in one
or more series and to fix the price, rights, preferences, privileges and
restrictions thereof, including dividend rights, dividend rates, conversion
rights, voting rights, terms of redemption, redemption prices, liquidation
preferences and the number of shares constituting a series or the designation
of such series, without any further vote or action by the Company's
shareholders. The issuance of Preferred Shares, while providing desirable
flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions and other corporate
purposes, could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change
in control of the Company without further action by the shareholders and may
adversely affect the market price of, and the voting and other rights of, the
holders of Common Shares. The Company has no current plans to issue any
Preferred Shares.
 
WARRANTS
 
  As of June 30, 1997, there were outstanding warrants to purchase an
aggregate of 602,331 Common Shares at an exercise price of $3.00. Warrants to
purchase 399,999 Common Shares may be exercised at any time on or before the
earliest to occur of the following: (i) July 25, 2003 or (ii) the closing of
the Company's sale or acquisition of all or substantially all of its assets or
the acquisition of the Company by another entity by means of a merger or other
transaction the result of which is that shareholders of the Company
immediately prior to such acquisition possess a minority of the voting power
of the acquiring entity immediately following such acquisition (an
"Acquisition"). Warrants to purchase 202,332 Common Shares are exercisable at
any time on or before the earliest to occur of (i) January 17, 2000 or (ii) an
Acquisition. The warrants to purchase 399,999 Common Shares described above
include a net exercise provision that permits the holders to exercise the
warrant without payment of cash by surrendering the warrant and receiving
Common Shares equal to the value of the warrant surrendered in accordance with
a formula set forth in the warrants. The warrants to purchase 202,332 Common
Shares described above may be net exercised only following the Company's
delivery of notice of an Acquisition. All outstanding warrants contain
provisions for the adjustment of the exercise price and the aggregate number
of shares issuable upon exercise under certain circumstances, including share
dividends, share splits, reorganizations, reclassifications or consolidations.
 
                                      59
<PAGE>
 
                           PRIOR SALES OF SECURITIES
 
  The following table sets forth the particulars of prior sales of equity
securities of the Company since July 31, 1996 other than options granted and
the Common Shares offered hereby.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         NUMBER OF   PRICE PER    AGGREGATE      
DATE OF ISSUE                                              SECURITY      SECURITIES  SECURITY      PROCEEDS      
- -------------                                              --------      ----------  ---------  --------------   
<S>                                                      <C>             <C>         <C>       <C>               
August 1996 and February 1997(/1/)..................       Common Shares   70,313        $1.00          $70,313  
March and May 1997(/2/).............................       Common Shares  200,000    Cdn.$7.00   Cdn.$1,400,000   
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Common Shares issued upon exercise of options to purchase Common Shares
    under the Company's Stock Plans.
(2) Common Shares issued upon exercise of warrants to purchase Common Shares
    granted to the underwriters in connection with the Canadian initial public
    offering in May 1996.
 
                                      60
<PAGE>
 
  COMPARISON OF CANADIAN, UNITED STATES AND BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS CORPORATE
                                     LAWS
 
  Under the laws of many jurisdictions in the United States and Canada,
majority and controlling shareholders generally have certain "fiduciary"
responsibilities to the minority shareholders. Shareholder action must be
taken in good faith and actions by controlling shareholders which are
obviously unreasonable may be declared null and void. British Virgin Islands
law protecting the interests of minority shareholders may not be as protective
in all circumstances as the law protecting minority shareholders in
jurisdictions in the United States and Canada.
 
  While British Virgin Islands law does permit a shareholder of a British
Virgin Islands corporation to sue its directors derivatively (i.e., in the
name of and for the benefit of the corporation) and to sue the corporation and
its directors for the shareholder's benefit and for the benefit of other
similarly situated, the circumstances in which any such action may be brought,
and the procedures and defenses that may be available in respect of any such
action, may result in the rights of shareholders of a British Virgin Islands
corporation being more limited than those of shareholders of a corporation
organized in the United States or Canada.
 
  Directors of the Company have the power to take certain actions without
shareholder approval, including an amendment of the Company's Memorandum of
Association or Articles of Association or an increase or reduction in the
Company's authorized capital, which would require shareholder approval under
the laws of most jurisdictions in Canada and the United States. In addition,
the directors of a British Virgin Islands corporation, subject to court
approval but without shareholder approval (unless the court requires
shareholder approval), may, among other things, implement a reorganization;
certain mergers or consolidations; certain sales, transfers, exchanges or
dispositions of assets, property, parts of the business or securities of the
corporation; the winding-up or dissolution of the corporation, or any
combination thereof, if they determine any such action is in the best
interests of the corporation, its creditors, or its shareholders. The ability
of directors to commence a winding up of a company under British Virgin
Islands law may be restricted by the Company's Memorandum of Association and
Articles of Association so that a company that has issued shares may only
commence to wind-up and dissolve with the approval of the shareholders. In
addition, where there is a proposal to dispose of more than 50% of the assets
of a company (outside the ordinary course of business), British Virgin Islands
law requires shareholder consent to render such disposition valid.
 
  As in most jurisdictions in the United States and Canada, the board of
directors of a British Virgin Islands corporation is charged with the
management of affairs of the corporation. In most jurisdictions in the United
States and Canada, directors owe a fiduciary duty to the corporation and its
shareholders, including a duty of care, pursuant to which directors must
properly apprise themselves of all reasonably available information, and a
duty of loyalty, pursuant to which they must protect the interests of the
corporation and refrain from conduct that injures the corporation or its
shareholders or that deprives the corporation or its shareholders of any
profit or advantage. Many U.S. and Canadian jurisdictions have enacted various
statutory provisions which permit the monetary liability of directors to be
eliminated or limited. Under British Virgin Islands law, the liability of a
corporate director to the corporation is limited to cases where the director
has not acted honestly and in good faith and with a view to the best interests
of the corporation or to cases where the director has not exercised the care,
diligence and skill that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in
comparable circumstances. Under its Articles of Association, the Company is
authorized to indemnify any person who is made or threatened to be made a
party to a legal or administrative proceeding by virtue of being a director,
officer or agent of the Company, provided such person acted honestly and in
good faith and with a view to the best interest of the Company and, in the
case of a criminal proceedings, such person had no reasonable cause to believe
that his conduct was unlawful. The Company's Articles of Association also
obligate the Company to indemnify any director, officer or agent of the
Company who was successful in any proceeding against expenses and judgments,
 
                                      61
<PAGE>
 
fines and amounts paid in settlement and reasonably incurred in connection
with the proceeding, regardless of whether such person met the standard of
conduct described in the preceding sentence.
 
  The foregoing description of certain differences between Canadian, United
States and British Virgin Islands corporate laws is only a summary and does
not purport to be complete or to address every applicable aspect of such laws.
 
APPLICABILITY OF CALIFORNIA LAW
 
  Section 2115 of the California General Corporate Law (the "California
Corporate Law") makes substantial portions of the California Corporate Law
applicable, with limited exceptions, to foreign corporations (i.e., any
corporation domiciled outside the State of California) with more than half of
their outstanding capital stock held of record by persons having addresses in
California and more than half of the corporation's business conducted in the
State of California (as measured by factors based on the corporations levels
of property, payroll, and sales determined for California franchise tax
purposes). Although the Company is incorporated in the British Virgin Islands,
pursuant to Section 2115, certain provisions of the California Corporate Law
apply to the Company. The statutory provisions of the California Corporate Law
to which the Company is subject include, but are not limited to, provisions
governing a director's standard of care in performing the duties of a
director, the right of shareholders to vote cumulatively in the election of
directors, the right of a director or shareholder to inspect corporate
records, the ability of a corporation to indemnify officers, directors, and
others, and the corporate requirements to effect a corporate reorganization
(including mergers and acquisitions). Under Section 2115, the provisions of
the California Corporate law made applicable to a foreign corporation apply to
the exclusion of the law of the jurisdiction of incorporation of the foreign
corporation.
 
                                      62
<PAGE>
 
                          CERTAIN TAX CONSIDERATIONS
 
  The following is a general summary of certain British Virgin Islands,
Canadian and United States federal tax consequences of the purchase, ownership
and disposition of shares by prospective purchasers of Common Shares. This
summary is of a general nature only and prospective purchasers of Common
Shares are advised to consult their own tax advisors with respect to the tax
consequences, as well as with respect to the tax consequences in other
jurisdictions, of the ownership of Common Shares applicable in their
particular tax situations.
 
  The summary set forth below is based on the laws in force and as interpreted
by the relevant taxation authorities as of the date of this Prospectus and are
subject to any changes in such law, or in the interpretation thereof by the
relevant taxation authorities, occurring after such date.
 
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS TAXATION
 
  At the present time, there is no British Virgin Islands income, corporation
or profits tax, withholding tax, capital gains tax, capital transfer tax,
estate duty or inheritance tax payable by the Company or its shareholders,
other than shareholders that are ordinarily resident in the British Virgin
Islands.
 
CANADIAN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
 
  The following is a general summary of the principal Canadian federal income
tax consequences under the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "Canadian Act") to
purchasers of Common Shares pursuant to this offering who, for purposes of the
Canadian Act, are resident in Canada, deal at arm's length with the Company
and acquire and hold their Common Shares as capital property (a "Canadian
Holder"). The Canadian Act contains provisions relating to the tax
consequences to a taxpayer who holds shares in a "foreign affiliate" (the
"Foreign Affiliate Rules"). Generally, a "foreign affiliate" (as defined in
the Canadian Act) is a non-resident corporation in which the taxpayer owns at
least a 1% equity percentage and, either alone, or together with related
persons, owns at least a 10% equity percentage. The Canadian Act also contains
provisions relating to securities held by certain financial instructions (the
"Mark-to-Market Rules"). This summary does not take into account either the
Foreign Affiliate Rules or the Mark-to-Market Rules and Canadian Holders in
respect of which the Company is a "foreign affiliate" or that are "financial
institutions" should consult their own tax advisors.
 
  This summary is based upon and takes into account the current provisions of
the Canadian Act, the regulations thereunder (the "Regulations"), all specific
proposals to amend the Canadian Act and the Regulations publicly announced by
the Minister of Finance prior to the date hereof (the "Amendments"), and the
Company's understanding of the current administrative practices published by
Revenue Canada. This summary does not otherwise take into account or
anticipate any changes in law, whether by judicial, governmental or
legislative decision or action, nor does it take into account tax laws or
considerations of any province or territory of Canada or any jurisdiction
outside Canada. Moreover, there can be no assurance that the Amendments will
be enacted as proposed or that the Canadian Act, the Regulations or
administrative practices of Revenue Canada, respectively, will not change in a
manner which will affect the tax consequences of the transactions to Canadian
Holders.
 
  THIS SUMMARY IS OF A GENERAL NATURE ONLY, IS NOT EXHAUSTIVE OF ALL
POTENTIALLY RELEVANT CANADIAN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS AND IS NOT
INTENDED TO BE, NOR SHOULD IT BE CONSTRUED TO BE, LEGAL OR TAX ADVICE TO ANY
PARTICULAR HOLDER OF COMMON SHARES. THEREFORE, SUCH PERSONS SHOULD CONSULT
THEIR OWN TAX ADVISERS WITH RESPECT TO THEIR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES.
 
Dividends Received on Common Shares
 
  Dividends, if any, received by Canadian Holders on Common Shares must be
included in computing their income. Canadian Holders who are individuals will
not be entitled to the benefit of the gross-up and dividend tax credit rules
in the Canadian Act. Canadian Holders which are corporations will not be
entitled to deduct an amount in respect of such dividends in computing taxable
income.
 
                                      63
<PAGE>
 
  A refundable tax of 6 2/3% is payable on investment income earned by a
Canadian-controlled private corporation (as defined in the Canadian Act) which
tax will be refunded when the corporation pays taxable dividends (at a rate of
Cdn. $1.00 for every Cdn. $3.00 of taxable dividends paid). For this purpose,
investment income includes dividends on the Common Shares and a portion of any
taxable capital gain arising on a disposition of the Common Shares.
 
Disposition of Common Shares
 
  A disposition or deemed disposition of a Common Share by a Canadian Holder
will give rise to a capital gain (or a capital loss) equal to the amount by
which the actual or deemed proceeds of disposition, less the reasonable costs
of disposition, exceed (or are exceeded by) the adjusted cost base of the
Common Share to the Canadian Holder at such time. Where a Canadian Holder who
holds previously acquired Common Shares acquires any Common Shares under this
offering all such shares will be considered to be identical properties for the
purposes of the Canadian Act. Accordingly, the cost of all such Common Shares
must be averaged for the purpose of determining their adjusted cost base to
the Canadian Holder.
 
  Generally, three-quarters of any capital gain realized will be required to
be included in income as a taxable capital gain and three-quarters of any
capital loss will be deductible, subject to certain limitations, from taxable
capital gains in the year of disposition or the three preceding years or any
subsequent year.
 
Information Reporting
 
  Certain Canadian Holders of Common Shares whose total cost amount (as
defined in the Canadian Act) of "specified foreign property" (as defined in
the Canadian Act), including the Common Shares, in a taxation year exceeds
Cdn. $100,000 will be required to file an information return in respect of
such specified foreign property. This reporting requirement applies for
taxation years commencing after 1995; however, information returns are not
required to be filed for the 1996, 1997 and 1998 taxation years before the
later of April 30, 1998 and the day on or before which the return for the
taxation year is otherwise required to be filed. Canadian Holders should
consult their own advisors with respect to the application of this reporting
requirement.
 
UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAXATION
 
  The following discussion is applicable to prospective purchasers of the
Common Stock that are "U.S. Holders". For purposes of this discussion, a "U.S.
Holder" means an individual citizen or resident of the United States for
United States federal income tax purposes, a corporation or partnership
created or organized under the laws of the United States or any State thereof,
or an estate or trust the income of which is subject to United States federal
income taxation regardless of its source.
 
  The following summary does not address the tax treatment of U.S. Holders who
own, actually or constructively, 10% or more of the Company's outstanding
voting stock and certain United States Holders (including, but not limited to,
insurance companies, tax-exempt organizations, financial institutions and
persons subject to the alternative minimum tax) who may be subject to special
rules not discussed below.
 
  Taxation of Dividends. For United States federal income tax purposes, a U.S.
Holder receiving a distribution with respect to the Common Stock generally
will be required to include such distribution in gross income as a taxable
foreign source dividend to the extent such distribution is paid from current
or accumulated earnings and profits of the Company. Dividends received by
United States corporate shareholders will not be eligible for the dividends
received deduction allowed to United States corporations.
 
 
                                      64
<PAGE>
 
  Taxation of Capital Gains. Subject to the discussion below under the heading
"Passive Foreign Investment Company Considerations", a U.S. Holder will be
liable for United States federal income tax on gains realized from the sale,
exchange or other disposition of Common Stock to the same extent as on any
other gains from sales, exchanges or disposition of shares. If the Common
Stock constitutes a capital asset in the hands of the U.S. Holder, gain or
loss generally will be capital gain or loss.
 
  Under the "Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997" (the "Taxpayer Act") the maximum
rate applicable to long-term capital gains of individuals has been reduced to
20%. However, the Taxpayer Act also extends the holding period for long-term
capital gains to 18 months for capital assets disposed of after July 28, 1997.
Gain on capital assets held between 12 months and 18 months are subject to tax
at a maximum rate of 28%.
 
  Personal Holding Companies. A non-United States corporation may be
classified as a personal holding company (a "PHC") for United States federal
income tax purposes if both of the following two tests are satisfied: (i) if
at any time during the last half of the company's taxable year, five or fewer
individuals (without regard to their citizenship or residency) own or are
deemed to own (under certain attribution rules) more than 50% of the stock of
the corporation by value (the "PHC Ownership Test") and (ii) such non-United
States corporation receives 60% or more of its United States related gross
income, as specifically adjusted, from certain passive sources such as royalty
payments (the "PHC Income Test"). Such a corporation is taxed (currently at a
rate of 39.6%) on certain of its undistributed United States source income
(including certain types of foreign source income which are effectively
connected with the conduct of a United States trade or business) to the extent
amounts at least equal to such income are not distributed to shareholders.
 
  The Company does not believe that it currently satisfies either the PHC
Ownership Test or the PHC Income Test and intends to manage its affairs so as
to avoid becoming a PHC, to the extent consistent with its business goals.
 
  Foreign Personal Holding Companies. A non-United States corporation will be
classified as a foreign personal holding company (an "FPHC") for United States
federal income tax purposes if both of the two following tests are satisfied:
(i) five or fewer individuals who are United States citizens or residents own
or are deemed to own (under certain attribution rules) more than 50% of all
classes of the corporation's stock measured by voting power or value (the
"FPHC Ownership Test") and (ii) the corporation receives at least 60% (50% in
later years) of its gross income (regardless of source), as specifically
adjusted, from certain passive sources (the "FPHC Income Test").
 
  If the Company is classified as an FPHC, a portion of its "undistributed
foreign personal holding company income" (as defined for United States federal
income tax purposes) would be imputed to all of its shareholders who are
United States holders of Common Shares on the last taxable day of the
Company's taxable year, or, if earlier, the last day on which it is classified
as an FPHC. Such income would be taxable as a dividend, even if no cash
dividend is actually paid. United States holders who dispose of their Common
Shares prior to such date would not be subject to tax under these rules.
 
  The Company does not believe that it currently satisfies either the FPHC
Ownership Test or the FPHC Income Test and intends to manage its affairs so as
to avoid becoming a FPHC, to the extent consistent with its business goals.
 
  Passive Foreign Investment Companies. The Company may be classified as a
passive foreign investment company ("PFIC") for United States federal income
tax purposes if certain tests are met. The Company will be a PFIC with respect
to a U.S. Holder if for any taxable year in which the U.S. held the Common
Stock either (i) 75% or more of its gross income is passive income or (ii) on
average for the taxable year, 50% or more of its assets (by value or, if the
Company so elects, by adjusted basis) produce or are held for the production
of passive income.
 
 
                                      65
<PAGE>
 
  Based on the anticipated sources of revenue of the Company in 1997, the
Company does not believe that it will satisfy either of the tests for PFIC
status for the taxable year ended December 31, 1997. However, there can be no
assurance that the Internal Revenue Service will not challenge the Company's
determination. In addition, because the determination of whether the Common
Shares constitutes shares of a PFIC will be based upon the nature of the
income and assets of the Company from time to time, there can be no assurance
that the Company will not be considered a PFIC for any future taxable year. If
the Company is a PFIC for any taxable year, U.S. Holders would be required to
either (i) pay an interest charge together with tax calculated at maximum
ordinary income rates on certain "excess distributions" (defined to include
gain on a sale or other disposition of Common Shares) or (ii) if a Qualified
Electing Fund ("QEF") election is made, to include in their taxable income
certain undistributed amounts of the Company's income. Each U.S. Holder should
consult its own tax advisor regarding the advisability of making the QEF
election.
 
  United States Information Reporting and Backup Withholding. Generally the
amount of dividends paid to U.S. Holders of Common Shares, the name and
address of the recipient and the amount if any, of tax withheld must be
reported annually to the Internal Revenue Service. A similar report is sent to
the holder.
 
  Backup withholding tax at the rate of 31% will apply to certain payments
made to U.S. Holders who fail to furnish certain identifying information under
the United States information reporting rules. Amounts withheld from payments
will be allowed as a credit against such U.S. Holders' United States Federal
income tax liability.
 
 
                                      66
<PAGE>
 
                        SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
 
  Although the Common Shares offered hereby will be registered for sale under
the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities
Act"), there is no public trading market for the Common Shares of the Company
in the United States. After this offering, the 3,000,000 Common Shares offered
hereby will trade only in Canada on The Toronto Stock Exchange under the
symbol "SLX". No prediction can be made regarding the effect, if any, that
market sales of Common Shares or the availability of Common Shares for sale
will have on the prevailing market price of the Common Shares from time to
time. As described below, certain outstanding Common Shares are subject to
contractual and legal restrictions on resale. Sales of substantial amounts of
Common Shares in the public market after the restrictions lapse could
adversely affect the prevailing market price of the Company's securities on
The Toronto Stock Exchange.
 
  Upon completion of this offering, the Company will have approximately
10,118,173 Common Shares outstanding (assuming no exercise of the
Underwriters' over-allotment option). Of these shares, all of the 3,000,000
Common Shares sold in this offering will be freely tradeable in the United
States without restriction (unless such shares are held by an "affiliate" of
the Company as such term is defined in the U.S. Securities Act). An additional
2,200,000 Common Shares were issued in connection with the Company's initial
public offering in Canada in May 1996 (the "Canadian IPO"). The Common Shares
issued in the Canadian IPO and all other outstanding Common Shares available
for resale under applicable securities laws currently trade on The Toronto
Stock Exchange under the symbol "SLX.s", carry a legend reflecting the
Company's reliance, in connection with the Canadian IPO, on the exemption from
the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act set forth in
Regulation S thereunder, and are not presently available for resale in the
United States or to "U.S. Persons" (as defined in Regulation S) in the absence
of an exemption from registration under the U.S. Securities Act. It is the
Company's current intention to authorize the removal of the Regulation S
legend from all shares currently bearing such legend on May 28, 1998. After
May 28, 1998, all shares that are then freely tradeable on The Toronto Stock
Exchange will trade under the symbol "SLX". Prior to May 28, 1998,
shareholders may request that the Company remove applicable legends in
connection with resales on The Toronto Stock Exchange, subject to the
shareholder's ability to establish, to the satisfaction of the Company and its
legal counsel, that such shares may be resold in the United States in
compliance with the requirements of the U.S. Securities Act. Following removal
of the legend, such Common Shares will be freely tradeable in the United
States without restriction or further registration under the U.S. Securities
Act (except for shares that are held by an affiliate of the Company as that
term is defined in Rule 144 under the U.S. Securities Act).
 
  Of the 7,118,173 Common Shares outstanding prior to the completion of this
offering, except for shares purchased by affiliates of the Company, (i) the
2,200,000 Common Shares issued in connection with the Canadian IPO and
approximately 500,000 Common Shares issued in other transactions will be
available for resale in accordance with Regulation S at any time on The
Toronto Stock Exchange, subject to the legend removal conditions set forth
above, and (ii) approximately 1,165,000 Common Shares will be available for
resale only in compliance with Rule 144(k) or another exemption under the U.S.
Securities Act. Approximately 3,259,000 Common Shares are held by affiliates
of the Company and are subject to additional legal and contractual
restrictions on resale. See "Risk Factors--Price Volatility; Limited Trading
Volume".
 
  Outstanding Common Shares will generally be available for resale pursuant to
Rule 144(k) under the U.S. Securities Act if the holder is not an affiliate of
the Company and has held the Common Shares for at least two years (including
the holding period of any prior holder other than an affiliate) from the later
to occur of the date on which the shares were purchased or the date on which
the purchaser paid the full consideration for the shares. In general, under
Regulation S as currently in effect, outstanding Common Shares issued and sold
by the Company in reliance on the exemption under Regulation S will be
eligible for legend removal and resale in the United States or to U.S. Persons
if the Common Shares have been held for at least one year from the date of
purchase in a transaction meeting the requirements of
 
                                      67
<PAGE>
 
Regulation S. The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC")
is currently evaluating a proposal that would, among other things, classify
all equity securities of domestic issuers placed offshore under Regulation S
as "restricted securities" under Rule 144 of the U.S. Securities Act. Such a
proposal, if adopted, would reinforce the SEC's current view that any person
who would be considered an "underwriter" within the meaning of the U.S.
Securities Act may not resell securities sold in reliance on Regulation S
following expiration of the applicable Regulation S restricted period in the
absence of registration or an exemption therefrom. In particular, such persons
may not assume the availability of the exemption set forth in Section 4(1) of
the U.S. Securities Act with respect to resales of securities in the United
States or to U.S. Persons. The Company's decision to refrain from removing any
Regulation S legend on the Common Shares prior to May 28, 1998 except upon
satisfaction of the conditions described above is subject to change in the
event of further regulation or guidance from the SEC.
   
  In connection with the completion of this offering, Biorex and certain
executive officers and directors of the Company holding 3,035,626 Common
Shares are expected to agree with the Underwriters not to sell, transfer, or
assign any Common Shares or any securities convertible or exercisable or
exchangeable for Common Shares, held or controlled, directly or indirectly, by
such shareholders, without the prior written consent of Levesque Beaubien
Geoffrion Inc. on behalf of the Underwriters, which consent will not be
unreasonably withheld, for a period of 90 days following the closing date of
the offering. The Company has agreed to a similar 90-day restriction with
respect to the issuance of new Common Shares. The Company may, however, grant
options to purchase Common Shares pursuant to the Stock Plans and may issue
Common Shares pursuant to the exercise of granted options and outstanding
warrants, as well as in connection with licensing arrangements or other
acquisitions by the Company of assets or rights in the ordinary course of
business.     
 
OPTIONS
 
  As of June 30, 1997, options to purchase 713,500 Common Shares were
outstanding, of which options to purchase approximately 264,111 Common Shares
were then vested and exercisable. In addition, 133,138 Common Shares were
issued and outstanding under the Stock Plans, and an additional 7,000 Common
Shares had been issued to consultants outside of the Stock Plans. Concurrently
with the effectiveness of the offering contemplated by this Prospectus, the
Company intends to file a Registration Statement on Form S-8/S-3 covering the
1,150,000 Common Shares reserved for issuance under the Stock Plans and
covering for resale approximately 1,960,000 Common Shares issued under the
Stock Plans or to consultants outside of the Stock Plans and pursuant to
founders' Stock Purchase Agreements.
 
ESCROWED SHARES
 
  Pursuant to an escrow agreement dated May 10, 1996, among Randy W. Hamilton,
Lorin K. Johnson, David E. Lauck, John F. Chappell and Biorex (collectively,
the "Escrowed Shareholders"), the Company and Montreal Trust Company of Canada
(the "Escrow Agent"), 2,747,753 Common Shares (the "Escrowed Shares") were
placed in escrow by the Escrowed Shareholders. The Escrowed Shares are subject
to release from escrow as follows: 10% of the Escrowed Shares were released
nine months after May 17, 1996, (the date of the issuance by the securities
regulatory authorities in the applicable provinces of a receipt for the
Prospectus relating to the Company's initial public offering of shares in
Canada (the "Initial Release Date"); a further 20% of the Escrowed Shares will
be released on each of the first, second and third anniversaries of the
Initial Release Date; and 30% of the Escrowed Shares will be released on the
fourth anniversary date of the Initial Release Date.
 
                                      68
<PAGE>
 
                             PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
 
  Pursuant to an underwriting agreement (the "Underwriting Agreement") dated
    , 1997 between the Company and Levesque Beaubien Geoffrion Inc., Yorkton
Securities Inc., Marleau, Lemire Securities Inc. and Midland Walwyn Capital
Inc. (collectively, the "Underwriters"), the Company has agreed to issue and
sell and the Underwriters have severally agreed to purchase on   , 1997, or on
such other date, not later than   , 1997, as may be agreed upon, subject to
the terms and conditions stated therein, the number of Common Shares (the
"Offered Shares") set forth opposite their names below at a price of Cdn.$
per Common Share, payable against delivery of certificates for such Common
Shares. The Company has agreed to pay the Underwriters a fee of Cdn.$   per
share for their services in connection with this offering.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      NUMBER OF
          UNDERWRITER                                                   SHARES
          -----------                                                 ---------
   <S>                                                                <C>
   Levesque Beaubien Geoffrion Inc...................................
   Yorkton Securities Inc............................................
   Marleau, Lemire Securities Inc....................................
   Midland Walwyn Capital Inc........................................
                                                                      ---------
    Total............................................................ 3,000,000
                                                                      =========
</TABLE>
 
  The Underwriters will offer the Offered Shares in Canada and elsewhere
outside the United States, and, through their respective United States broker-
dealer affiliates, in the United States. The respective United States broker-
dealer affiliates of the Underwriters are NBC Levesque International Ltd.,
Yorkton Capital Inc., Marleau Lemire (USA), Inc., and Midland Walwyn Capital
Corporation.
 
  The obligations of the Underwriters under the Underwriting Agreement are
several and may be terminated at their discretion on the basis of their
assessment of the state of the financial markets and may also be terminated
upon the occurrence of certain stated events. If any of the Offered Shares are
purchased pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement, the Underwriters will be
obligated to take up and pay for all of the Offered Shares.
 
  Pursuant to policy statements of the Ontario Securities Commission and the
Commission des valeurs mobilieres du Quebec, the Underwriters may not, during
the period of distribution under this Prospectus, bid for or purchase Common
Shares. The foregoing restriction is subject to certain exceptions, as long as
the bid of purchase is not engaged in for the purpose of creating actual or
apparent active trading in or raising the market price of the Common Shares.
These exceptions include a bid or purchase permitted under the rules and by-
laws of The Toronto Stock Exchange relating to market stabilization and
passive market making activities and a bid or purchase made for and on behalf
of a customer where the order was not solicited during the period of
distribution. Pursuant to the first mentioned exception, in connection with
this offering, the Underwriters may over-allot or effect transactions which
stabilize or maintain the market price of the Common Shares at levels other
than those which otherwise might prevail on the open market. Such transactions
may be commenced or interrupted at any time during the period of distribution.
 
  The Underwriters have further advised the Company that, pursuant to
Regulation M under the U.S. Securities Act, certain persons participating in
the offering may engage in transactions, including stabilizing bids, syndicate
covering transactions or the imposition of penalty bids, which may have the
effect of stabilizing or maintaining the market price of Common Shares at a
level above that which might otherwise prevail in the open market. A
"stabilizing bid" is a bid for or the purchase of the Common Shares on behalf
of the Underwriters for the purpose of fixing or maintaining the price of the
Common Shares. A "syndicate covering transaction" is the bid for or the
purchase of the Common Shares on behalf of the Underwriters to reduce a short
position incurred by the Underwriters in connection with the offering. A
"penalty bid" is an arrangement permitting the Underwriters to reclaim the
selling concession
 
                                      69
<PAGE>
 
otherwise accruing to an Underwriter or syndicate member in connection with
the offering if the Common Shares originally sold by such Underwriter or
syndicate member is purchased by the Underwriters in a syndicate covering
transaction and has therefore not been effectively placed by such Underwriter
or syndicate member. The Underwriters have advised the Company that such
transactions may be effected on The Toronto Stock Exchange or otherwise and,
if commenced, may be discontinued at any time.
 
  The Company has granted to the Underwriters, an option, exercisable during
the 60-day period following the date of closing of this offering, to purchase
up to 450,000 additional Common Shares at the price set forth on the front
cover page of this Prospectus payable in cash to the Company against delivery
of the certificates representing those Common Shares, to cover over-
allotments, if any. Such option may be exercised in whole or in part at any
time until the close of business on the 60th day after the date of the closing
of this offering. The Company has agreed to pay the Underwriters a fee of
Cdn.$   per Common Share in respect of such additional Common Shares. The
Common Shares received by the Underwriters on exercise of the over-allotment
option will be qualified in Canada by this Prospectus and registered in the
United States pursuant to the registration statement of which this Prospectus
forms a part.
 
  In connection with the completion of this offering, Biorex and certain
executive officers and directors of the Company holding 3,035,626 Common
Shares are expected to agree with the Underwriters not to sell, transfer, or
assign any Common Shares or any securities convertible or exercisable or
exchangeable for Common Shares, held or controlled, directly or indirectly, by
such shareholders, without the prior written consent of Levesque Beaubien
Geoffrion Inc. on behalf of the Underwriters, which consent will not be
unreasonably withheld, for a period of 90 days following the anticipated
closing date of the offering. The Company has agreed to a similar 90-day
restriction with respect to the issuance of new Common Shares. The Company
may, however, grant options to purchase Common Shares pursuant to the Stock
Plans and may issue Common Shares pursuant to the exercise of granted options
and outstanding warrants, as well as in connection with licensing arrangements
or other acquisitions by the Company of assets or rights in the ordinary
course of business.
 
  The Company has agreed to indemnify the Underwriters against certain
liabilities, including liabilities under the U.S. Securities Act and under
Canadian securities legislation, and to contribute to payments that the
Underwriters may be required to make in respect thereof.
 
  The Underwriters have advised the Company that they do not intend to confirm
sales to any accounts over which they exercise discretionary authority in
excess of 5% of the number of Common Shares offered hereby.
 
  Purchasers are required to pay for the Common Shares in Canadian dollars.
The Underwriters have arranged, subject to applicable laws or regulations, for
the conversion of United States dollars into Canadian dollars to enable United
States purchasers to pay for the Common Shares. Such conversion will be made
by the Underwriters on such terms and subject to such conditions, limitations
and charges as the Underwriters establish in accordance with their foreign
exchange practices. All costs of exchange will be borne by the purchasers of
the Common Shares.
 
  The foregoing summarizes the material terms of the Underwriting Agreement
and is qualified in its entirety by the Underwriting Agreement.
 
                                      70
<PAGE>
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
  Certain legal matters relating to the distribution of the Common Shares in
Canada will be passed upon for the Company by Aird & Berlis, Barristers and
Solicitors, Toronto, Ontario and for the Underwriters by McCarthy Tetrault,
Barristers and Solicitors, Toronto, Ontario.
 
  The validity of the Common Shares offered hereby will be passed upon for the
Company by Harney, Westwood and Riegels, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin
Islands. Certain U.S. legal matters in connection with this offering will be
passed upon for the Company by Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, P.C., Palo
Alto, California and for the Underwriters by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher &
Flom LLP, Toronto, Ontario.
 
                                   AUDITORS
 
  The consolidated financial statements of the Company at December 31, 1995
and 1996 and for each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 1996,
appearing in this Prospectus and Registration Statement have been audited by
Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, as set forth in their report thereon
appearing elsewhere herein and in the Registration Statement, and are included
in reliance upon such report given upon the authority of such firm as experts
in accounting and auditing.
 
                                TRANSFER AGENT
 
  The transfer agent for the Common Shares is Montreal Trust Company of
Canada, at its principal offices in Toronto, Ontario and Vancouver, British
Columbia.
 
 
                                      71
<PAGE>
 
                              MATERIAL CONTRACTS
 
  Except as indicated below, each of the following contracts is material to
the Company's business and has been filed as an exhibit to the Company's
Registration Statement on Form S-1 with the SEC in accordance with the rules
and regulations of the SEC. In addition, the material contracts identified in
items 1 through 3 below were entered into outside the ordinary course of the
Company's business within the prior two years and are required to be disclosed
and made available to Canadian investors in accordance with the rules of
certain Canadian securities regulators:
 
   1. Underwriting Agreement dated as of   , 1997 by and among the Company,
       Levesque Beaubien Geoffrion Inc., Yorkton Securities Inc., Marleau,
       Lemire Securities Inc., and Midland Walwyn Capital Inc;
 
   2. Agency Agreement dated May 15, 1996 among the Company and Haywood
       Securities Inc., Dlouhy Investments Inc., and Moss, Lawson & Co.
       Limited;+
 
   3. Warrant Indenture between the Company and the Trustee, dated as of
       January 12, 1996;+
 
   4. Form of Indemnification Agreement between the Company and each of its
       officers and directors;
 
   5. Form of 1994 Stock Plan for Salix Holdings, Ltd. and form of Stock
       Option and Restricted Stock Purchase Agreements thereunder;
 
   6. Form of 1996 Stock Plan for Salix Holdings, Ltd. and form of Stock
       Option Agreement thereunder;
 
   7. Amendment Agreement effective as of September 17, 1992 by and among
       Glycyx Pharmaceuticals, Ltd., Salix Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Biorex
       Laboratories Limited;*
 
   8. License Agreement dated September 17, 1992, between Biorex Laboratories
       Limited and Glycyx Pharmaceuticals, Limited, and letter agreement
       amendments thereto;*
 
   9. Research and Development Agreement dated September 21, 1992 between
       Glycyx Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. and AB Astra and letter agreement
       amendments thereto;*
 
  10. Distribution Agreement dated September 21, 1992 between Glycyx
       Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. and AB Astra;*
 
  11. Amended and Restated License Agreement by and between Salix
       Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Biorex Laboratories Limited, dated April 16,
       1993;*
 
  12. Co-Participation Agreement dated April 30, 1993, between Salix
       Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and AB Astra, as amended by Amendment No. 1
       thereto, effective September 30, 1993;*
 
  13. Manufacturing Agreement dated September 15, 1993 between Courtaulds
       Chemicals (Holdings) Limited and Glycyx Pharmaceuticals, Ltd.;*
 
  14. Distribution Agreement dated September 23, 1994, between Glycyx
       Pharmaceuticals, Ltd, and Menarini International Operations Luxembourg
       SA and amendments thereto;*
 
  15. License Agreement dated June 24, 1996 between Alfa Wassermann S.p.A. and
       Salix Pharmaceuticals, Inc.;*
 
  16. Supply Agreement dated June 24, 1996 between Alfa Wassermann S.p.A. and
       Salix Pharmaceuticals, Inc.;* and
 
  17. Forms of Warrant issued by the Company January 17, 1995 and July 25,
       1995.
- --------
+ This agreement has not been filed with the SEC.
 
* Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to certain portions
  of this agreement pursuant to a request for confidential treatment filed
  with the SEC. Portions omitted from the Company's SEC filing have been
  submitted separately to the SEC.
 
                                      72
<PAGE>
 
  Copies of each of the foregoing agreements filed with the SEC are available
on the SEC's worldwide web site at http://www.sec.gov, at the offices of the
SEC, and at the offices of the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc. See "Additional Information". Copies of the agreements numbered 1-3
above, being material contracts entered into outside the ordinary course of
the Company's business within the prior two years, will be made available to
Canadian investors during normal business hours at any time during the period
of the distribution of the Common Shares offered by this Prospectus and for a
period of 30 days thereafter at the offices of Aird & Berlis, Barristers and
Solicitors, BCE Place, Suite 1800, Box 754, 181 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario
M5J 2T9.
 
                     CANADIAN PURCHASERS' STATUTORY RIGHTS
 
  Securities legislation in certain of the provinces of Canada provides
purchasers with the right to withdraw from an agreement to purchase securities
within two business days after receipt or deemed receipt of a prospectus and
any amendment. In several of the provinces, securities legislation further
provides a purchaser with remedies for rescission or, in some jurisdictions,
damages where the prospectus and any amendment contains a misrepresentation or
is not delivered to the purchasers, but such remedies must be exercised by the
purchaser within the time limit prescribed by the securities legislation of
his or her Province. The purchaser should refer to the applicable provisions
of the securities legislation of his or her Province for the particulars of
these rights or consult with a legal advisor.
 
                            ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
  The Company has filed with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-1 (the
"Registration Statement") under the U.S. Securities Act, with respect to the
securities offered hereby. This Prospectus does not contain all of the
information set forth in the Registration Statement and the exhibits and
schedules thereto. For further information with respect to the Company and the
Common Shares, reference is made to the Registration Statement and the
exhibits and schedules filed as a part thereof. Statements contained in this
Prospectus as to the contents of any contract or any other document referred
to are not necessarily complete. In each instance, reference is made to the
copy of such contract or document filed as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement, and each such statement is qualified in all respects by such
reference. The Registration Statement, including exhibits and schedules
thereto, may be inspected without charge at the public reference facilities
maintained by the SEC at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 and at
the regional offices of the SEC located at Seven World Trade Center, 13th
Floor, New York, New York 10048 and Citicorp Center, 500 West Madison Street,
Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511. Copies of such materials may be
obtained from the Public Reference Section of the SEC at 450 Fifth Street,
N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates and through the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. located at 1735 K Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20006. The SEC maintains a World Wide Web site that contains
reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding
registrants that file electronically with the SEC. The address of the SEC's
Web site is http://www.sec.gov.
 
                                      73
<PAGE>
 
                                    GLOSSARY
 
<TABLE>
<S>                      <C>
4-ABA................... 4 aminobenzoyl alanine, the carrier molecule in
                         Colazide.

5-ASA................... 5-aminosalicylic-acid, the active ingredient in
                         Colazide and some other Inflammatory Bowel Disease
                         drugs.

Acute ulcerative         An acute episode of ulcerative colitis often associated
 colitis................ with diarrhea, rectal bleeding and abdominal pain.

Antibiotic.............. An agent that kills microorganisms or suppresses their
                         multiplication or growth.

Antibiotic associated    An acute inflammatory bowel disorder associated with
 colitis (AAC).......... antibiotic use.

C. difficile............ Clostridium difficile, a bacterium that is associated
                         with certain infectious gastrointestinal diseases.

Balsalazide............. The generic name for the Company's initial licensed
                         inflammatory bowel disease product, of which the first
                         drug developed therefrom is balsalazide disodium.

Chronic ulcerative
 colitis................ See Ulcerative Colitis.

Colazide................ Trade name of the Company's initial licensed and
                         developed drug, balsalazide disodium.

Colectomy............... Surgical removal of the entire colon.

Colonic Polyps ......... Polyps occurring in the colon.

Corticosteriods......... Any of the steroid chemical compounds produced by the
                         adrenal cortex, or their synthetic equivalents.

Crohn's disease......... A disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the
                         colon, small intestine, and gastrointestinal tract,
                         often associated with diarrhea, rectal bleeding and
                         abdominal pain.

Diverticular disease.... Sacs or pouches of variable size created by herniations
                         of the inner lining of the colon through defects in the
                         outer muscular wall of the colon.

Diverticulitis.......... Inflammation of a diverticulum which may undergo
                         perforation and abscess formation.

Familial adenomatous
 polyposis (FAP)........ A hereditary condition associated with the rapid
                         development of vast numbers of colonic polyps.

FDA..................... The United States Food and Drug Administration.

Good Clinical Practice   
 (GCP).................. Good Clinical Practice regulations--the minimum         
                         standards as set by the FDA required in the conduct and 
                         monitoring of clinical trials to ensure the protection  
                         of the rights and safety of subjects.                    

Good Manufacturing       
 Practice (GMP)......... Good Manufacturing Practice regulations--the minimum    
                         standards as set by the FDA required for the            
                         manufacture, processing, packaging or holding of a drug 
                         to ensure that the drug meets the requirements of       
                         safety, identity, strength, quality and purity.          
</TABLE>  
 
                                       74
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<S>                       <C>
Hepatic encephalopathy..  A neuropsychiatric syndrome due to liver disease.

H. pylori...............  Helicobacter pylori, the bacterium that is believed to
                          be the underlying cause of most peptic ulcers.

Immunosuppressive        
 drugs..................  Drugs that artificially prevent or diminish the body's
                          immune response; can be used to prevent organ
                          transplant rejection and to treat certain inflammation
                          disease.

Investigational New Drug 
 (IND)..................  Investigational New Drug application--the application
                          required in order to conduct clinical trials with an
                          investigational drug in the United States.

Inflammatory Bowel       
 Disease (IBD)..........  A collective term for two chronic diseases of the
                          gastrointestinal tract: ulcerative colitis and Crohn's
                          disease.

Infectious diarrhea.....  Increased volume, fluidity or frequency of bowel
                          movements caused by the presence of pathogenic bacteria
                          in the gastrointestinal tract.

MCA.....................  The Medicines Control Agency, an administrative agency
                          regulating the marketing of pharmaceutical products in
                          the United Kingdom.

New Drug Application     
 (NDA)..................  An application requesting approval from the FDA to
                          market a drug in the United States.

NSAIDs..................  Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Peptic ulcer............  An erosion of the lining of the stomach, esophagus, or
                          duodenum (upper portion of the small bowel) caused by
                          the action of stomach acids.

Perioperative            
 prophylaxis............  Measures taken before, during and immediately after a
                          surgical procedure to prevent or minimize the infection
                          of a surgical wound.

Polyp...................  Benign or cancerous growths, protruding from a mucous
                          membrane.

Polypectomy.............  Surgical removal of polyps from the colon.

Rifaximin ..............  The generic name for a broad spectrum, bactericidal,
                          semi-synthetic antibiotic used to treat various
                          gastrointestinal infections.

Rifamycin class of       
 antibiotics............  A class of antibiotics with broad spectrum
                          antibacterial activity.

Sulfasalazine...........  The original azo-bonded, 5-ASA-containing therapeutic
                          used to treat ulcerative colitis.

Ulcerative colitis......  A disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the
                          colon, often associated with diarrhea, rectal bleeding
                          and abdominal pain.
</TABLE>
 
                                       75
<PAGE>
 
                              SALIX HOLDINGS, LTD.
 
                   INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
                                    CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           PAGE
                                                                           ----
<S>                                                                        <C>
AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE FIVE YEARS ENDED
 DECEMBER 31, 1996
Report of Independent Auditors...........................................   F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets..............................................   F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations....................................   F-4
Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity (Net Capital Deficiency)..   F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows....................................   F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements...............................   F-7
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE SIX-MONTH
 PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997 AND 1996
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets....................................  F-17
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations..........................  F-18
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity.................  F-19
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows..........................  F-20
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.....................  F-21
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-1
<PAGE>
 
               REPORT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
The Board of Directors
Salix Holdings, Ltd.
 
  We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Salix
Holdings, Ltd. as of December 31, 1996 and 1995 and the related consolidated
statements of operations, shareholders' equity (net capital deficiency), and
cash flows for each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 1996.
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements
based on our audits.
 
  We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on
a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used
and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the
overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
  In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Salix
Holdings, Ltd. at December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the consolidated results of
its operations and its cash flows for each of the five years in the period
ended December 31, 1996, in conformity with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States.
 
                                          (Signed) Ernst & Young LLP
 
Palo Alto, California
March 18, 1997
 
                                      F-2
<PAGE>
 
                              SALIX HOLDINGS, LTD.
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
                      (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)
                          (EXPRESSED IN U.S. DOLLARS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                DECEMBER 31,
                                                               ----------------
                                                                1996     1995
                                                               -------  -------
<S>                                                            <C>      <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents (Note 2).........................  $ 5,624  $   188
  Other current assets.......................................       79       34
                                                               -------  -------
    Total current assets.....................................    5,703      222
Property and equipment, net (Note 2).........................      145      179
Other assets.................................................       10       32
                                                               -------  -------
                                                               $ 5,858  $   433
                                                               =======  =======
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (NET CAPITAL DEFICIENCY)
Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable...........................................  $   667  $   881
  Secured promissory note....................................      --       363
  Accrued salaries...........................................      --       297
  Other current liabilities..................................       43      328
  Advances from licensees (Note 6)...........................      --     1,186
  Unearned revenue (Note 6)..................................      --       599
  Amount due licensor (Note 5)...............................      555      --
                                                               -------  -------
    Total current liabilities................................    1,265    3,654
Convertible unsecured promissory notes (Note 10).............      --       607
Unsecured promissory notes (Note 10).........................      --     1,200
Accrued interest.............................................      --        98
Amount due to licensor (Note 5)..............................      --       100
Commitments (Note 7)
Shareholders' equity (net capital deficiency) (Note 8):
  Preferred stock, issuable in series, no par value;
   5,000,000 shares authorized; 466,445 convertible preferred
   shares, issued and outstanding at December 31, 1995 (none
   at December 31, 1996).....................................      --       845
  Common stock, no par value; 20,000,000 and 15,000,000
   shares authorized at December 31, 1996 and 1995,
   respectively; 6,858,173 shares and 3,150,965 shares issued
   and outstanding at December 31, 1996 and 1995,
   respectively..............................................   13,194       79
  Accumulated deficit........................................   (8,601)  (6,150)
                                                               -------  -------
    Shareholders' equity (net capital deficiency)............    4,593   (5,226)
                                                               -------  -------
                                                               $ 5,858  $   433
                                                               =======  =======
</TABLE>
 
      ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD:
 
    (Signed) LAWRANCE A. BROWN, JR.           (Signed) NICHOLAS M. EDIGER
                Director                                Director
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-3
<PAGE>
 
                              SALIX HOLDINGS, LTD.
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
                          (EXPRESSED IN U.S. DOLLARS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                    ------------------------------------------
                                     1996     1995     1994     1993    1992
                                    -------  -------  -------  ------  -------
<S>                                 <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>     <C>
Revenues:
  License revenue (Note 6)......... $ 1,186  $   --   $   --   $1,000  $ 1,712
  Revenue from collaborative
   agreements (Note 6).............     634    1,990    2,827   3,439    1,212
                                    -------  -------  -------  ------  -------
    Total revenues.................   1,820    1,990    2,827   4,439    2,924
                                    -------  -------  -------  ------  -------
Expenses:
  License fees (Note 5)............     605      100      --      --       --
  Research and development (Note
   2)..............................   2,053    2,888    3,199   4,321    3,539
  General and administrative.......   1,731    1,334    1,125     873      408
                                    -------  -------  -------  ------  -------
    Total expenses.................   4,389    4,322    4,324   5,194    3,947
                                    -------  -------  -------  ------  -------
Loss from operations...............  (2,569)  (2,332)  (1,497)   (755)  (1,023)
Interest income....................     290       18       48      48       15
Interest expense...................    (172)    (106)      (3)     (7)      (3)
                                    -------  -------  -------  ------  -------
    Net loss....................... $(2,451) $(2,420) $(1,452)   (714)  (1,011)
                                    =======  =======  =======  ======  =======
Net loss per share................. $ (0.46) $ (0.77) $ (0.46) $(0.23) $ (0.38)
                                    =======  =======  =======  ======  =======
Shares used in computing net loss
 per share.........................   5,365    3,149    3,144   3,144    2,688
                                    =======  =======  =======  ======  =======
</TABLE>
 
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-4
<PAGE>
 
                              SALIX HOLDINGS, LTD.
 
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (NET CAPITAL DEFICIENCY)
 
                      (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)
                          (EXPRESSED IN U.S. DOLLARS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                         PREFERRED                                            SHAREHOLDERS'
                           STOCK     COMMON STOCK        NOTE                    EQUITY
                         --------- -----------------  RECEIVABLE  ACCUMULATED (NET CAPITAL
                          AMOUNTS   SHARES   AMOUNTS FROM OFFICER   DEFICIT    DEFICIENCY)
                         --------- --------- ------- ------------ ----------- -------------
<S>                      <C>       <C>       <C>     <C>          <C>         <C>
Balance at December 31,
 1991...................   $ 395   1,207,500 $    32    $ --        $  (553)     $  (126)
 Issuance of Salix
  common stock for cash
  and notes receivable..     --      131,260      26      (11)          --            15
 Issuance of Salix
  Series C preferred
  stock for cash........     450         --      --       --            --           450
 Issuance of Glycyx
  common stock for
  cash..................     --    1,805,205      14      --            --            14
 Net loss...............     --          --      --       --         (1,011)      (1,011)
                           -----   --------- -------    -----       -------      -------
Balance at December 31,
 1992...................     845   3,143,965      72      (11)       (1,564)        (658)
 Net loss...............     --          --      --       --           (714)        (714)
                           -----   --------- -------    -----       -------      -------
Balance at December 31,
 1993...................     845   3,143,965      72      (11)       (2,278)      (1,372)
 Repayment of note
  receivable............     --          --      --        11           --            11
 Net loss...............     --          --      --       --         (1,452)      (1,452)
                           -----   --------- -------    -----       -------      -------
Balance at December 31,
 1994...................     845   3,143,965      72      --         (3,730)      (2,813)
 Issuance of common
  stock.................     --        7,000       7      --            --             7
 Net loss...............     --          --      --       --         (2,420)      (2,420)
                           -----   --------- -------    -----       -------      -------
Balance at December 31,
 1995...................     845   3,150,965      79      --         (6,150)      (5,226)
 Issuance of common
  stock for conversion
  of debentures,
  including accrued
  interest..............     --    1,167,625   3,503      --            --         3,503
 Issuance of common
  stock for conversion
  of Series A, B and C
  convertible preferred
  stock.................    (845)    466,445     845      --            --           --
 Issuance of common
  stock in connection
  with the Company's
  initial public
  offering of
  securities, net of
  issuance costs of
  $1,473................     --    2,000,000   8,694      --            --         8,694
 Issuance of common
  stock upon exercise of
  stock options.........     --       73,138      73      --            --            73
 Net loss...............     --          --      --       --         (2,451)      (2,451)
                           -----   --------- -------    -----       -------      -------
Balance at December 31,
 1996...................   $ --    6,858,173 $13,194    $ --        $(8,601)     $ 4,593
                           =====   ========= =======    =====       =======      =======
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-5
<PAGE>
 
                              SALIX HOLDINGS, LTD.
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
                INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
                          (EXPRESSED IN U.S. DOLLARS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                     ------------------------------------------
                                      1996     1995     1994     1993    1992
                                     -------  -------  -------  ------  -------
<S>                                  <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>     <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING
 ACTIVITIES
 Net loss..........................  $(2,451) $(2,420) $(1,452) $ (714) $(1,011)
 Adjustments to reconcile net loss
  to net cash provided by (used in)
  operating activities:
  Depreciation and amortization....       55       59       42      27        2
  Changes in assets and
   liabilities:
   Refundable income tax...........      --       --       130    (130)     --
   Other current assets and other
    assets.........................      (22)     (37)      72     (81)     (13)
   Accounts payable and other
    current liabilities............     (673)   1,223      (27)    459      172
   Advances from licensees.........   (1,186)     910      --       76      200
   Unearned revenue................     (599)  (1,687)      94   1,133    1,059
   Amount due licensor.............      555      --       --      --       --
                                     -------  -------  -------  ------  -------
    Net cash provided by (used in)
     operating activities..........   (4,321)  (1,952)  (1,141)    770      409
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING
 ACTIVITIES
 Purchases of property and
  equipment........................      (21)      (3)     (93)   (148)     (64)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING
 ACTIVITIES
 Proceeds from issuance of
  convertible promissory notes.....      --       607      --      --       --
 Proceeds from issuance of
  promissory notes.................      --     1,200      --      --       --
 Proceeds from issuance of
  convertible debentures...........    1,375      --       --      --       --
 Proceeds from issuance of
  convertible preferred stock......      --       --       --      --       450
 Proceeds from issuance of common
  stock............................    8,767        7      --      --        29
 Repayment of note receivable from
  officer..........................      --       --        11     --       --
 Payments of principal on secured
  promissory note..................     (364)     --       --      --       --
                                     -------  -------  -------  ------  -------
    Net cash provided by financing
     activities....................    9,778    1,814       11     --       479
                                     -------  -------  -------  ------  -------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and
 cash equivalents..................    5,436     (141)  (1,223)    622      824
Cash and cash equivalents at
 beginning of year.................      188      329    1,552     930      105
                                     -------  -------  -------  ------  -------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of
 year..............................  $ 5,624  $   188  $   329  $1,552  $   929
                                     =======  =======  =======  ======  =======
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH
 FLOW INFORMATION
 Cash paid for interest............  $    13  $     5  $     9  $    7  $   --
                                     =======  =======  =======  ======  =======
NONCASH FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 Issuance of common stock in
  exchange for note receivable.....  $   --   $   --   $   --   $  --   $    11
                                     =======  =======  =======  ======  =======
 Issuance of convertible debentures
  for promissory notes.............  $ 1,807  $   --   $   --   $  --   $   --
                                     =======  =======  =======  ======  =======
 Issuance of convertible debentures
  for interest on promissory
  notes............................  $    98  $   --   $   --   $  --   $   --
                                     =======  =======  =======  ======  =======
 Issuance of convertible debentures
  for amount due licensor..........  $   100  $   --   $   --   $  --   $   --
                                     =======  =======  =======  ======  =======
 Issuance of common stock for
  convertible debentures...........  $ 3,380  $   --   $   --   $  --   $   --
                                     =======  =======  =======  ======  =======
 Issuance of common stock for
  interest on convertible
  debentures.......................  $   123  $   --   $   --   $  --   $   --
                                     =======  =======  =======  ======  =======
 Issuance of common stock for
  preferred stock..................  $   845  $   --   $   --   $  --   $   --
                                     =======  =======  =======  ======  =======
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-6
<PAGE>
 
                             SALIX HOLDINGS, LTD.
 
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
                               DECEMBER 31, 1996
                          (EXPRESSED IN U.S. DOLLARS)
 
1. Organization and Basis of Presentation
 
    Salix Holdings, Ltd. (the "Company") was incorporated in the British
  Virgin Islands in December 1993 for the purpose of acquiring all of the
  outstanding capital stock of Salix Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a California
  corporation ("Salix"), and Glycyx Pharmaceuticals, Ltd., a Bermuda
  corporation ("Glycyx"). Salix was incorporated in California in 1989 and
  Glycyx was incorporated in Bermuda in 1992. Salix and Glycyx had identical
  shareholder ownership interests in the period from the inception of Glycyx
  through March 1994. The Company is developing new pharmaceuticals,
  primarily focused in the area of gastrointestinal disease.
 
    In March 1994, Salix Holdings, Ltd. entered into an agreement with the
  shareholders of Salix and Glycyx, whereby it issued shares in exchange for
  the shareholders' interests in Salix and Glycyx. As a result of the
  exchange, Salix and Glycyx became wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company.
  Each share of Salix common and preferred stock was exchanged on a one-for-
  one basis for a similar share of the Company's common and preferred stock,
  respectively. Each share of Glycyx common stock was exchanged on a one-for-
  one basis for a share of the Company's common stock plus $0.001 per share
  of Glycyx common stock exchanged. These transactions have been accounted
  for as a reorganization in a manner similar to a pooling of interests to
  reflect the continuity of the Company's shareholders' interests in Salix
  and Glycyx. Accordingly, the consolidated balance sheets include the assets
  and liabilities of the combined companies and the consolidated statements
  of operations, shareholders' equity (net capital deficiency) and cash flows
  include their operations for all of the years presented. The Company, as
  used herein, refers to Salix Holdings, Ltd. and its subsidiaries.
 
    The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company
  and its wholly owned subsidiaries. These statements are stated in United
  States dollars and are prepared under accounting principles generally
  accepted in the United States. All significant intercompany balances and
  transactions have been eliminated. In 1992 and 1993, Salix and Glycyx were
  presented as combined entities, which included the elimination of all
  intercompany transactions, due to common ownership.
 
    The Company has sustained continuing operating losses and expects such
  losses to continue until product approvals are obtained and product
  revenues reach a sufficient level to support ongoing operations. There can
  be no assurance that such product approvals and revenues will be obtained
  on a timely basis, if at all. The Company believes that its current cash
  reserves should be sufficient to satisfy the cash requirements of product
  development programs for at least the next year. The Company's actual cash
  requirements may vary materially from those now planned because of results
  of research and development activities, establishment of and changes in
  relationships with strategic partners, changes in focus and direction of
  the Company's research and development programs, the FDA regulatory
  process, and other factors. To the extent that the Company proceeds with
  the development and licensing of new products, the Company anticipates that
  it will need to raise additional funds in the form of debt or equity
  financing to fund its future operations. The Company may also enter into
  collaborative arrangements with corporate partners that could provide the
  Company with additional funding in the form of equity, debt, licensing,
  milestone and/or royalty payments. There can be no assurance that the
  Company will be able to enter into such arrangements or raise any
  additional funds on terms favorable to the Company, or at all. If adequate
  capital is unavailable, the Company may have to reduce substantially or
  eliminate expenditures for research and development of new products and
  indications.
 
                                      F-7
<PAGE>
 
                             SALIX HOLDINGS, LTD.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
                               DECEMBER 31, 1996
                          (EXPRESSED IN U.S. DOLLARS)
 
 
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
 
    These statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting
  principles generally accepted in the United States. The application of
  these principles conforms in all material respects with financial
  statements prepared using accounting principles generally accepted in
  Canada.
 
  USES OF ESTIMATES
 
    The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
  accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
  assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements
  and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
  FAIR VALUE OF CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AND PROMISSORY NOTES
 
    For these short-term instruments, the carrying value approximates fair
  value at December 31, 1995 and 1996, respectively.
 
  REVENUE RECOGNITION
 
    The Company's collaborative research and licensing agreements with its
  license partners provide for payments in support of the Company's research
  activities and additional payments upon the attainment of specified
  milestones. Research reimbursements under these agreements are recorded
  when earned based on contract costs incurred to date compared with total
  estimated contract costs. License fees and milestone revenues are
  recognized according to contract terms, to the extent that no performance
  obligations remain and collection of the receivable amount is deemed
  probable. Amounts received in advance of the applicable research activities
  are deferred as unearned revenue. Amounts received which are subject to
  refundability until the point at which milestones are achieved are deferred
  as advances from licensees, until earned.
 
  RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
 
    Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Research and
  development expense included a payment to a licensor totaling $1,064,000 in
  1992.
 
  CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
    The Company considers all highly liquid investments with maturities from
  date of purchase of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The
  Company maintains its cash and cash equivalents in several different
  instruments with various banks and brokerage houses. This diversification
  of risk is consistent with Company policy to maintain liquidity and ensure
  the safety of principal.
 
                                      F-8
<PAGE>
 
                             SALIX HOLDINGS, LTD.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
                               DECEMBER 31, 1996
                          (EXPRESSED IN U.S. DOLLARS)
 
 
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued
 
  PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
 
    Property and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated over the
  estimated useful lives of the assets, generally five years, using the
  straight-line method. Property and equipment consist of the following at
  December 31 (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      1996 1995
                                                                      ---- ----
   <S>                                                                <C>  <C>
   Cost:
     Furniture and equipment......................................... $105 $101
     Computer equipment..............................................  122  105
     Laboratory equipment............................................  106  106
                                                                      ---- ----
                                                                       333  312
   Accumulated depreciation:
     Furniture and equipment.........................................   64   37
     Computer equipment..............................................   67   54
     Laboratory equipment............................................   57   42
                                                                      ---- ----
                                                                       188  133
                                                                      ---- ----
   Net property and equipment........................................ $145 $179
                                                                      ==== ====
</TABLE>
 
  FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION
 
    The functional currency for the Company is the United States dollar. The
  adjustment resulting from translating the financial statements of the
  Company and its foreign subsidiaries is reflected in operations. A foreign
  currency transaction gain of $78,717 was incurred in the year ended
  December 31, 1996. Foreign currency transaction losses of $7,066, $45,072,
  $36,166 and $76,554 were incurred in the years ended December 31, 1995,
  1994, 1993 and 1992, respectively, and are included in the results of
  operations.
 
  RECLASSIFICATIONS
 
    Certain previously reported amounts have been reclassified to conform to
  the 1996 consolidated financial statement presentation.
 
  NET LOSS PER COMMON SHARE
 
    Net loss per common share is computed using the weighted-average number
  of common shares outstanding during each year. Common equivalent shares are
  excluded from the computation as their effect is antidilutive.
 
3. Initial Public Offering
 
    In May 1996, the Company completed its initial public offering, listed on
  The Toronto Stock Exchange, and issued 2,000,000 shares of its common stock
  at a price of Cdn. $7.00 (U.S. $5.25) per share. The Company received
  approximately $8.7 million in cash, net of underwriting discounts,
  commissions and other offering costs. Simultaneously with the closing of
  the initial public offering, each outstanding share of convertible
  preferred stock was automatically converted into one share of
 
                                      F-9
<PAGE>
 
                             SALIX HOLDINGS, LTD.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
                               DECEMBER 31, 1996
                          (EXPRESSED IN U.S. DOLLARS)
 
 
3. Initial Public Offering, continued
 
  common stock, and $3.5 million principal and accrued interest of
  convertible debentures issued in January and February 1996 were converted
  into 1,167,625 "units" consisting of one common share and one-half of one
  common share purchase warrant (see Note 10).
 
4. Foreign Subsidiaries
 
    Glycyx, a wholly owned subsidiary incorporated in Bermuda, recognized net
  losses of $38,567, $1,617,050, $1,213,621, $1,169,777 and $750,296 in the
  years ended December 31, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993 and 1992, respectively.
  Salix, a wholly owned subsidiary incorporated in the United States,
  recognized net losses (income) of $2,053,899, $498,752, $238,016,
  $(456,259) and $260,593 in the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995, 1994,
  1993 and 1992, respectively.
 
5. Technology Licensing
 
    In January 1991 and March 1992, the Company entered into license
  agreements with a company possessing certain patents relating to
  balsalazide, a therapeutic agent with potential use in the treatment of
  ulcerative colitis and other diseases. Under the agreements, the Company
  will pay the licensor, which is also a shareholder in the Company, a
  royalty based on a percentage of gross profit on the drug in one defined
  territory and a sales-based royalty in other territories. In addition,
  milestone payments from the Company to the licensor will be paid to the
  licensor based upon development efforts. In the January 1991 agreement, as
  amended, the Company obtained the exclusive right to develop and market
  balsalazide in the United States. In the March 1992 agreement, as amended,
  the Company licensed the exclusive right to develop, manufacture and market
  the same drug in the rest of the world excluding Japan, Taiwan and Korea.
  The first product under development pursuant to these licenses is Colazide,
  a form of balsalazide proposed for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. At
  December 31, 1995, a total of $100,000 was due to the licensor. Such amount
  was converted to convertible debentures issued in January 1996. At December
  31, 1996, a total of $555,000 was due the licensor. Such amount was paid in
  February 1997.
 
6. License Revenue and Revenue from Collaborative Agreements
 
    In September 1992, the Company entered into research, development and
  distribution agreements whereby the Company granted its partner an
  exclusive right to promote, market, distribute and sell Colazide in certain
  territories outside of the United States. The research under this agreement
  took place through December 1993 and revenue from research funding was
  recognized as earned.
 
    In 1992, the Company received a portion of the license fees payable under
  the agreement, with the remaining payments due upon the receipt of approval
  to market the product by the relevant regulatory authorities in five
  principal territories. Under the distribution agreement, the partner will
  purchase product from the Company at an agreed upon price based on a
  percentage of the partner's selling price of the product. The licensee has
  the right to offset (Pounds)750,000 (approximately $1,284,000 at December
  31, 1996 exchange rates) previously paid to the Company in the form of a
  20% discount against the price of Colazide purchased by the licensee, if
  any.
 
                                     F-10
<PAGE>
 
                             SALIX HOLDINGS, LTD.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
                               DECEMBER 31, 1996
                          (EXPRESSED IN U.S. DOLLARS)
 
 
6. License Revenue and Revenue from Collaborative Agreements, continued
 
    In April 1993, Salix entered into a collaborative agreement with the
  above-mentioned partner covering pharmaceutical product development and
  marketing of Colazide in the United States. In consideration for the rights
  granted, the partner agreed to pay the Company a specified licensing fee
  and to fund development up to a specified amount. The Company recognized
  development revenue of $599,000, $1,687,000, $2,252,000, $962,000 and
  $1,212,190 in 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993 and 1992, respectively, under these
  agreements. License fee revenue of $1,000,00 and $1,712,000 was recognized
  in 1993 and 1992, respectively, as consideration for the exclusive right to
  promote, market, distribute and sell Colazide in the United States and
  other defined countries.
 
    In October 1992, the Company entered into a distribution agreement with a
  second licensee for Colazide in southern Europe. This agreement calls for
  payments to the Company in support of clinical trials and upon the
  achievement of certain milestones. Under this agreement, the partner will
  purchase product when approved from the Company at an agreed upon price.
  Revenues recognized under this arrangement were $78,000 in 1994 (none in
  1992, 1993, 1995 or 1996). Additional monies received under this agreement
  were deferred as advances from licensees pending achievement of specified
  technological milestones. The amount deferred was $1,186,400 at December
  31, 1995. Such milestones were achieved and accepted by the licensee in
  1996 and revenue of $1,186,400 was recognized.
 
    In July 1993, the Company entered into a collaborative relationship with
  a company which owns the rights to balsalazide in Japan, Taiwan and Korea.
  In return for access to drug data the Company received milestone payments
  of $170,000, $296,000 and $452,000, which were recognized as revenue in
  1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively.
 
7. Commitments
 
    The Company leases an office facility. Rent expense was approximately
  $112,000, $81,000, $85,000, $98,000 and $19,000 for the years ended
  December 31, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993 and 1992, respectively.
 
    In June 1996, the Company amended the lease related to its office
  facility to extend through July 2000. Future payments for operating leases
  at December 31, 1996 are as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       OPERATING
                                                                        LEASES
                                                                       ---------
   <S>                                                                 <C>
   Years ending December 31,
     1997.............................................................   $140
     1998.............................................................    144
     1999.............................................................    159
     2000.............................................................     93
                                                                         ----
   Total minimum payments required....................................   $536
                                                                         ====
</TABLE>
 
    In October 1996, the Company entered into a binding purchase order
  commitment for inventory purchases aggregating $674,000 to be delivered in
  1997.
 
                                     F-11
<PAGE>
 
                             SALIX HOLDINGS, LTD.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
                               DECEMBER 31, 1996
                          (EXPRESSED IN U.S. DOLLARS)
 
 
8. Shareholders' Equity (Net Capital Deficiency)
 
  PREFERRED STOCK
 
    On May 15, 1996, the Company closed its initial public offering of its
  common stock. At that time, all issued and outstanding shares of the
  Company's Series A, B and C convertible preferred stock were converted into
  466,445 shares of the Company's common stock. A total of 5,000,000 shares
  of preferred stock are authorized and issuable in series. No shares of
  preferred stock were issued as of December 31, 1996.
 
  STOCK OPTION PLANS
 
    The Company's 1994 Stock Plan (the "Plan") was adopted by the board of
  directors in March 1994 and approved by the shareholders in March 1995. The
  Company's 1996 Stock Option Plan (the "1996 Plan") was adopted by the board
  of directors and approved by the Company's shareholders in February 1996.
  The options granted under the Plan and the 1996 Plan may be either
  incentive stock options or nonstatutory stock options. Options granted
  expire no later than ten years from the date of grant. For incentive stock
  options, the option price shall be at least 100% of the fair market value
  on the date of grant, and no less than 85% of the fair market value for
  nonqualified stock options. If, at the time the Company grants an option,
  the optionee directly or by attribution owns stock possessing more than 10%
  of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company,
  the option price shall be at least 110% of the fair market value and shall
  not be exercisable more than five years after the date of grant. The
  options generally become exercisable in increments of 1/48th per month over
  a period of 48 months from the date of grant. Options may be granted with
  different vesting terms as determined by the board of directors.
 
    At December 31, 1996, the Company has reserved 1,076,862 shares of common
  stock for issuance to eligible participants under the two plans.
 
                                     F-12
<PAGE>
 
                             SALIX HOLDINGS, LTD.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
                               DECEMBER 31, 1996
                          (EXPRESSED IN U.S. DOLLARS)
 
 
8. Shareholders' Equity (Net Capital Deficiency), continued
 
    Aggregate option activity is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          OUTSTANDING OPTIONS
                                                        ------------------------
                                              SHARES                WEIGHTED-
                                             AVAILABLE  NUMBER OF    AVERAGE
                                             FOR GRANT   SHARES   EXERCISE PRICE
                                             ---------  --------- --------------
   <S>                                       <C>        <C>       <C>
     Shares authorized......................  400,000        --         --
     Options granted........................ (365,825)   365,825      $1.00
                                             --------    -------      -----
   Balance at December 31, 1994.............   34,175    365,825      $1.00
     Additional shares authorized...........  100,000        --         --
     Options granted........................  (60,000)    60,000      $1.00
                                             --------    -------      -----
   Balance at December 31, 1995.............   74,175    425,825      $1.00
     Additional shares authorized...........  650,000        --         --
     Options granted........................ (133,000)   133,000      $3.82
     Options exercised......................      --     (73,138)     $1.00
     Options canceled.......................    4,687     (4,687)     $1.00
                                             --------    -------      -----
   Balance at December 31, 1996.............  595,862    481,000      $1.78
                                             ========    =======      =====
</TABLE>
 
    At December 31, 1995, options were exercisable to purchase 240,013 shares
  at a weighted-average exercise price of $1.00 per share. At December 31,
  1996, options were exercisable to purchase 272,167 shares at a weighted-
  average exercise price of $1.21 per share.
 
    Exercise prices for options outstanding as of December 31, 1996 ranged
  from $1.00 to $5.25 per share. The weighted-average remaining contractual
  life of those options is 7.8 years.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                 OPTIONS OUTSTANDING                             EXERCISABLE OPTIONS
  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                WEIGHTED-
                               WEIGHTED-         AVERAGE                       WEIGHTED-
   EXERCISE                     AVERAGE         REMAINING                       AVERAGE
    PRICE                      EXERCISE        CONTRACTUAL                     EXERCISE
    RANGE        NUMBER          PRICE            LIFE           NUMBER          PRICE
  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         (IN YEARS)
   <S>           <C>           <C>             <C>               <C>           <C>
    $1.00        348,000         $1.00             7.0           256,000         $1.00
    $3.67        120,000         $3.67            10.0             7,500         $3.67
    $5.25         13,000         $5.25             9.1             8,667         $5.25
              --------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 481,000         $1.78             7.8           272,167         $1.21
              ==========================================================================
</TABLE>
 
    The weighted-average fair value of options granted in fiscal 1996 and
  1995 was $2.01 and $0.29, respectively.
 
  STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
 
    As permitted under FASB Statement No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
  Compensation" ("FASB 123"), the Company has elected to follow Accounting
  Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees"
  ("APB 25") in accounting for stock-based awards to employees. Under APB 25,
  the Company generally recognizes no compensation expense with respect to
  such awards.
 
    Pro forma information regarding net loss and net loss per share is
  required by FASB 123 for awards granted after December 31, 1994 as if the
  Company had accounted for its stock-based awards
 
                                     F-13
<PAGE>
 
                             SALIX HOLDINGS, LTD.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
                               DECEMBER 31, 1996
                          (EXPRESSED IN U.S. DOLLARS)
 
 
8. Shareholders' Equity (Net Capital Deficiency), continued
 
  to employees under the fair value method of FASB 123. The fair value of the
  Company's stock-based awards to employees was estimated using a Black-
  Scholes option pricing model (minimum value model for awards prior to the
  Company's initial public offering). The Black-Scholes option valuation
  model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options
  which have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition,
  the Black-Scholes model requires the input of highly subjective assumptions
  including the expected stock price volatility. Because the Company's stock-
  based awards to employees have characteristics significantly different from
  those of traded options, and because changes in the subjective input
  assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in management's
  opinion, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable single
  measure of the fair value of its stock-based awards to employees. The fair
  value of the Company's stock-based awards to employees was estimated
  assuming no expected dividends and the following weighted-average
  assumptions:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    OPTIONS
                                                   ----------
                                                   1996  1995
                                                   ----  ----
        <S>                                        <C>   <C>
        Expected life (years).....................    5     5
        Expected volatility.......................  0.6   --
        Risk-free interest rate................... 6.13% 7.00%
</TABLE>
 
    The effect of applying the FASB 123 Black-Scholes option valuation model
  (minimum value model for awards prior to the Company's initial public
  offering) to the Company's stock option grants did not result in pro forma
  net loss and loss per share amounts that are materially different from
  historical amounts reported. Therefore, such pro forma information is not
  separately presented herein. Because FASB 123 is applicable only to awards
  granted subsequent to December 31, 1994, its pro forma effect will not be
  fully reflected until approximately 1998. Future pro forma net income
  (loss) and earnings (loss) per share results may be materially different
  from actual amounts reported.
 
401(k) Plan
    In 1996, the Company adopted the Salix Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 401(k)
  Retirement Plan. Eligible participants may elect to defer a percentage of
  their compensation. The Company matches up to 25% of such participant
  deferrals, provided that such deferrals do not exceed 6% of the
  participant's compensation. The Company's total matching contribution for
  all participants in fiscal 1996 was $4,333. Additional discretionary
  employer contributions may be made on an annual basis.
 
9. Income Taxes
 
    As of December 31, 1996, the Company has a U.S. federal net operating
  loss carryforward of approximately $5,600,000 related to its U.S.
  subsidiary, Salix Pharmaceuticals, Inc. This will expire on various dates
  beginning in 2004 through 2011, if not utilized.
 
 
                                     F-14
<PAGE>
 
                             SALIX HOLDINGS, LTD.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
                               DECEMBER 31, 1996
                          (EXPRESSED IN U.S. DOLLARS)
 
 
9. Income Taxes, continued
 
    Significant components of the Company's deferred tax assets and
  liabilities for federal and state income taxes are as follows (in
  thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               1996     1995
                                                              -------  -------
   <S>                                                        <C>      <C>
   Deferred tax assets:
     Net operating loss carryforwards........................ $ 2,000  $   900
     Research credit carryforwards (expiring 2004 to 2010)...     100      150
     Capitalized research and development expenses...........     100      100
     Deferred revenue........................................     --       200
     Other...................................................     100      100
                                                              -------  -------
       Total deferred tax assets.............................   2,300    1,450
   Valuation allowance.......................................  (2,300)  (1,450)
                                                              -------  -------
       Net deferred taxes                                     $   --   $   --
                                                              =======  =======
</TABLE>
 
    Because of the Company's lack of earnings history, the deferred tax asset
  has been fully offset by a valuation allowance. The valuation allowance
  increased by $113,000 during the year ended December 31, 1995.
 
    Utilization of the federal net operating loss and credit carryforwards
  may be subject to a substantial annual limitation due to the "change in
  ownership" provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. The annual
  limitation may result in the expiration of net operating losses and credits
  before utilization.
 
    The Company's Bermuda subsidiary, Glycyx, has a cumulative loss of
  approximately $2,200,000. Because Glycyx is domiciled in Bermuda where the
  effective tax rate is zero, the Company expects to receive no future tax
  benefit from these net operating losses.
 
10.Promissory Notes and Warrants
 
    In January and March 1995, the Company issued $607,000 of convertible
  promissory notes to certain investors. In connection with the issuance of
  the above convertible promissory notes, the Company issued to the note
  holders warrants to purchase up to 202,332 shares of common stock at a
  purchase price of $0.001 per share of common stock exercisable thereunder.
  These warrants are immediately exercisable at $3.00 per share and expire in
  2000.
 
    In July and October 1995, the Company issued additional promissory notes
  in the amount of $1,200,000 together with warrants to purchase 399,999
  shares of common stock. Each of the warrants allow for the purchase of one
  share of common stock at an exercise price of $3.00 per share, subject to
  adjustment in certain circumstances, and expire in 2003.
 
    On January 12, 1996 and February 2, 1996, the Company completed the
  private placement of an aggregate principal amount of $3,379,500 of 10%
  convertible secured debentures maturing on December 31, 1998 to certain new
  and existing investors. As part of the financing, holders of all of the
  outstanding $607,000 of convertible promissory notes and $1,200,000
  promissory notes
 
                                     F-15
<PAGE>
 
                             SALIX HOLDINGS, LTD.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
                               DECEMBER 31, 1996
                          (EXPRESSED IN U.S. DOLLARS)
 
10.Promissory Notes and Warrants, continued
 
  previously issued by the Company converted the principal and accrued
  interest on such notes into debentures. In addition, $100,000 owed by the
  Company to a licensor as of December 31, 1995 was converted into debentures
  as part of this financing.
 
    Upon the completion of the initial public offering, the debentures were
  converted at the option of the holder into units comprised of one share of
  common stock and one-half of one common stock purchase warrant, as referred
  to in Note 3. The conversion price for such units was Cdn. $4.00 (U.S.
  $3.00 at the May 15, 1996 exchange rate). The 583,851 common stock purchase
  warrants were immediately exercisable at Cdn. $7.00 (U.S. $5.25) per share
  and expired unexercised in January 1997. Also, in connection with the
  initial public offering, the Company issued to the underwriters common
  share purchase warrants, exercisable into 200,000 common shares at a price
  of Cdn $7.00 (U.S. $5.25). Such purchase warrants are exercisable through
  May 1997.
 
    At December 31, 1996, 1,386,182 shares of common stock are reserved for
  issuance upon the exercise of the aforementioned warrants.
 
  SECURED PROMISSORY NOTE
 
    In June 1995, the Company provided a vendor with a secured promissory
  note and related security agreement, wherein the Company agreed to pay
  (Pounds)234,036 ($363,458 at December 31, 1995 exchange rates) at specified
  times in payment of trade debts incurred for services provided. The
  collateral that was subject to the security interest created consisted of
  future milestone payments due the Company from one of its distribution
  partners. This secured promissory note was paid-in-full in September 1996.
 
11.Revenues From Significant Customers
 
    Revenues from three customers represented the following percentages of
  total revenues during fiscal 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993 and 1992:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

   CUSTOMER         1996              1995              1994              1993              1992
              -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   <S>              <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>
     A              32.8%             85.5%             79.7%             75.2%             41.5%
     B               -- %             10.1%             10.4%             10.1%              -- %
     C              65.2%              1.1%              -- %             14.7%             58.5%
</TABLE>
 
    All revenue is associated with the development of a single product,
  Colazide.
 
                                     F-16
<PAGE>
 
                              SALIX HOLDINGS, LTD.
 
                     CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
                      (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)
                          (EXPRESSED IN U.S. DOLLARS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         JUNE 30,  DECEMBER 31,
                                                           1997        1996
                                                         --------  ------------
                                                              (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                      <C>       <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents............................. $  3,657    $ 5,624
  Other current assets..................................      398         79
                                                         --------    -------
    Total current assets................................    4,055      5,703
Property and equipment, net.............................      152        145
Other assets............................................       43         10
                                                         --------    -------
                                                         $  4,250    $ 5,858
                                                         ========    =======
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable...................................... $    954    $   667
  Other current liabilities.............................       65         43
  Amount due licensor...................................       50        555
                                                         --------    -------
    Total current liabilities...........................    1,069      1,265
Shareholders' equity:
  Preferred stock, issuable in series, no par value;
   5,000,000 shares authorized; none issued and
   outstanding..........................................       --         --
  Common stock, no par value; 20,000,000 shares autho-
   rized; 7,118,173 shares and 6,858,173 shares issued
   and outstanding at June 30, 1997 and December 31,
   1996, respectively...................................   14,257     13,194
  Accumulated deficit...................................  (11,076)    (8,601)
                                                         --------    -------
    Shareholders' equity................................    3,181      4,593
                                                         --------    -------
                                                         $  4,250    $ 5,858
                                                         ========    =======
</TABLE>
 
      ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD:
 
    (Signed) LAWRANCE A. BROWN, JR.           (Signed) NICHOLAS M. EDIGER
                Director                                Director
 
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-17
<PAGE>
 
                              SALIX HOLDINGS, LTD.
 
                CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
                          (EXPRESSED IN U.S. DOLLARS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            SIX MONTHS ENDING
                                                                JUNE 30,
                                                            ------------------
                                                              1997      1996
                                                            --------  --------
                                                               (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                         <C>       <C>
Revenue:
  Revenue from collaborative agreements and other.......... $     21  $    384
Expenses:
  License fees.............................................       50        50
  Research and development.................................    1,315     1,037
  General and administrative...............................    1,231       740
                                                            --------  --------
    Total expenses.........................................    2,596     1,827
                                                            --------  --------
Loss from operations.......................................   (2,575)   (1,443)
Interest income............................................      122        45
Interest expense and other.................................      (22)     (173)
                                                            --------  --------
    Net loss............................................... $ (2,475) $ (1,571)
                                                            ========  ========
Net loss per share......................................... $  (0.35) $  (0.41)
                                                            ========  ========
Shares used in computing net loss per share................    6,975     3,877
                                                            ========  ========
</TABLE>
 
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-18
<PAGE>
 
                              SALIX HOLDINGS, LTD.
 
            CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
                      (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)
                          (EXPRESSED IN U.S. DOLLARS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     COMMON STOCK
                                   ----------------- ACCUMULATED SHAREHOLDERS'
                                    SHARES   AMOUNTS   DEFICIT      EQUITY
                                   --------- ------- ----------- -------------
<S>                                <C>       <C>     <C>         <C>
Balance at December 31, 1996...... 6,858,173 $13,194  $ (8,601)     $4,593
Issuance of common stock upon
 exercise of warrants
 (unaudited)......................   200,000   1,003       --        1,003
Issuance of common stock upon
 exercise of stock options
 (unaudited)......................    60,000      60       --           60
Net loss (unaudited)..............       --      --     (2,475)     (2,475)
                                   ========= =======  ========      ======
Balance at June 30, 1997
 (unaudited)...................... 7,118,173 $14,257  $(11,076)     $3,181
                                   ========= =======  ========      ======
</TABLE>
 
 
 
 
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-19
<PAGE>
 
                              SALIX HOLDINGS, LTD.
 
                CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
                          (EXPRESSED IN U.S. DOLLARS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            SIX MONTHS ENDING
                                                                JUNE 30,
                                                            ------------------
                                                              1997      1996
                                                            --------  --------
                                                               (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                         <C>       <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
  Net loss................................................. $ (2,475) $ (1,571)
  Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in
   operating activities:
    Depreciation and amortization..........................       32        27
  Changes in assets and liabilities:
    Other current assets and other assets..................     (352)      (29)
    Accounts payable and other current liabilities.........      309      (125)
    Unearned revenue.......................................      --       (374)
    Amount due licensor....................................     (505)      --
                                                            --------  --------
      Net cash used in operating activities................   (2,991)   (2,072)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
  Purchases of property and equipment......................      (39)       (6)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
  Proceeds from issuance of stock (net of offering costs)..    1,063     8,697
  Proceeds from issuance of convertible secured
   debentures..............................................      --      1,375
                                                            --------  --------
      Net cash provided by financing activities............    1,063    10,072
                                                            --------  --------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents.......   (1,967)    7,994
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period...........    5,624       188
                                                            --------  --------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period................. $  3,657  $  8,182
                                                            ========  ========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
  Cash paid for interest................................... $    --   $     13
                                                            ========  ========
NONCASH FINANCING ACTIVITIES
  Issuance of convertible debentures for promissory notes.. $    --   $  1,807
                                                            ========  ========
  Issuance of convertible debentures for interest on
   promissory notes........................................ $    --   $     98
                                                            ========  ========
  Issuance of convertible debentures for amount due
   licensor................................................ $    --   $    100
                                                            ========  ========
  Issuance of common stock for convertible debentures...... $    --   $  3,380
                                                            ========  ========
  Issuance of common stock for interest on convertible
   debentures.............................................. $    --   $    123
                                                            ========  ========
  Issuance of common stock for preferred stock............. $    --   $    845
                                                            ========  ========
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-20
<PAGE>
 
                             SALIX HOLDINGS, LTD.
 
       NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
                                 JUNE 30, 1997
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
1.  Organization and Basis of Presentation
 
    Salix Holdings, Ltd. (the "Company") was incorporated in the British
  Virgin Islands in December 1993 for the purpose of acquiring all of the
  outstanding capital stock of Salix Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a California
  corporation ("Salix"), and Glycyx Pharmaceuticals, Ltd., a Bermuda
  corporation ("Glycyx"). Salix was incorporated in California in 1989 and
  Glycyx was incorporated in Bermuda in 1992. The Company is developing new
  pharmaceuticals, primarily focused in the area of gastrointestinal disease.
 
    The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of
  the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany
  balances and transactions have been eliminated. These statements are stated
  in United States dollars.
 
    The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements
  include all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring items) which,
  in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of
  financial position, results of operations and cash flows. These financial
  statements should be read in conjunction with the Management's Discussion
  and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the
  audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996
  included elsewhere in this Prospectus. The results of operations for
  interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected
  for a full year.
 
    These statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting
  principles generally accepted in the United States. The application of
  these principles conforms in all material respects with financial
  statements prepared using accounting principles generally accepted in
  Canada.
 
2.  Net Loss Per Common Share
 
    Net loss per common share is computed using the weighted-average number
  of common shares outstanding during each year. Common equivalent shares are
  excluded from the computation as their effect is antidilutive.
 
    In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued
  Statement No. 128, "Earnings Per Share" ("SFAS 128"). The Statement is
  effective for both interim and annual financial statements for periods
  ending after December 15, 1997. Under the Statement, primary earnings per
  share ("EPS") computed in accordance with Accounting Principle Board
  Opinion No. 25 will be replaced with a new simpler calculation called
  "basic EPS" and the Company will be required to restate EPS amounts for all
  prior periods. Under the new requirements, basic loss per share for the six
  months ended June 30, 1997 and 1996 would be unchanged from the reported
  loss per share amounts.
 
3.  License Revenue and Revenue from Collaborative Agreements
 
    In April 1993, Salix entered into a collaborative agreement with a
  partner covering pharmaceutical product development and marketing of
  Colazide in the United States. In consideration for the rights granted, the
  partner agreed to pay the Company a specified licensing fee and to fund
  development up to a specified amount. The Company recognized development
  revenue of $374,000 in the six-month period ending June 30, 1996, under
  this agreement.
 
                                     F-21
<PAGE>
 
                             SALIX HOLDINGS, LTD.
 
       NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
                                 JUNE 30, 1997
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
 
4.  Commitments
 
    In October 1996, the Company entered into a binding purchase order
  commitment for inventory purchases aggregating $674,000 to be delivered in
  1997. At June 30, 1997, inventory of approximately $249,000 had been
  received against this commitment.
 
5.  Shareholders' Equity
 
    In May 1996, the Company closed its initial public offering of its common
  stock. In connection with that offering, the Company issued to the
  underwriters common share purchase warrants, exercisable into 200,000
  common shares at a price of Cdn $7.00. All such purchase warrants were
  exercised in 1997 raising proceeds to the Company of approximately Cdn
  $1,400,000 (U.S. $1,003,000).
 
    In addition, an option for 60,000 shares of common stock was exercised in
  February 1997.
 
6.  Revenues from Significant Customers
 
    One customer represented 97% of total revenues during the six-month
  period ended June 30, 1996.
 
7.  Subsequent Event
 
    On August 11, 1997, the Company's Board of Directors authorized
  management to commence a public offering of securities in Canada together
  with a concurrent offering in the United States.
 
                                     F-22
<PAGE>
 
                        [LOGO OF SALIX HOLDINGS, LTD.]
<PAGE>
 
                       
                    PROSPECTUS DATED OCTOBER 14, 1997     
   
THIS PROSPECTUS HAS BEEN FILED UNDER PROCEDURES IN THE PROVINCES OF BRITISH
COLUMBIA, ALBERTA, SASKATCHEWAN, MANITOBA, ONTARIO, QUEBEC, NOVA SCOTIA, NEW
BRUNSWICK, NEWFOUNDLAND AND PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND WHICH PERMIT CERTAIN
INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO THESE SECURITIES TO BE DETERMINED AFTER THE
PROSPECTUS HAS BECOME FINAL AND PERMIT THE OMISSION FROM THIS PROSPECTUS OF
SUCH INFORMATION. SUCH PROCEDURES REQUIRE THE DELIVERY TO PURCHASERS OF A
PROSPECTUS OR A PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT CONTAINING THIS OMITTED INFORMATION
WITHIN A SPECIFIED PERIOD OF TIME AFTER AGREEING TO PURCHASE ANY OF THESE
SECURITIES. SUCH INFORMATION TO BE CONTAINED IN THE PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT IS
DEEMED TO BE INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO THIS PROSPECTUS AS OF THE DATE OF
THE PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT.     
 
This prospectus constitutes a public offering of these securities only in
those jurisdictions where they may be lawfully offered for sale and therein
only by persons permitted to sell such securities. No securities commission or
similar authority in Canada has in any way passed upon the merits of the
securities offered hereunder and any representation to the contrary is an
offence.
 
                                 ------------
 
New Issue
- -------
 
                                   [LOGO]
 
                                   Cdn. $
 
                                  Common Shares
 
                                 ------------
 
This prospectus offering consists of an offering of     common shares (the
"Common Shares") issued by Salix Holdings, Ltd. (the "Company") at a price of
Cdn. $    per Common Share. The price at which the Common Shares are offered
hereby was established by negotiation between the Company and Levesque
Beaubien Geoffrion Inc., Yorkton Securities Inc., Marleau, Lemire Securities
Inc. and Midland Walwyn Capital Inc. (collectively, the "Underwriters"). See
"Plan of Distribution".
 
AN INVESTMENT IN THE COMMON SHARES MAY BE REGARDED AS SPECULATIVE AND SUBJECT
TO A HIGH DEGREE OF RISK. AFTER GIVING EFFECT TO THIS OFFERING, THE OFFERING
PRICE FOR EACH COMMON SHARE EXCEEDS THE CONSOLIDATED NET TANGIBLE BOOK VALUE
PER COMMON SHARE AS AT JUNE 30, 1997 BY $   , REPRESENTING A DILUTION OF   %.
SEE "DILUTION".
 
                     ------------------------------------
 
                       PRICE: CDN. $    PER COMMON SHARE
 
                     ------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     PRICE TO  UNDERWRITERS'    NET PROCEEDS
                                    THE PUBLIC      FEE      TO THE COMPANY(/1/)
                                    ---------- ------------- -------------------
<S>                                 <C>        <C>           <C>
Per Common Share................... Cdn. $       Cdn. $           Cdn. $
Total(/2/)......................... Cdn. $       Cdn. $           Cdn. $
</TABLE>
 
NOTES:
- -----
(1) The Company has granted to the Underwriters a 60-day option to purchase up
    to an additional      Common Shares, solely to cover over-allotments, if
    any. See "Plan of Distribution". If such option is exercised in full, the
    total Price to the Public, Underwriters' Fee and Net Proceeds to the
    Company will be Cdn. $    , Cdn. $     and Cdn. $    , respectively.
 
(2) Before deducting expenses payable by the Company, estimated at Cdn.
    $     .
 
The Underwriters, as principals, conditionally offer the Common Shares,
subject to prior sale, if, as and when issued and sold by the Company and
accepted by the Underwriters in accordance with the terms and conditions
contained in the Underwriting Agreement referred to under "Plan of
Distribution" and subject to the approval of certain Canadian legal matters on
behalf of the Company by Aird & Berlis and on behalf of the Underwriters by
McCarthy Tetrault and of certain United States legal matters on behalf of the
Company by Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, P.C. and on behalf of the
Underwriters by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP.
 
Subscriptions for the Common Shares will be received subject to rejection or
allotment in whole or in part and the right is reserved to close the
subscription books at any time without notice. It is expected that the
definitive certificates evidencing the Common Shares will be available for
delivery on the closing of the offering, which is anticipated to occur on or
about    , 1997, or on such later date as the Company and the Underwriters may
agree, but in any event no later than    , 1997.
<PAGE>
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          PAGE
                                                                          ----
<S>                                                                       <C>
Exchange Rates...........................................................   4
Eligibility for Investment...............................................   4
Summary..................................................................   5
Risk Factors.............................................................   9
Use of Proceeds..........................................................  20
Price Range of Common Shares.............................................  21
Dividend Policy..........................................................  21
Capitalization...........................................................  22
Dilution.................................................................  23
Selected Consolidated Financial Data.....................................  24
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
 of Operations...........................................................  25
Business.................................................................  29
Management...............................................................  48
Principal Shareholders...................................................  58
Description of Share Capital.............................................  59
Prior Sales of Securities................................................  60
Comparison of Canadian, United States and British Virgin Islands
 Corporate Law...........................................................  61
Certain Tax Considerations...............................................  63
Shares Eligible for Future Sale..........................................  67
Plan of Distribution.....................................................  69
Legal Matters............................................................  71
Experts..................................................................  71
Transfer Agent...........................................................  71
Material Contracts.......................................................  72
Canadian Purchasers' Statutory Rights....................................  73
Additional Information...................................................  73
Glossary.................................................................  74
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements............................... F-1
Certificate of the Company............................................... C-1
Certificate of the Underwriters.......................................... C-2
</TABLE>
 
                                 ------------
 
  The Company exists under the laws of the British Virgin Islands and its
principal office is located in Palo Alto, California. Most of the directors
and officers of the Company reside outside of Canada and substantially all of
their assets and those of the Company are located there. The Company and the
directors submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of each of
the Provinces of Canada and have appointed or will appoint Aird & Berlis as
agent for service of process in Canada. Service of process may be effected at
the offices of Aird & Berlis in Toronto, Ontario at Suite 1800, BCE Place, 181
Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario, Attention: Jay A. Lefton. However, it may not be
possible for purchasers of securities hereunder to effect service of process
within Canada upon directors and officers who reside outside of Canada. It may
also not be possible to enforce judgments obtained in Canadian courts
predicated on the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of certain
provinces of Canada against the Company or its directors and officers who
reside outside of Canada. The Company intends to comply with all relevant
requirements of Canadian securities legislation.
 
                                 ------------
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
                          CERTIFICATE OF THE COMPANY
   
DATED: OCTOBER 14, 1997     
 
The foregoing, together with the documents incorporated herein by reference
and the information deemed to be incorporated herein by reference, as of the
date of the supplemented prospectus providing the information permitted to be
omitted from this prospectus, will constitute full, true and plain disclosure
of all material facts relating to the securities offered by this prospectus as
required by Part 7 of the Securities Act (British Columbia), by Part 8 of the
Securities Act (Alberta), by Part XI of the Securities Act, 1988
(Saskatchewan), by Part VII of The Securities Act (Manitoba), by Part XV of
the Securities Act (Ontario), by the Securities Act (Nova Scotia), by section
13 of the Securities Act (New Brunswick), by Part II of the Securities Act
(Prince Edward Island) and by Part XIV of The Securities Act, 1990
(Newfoundland) and the respective regulations thereunder. This prospectus, as
required by the Securities Act (Quebec) and the regulations thereunder, will
not contain any misrepresentation likely to affect the value of the market
price of the securities to be distributed.

                                              
    (Signed) RANDY W. HAMILTON                (Signed) DAVID BOYLE
   Chairman, President and Chief           Vice President, Finance and
         Executive Officer           Administration and Chief Financial Officer 
     
 
                      ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
                                         
 (Signed) LAWRANCE A. BROWN, JR.                (Signed) NICHOLAS M. EDIGER
               Director                                  Director      
 
                                      C-1
<PAGE>
 
                        CERTIFICATE OF THE UNDERWRITERS
   
DATED: OCTOBER 14, 1997     
 
To the best of our knowledge, information and belief, the foregoing, together
with the documents incorporated herein by reference and the information deemed
to be incorporated herein by reference, as of the date of the supplemented
prospectus providing the information permitted to be omitted from this
prospectus, will constitute full, true and plain disclosure of all material
facts relating to the securities offered by this prospectus as required by
Part 7 of the Securities Act (British Columbia), by Part 8 of the Securities
Act (Alberta), by Part XI of The Securities Act, 1988 (Saskatchewan), by Part
VII of The Securities Act (Manitoba), by Part XV of the Securities Act
(Ontario), by the Securities Act (Nova Scotia), by section 13 of the
Securities Act (New Brunswick), by Part II of the Securities Act (Prince
Edward Island) and by Part XIV of The Securities Act, 1990 (Newfoundland) and
the respective regulations thereunder. To the best of our knowledge, this
prospectus, as required by the Securities Act (Quebec) and the regulations
thereunder, will not contain any misrepresentation likely to affect the value
or the market price of the securities to be distributed.
 
   LEVESQUE BEAUBIEN GEOFFRION INC.            YORKTON SECURITIES INC.
           
   Per: (Signed) JACQUES LEMAY           Per: (Signed) CATHY R. STEINER     
 
    MARLEAU, LEMIRE SECURITIES INC.          MIDLAND WALWYN CAPITAL INC.
                                    
 Per: (Signed) DONALD J. McDONALD         Per: (Signed) JOHN D. GRANT     
 
The following includes the name of each person having an interest, either
directly or indirectly, to the extent of not less than 5% in the capital of:
 
LEVESQUE BEAUBIEN GEOFFRION INC.: a wholly-owned subsidiary of Levesque,
Beaubien and Company Inc., a majority-owned subsidiary of a Canadian chartered
bank.
 
YORKTON SECURITIES INC.: a wholly-owned subsidiary of Yorkton Holdings
Limited.
 
MARLEAU, LEMIRE SECURITIES INC.: a wholly-owned subsidiary of Marleau, Lemire
Inc.
 
MIDLAND WALWYN CAPITAL INC.: a wholly-owned subsidiary of Midland Walwyn Inc.
 
                                      C-2
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART II
 
                    INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 13. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION
 
  The following table sets forth all expenses, other than underwriting
discounts and commissions, payable by the Company in connection with the sale
of the Common Shares being registered. All of the amounts shown are estimates
except for the SEC registration fee.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        AMOUNT
                                                                      TO BE PAID
                                                                      ----------
<S>                                                                   <C>
   SEC Registration Fee..............................................  $  6,409
   Fees payable in connection with Canadian filings..................    18,100
   NASD Filing Fee...................................................     2,615
   The Toronto Stock Exchange Listing Fee............................    11,575
   Blue Sky Qualification Fees and Expenses..........................    10,000
   Printing and Engraving Expenses...................................   200,000
   Legal Fees and Expenses...........................................   425,000
   Accounting Fees and Expenses......................................   110,000
   Directors' and Officers' Insurance................................    25,000
   Miscellaneous.....................................................    66,301
                                                                       --------
      TOTAL..........................................................  $875,000
                                                                       ========
</TABLE>
 
ITEM 14. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
 
  The Registrant's Articles of Association provide that the Registrant may
indemnify against all expenses, including legal fees, and against all
judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement and reasonably incurred in
connection with legal, administrative or investigate proceedings of any person
who is or was a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened,
pending or completed proceedings, whether civil, criminal, or administrative
or investigative, by reason of the fact that the person is or was a director,
an officer or a liquidator of the Registrant; or is or was, at the request of
the Registrant, serving as a director, officer or liquidator of, or in any
other capacity is or was acting for, another company or a partnership, joint
venture, trust or other enterprise. The Registrant may only indemnify a person
if the person acted honestly and in good faith and with a view to the best
interests of the Registrant and, in the case of criminal proceedings, the
person had no reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was
unlawful.
 
  In addition to the foregoing, the Underwriting Agreement provides for
indemnification by the Underwriters of the Registrant, its directors and
officers, and by the Registrant of the several Underwriters, against certain
liabilities, including liabilities arising under the Securities Act.
 
  At present, there is no pending litigation or proceeding involving a
director, officer, employee or other agent of the Registrant in which
indemnification is being sought, nor is the Registrant aware of any threatened
litigation that may result in a claim for indemnification by any director,
officer, employee or other agent of the Registrant.
 
ITEM 15. RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES
 
 
  Since July 1994, the Registrant has issued and sold the following
unregistered securities:
 
    1. On May 26, 1996, the Registrant sold 2,000,000 Common Shares (the
  "IPO") for an aggregate offering price of Cdn. $14,000,000 in a public
  offering in Canada. The offering was managed by Haywood Securities, Inc.,
  Dlouhy Investments Inc. and Moss, Lawson & Co. Limited.
 
                                     II-1
<PAGE>
 
    2. In March and May 1997 the Registrant issued an aggregate of 200,000
  Common Shares to the principal underwriters of its Canadian public offering
  upon exercise of warrants to purchase such Common Shares at an exercise
  price of Cdn. $7.00 issued to the Underwriters at the time of and in
  connection with the IPO.
 
    3. In January 1996, the Registrant sold in two transactions to a group of
  private investors 10% Convertible Debentures in the aggregate principal
  amount of $4,506,000. In connection with the IPO, all such Debentures
  converted into an aggregate of 1,167,625 Common Shares.
 
    4. In July and October 1995, the Registrant sold notes and warrants with
  an exercise price of $3.00 to private investors and venture capitalists for
  an aggregate purchase price of approximately $1.2 million.
 
    5. In January and March 1995, the Registrant sold notes and warrants with
  an exercise price of $3.00 to private investors and venture capitalists for
  an aggregate purchase price of approximately $607,202.
 
    6. Between April 1994 and June 1997, the Registrant issued and sold
  140,138 Common Shares to employees, directors and consultants at a price of
  U.S. $1.00 per share upon exercise of stock options pursuant to the
  Registrant's stock plans.
 
  The sales of the above securities were deemed to be exempt from registration
under the Securities Act in reliance on Section 4(2) of the Securities Act, or
Regulation D promulgated thereunder, or Rule 701 promulgated under Section
3(b) of the Securities Act, as transactions by an issuer not involving a
public offering or transactions pursuant to compensatory benefit plans and
contracts relating to compensation as provided under such Rule 701. The
recipients of securities in each such transaction represented their intention
to acquire the securities for investment only and not with a view to or for
sale in connection with any distribution thereof. All recipients either
received adequate information about the Registrant or had access through
employment or other relationships, to such information. In addition in
connection with the transactions described in items 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 above,
certain of the sales and issuances were deemed to be exempt from registration
under the Securities Act in reliance on Regulation S promulgated thereunder.
 
ITEM 16.  EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
  (a) Exhibits
<TABLE>     
<S>   <C>  
 1.1  Form of Underwriting Agreement.

 3.1  Memorandum of Association of Salix Holdings, Ltd.

 3.2  Articles of Association of Salix Holdings, Ltd.

 4.1  Form of Common Share Certificate.

 4.2  Form of Warrant to purchase Common Shares.

 4.3  Form of Warrant to purchase Common Shares.

 5.1* Opinion of counsel regarding legality of the Common Shares.

10.1  Form of Indemnification Agreement between the Registrant and each of its
      officers and directors.

10.2  Form of 1994 Stock Plan for Salix Holdings, Ltd. and form of Stock Option
      and Restricted Stock Purchase Agreements thereunder.

10.3  Form of 1996 Stock Plan for Salix Holdings, Ltd. and form of Notice of
      Stock Option Grant and Stock Option Agreement thereunder.
</TABLE>    
 
                                     II-2
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>   
<S>     <C>
10.4+   Amendment Agreement effective as of September 17, 1992 by and among Glycyx
        Pharmaceuticals, Ltd., Salix Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Biorex Laboratories, Ltd.
10.5+   License Agreement, dated September 17, 1992 between Biorex Laboratories Limited and
        Glycyx Pharmaceuticals Limited and letter agreement amendments thereto.
10.6+*  Research and Development Agreement dated September 21, 1992 between Glycyx
        Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. and AB Astra and letter agreement amendments thereto.
10.7+   Distribution Agreement dated September 21, 1992 between Glycyx Pharmaceuticals, Ltd.
        and
        AB Astra.
10.8+   Amended and Restated License Agreement by and between Salix Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
        and Biorex Laboratories, Limited, dated April 16, 1993.
10.9+   Co-Participation Agreement, dated April 30, 1993 between Salix Pharmaceutical, Inc.
        and AB Astra as amended by Amendment No. 1 thereto effective September 30, 1993.
10.10+  Manufacturing Agreement, dated September 15, 1993 between Courtaulds Chemicals
        Limited and Glycyx Pharmaceuticals, Limited.
10.11+  Distribution Agreement, dated September 23, 1994 between Glycyx Pharmaceuticals,
        Ltd. and Menarini International Operations Luxembourg SA and amendments thereto.
10.12+  License Agreement, dated June 24, 1996 between Alfa Wassermann S.p.A. and Salix
        Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
10.13+  Supply Agreement, dated June 24, 1996 between Alfa Wassermann S.p.A. and Salix
        Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
10.14   Lease dated January 1, 1992 by and between Kontrabecki-Mason Developers and Salix
        Pharmaceuticals, Inc., as amended.
10.15*  Letter agreement amendment, dated September 23, 1997, to Distribution Agreement
        dated September 21, 1992 between Glycyx Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. and Astra AB.
21.1    Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
23.1*   Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors.
23.2*   Consent of Counsel (included in Exhibit 5.1).
24.1    Power of Attorney.
27.1    Financial Data Schedule.
</TABLE>    
- --------
*  Filed herewith.
       
+  Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to certain portions
   of this exhibit pursuant to a request for confidential treatment filed with
   the Securities and Exchange Commission. Omitted portions have been filed
   separately with the Commission.
 
  Unless otherwise indicated, exhibits have previously been filed.
 
  (b) Financial Statement Schedules:
 
  All Schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under
the related instructions or are inapplicable, and therefore have been omitted.
 
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS
 
  The Registrant hereby undertakes to provide to the Underwriters at the
closing specified in the Underwriting Agreement, certificates in such
denominations and registered in such names as required by the Underwriters to
permit prompt delivery to each Purchaser.
 
 
                                     II-3
<PAGE>
 
  Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
Registrant pursuant to the California General Corporation Law, the Articles of
Incorporation or the Bylaws of the Registrant, the Underwriting Agreement, 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, 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 by such director, officer of
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 of whether such indemnification by it is
against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed
by the final adjudication of such issue.
 
  The Registrant hereby undertakes that:
 
  (1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, the
information omitted from the form of Prospectus filed as part of this
Registration Statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of
Prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h)
under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this Registration
Statement as of the time it was declared effective.
 
  (2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act,
each post-effective amendment that contains a form of Prospectus 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.
 
                                     II-4
<PAGE>
 
                                  SIGNATURES
   
  Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the
Registrant has duly caused this Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement
on Form S-1 to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the City of Palo Alto, State of California, on the 14th day of
October, 1997.     
                                             
                                          Salix Holdings, Ltd.     
 
 
                                                 /s/ Randy W. Hamilton
                                          By: _________________________________
                                                    (RANDY W. HAMILTON)
                                             CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, PRESIDENT
                                                         AND CHIEF
                                                     EXECUTIVE OFFICER
 
  PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, 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/ Randy W. Hamilton        Chairman of the Board of         October 14, 1997
- ---------------------------------  Directors, President and                       
       (RANDY W. HAMILTON)         Chief Executive Officer      
                                   (Principal Executive Officer)
 
          David Boyle*             Vice President, Finance &        October 14, 1997
- ---------------------------------  Administration, and Chief        
          (DAVID BOYLE)            Financial Officer (Principal 
                                   Financial and Accounting 
                                   Officer)
 
        Lorin K. Johnson*          Vice President, Research,        October 14, 1997
- ---------------------------------  and Director  
       (LORIN K. JOHNSON)                        
 
         David E. Lauck*           Director                         October 14, 1997
- ---------------------------------                                  
        (DAVID E. LAUCK)                                           
 

         Lily Baxendale*           Director                         October 14, 1997    
- ---------------------------------                                 
        (LILY BAXENDALE)

 
       Nicholas M. Ediger*         Director                         October 14, 1997
- ---------------------------------                         
      (NICHOLAS M. EDIGER)
 

     Lawrance A. Brown, Jr.*       Director                         October 14, 1997
- ---------------------------------                         
    (LAWRANCE A. BROWN, JR.)
 

        John F. Chappell*          Director                         October 14, 1997
- ---------------------------------                         
       (JOHN F. CHAPPELL)
 

*By:   /s/ Randy Hamilton
  ------------------------------
        ATTORNEY-IN-FACT
</TABLE>      
 
                                     II-5
<PAGE>
 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
 
<TABLE>   
<S>     <C>
 1.1    Form of Underwriting Agreement.

 3.1    Memorandum of Association of Salix Holdings, Ltd.

 3.2    Articles of Association of Salix Holdings, Ltd.

 4.1    Form of Common Share Certificate.

 4.2    Form of Warrant to purchase Common Shares.

 4.3    Form of Warrant to purchase Common Shares.

 5.1*   Opinion of counsel regarding legality of the Common Shares.

10.1    Form of Indemnification Agreement between the Registrant and each of its officers
        and directors.

10.2    Form of 1994 Stock Plan for Salix Holdings, Ltd. and form of Stock Option and
        Restricted Stock Purchase Agreements thereunder.

10.3    Form of 1996 Stock Plan for Salix Holdings, Ltd. and form of Notice of Stock Option
        Grant and Stock Option Agreement thereunder.

10.4+   Amendment Agreement effective as of September 17, 1992 by and among Glycyx
        Pharmaceuticals, Ltd., Salix Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Biorex Laboratories, Ltd.

10.5+   License Agreement, dated September 17, 1992 between Biorex Laboratories Limited and
        Glycyx Pharmaceuticals Limited and letter agreement amendments thereto.

10.6+*  Research and Development Agreement dated September 21, 1992 between Glycyx
        Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. and AB Astra and letter agreement amendments thereto.

10.7+   Distribution Agreement dated September 21, 1992 between Glycyx Pharmaceuticals, Ltd.
        and AB Astra.

10.8+   Amended and Restated License Agreement by and between Salix Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
        and Biorex Laboratories, Limited, dated April 16, 1993.

10.9+   Co-Participation Agreement, dated April 30, 1993 between Salix Pharmaceutical, Inc.
        and AB Astra as amended by Amendment No. 1 thereto effective September 30, 1993.

10.10+  Manufacturing Agreement, dated September 15, 1993 between Courtaulds Chemicals
        Limited and Glycyx Pharmaceuticals, Limited.

10.11+  Distribution Agreement, dated September 23, 1994 between Glycyx Pharmaceuticals,
        Ltd. and Menarini International Operations Luxembourg SA and amendments thereto.

10.12+  License Agreement, dated June 24, 1996 between Alfa Wassermann S.p.A. and Salix
        Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

10.13+  Supply Agreement, dated June 24, 1996 between Alfa Wassermann S.p.A. and Salix
        Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

10.14   Lease dated January 1, 1992 by and between Kontrabecki-Mason Developers and Salix
        Pharmaceuticals, Inc., as amended.

10.15*  Letter agreement amendment, dated September 23, 1997, to Distribution Agreement
        dated September 21, 1992 between Glycyx Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. and Astra AB.

21.1    Subsidiaries of the Registrant.

23.1*   Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors.

23.2*   Consent of Counsel (included in Exhibit 5.1).

24.1    Power of Attorney.

27.1    Financial Data Schedule.
</TABLE>    
- --------
*  Filed herewith.
       
+  Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to certain portions
   of this exhibit pursuant to a request for confidential treatment filed with
   the Securities and Exchange Commission. Omitted portions have been filed
   separately with the Commission.
 
  Unless otherwise indicated, exhibits have been previously filed.

<PAGE>
 
Salix Holdings, Ltd.
3600 West Bayshore Road, Suite 205
Palo Alto, California 94303

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Re: REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-1 FILE NO. 333-33781
    -----------------------------------------------------

We have examined the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed by you with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on August 15, 1997 (Registration No. 
333-33781) (the "Registration Statement"), in connection with the registration 
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of the shares of Common Stock 
registered pursuant to the Registration Statement. As your counsel in connection
with the British Virgin Islands aspects of this transaction, we have examined 
the Memorandum and Articles of Association and Certificate of Incorporation and 
resolutions of the directors of Salix Holdings, Ltd. authorizing the issue and 
sale of the Shares in accordance with the terms of the Registration Statement 
and have considered the proceedings taken and proposed to be taken in connection
with the said sale and issuance of the Shares.

It is our opinion that the Shares, when issued and sold in the manner referred 
to in the Registration Statement, 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 appearing in the 
Registration Statement, including the Prospectuses constituting a part thereof, 
and any amendment thereto.

Yours faithfully,
HARNEY, WESTWOOD & RIEGELS






       

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.6

                  Dated                                 1992
                  ------------------------------------------



                          GLYCYX PHARMACEUTICALS, LTD  (1)



                                     -and-


                                   AB ASTRA            (2)


                 --------------------------------------------
                           RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
                                   AGREEMENT
                 --------------------------------------------



                             Hewitson Becke + Shaw
                               4/5 Church Street
                                 Peterborough
                                    PE1 1XB

[*]  CERTAIN INFORMATION IN THIS EXHIBIT HAS BEEN OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY
     WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS
     BEEN REQUESTED WITH RESPECT TO THE OMITTED PORTIONS.
<PAGE>
 
                                     - 1 -


THIS AGREEMENT is made the 21st day of September 1992

BETWEEN:
- -------

(1)  GLYCYX PHARMACEUTICALS, LTD a company incorporated under the laws of
     Bermuda and whose registered office is at 41 Cedar Avenue, Hamilton, HM12,
     Bermuda ("Glycyx"); and

(2)  AB ASTRA a company incorporated under the laws of Sweden whose principal
     place of business is at Kvarnbergagatan 16, S-151 85 Sodertalje, Sweden
     ("Astra").

WHEREAS:

A.   By an agreement dated 18th March, 1992 and made between Glycyx of the one
     part and Biorex Laboratories Limited ("Biorex") of the other part Biorex
     granted Glycyx an exclusive license to develop, manufacture use and sell
     pharmaceutical products incorporating Balsalazide under patents granted to
     Biorex upon the terms of such licence.

B.   Glycyx and Astra have agreed to collaborate in the programme of development
     of such pharmaceutical products for the creation of a Dossier to be
     registered in the countries within the Territory (as hereinafter defined).

NOW IT IS HEREBY AGREED as follows:

1.   DEFINITIONS
     -----------

1.1  In this Agreement the following words shall have the following meanings:
 
     "the Applications"             means:-

                                    (1) the remission of acute relapse in
                                    ulcerative colitis; and
 
                                    (2) the maintenance of remission in
                                    ulcerative colitis
 
     "the Astra Specialists"        shall mean three specialists nominated and
                                    appointed from time to time by Astra to the
                                    Project Team
                                                        
 
     "Balsalazide"                   means 5- [4(2- Carboxyethyl carbamoyl) -
                                     phenylazo]-salicylic acid disodium salt
                                     dihydrate
                                     
 
     "Biorex"                        shall mean Biorex Laboratories Limited a
                                     company incorporated in England under
                                     Company Registration Number 390233
                                                          
<PAGE>
 
                                      -2-


                                    whose registered office is at 2 Crossfield
                                    Chambers, Gladbeck Way, Enfield, Middlesex
                                    EN2 7HT

     "Biorex Agreement"             means an agreement dated 18th March 1992
                                    between Glycyx and Biorex

     "Biorex/Astra Agreement"       means an agreement of even date herewith
                                    entered into between Biorex and Astra

     "Distribution Agreement"       means the agreement entered into on even
                                    date herewith between Glycyx and Astra in
                                    the approved form

     "the Dossier"                  means the Master Regulatory Dossier relating
                                    to the Product which shall be prepared
                                    during the Project and which shall in the
                                    reasonable opinion of Glycyx and the Project
                                    Team be

                                    (1) in accordance with the published
                                    standards required for master regulatory
                                    dossiers by the European Commission as at
                                    the date of completion of the Dossier; and

                                    (2) in a form suitable for submission to and
                                    suitable for approval by the relevant
                                    regulatory authorities in connection with
                                    obtaining health registration for the
                                    Product in each of the Principal Markets

     "the Excluded Territory"       shall mean the United States of America,
                                    Italy, Spain, Portugal and Greece

     "Force Majeure"                means in relation to either party any
                                    circumstances beyond the reasonable control
                                    of that party (including but not limited to
                                    strike, lock out or other form of industrial
                                    action, act of God, war, riot, accident,
                                    breakdown in plant or machinery, fire,
                                    flood, explosion, government action)
<PAGE>
 
                                      -3-



     "Patents"                      shall mean the patents and applications
                                    therefor for Balsalazide listed in Schedule
                                    1

     "the Principal Markets"        means United Kingdom, Sweden, Finland,
                                    Norway, Switzerland, Austria, Denmark,
                                    Germany, the Benelux countries, France,
                                    Eire, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand
                                    and Canada

     "Product"                      means a pharmaceutical preparation for the
                                    Applications containing Balsalazide
                                    previously developed by Biorex and licensed
                                    to Glycyx pursuant to the Biorex Agreement

     "Product Information"          means the chemical, pharmaceutical, pre-
                                    clinical, clinical and other information
                                    relating to the Product and Balsalazide
                                    delivered to Astra by Glycyx in full or in
                                    summary form or as expert opinion of the
                                    data prior to the date hereof as identified
                                    and listed in Schedule 2

     "the Project"                  means the development programme in
                                    connection with the development of the
                                    Product the preparation and completion of
                                    the Dossier and obtaining the grant of
                                    approval to market the Product in at least
                                    one Principal Market conducted in accordance
                                    with the terms of this Agreement and as
                                    summarised in Schedule 2

     "the Project Team"             means the team of experts appointed by
                                    Glycyx from time to time in connection with
                                    the Project and the Astra Specialists

     "the Territory"                means all the countries in the world
                                    excluding only Italy, Spain, Portugal,
                                    Greece, United States of America, Japan,
                                    Taiwan and
<PAGE>
 
                                      -4-



                                    Korea

     "the Trademark"                means the trade name "Colazide" registered
                                    as a trademark for use on pharmaceutical
                                    preparations in the United Kingdom and
                                    elsewhere and any other tradename designated
                                    by Glycyx for use in connection with the
                                    Product in any part of the Territory where
                                    use of the tradename 'Colazide' is
                                    inappropriate for such part of the Territory
                                    or where Astra reasonably considers that the
                                    use of another tradename (in addition to the
                                    tradename "Colazide") may be commercially
                                    advantageous.

1.2  The headings in this Agreement are for convenience only and shall not
     affect its interpretation.

1.3  Reference to any document in the approved form shall be reference to the
     document agreed between the parties and initialled for the purposes of
     identification by each party.

2.   GLYCYX'S OBLIGATIONS AND THE PRODUCT
     ------------------------------------

2.1  Glycyx shall manage the Project Team and conduct or procure the conduct of
     the Project in a competent manner and shall use all reasonable endevours
     to prepare and/or procure the preparation of the Dossier.

2.2  The Project shall be conducted in respect of and relate only to the Product
     as defined herein (and notwithstanding the wider definition of the Product
     contained in the Distribution Agreement).

2.3  Glycyx shall conduct and manage the Project in close liaison with the
     Project Team and Glycyx shall keep Astra fully informed of the progress
     costs and conduct of the Project and shall take account of comments and
     proposals made by the Project Team with regard to the scientific content
     and methods involved in the Project.

2.4  Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing Glycyx hereby agrees:-

     2.4.1     that Glycyx shall use all reasonable endeavours to complete the
               Project on or before 31st December 1993; and

     2.4.2     that the nature and procedures of any clinical trials conducted
               or required to be conducted as part of the Project by Glycyx (or
               by any third party duly authorised by Glycyx) will be agreed in
<PAGE>
 
                                      -5-



               advance with Astra and Glycyx shall procure that the results of
               any such trials or other clinical data relating to such trials
               shall be made freely available to Astra as soon as is reasonably
               practicable; and

     2.4.3     to manage the Project Team and to procure that the Project Team
               shall meet at least once in every twelve (12) week period during
               the Project to review and co-ordinate the Project and to share
               and exchange all information relating to the Project; and

     2.4.4     to prepare a quarterly written report on the progress of the
               Project and to submit such report to Astra each calendar quarter.
               (The first report shall be submitted to Astra within one calendar
               quarter from the date of this Agreement); and

     2.4.5     to use reasonable endevours to procure that all the contractors
               working in the Project (including without limitation the members
               of the Project Team (excluding the Astra Specialists)) at the
               date of this Agreement are either recruited as employees of
               Glycyx or enter into contracts for the supply of their services
               to Glycyx; and

     2.4.6     to co-ordinate all documentation in connection with the Project.

2.5  Astra hereby confirms and acknowledges that any information, assistance,
     representation or warranty given or made by Astra or any of its
     representatives or any Astra Specialists may be accepted by and used by
     Glycyx in the performance of the Project Provided Always that Glycyx shall
     remain solely responsible for the performance of the Project and shall not
     be entitled to rely upon any representation warranty or information
     supplied by any such Astra representative or any Astra Specialist.

2.6  Upon completion of the Dossier Glycyx shall file the Dossier with the
     relevant regulatory authorities in at least one Principal Market and shall
     apply for and pursue to grant approval to the marketing and sale of the
     Product in such Principal Market.

2.7  The conduct of the Project and the preparation of the Dossier in accordance
     with the terms hereof shall include the undertaking by Glycyx to perform
     all pre-clinical trials and human pharmacokinetics trials and such limited
     clinical trials for the Product as defined in Schedule 2 necessary to
     obtain approval in any Principal Market pursuant to Clause 2.6 but shall
     not include any obligation on Glycyx to undertake any other clinical trials
     whatsoever.

3.   COMPLETION OF THE PROJECT
     -------------------------

3.1  Upon any application for approval in a Principal Market made
<PAGE>
 
                                      -6-

                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.6

     by Glycyx under Clause 2.6 Glycyx (or any nominee appointed by it,
     including Biorex) shall be named as applicant and shall name in such
     application Astra as assembler and distributor for the Product in such
     Principal market and shall supply confirmation to Astra that the interests
     of Astra in the Product pursuant to the Distribution Agreement shall have
     been notified to the relevant regulatory authorities in such Principal
     Market upon such submission and application.

3.2  Glycyx shall use all reasonable endeavours to procure that the relevant
     regulatory authorities in such Principal Market shall (in addition to the
     product licence issued to the applicant) issue a duplicate product license
     in favour of Astra.

3.3  Glycyx shall procure that the applicant named pursuant to Clause 3.1 in
     connection with the submission of the Dossier to such regulatory
     authorities shall not during the term of the Distribution Agreement use any
     product license issued to it as applicant for the Product in any manner
     which may be in derogation of the rights granted to Astra under the
     Distribution Agreement.

4.   ASTRA'S OBLIGATIONS
     -------------------

4.1  Astra shall be solely responsible for all costs and expenses incurred by or
     payable to any Astra Specialist in connection with the Project.

4.2  Astra acknowledges that the Project meetings under Clause 2.4.3 shall take
     place in the United Kingdom at such places as shall be reasonably nominated
     by Glycyx.  Astra hereby agrees to bear the entire cost and expense in
     connection with the attendance at such meetings of any Astra representative
     and the Astra Specialists.

4.3  In the event that by agreement between the parties Astra shall during the
     term of the Project conduct any clinical trial work for registration
     purposes in connection with the Project Astra confirms that it shall bear
     all direct internal costs incurred by it in the performance of such
     clinical work but shall be entitled to invoice Glycyx (up to a maximum of
     300,000 pounds) for those expenses and costs actually paid to any third
     party, upon terms to be agreed between the parties.

5.   CLINICAL TRIALS
     ---------------

5.1  Astra agrees to undertake any human clinical trials for the Product (beyond
     the clinical trials conducted as part of the Project as specified in Clause
     2.6) in connection with the submission of the Dossier in any part of the
     Territory or otherwise in connection with the application for or obtaining
     regulatory approval for the Product from any relevant regulatory
     authorities in any Part of the Territory (including but not limited to
     Phase III and Phase IV studies) at Astra's sole cost and expense Provided
     Always

<PAGE>
 
                                      -7-



     that:

     5.1.1  the trials, are planned, organised and carried out solely by Astra;
            and

     5.1.2  prior to the conduct of the trials the clinical trial objectives and
            the clinical trial protocols are agreed in writing between Astra and
            Glycyx (such agreement not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed
            and Provided Always that such agreement shall be deemed to have been
            given by Glycyx in the event that no response is received by Astra
            from Glycyx within 20 working days of receipt by Glycyx of any
            request from Astra for approval); and

     5.1.3  Astra shall provide all medical resources and clinical trials
            monitors at its own cost and expense; and

     5.1.4  Astra shall bear all the costs and expenses associated with such
            clinical trials including but without limitation the costs of
            documentation and administrative payments to trialists; and

     5.1.5  Glycyx shall [*] provide such supplies of finished capsules of
            Product to Astra as Astra may reasonably require for the conduct of
            such trials; and

     5.1.6  Unless otherwise agreed by Glycyx, Astra shall use and promote the
            Trademark in connection with such trials.

5.2  In the event that any clinical trials are conducted by Astra pursuant to
     Clause 5.1 Astra undertakes:-

     5.2.1     to keep Glycyx fully informed as to the conduct of such clinical
               trials and to provide to Glycyx full unrestricted access to such
               results; and

     5.2.2     to permit Glycyx to use such results and to disclose the same to
               third parties in connection with the use and sale of the Product
               in the Excluded Territory

     Provided Always that Glycyx shall procure full unrestricted access to Astra
     to the results of any clinical trials and other studies conducted by Glycyx
     and/or any authorized third party in connection with the use and sale of
     the Product in the Excluded Territory.

6.   COSTS AND FUNDING
     -----------------

6.1  Schedule 3 contains an estimate prepared by Glycyx of the costs which may
     be incurred in the performance of the Project. Glycyx acknowledges that the
     total estimated costs for completion of the Project is [*] (as at 31st
     August 1992) which is in accordance with the cost scheme in

[*]  CERTAIN INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE HAS BEEN OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH
     THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS BEEN
     REQUESTED WITH RESPECT TO THE OMITTED PORTIONS.

<PAGE>
 
                                      -8-



     Schedule 3.

6.2  Astra hereby agrees that it shall be responsible for all the costs and
     expenses of whatsoever nature and by whomsoever incurred in connection with
     the Project up to [*] and Astra agrees to remit monies to
     Glycyx (for such costs and expenses incurred by Glycyx in the performance
     of the Project) into Glycyx's bank account (details of which are set out
     below) in respect of such costs and expenses in accordance with Schedule 3
     to this Agreement

     [*]

     Glycyx confirms and acknowledges the receipt of [*] paid by Astra on July
     3, 1992 as an advance payment hereunder and [*]

     Provided Always that any payments costs and expenses expressly stated in
     this Agreement to be the sole responsibility of Astra shall be paid over
     and above such [*] and such costs shall not be taken into account in
     calculating such maximum.

6.3  Glycyx shall be solely responsible for funding the difference between the
     actual costs for completion of the Project and Astra's contribution under
     Article 6.2.

6.4  Glycyx represents that all payments made by Astra to the bank account under
     Article 6.2 will be used exclusively for payments to third parties in
     connection with the Project and Glycyx is solely responsible for the
     maintenance of this Account.  Glycyx shall be solely responsible for making
     all payments to all third parties working in the Project and Glycyx shall
     maintain detailed and accurate accounts and records in connection with all
     such payments.

6.5  Glycyx shall submit a copy of all accounts and records maintained by it in
     connection with the conduct of the Project on a calendar quarterly basis.
     The first set of accounts and records shall be submitted to Astra three
     calendar months from the date of this Agreement.

6.6  In the event that the actual costs incurred by Glycyx in the performance of
     the Project shall exceed the total estimated costs under Clause 6.1 Glycyx
     shall be solely liable for any excess costs incurred Provided Always that
     in the event that

[*]  CERTAIN INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE HAS BEEN OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH
     THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS BEEN
     REQUESTED WITH RESPECT TO THE OMITTED PORTIONS.

<PAGE>
 
                                      -9-



     Glycyx shall at any time (in its sole discretion) decide that it is unable
     or unwilling to incur expenses in excess of such estimate and to complete
     the Project in accordance with the terms of this Agreement it shall
     forthwith notify Astra in writing and Astra may at its sole option
     (exercised by 30 days notice in writing to Glycyx served within 15 days of
     receipt of any such notice from Glycyx) assume all obligations in
     connection with the conduct and completion of the Project the filing of the
     Dossier in accordance with Clause 3.1 hereof and obtaining regulatory
     approval under Clause 2.6 whereupon;

     6.6.1     this Agreement shall terminate; and

     6.6.2     the rights of Astra to distribute the Product under the
               Distribution Agreement will remain and for the avoidance of doubt
               payments under Clause 7.1.2 of the Distribution Agreement shall
               remain due and payable in accordance with the terms of such
               Clause 7.1.2; and

     6.6.3     the right of Astra to manufacture Product pursuant to Clause 13
               of the Distribution Agreement shall be deemed to be granted
               pursuant to Clause 13.2.2 thereof; and

     6.6.4     Astra shall have no claim against Glycyx and Glycyx shall not be
               liable for any breach by it of its obligations to complete the
               Project in accordance with the terms of this Agreement; and

     6.6.5     Astra may in its sole discretion supply information relating to
               or arising in the Project to third parties exploiting the Product
               in the Excluded Territory but shall not be under any obligation
               to do so and such supply may be upon such terms as may be agreed
               between Astra and such third party.

7.   TERM
     ----

7.1  This Agreement shall have effect from the date hereof unless and until
     terminated pursuant to this Clause 7.

7.2  This Agreement shall terminate

     7.2.1     upon completion of the Project by Glycyx in accordance with the
               terms of this Agreement (and in particular the terms of Clause
               2.6) and payment by Astra to Glycyx of all sums due hereunder;
               and

     7.2.2     Forthwith upon written notice from Astra of the exercise of its
               option under Clause 6.6.

7.3  This Agreement may be terminated at any time during the Project by the
     mutual agreement of Astra and Glycyx provided always that the Distribution
     Agreement shall terminate forthwith upon any such termination.
<PAGE>
 
                                      -10-


7.4  Either party to this Agreement shall be entitled to terminate this
     Agreement forthwith by notice in writing to the other in the event that:-

     7.4.1  the other party shall fail to pay any sum due hereunder on the due
            date and shall fail to remedy such breach within 30 days of being
            required in writing by the other party so to do; or

     7.4.2  the other party shall commit a material breach of any of the terms
            and conditions of this agreement and shall fail to remedy the same
            (if capable of remedy) within ninety (90) days of being required in
            writing by the other party so to do; or

     7.4.3  the other party shall enter into liquidation (either voluntary or
            compulsory) or shall be the subject of any petition for winding up;
            or

     7.4.4  the other party shall make any assignment or arrangement for the
            benefit of its creditors or cease or threaten to cease to carry on
            its business in the ordinary course; or

     7.4.5  a receiver, administrative receiver, or receiver and manager, or
            judicial manager or administrator is appointed over the whole or any
            part of the assets of either party or if any court proceedings are
            commenced for the appointment of an administrator or receiver to
            either party; or

     7.4.6  the other party shall become unable to pay its debts as they become
            due in the ordinary course of business or shall otherwise become
            subject to or seek relief under any law relating to insolvency in
            any jurisdiction relevant to such other party.

7.5  Any waiver by either party of a breach of any provision of this agreement
     shall not be considered as a waiver of any subsequent breach of the same or
     any provisions of this Agreement.

7.6  Any termination of this Agreement shall be without prejudice to the right
     of either party to recover any monies due to it under this Agreement or to
     the rights or remedies of either party in respect of any breach prior to
     the date of termination of this Agreement.

7.7  Glycyx undertakes that during the term of this Agreement it shall not
     exercise any right which it may have (or may acquire) to terminate the
     Biorex Agreement without prior consultation with Astra and without taking
     such action as may be appropriate to ensure that the rights granted to
     Astra hereunder are not prejudiced to any material extent by any such
     termination of the Biorex Agreement by Glycyx.
<PAGE>
 
                                      -11-

8.   CONSEQUENCES OF TERMINATION
     ---------------------------

8.1  In the event of termination of this Agreement pursuant to Clause 7.3 or
     termination by Glycyx pursuant to Clause 7.4 (howsoever arising or caused)
     each party shall immediately

     8.1.1     return to the other all material information, data, or samples
               (including without limitation all scientific medical and safety
               data relating to the Product) relating to the Product or the
               Project which is of a confidential nature and shall have been
               supplied to it in confidence in connection with this Agreement
               together with all copies thereof (other than correspondence
               between the parties) which either party may have in its
               possession or under its control as at the date of termination;
               and

     8.1.2     cease all use of any such confidential information of the other
               party supplied to or obtained by it in connection with the
               Project or this Agreement; and

     8.1.3     undertake a full financial audit of the accounts of the Project
               and agree such payments and reimbursements as may be required to
               give effect to the provisions of Clause 6 and to ensure that
               Glycyx obtains reimbursement of all costs incurred by or
               committed to Glycyx prior to the date of termination (subject to
               the maximum in Clause 6.2). If the parties cannot agree on the
               amounts of any payments or re-imbursements within 28 days of the
               date of termination of this Agreement then either party may
               instruct the President for the time being of the Pharmaceutical
               Society of Great Britain to appoint an independent auditor
               (acting as an expert and not an arbitrator) to prepare the said
               audit and his determination as to payments or re-imbursements to
               either party, shall (in the absence of manifest error), be final
               and binding on the parties and his costs and expenses shall be
               borne by the parties hereto in such proportions as he shall in
               his absolute discretion determine

8.2  In the event of termination of this Agreement by Astra under the provisions
     of Clause 7.4 the rights and obligations of Astra under this Agreement
     shall continue subject always to the terms of the Biorex/Astra Agreement.

8.3  In the event of termination under Clause 7.2 it is acknowledged that
     Clauses 3.3, and 11 and any provision which by its nature is intended to
     survive termination of this Agreement will survive any such termination.

9.   CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
     ------------------------

9.1  Astra hereby agrees and undertakes that during the term of this Agreement
     and for a period of ten years thereafter
<PAGE>
 
                                      -12-



     (howsoever termination may be caused or arise) it shall keep confidential
     and shall not without the prior written consent of Glycyx disclose to any
     third party any information of a confidential nature belonging to Glycyx or
     Biorex including trade secrets and information of commercial value) which
     may become known to Astra from Glycyx in connection with this Agreement
     Provided Always that such obligation of confidentiality shall not extend to
     any part of such confidential information which:

     9.1.1     shall otherwise than by reason of any default by Astra became
               freely available to the general public; or

     9.1.2     Astra can show by documentary evidence was in its possession or
               control prior to disclosure free of any obligation of
               confidentiality; or

     9.1.3     Astra can show by documentary evidence shall have come into the
               possession or control of Astra from a third party free of any
               obligation of confidentiality subsequent to disclosure hereunder;
               or

     9.1.4     Astra is obliged by law or regulation to disclose to a third
               party provided that such disclosure shall only be made to the
               extent actually required by law or regulation.

9.2  Astra shall ensure that the Astra Specialists, or any other employee of or
     consultant to Astra who shall obtain any confidential information in
     connection with the Project or otherwise the performance of this Agreement
     shall be bound by obligations of confidentiality substantially similar to
     the provisions of Clause 9.1.

10.  ASSIGNMENT
     ----------

10.1 The benefit of this Agreement is personal to Astra and to Glycyx and shall
     not be capable of assignment by either of them under any circumstances
     without the prior consent in writing of the other party (such consent not
     to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) save only for an assignment made
     between Glycyx and Salix Pharmaceuticals Inc which may be effected without
     the prior consent or approval of Astra.

10.2 Performance of any of Astra's obligations hereunder may be effected by any
     wholly-owned subsidiary of Astra within the Territory Provided Always that
     Astra shall remain solely liable for the proper performance of all such
     obligations.

11.  INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS AND WARRANTIES
     -------------------------------------------

11.1 Glycyx hereby represents and warrants to Astra as at the date of this
     Agreement (with the intent that Astra has relied upon such representations
     and warranties in entering into this Agreement and the Distribution
     Agreement) that:-
<PAGE>
 
                                      -13-



     11.1.1    the Biorex Agreement (which has been disclosed to Astra) contains
               all the terms concerning the arrangements between Biorex and
               Glycyx and that there is no other fact or circumstances relating
               to the Biorex Agreement that is material to the Project and/or
               the Distribution Agreement and which might reasonably be expected
               to affect the decision of Astra to enter into this agreement or
               the Distribution Agreement which has not been disclosed to Astra
               by Glycyx; and

     11.1.2    Biorex is the sole legal owner of the Patents; and

     11.1.3    so far as Glycyx is aware the Patents are valid and subsisting;
               and

     11.1.4    so far as Glycyx is aware and save as indicated therein the
               Product Information is accurate and complete in all material
               respects and there is nothing contained therein which might
               render the Product Information misleading in any material
               respect; and

     11.1.5    so far as Glycyx is aware the Trademark is available for use in
               connection with the Product in each of the Principal Markets and
               does not infringe the rights of any third party;

     Provided Always That Glycyx shall not be liable in any respect for any
     breach of the warranties contained in clauses 11.1.1 to 11.1.5 unless
     notice in writing specifying details of such breach shall have been served
     on Glycyx by Astra prior to the twelfth anniversary of the date of this
     Agreement.

11.2 Astra acknowledges that save as expressly provided in the Distribution
     Agreement or as may be required in connection with the performance by Astra
     of its obligations hereunder, Astra shall have no right title interest or
     licence in or to the Patents or otherwise any intellectual property rights
     of Biorex or Glycyx in Balsalazide or the Product.

12.  COSTS
     -----

12.1 Each party hereto shall bear its own costs in relation to the negotiation,
     drafting, preparation and, execution of this Agreement.

13.  CONFIDENTIALITY OF THIS AGREEMENT
     ---------------------------------

13.1 The contents of this Agreement shall remain confidential as between the
     parties.  Neither party shall, without the prior written consent of the
     other (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld without justification)
     reveal any of the financial terms of this Agreement to any other person,
     firm or company save for:-
<PAGE>
 
                                      -14-



     13.1.1    disclosure by Glycyx to Biorex or Salix Pharmaceuticals Inc in
               circumstances where such third party shall have accepted
               obligations of confidentiality in respect of the information
               disclosed; or

     13.1.2    such disclosure as may be required to be made by either party by
               any relevant law or regulatory authority to the extent required
               by such relevant or regulatory authority.

14.  FORCE MAJEURE
     -------------

14.1 If the performance of any obligations under the Agreement by either party
     is affected by Force Majeure such party shall forthwith notify the other
     party of the nature and extent thereof.

14.2 Neither party shall be deemed to be in breach of this Agreement or
     otherwise be liable to the other by reason of any delay in performance or
     non-performance of any of its obligations hereunder to the extent that such
     delay or non-performance is due to any Force Majeure which has been
     notified to the other party in writing.

15.  NATURE OF THE AGREEMENT
     -----------------------

15.1 Nothing in this Agreement shall create or be deemed to create any
     partnership, joint venture or the relationship of principal and agent
     between the parties.

15.2 Each party acknowledges that, in entering into this Agreement, it does not
     do so on the basis of, and does not rely on, any representation, warranty
     or other provision (except as expressly provided herein or in the
     Distribution Agreement) and all conditions, warranties or other terms
     implied by Statute or common law are hereby excluded to the fullest extent
     permitted by law.

15.3 This Agreement (including the Schedules) together with the Distribution
     Agreement (and any agreements entered into pursuant to the Distribution
     Agreement) constitutes the entire understanding and agreement between the
     parties with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement and supersedes
     all prior agreements, negotiations and discussions between the parties
     relating to this Agreement.

15.4 This Agreement may not be released, discharged, abandoned, charged or
     modified, in any manner, except by an instrument in writing signed by a
     duly authorised officer or representative from each of the parties hereto.

15.5 This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in all respects in
     accordance with the laws of England and each party hereby submits to the
     exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.  For the purpose of accepting
     service of process in connection with any action commenced before the
<PAGE>
 
                                      -15-


     High Court in England the parties hereto hereby absolutely, unconditionally
     and irrevocably appoint the following agents to accept process on their
     behalf it being unconditionally agreed that for this purpose such process
     will be properly and effectively served if the same is left at the offices
     of the agent at the address set out below

     Astra:         F.A.O.  The Managing Director
                    Astra Pharmaceuticals Limited
                    Home Park Estate
                    Kings Langley
                    Herts
                    WD4 8DH

     Glycyx:        F.A.O.  Glycyx Pharmaceuticals Limited
                    Camas Partners Limited
                    Camas House
                    23 Park Lane
                    Blunham
                    Bedfordshire
                    MK44 3NH

15.6 Any dispute arising out of or in connection with this Agreement as shall
     relate to technical quality specification or otherwise to any defect in the
     Product only shall be referred to arbitration in London before an
     arbitrator (with suitable technical knowledge) appointed by agreement
     between the parties or, in default of agreement, nominated on the
     application of either party by the President for the time being of the
     Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain.

16.  NOTICES
     -------

16.1 All notices to be served by the parties to this Agreement shall be served
     only in the English language.

16.2 Notices shall be sufficiently served if dispatched by first class or
     express post (meaning the fastest normal method of mail transmit in the
     country of dispatch) to the address of the receiving party set out below;

     Glycyx         3600 W Bayshore Road
                    Suite 202
                    Palo Alto
                    CA 94303 U.S.A.
                    F.A.O.  R W Hamilton

     Astra          Kvarnbergagatan 16
                    S-151 85 Sodertalje
                    Sweden
                    F.A.O.  Vice President Legal Affairs

     Any modification to this address must in itself be notified in writing to
     the other party in accordance with the terms of this sub-clause.

16.3 In the absence of proof to the contrary notices properly sent hereunder
     shall be deemed to have been duly served five
<PAGE>
 
                                      -16-



     working days after the date of dispatch.

16.4 It shall be permitted for notices to be served hereunder by facsimile
     transmission and for this purpose the fax numbers below shall apply:

     16.4.1  in the case of Glycyx at 3600 W Bayshore Road Suite 202 Palo Alto
             CA 94303 USA facsimile transmission number 415-856-1555 and marked
             for the attention of R W Hamilton

     16.4.2  in the case of Astra at Kvarnbergagatan 16, S-151 85 Sodertalje,
             Sweden facsimile transmission number +46 855 32 90 00 and marked
             for the attention of Vice President Legal Affairs

     provided that receipt of such facsimile transmission is confirmed by return
     facsimile and shall be deemed served 24 hours after the time of receipt of
     the return facsimile.

AS WITNESS the hands of the duly authorised representatives of the parties
hereto the date and year first above written
<PAGE>
 
                                      -17-


                                  SCHEDULE 1

                                    PATENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
 
PATENT       NUMBER     FILING DATE    GRANT DATE     DUE TO EXPIRE
<S>         <C>         <C>           <C>             <C>
 
UK          2,080,796    Complete                        07/07/2001
                         Specification
                         07.07.1981
 
France      1,493,313    21.07.1981                      21.07.2001
 
Italy       1,138,450    10.07.1981                      10.07.2001
 
Japan       1,433,303    16.07.1981                      07.04.2001
 
U.S.A.      4,412,992    08.07.1981                      01.11.2000
 
F.R.G.      3,120,019    21.07.1981        15.02.90      21.07.2001
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
 
R&D Schedule 1 (continued) (pages 1 to 27)
      (after one page patents list)

- -------------------------------------------
[SEAL OF THE PATENT OFFICE]

(12) UK Patent (19) GB (11) 2 080 796 B
- -------------------------------------------


(54) Title of invention
     2-hydroxy-5-phenylazobenzoic acid derivatives and pharmaceutical
     compositions containing them

(51) INTCL/3/;C07C107/06 A61K 31/60 31/63 C07C l43/54 143/78

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

(21)      Application No                 (73) Proprietor
          8120914                             Biorex Laboratories Limited.
                                              Biorex House,
                                              Canonbury Villas,
(22)      Date of filing                      London N1 2HB.
          7 Jul 1981
 
(30)      Priority data
 
    (31)     8023826
 
    (32)     21 Jul 1980

    (33)     United Kingdom (GB)

                                         (72) Inventors
                                              Rosalind Po Kuen Chan
(43) Application published
     10 Feb 1982

(45) Patent published
     12 Oct 1983

- --------------------------------------
(52) Domestic classification
     C2C 220 227 22Y 270 280 292 29X
     29Y 30Y 321 323 325 32Y 332 342
     34Y 360 361 365 366 367 368 36Y     (74) Agent and/or Address for Service
     385 394 39Y 510 51X 534 583 60Y          Venner Shipley and Co.,
     620 621 623 628 62X 630 638 650          368, City Road,
     652 658 660 661 662 668 699 802          London EC1V 2QA.
     80Y AA KH KJ KN KR KT RC SG
     U1S 1318 C2C

(56) Documents cited
     None

(58) Field of search
     C2C

                           LONDON THE PATENT OFFICE

<PAGE>
 
                           (R&D Schedule 1 cont ...)


                 "2-Hydroxy-5-phenylazobenzoic acid derivatives
               and pharmaceutical compositions containing them."
               -------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
                          (R&D Schedule 1 cont...)
 
                                      -2-

     The present invention is concerned with new pharmaceutical compositions
containing derivatives of 2-hydroxy-5-phenylazobenzoic acid, most of which are
new.

     Ulcerative colitis is a disease of increasing prevalence for which at
present the only satisfactory treatment is the administration of salazopyrin,
which has the following structural formula:

     [FORMULA OMITTED]

     However, one serious disadvantage of salazopyrin is that it is broken down
in the intestinal tract to give sulphapyridine which gives rise to undesirable
side effects.  Furthermore, salazopyrin is insoluble in water.

     We have now found that when the pyridylsulphamoyl moiety of salazopyrin is
replaced by certain nonheterocyclic organic radicals, compounds are obtained
which are very useful for the treatment of ulcerative colitis, and have the
great advantage that breakdown thereof in the intestinal tract does not give
rise to undesirable metabolic products.  Furthermore, many of them are soluble
in water, which is advantageous for ease of administration, and have a very low
acute toxicity.
<PAGE>
 
                            (R&D Schedule 1 cont...)
 
                                      -3-

     Thus, according to the present invention, there are provided pharmaceutical
compositions containing at least one compound of the general formula:-

          [FORMULA OMITTED]

wherein X is an -SO2 or -CO- group and R is either a non-heterocyclic aromatic
ring system, preferably a benzene ring, optionally substituted by a radical of
the general formula -(CH2)-n-Y or is a radical of the general formula -(CH2)n-Y,
in which Y is a hydroxyl group, an unsubstituted or substituted amino group or a
carboxylic or sulphonic acid group and n is a whole number of from 1 to 6 and in
                                       -
which one or more hydrogen atoms in the alkylene radical can be replaced by
unsubstituted or substituted amino groups or alkyl radicals; and/or containing
at least one ester thereof and/or at least one non-toxic, pharmaceutically
acceptable salt thereof, in admixture with a solid or liquid pharmaceutical
diluent or carrier.

     Most of the compounds of general formula (I) are new.  Consequently, the
present invention also provides new compounds of the general formula:-

          [FORMULA OMITTED]
<PAGE>
 
                            (R&D Schedule 1 cont...)
 
                                      -4-

wherein X is an -SO\2\- or -CO- group and R is either a non-heterocyclic
aromatic ring system, preferably a benzene ring, optionally substituted by a
radical of the general formula -(CH\2\)\n\-Y or is a radical of the general
formula -(CH\2\)\n\-Y, in which Y is a hydroxyl group or an unsubstituted or
substituted amino group or a carboxylic or sulphonic acid group and n is a whole
number of from 1 to 6 and
                                         -
in which one or more of the hydrogen atoms in the alkylene radical can be
replaced by unsubstituted or substituted amino groups or alkyl radicals, with
the proviso that R-NH-X- is other than a -CO-NH-CH\2\-COOH radical: and the
esters and the non-toxic, pharmacologically acceptable salts thereof, for
example the salts with alkali metals and alkaline earth metals or with non-toxic
amines.

     Substituted amino groups present in the compounds according to the present
invention are preferably mono- or dialkylamino radicals, the alkyl moieties of
which contain up to 6 and preferably up to 3 carbon atoms, methyl and ethyl
being especially preferred.

     The compounds of general formula (I) can be prepared by diazotising an
amine of the general formula:-

               [Formula OMITTED]
<PAGE>
 
                            (R&D Schedule 1 cont...)

                                      -5-

in which R and X have the same meaning as above, followed by coupling with
salicylic acid, whereafter, if desired, the compound obtained is salified with a
non-toxic inorganic or organic base.

     The following Examples are given for the purpose of illustrating the
present invention:-

Example 1.
- ---------

a)   A mixture of 100 g.  N-acetylsulphanilyl chloride, 80 g. aniline sulphate
and 80 g. sodium carbonate in 500 ml. acetone was heated under reflux while
stirring, for 5 hours, cooled and then added to a mixture of dilute hydrochloric
acid and ice.  The precipitate obtained was filtered off, washed with water and
diethyl ether and dried in a vacuum at 50 degrees C. to give 110 g. of almost
pure N-acetylsulphanilylanilide; m.p. 212 - 215 degrees C.

b)   100 g. N-Acetylsulphanilylanilide was heated under reflux for 3 hours in
150 ml. aqueous hydrochloric acid (1:1 v/v).  After cooling, the reaction
mixture was diluted with water and further cooled to 0 degrees C.  The 90 g. of
sulphanilylanilide hydrochloride which deposited were filtered off, washed with 
ice-cold water and recrystallised from ethanol: m.p. 191 - 193.5 degrees C.

c)   10 g.  Sulphanilylanilide hydrochloride and 10 ml. concentrated
hydrochloric acid in 600 ml. ethanol were gently warmed to dissolve, then cooled
to 5 degrees C. and treated dropwise with 30 ml. of a 10% aqueous solution
<PAGE>
 
                            (R&D Schedule 1 cont...)
 
                                      -6-

of sodium nitrite. The reaction mixture was left to stand for 1 hour at 0 to 5
degrees C. and then filtered. While maintaining the temperature at 0 to 5
degrees C., the filtrate was added dropwise to a solution of 5 g. salicylic acid
in 100 ml. of an aqueous solution containing 4 g. sodium carbonate and 7 g.
sodium hydroxide cooled to 0 degrees C. The reaction mixture was left to stand
for 3 hours at 0 degrees C. and at ambient temperature for 20 hours, while
maintaining a pH of greater than 8, whereafter it was concentrated on a
rotavapor apparatus and acidified. The gummy precipitate obtained was separated
off and boiled with water several times to remove excess salicylic acid. The
residue was dissolved in diethyl ether and the ethereal solution was washed with
water, dried over anhydrous sodium sulphate and treated with charcoal. After
filtering and removing the diethyl ether, the crude product obtained was
dissolved in the minimum amount of acetone and ten times the volume of diethyl
ether added thereto. Upon cooling, there were obtained 3.5 g. 5-(4-
phenylsulphamoylphenylazo)-salicylic acid; m.p. 232 -234 degrees C.

d)   11 g. 5-(4- Phenysulphamoylphenylazo)-salicylic acid in 100 ml. ethanol
were treated with an ethanolic solution of an equivalent amount of sodium
hydroxide. The resulting solution was concentrated to a small volume at 30
degrees C. and 20 mm.Hg, whereafter an equal volume of diethyl ether was added
to the concentrate. Upon

<PAGE>
 
                            (R&D Schedule 1 cont...)
 
                                      -7-

cooling, sodium 5-(4-phenylsulphamoylphenylazo)-salicylate deposited, which was
filtered off, washed with diethyl ether and petroleum ether (b.p. 40 - 60
degrees C.) and dried at 50 degrees C. in a vacuum m.p. 257 - 259 degrees C. The
yield was 12 g.

Example 2
- ---------

a)   A solution of 22 g. 4-aminohippuric acid in 20 ml. hydrochloric acid and
200 ml. water was cooled to 0 degrees C. and treated dropwise, while stirring,
with 80 ml. of a 10% aqueous solution of sodium nitrite. The reaction mixture
was then stirred for 1 hour, whereafter a solution of 14 g. salicylic acid in
150 ml. 2N aqueous sodium hydroxide solution containing 15 g. sodium carbonate
and cooled to 0 degrees C. was added dropwise thereto. The reaction mixture was
left to stand overnight at ambient temperature and then poured into a mixture of
ice and dilute hydrochloric acid. The fine precipitate obtained was extracted
with boiling ethyl acetate and the solution treated with charcoal. After
filtering, the filtrate was evaporated to remove the solvent and the residue was
crystallised from boiling ethanol to give 30 g. 5-(4-
carboxymethylcarbamoylphenylazo)-salicylic acid; m.p. 260 - 262 degrees C.

b)   A solution of 11 g. 5-(4-carboxymethylcarbamoylphenylazo)-salicylic acid in
500 ml. warm ethanol was treated with an ethanolic solution containing two
equivalents of sodium hydroxide and the deposit obtained
<PAGE>
 
                            (R&D Schedule 1 cont...)

                                      -8-

was filtered off, washed with ethanol and diethyl ether and dried in a vacuum at
50 degrees C. There were obtained 12.5 g of the disodium salt 5-(4-
carboxymethylcarbamoylphenylazo)-salicylic acid; m.p. greater than 360 degrees
C.

Example 3.
- ----------

     9.71 g. Aminohippuric acid were dissolved in a mixture of 40 ml. 2.5N
hydrochloric acid and 10 ml. 2.5N sulphuric acid and 50 g. ice added thereto. A
solution of 3.5 g. sodium nitrite in 15 ml. water were added steadily at
0 degrees C., the reaction mixture being well stirred during the addition. After
75 minutes at 0 degrees C., the reaction mixture was added to a solution of 6.9
g. salicylic acid in 37 ml. of a mixture of 9 parts by volume of 5N aqueous
sodium hydroxide solution and 1 part by volume of 5N aqueous sodium carbonate
solution, the temperature being kept at 0 degrees C. by the addition of ice.

     After 15 minutes, 23 ml. of a mixture of 4 parts by volume of 5N
hydrochloric acid and 1 part by volume of 5N acetic acid was slowly added, while
stirring. The precipitate obtained was filtered off, washed with distilled water
and dried in a vacuum at 30 degrees C. to give 17.2 g. (100% of theory) 5-(4-
carboxymethylcarbamoylphenylazo)-salicylic acid, which can be recrystallised
from 80% acetic acid, aqueous acetone or aqueous dimethylformamide to give a
yellow, crystalline product of at least 99% purity in a yield of so to 95%; m.p.
260 - 262 degrees C.
<PAGE>
 
                            (R&D Schedule 1 cont...)
 
                                      -9-

Example 4.
- ----------

a)   125 g, Finely powdered 4-nitrobenzoyl chloride were added portionwise while
stirring, to a solution of 70 g, (B)-alanine in 500 ml. water containing 65 g.
sodium hydroxide and cooled to 5 degrees C. The reaction mixture was stirred for
3 hours and then added to a mixture of ice and hydrochloric acid. The
precipitate obtained was filtered off, washed with water and dried by suction.
After crystallisation of the dried product from hot acetone, there were obtained
130 g. 4-nitro-benzoyl-(B)-alanine; m.p. 164 - 166 degrees C.

b)   A suspension of 15 g. finely powdered 4-nitrobenzoyl-8-alanine in 200 ml.
ethanol was stirred in an atmosphere of hydrogen in the presence of 1 g. of
palladium-charcoal (5%), while cooling gently. When the absorption of hydrogen
had ceased, the reaction mixture was filtered and the filtrate concentrated to a
small volume. Upon adding diethyl ether and cooling, 4-aminobenzoyl-(B)-alanine
was obtained. The yield was 11.5 g.; m.p. 156 - 158 degrees C.

c)   8.8g. 4-Aminobenzoyl-B-alanine were triturated with 12 ml. hydrochloric
acid and the paste obtained was dissolved in 100 ml. water. The solution was
cooled to -5 degrees C. and a solution of 3 g. sodium nitrite in 20 ml. water,
cooled to 0 degrees C., was added dropwise, while stirring. The diazotised
solution was left for 1 hour at 0 degrees C. and was then added dropwise at -5
degrees C. to a solution
<PAGE>
 
                            (R&D Schedule 1 cont...)
 
                                      -10-

of 6 g. salicylic acid in 70 ml. water containing 3.6 g. sodium hydroxide and 7
g. sodium carbonate.  The final reaction mixture was adjusted to a pH of about
8, stirred for 2 to 3 hours and added to a mixture of dilute hydrochloric acid
and ice.  The precipitate obtained was filtered off, washed with water and
suction dried.  Crystallisation from hot ethanol gave 11.9 g. 5-(4-
carboxyethylcarbamoylphenylazo)-salicylic acid; m.p. 254 - 255 degrees C.

     10.7 g. of the free acid were dissolved in 300 ml. warm ethanol and treated
with a solution of 2.4 g. sodium hydroxide in 25 ml. ethanol.  The precipitate
obtained was filtered off, washed with ethanol and diethyl ether and dried in a
vacuum at 50 degrees C. to give 11.5 g. of the disodium salt of 5-(4-
carboxyethylcarbamoylphenylazo)-salicylic acid; m.p. greater than 350 degrees C.

Example 5.
- ----------

a)   20 g. Finely powdered 4-nitrobenzoyl chloride were added portionwise to
12.5 g. taurine in a solution of 8 g. sodium hydroxide in 50 ml. water.  The
reaction mixture was stirred for 3 hours and then acidified.  Precipitated 4-
nitrobenzoic acid was filtered off and the filtrate distilled to dryness at a
pressure of 15 mm.Hg.  The residue was extracted with boiling ethanol and the
extract then cooled to give a yield of 23.6 g. 4-nitrobenzoyltaurine; m.p. 278 -
280 degrees C.
<PAGE>
 
                            (R&D Schedule 1 cont...)
 
                                      -11-

b)   A solution of 17 g. 4-nitrobenzoyltaurine in 100 ml. water was stirred in
an atmosphere of hydrogen in the presence of 1 g. palladium-charcoal (5%) until
the absorption of hydrogen ceased.  The reaction mixture was then filtered, the
filtrate was mixed with 20 ml. hydrochloric acid and the suspension of the
hydrochloride obtained cooled to -5 degrees C.  This was added dropwise, while
stirring, to a solution of 5 g. sodium nitrite in 30 ml. water.  The diazotised
solution thus obtained was stirred for 30 minutes and then added to 9.5 g.
salicylic acid in a solution of 11 g. sodium hydroxide in 100 ml. water, cooled
to -2 degrees C. The mixture was stirred for 3 hours, poured into a mixture of
ice and 15 ml. hydrochloric acid and stirred at 0 degrees C. for 30 minutes. The
precipitate obtained was filtered off and washed with ice-cold water.
Crystallisation from 20% aqueous ethanol gave 18.2 g. 5-(4-
sulphoethylcarbamoylphenylazo)-salicylic acid; m.p. greater than 350 degrees C.
(decomp.).

Example 6
- ---------

a)   A solution of 10 ml. ethanolamine in 120 ml. 10% aqueous sodium hydroxide
solution was cooled to 5 degrees C. and 30 g. finely powdered 4-nitrobenzoyl
chloride added thereto portionwise. The reaction mixture was stirred for 24
hours and filtered. The solid obtained, which mainly consisted of bis-(4-
nitrobenzoyl)-ethanol-amine, was hydrolysed with 200 ml. of 4% aqueous
<PAGE>
 
                            (R&D Schedule 1 cont...)
 
                                      -12-

ethanolic sodium hydroxide at ambient temperature for 24 hours.  The reaction
mixture was added to the above filtrate, acidified and the precipitated 4-
nitrobenzoic acid was filtered off.  The filtrate was concentrated and the 13 g.
of precipitated N-(4-nitrobenzoyl)ethanolamine isolated.  The mother liquor was
distilled to dryness and the residue was boiled with ethanol. Concentration of
the ethanolic extract gave a further 5.3 g. of product; m.p. 134 - 135 degrees
C.

b)   A solution of 21 g. of N-(4-nitrobenzoyl)ethanolamine in 400 ml. ethanol
was stirred in an atmosphere of hydrogen in the presence of 1 g. palladium-
charcoal (5%) until the absorption of hydrogen had ceased.  The catalyst was
filtered off and the ethanolic solution was evaporated to dryness to give a
thick oil which slowly solidified.  Thin layer chromatography showed that the N-
(4-aminobenzoyl)-ethanolamine thus obtained had a purity of more than 99%: it
was used as such for the next stage of the synthesis.

c)   A solution of 16 g. N-(4- aminobenzoyl)-ethanol-amine in 20 ml.
hydrochloric acid and 150 ml. water was cooled to -5 degrees C. and treated
dropwise, while stirring, with a solution of 7 g. sodium nitrite in 50 ml.
water. The reaction mixture was further stirred for 1 hour and then added
dropwise to 120 ml. of 10% aqueous sodium hydroxide solution containing 13 g.
salicylic acid and cooled to -2 degrees C. The reaction mixture was
<PAGE>
 
                            (R&D Schedule 1 cont...)
 
                                      -13-

stirred for 3 hours and the precipitate obtained filtered off, washed with ice-
cold water, suction dried and crystallised from hot ethanol to give 11 g. sodium
5-(4-hydroxyethylcarbamoylphenylazo)-salicylate; m.p. 286 - 288 degrees C.
(decomp.).

     The filtrate from which the sodium salt had been removed was acidified.
The precipitate obtained was filtered off, washed with water, suction dried,
charcoaled in ethyl acetate-methanol (2:1 v/v) and concentrated to give 2.7 g.
5-(4-hydroxyethylcarbamoylphenylazo)-salicylic acid which was identical in all
respects to the free acid regenerated from the sodium salt; m.p. 225 - 226 
degrees C. (decomp.).

Example 7.
- ----------

a)   A solution of 7 g. alanine in 65 ml. of 10% aqueous sodium hydroxide
solution was treated portionwise, while stirring, with 12.5 g. finely powdered
4-nitrobenzoyl chloride. The reaction mixture was stirred at 5 degrees C. 
for 20 hours, acidified and the precipitate isolated, washed with water and 
suction dried. Repeated fractional crystallisation from acetone-diethyl ether
(2:1 v/v) gave 4-nitrobenzoylalanine; m.p. 199 - 200 degrees C.

b)   2 g. 4-Nitrobenzoylalanine in 50 ml. ethanol were hydrogenated in the
presence of 0.2 g. palladium-charcoal (5%).  Removal of the catalyst and of the
solvent gave a solid which was crystallised from
<PAGE>
 
                            (R&D Schedule 1 cont...)
 
                                      -14-

ethanol-diethyl ether (1:2 v/v) to give 4-aminobenzoyl alanine; m.p. 198 -
199 degrees C.

c)   A solution of 0.8 g. 4-aminobenzoyl alanine in 15 ml. 1N hydrochloric acid
was cooled to -5 degrees C. and diazotised with 5 ml. of 10% aqueous sodium
nitrite solution for 30 minutes. The reaction mixture was then added to a
solution of O.7 g. salicylic acid in 15 ml. of water containing 0.8 g. sodium
hydroxide and 0.5 g. sodium carbonate. After 2 hours, the reaction mixture was
acidified and the precipitate obtained was isolated, dissolved in ethyl acetate
and the solution was washed, dried and charcoaled. The solution was then
concentrated and cooled to give 0.9 g. 5-[4-(a-methylcarboxymethylcarbamoyl)-
phenylazo]-salicylic acid; m.p. 252 - 254 degrees C.

Example 8.
- ---------

a)   20 g. Acetylsulphanilyl chloride were added portionwise at 5 degrees C.,
with stirring, to a solution of 15 g. 4-aminophenylacetic acid in 10% aqueous
sodium hydroxide solution. The reaction mixture was further stirred for 4 hours
and then added to a mixture of dilute hydrochloric acid and ice. The precipitate
obtained was isolated, taken up in ethyl acetate, washed with water, dried and
evaporated to give 22 g. acetylsulphanilyl-4-(carboxymethyl)-anilide.

b)   3.5 g.  Acetylsulphanilyl-4-(carboxymethyl)-anilide in 7 ml. 5N
hydrochloric acid were heated under
<PAGE>
 
                            (R&D Schedule 1 cont...)
 
                                      -15-

reflux for 2 hours, cooled, diluted with 20 ml. ice and water and cooled to -5
degrees C. 8 ml. of 10% aqueous sodium nitrite solution were added thereto and
after 30 minutes the diazotised solution was added to 1.4 g. salicylic acid in
20 ml. of an aqueous solution of 2 g. sodium hydroxide and 2 g. sodium carbonate
cooled to below 0 degrees C. The reaction mixture was stirred for 2 hours and
then added to a mixture of hydrochloric acid and ice. The precipitate obtained
was isolated and dissolved in ethyl acetate and the solution washed with water,
dried and charcoaled. Upon concentrating the filtered solution and adding an
equal volume of diethyl ether to the filtrate, the desired product slowly
crystallised out. There were obtained 3 g. 5-[4-(4-carboxymethylphenyl)-
isulphamoylphenylazo]-salicylic acid; m.p. 252 - 254 degrees C.

Example 9.
- ----------

a)   A solution of 12 g. 6-aminohexanoic acid in 60 ml. of 10% aqueous sodium
hydroxide solution was treated portionwise with 9 g. finely powdered 4-
nitrobenzoyl chloride.  After 4 hours, the reaction mixture was added to a
mixture of dilute hydrochloric acid and ice.  The precipitate obtained was
isolated, washed with water and crystallised from acetone to give 12.6 g. 6-(4-
nitrobenzoylamino)-hexanoic acid; m.p. 148 - 150 degrees C.
<PAGE>
 
                            (R&D Schedule 1 cont...)
 
                                      -16-

b)   A solution of 6 g. 6-(4-nitrobenzoylamino)-hexanoic acid in 150 ml. ethanol
was hydrogenated in the presence of 0.5 g. palladium-charcoal (5%) until the
reaction was complete.  The catalyst and solvent were removed and the residue
was crystallised from ethanol-diethyl ether (1:1 v/v) to give 4.7 g. 6-(4-
aminobenzoylamino)-hexanoic acid; m.p. 132 - 134 degrees C.

c)   A solution of 2.5 g. 6-(4-aminobenzoylamino)-hexanoic acid in 15 ml. 2N
hydrochloric acid was cooled to -5 degrees C. and treated dropwise, while
stirring, with 8 ml. of a 10% aqueous solution of sodium nitrite. The reaction
mixture was stirred for 30 minutes and then added at -5 degrees C. to salicylic
acid in 20 ml. of water containing 2 g. sodium hydroxide and 1 g. sodium
carbonate. After 3 hours, the reaction mixture was acidified and the precipitate
obtained was isolated by centrifuging, dissolved in ethyl acetate, washed, dried
and concentrated to a small volume. Upon cooling, there were obtained 2.7 g. 5-
(4-carboxypentylcarbamoylphenylazo)-salicylic acid; m.p. 238 - 239 degrees C.

Example 10.
- -----------

a)   A solution of 13 g. copper sulphate in 60 ml. water and a solution of 2 g.
sodium hydroxide in 30 ml. water were added simultaneously to a solution of 7.5
g. lysine in 50 ml. water, followed by the addition of 50 ml. of 10% aqueous
sodium bicarbonate solution.
<PAGE>
 
                            (R&D Schedule 1 cont...)
 
                                      -17-

The precipitated salt was filtered off and the blue filtrate was added, with
vigorous stirring, to a solution of 7 g. 4-nitrobenzoyl chloride in 50 ml.
acetone.  The reaction mixture was stirred for 20 hours and the precipitate
obtained was filtered off, washed with water, methanol and diethyl ether and
dried in a vacuum at 50 degrees C. to give the copper salt of (E)-(4-
nitrobenzoyl)-lysine.

b)   A suspension of 7 g. of the copper salt of (E)-(4-nitrobenzoyl)-lysine in
30 ml. water was stirred with 6 ml. hydrochloric acid until dissolution was
complete. Hydrogen sulphide was passed in for 1 hour and precipitated copper
sulphide then filtered off. The filtrate was evaporated to dryness and the
residue was taken up in 20 ml. methanolic hydrogen chloride and heated under
reflux for 3 hours. The cooled reaction mixture was diluted with water, rendered
alkaline with sodium carbonate and extracted with ethyl acetate to give 4.8 g.
(E)-(4-nitrobenzoyl)-lysine methyl ester in the form of a yellow oil.

c)   A solution of 1 g. (E)-(4-nitrobenzoyl)-lysine methyl ester in 2 ml. methyl
iodide and 0.2 ml. acetone was left to stand for 20 hours at ambient
temperature, whereafter the NMR showed the reaction to be complete. The volatile
materials were evaporated off to leave (E)-(4-nitrobenzoyl)-(a),(a)-dimethyl
lysine methyl ester in the form of an oil.
<PAGE>
 
                            (R&D Schedule 1 cont...)
 
                                      -18-

d)   1 g. (E)-(4-nitrobenzoyl)-a,a-dimethyllysine methyl ester in 20 ml. ethanol
was hydrogenated in the presence of 0.1 g. palladium-charcoal (5%) until the
absorption of hydrogen had ceased. The catalyst was filtered off and the
filtrate evaporated to dryness. The residue was taken up in 5 ml. 2N
hydrochloric acid, cooled to -5 degrees C. and treated with 2.5 ml. of 10%
aqueous sodium nitrite solution. After standing for 30 minutes, the clear
solution was added at -5 degrees C. to a solution of 0.5 g. salicylic acid in
20 ml. of a 1N aqueous sodium hydroxide solution. After subsequently standing
for 3 hours at 20 degrees C., the reaction mixture was acidified and extracted
with diethyl ether to remove unreacted salicylic acid. The aqueous phase was
adjusted to pH 7 by adding 1N aqueous sodium hydroxide solution and the
resulting solution was evaporated to dryness. The residue was further dried by
adding toluene and subsequently evaporating it and the residue then extracted
with methanol. The methanolic solution was concentrated to a small volume. After
adding diethyl ether and cooling, the disodium salt of 5-(4-(a-
dimethylaminocarboxypentylcarbamoyl)-phenylazo]-salicylic acid separated out;
m.p. (greater than) 210 degrees C. (decomp.).

Example 11.
- -----------
a)   A solution of 30 ml.  N,N-diethylethylenediamine in 100 ml. water was
treated portionwise, while
<PAGE>
 
                            (R&D Schedule 1 cont...)

                                      -19-

stirring, with 15 g. finely powdered 4-nitrobenzoyl chloride.  The reaction
mixture was stirred for 20 hours and the precipitate obtained was filtered off,
washed with water and aqueous sodium carbonate solution and crystallised from
petroleum ether-diethyl ether (1:1 v/v) to give 6 g. N,N-diethyl-N'-(4-
nitrobenzoyl)-ethylenediamine; m.p. 49 - 51 degrees C.

b)   A solution of 5 g. N,N-diethyl-N'-(4-nitrobenzoyl)-ethylenediamine in 40
ml. ethanol was hydrogenated in the presence of 0.3 g. palladium-charcoal (5%)
until the reaction was complete.  The catalyst and solvent were removed to give
5 g. N,N-diethyl-N'-(4-aminobenzoyl)-ethylenediamine in the form of an oil.

c)   A solution of 2.35 g. N,N-diethyl-N'-(4-aminobenzoyl)-ethylenediamine in 20
ml. 2N hydrochloric acid was cooled to -5 degrees C. and treated with 8 ml.
of a 10% aqueous solution of sodium nitrite.  The reaction mixture was stirred 
for 30 minutes and added to 1.4 g. salicylic acid in a solution of 1.6 g. sodium
hydroxide and 2 g. sodium carbonate in 20 ml. water.  After 3 hours at 0 to
20 degrees C., sodium chloride was added to the reaction mixture to salt out
the desired diazo compound.  This was filtered off, washed with water and hot
methanol and dried to give 2.3 g. 5-(4-diethyl-aminoethylcarbamoylphenylazo)-
salicylic acid; m.p. 252 - 254 degrees C. (decomp.).

     The pharmaceutical compositions according to the present invention contain
at least one of the compounds
<PAGE>
 
                            (R&D Schedule 1 cont...)
 
                                      -20-

(I) in admixture with a solid or liquid pharmaceutical carrier.

     Solid compositions for oral administration include compressed tablets,
pills, dispersible powders and granules.  In such solid compositions, one of the
compounds (I) is admixed with at least one inert diluent, such as calcium
carbonate, starch, alginic acid or lactose.  The compositions may also comprise,
as is normal practice, additional substances other than inert diluents, for
example, lubricating agents, such as magnesium stearate.

     Liquid compositions for oral administration include pharmaceutically
acceptable emulsions, solutions, suspensions, syrups and elixirs containing
inert diluents commonly used in the art, such as water and liquid paraffin.
Besides inert diluents, such compositions may also comprise adjuvants, such as
wetting and suspension agents, and sweetening and flavouring agents.

     The compositions according to the present invention for oral
administration, include capsules of absorbable material, such as gelatine,
containing at least one of the compounds (I), with or without the addition of
diluents or excipients.

     The percentage of active material in the compositions of the present
invention may be varied, it being necessary that it should constitute a
proportion such that a suitable dosage for the desired therapeutic
<PAGE>
 
                            (R&D Schedule 1 cont...)
 
                                      -21-

effect shall be obtained.  In general, the preparations of the present invention
should be administered orally or parenterally to humans to give 500 to 5000 mg.
and preferably 500 to 2000 mg. of active substance per day.

     The following Examples illustrate pharmaceutical compositions according to
the present invention:

Example 12.
- -----------
          600 mg. tablets are prepared containing:

          disodium salt of 5-(4-carboxyethyl-
          carbamoylphenylazo)-salicylic acid                       500 mg.

          starch                                                    50 mg.

          lactose                                                   45 mg.

          magnesium stearate                                         5 mg.

Example 13.
- -----------

          450 mg. tablets are prepared containing:

          disodium salt of 5-(4-carboxymethyl-
          carbamoylphenylazo)-salicylic acid                       250 mg.

          starch                                                   100 mg.

          lactose                                                   95 mg.

          magnesium stearate                                         5 mg.

     The tablets according to Examples 12 and 13 are intended for administration
to humans for the treatment of ulcerative colitis.

     An attempt was made to establish an acute oral toxicity profile for the
disodium salts of 5-(4-carboxymethylcarbamoylphenylazo)-salicylic acid and of 5-
(4-carboxyethylcarbamoylphenylazo)-salicylic
<PAGE>
 
                            (R&D Schedule 1 cont...)
 
                                      -22-

acid, using rats and mice as experimental animals but this was not possible due
to their low toxicity.  No deaths were observed with the carboxymethyl compound
when administered to mice at a dosage of 3 g./kg. and to rats at a dosage of 2
g./kg. and no deaths were observed with the carboxy-ethyl compound when
administered to mice at a dosage of 4 g.Pkg. and to rats at a dosage of 2 g./kg.

     Experiments have also been carried out on groups of 6 male Wistar rats in
order to ascertain whether the new compounds according to the present invention
split in the same manner as sulphasalazine to liberate 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-
ASA).  The test compounds were administered in an amount of 45 to 50 mg./kg.
The results obtained are set out in the following Table:-

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
test compound                         % of dose measured as 5-ASA
                    ----------------------------------------------------------------- 
                              faeces              urine                   total      
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                 <C>                      <C>                     <C>             
sulphasalazine      26 plus minus 4          17 plus minus 2         43 plus minus 4 
======================================================================================
   Example 1        24 plus minus 3          19 plus minus 3         43 plus minus 3 
   Example 2        17 plus minus 3          17 plus minus 6         34 plus minus 5 
   Example 4        22 plus minus 2          14 plus minus 2         36 plus minus 3 
   Example 5        26 plus minus 3          15 plus minus 2         41 plus minus 5 
   Example 6        22 plus minus 2          19 plus minus 3         41 plus minus 4 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
 
                            (R&D Schedule 1 cont...)
 
                                      -23-

     The above results clearly demonstrate that the new compounds of the present
invention split in the same manner as sulphasalazine and can be expected to
exert at least as beneficial an effect as sulphasalazine but without the
disadvantage of giving rise to other compounds which exert undesirable side
effects, such as the sulphapyridine formed from sulphasalazine.
<PAGE>
 
                            (R&D Schedule 1 cont...)
 
                                      -24-

                                 Patent Claims
                                 -------------

1.   2-Hydroxy-5-phenylazobenzoic acid derivatives of the general formula:-

                               [FORMULA OMITTED]

wherein X is an -SO\\2\\- or -CO- group and R is either a non-heterocyclic
aromatic ring system optionally substituted by a radical of the general formula-
(CH\\2\\)\\n\\-Y or is a radical of the general formula -(CH\\2\\)\\n\\-Y, in
which Y is a hydroxyl group, an unsubstituted or substituted amino group or a
carboxylic or sulphonic acid group and n is a whole number of from l to 6 and in
which one or more of                   -
                                                 
the hydrogen atoms in the alkylene radical can be replaced by unsubstituted or
substituted amino groups or alkyl radicals, with the proviso that R-NH-X- is
other than a -CO-NH-CH\\2\\-COOH radical; and the esters and non-toxic,
pharmacologically acceptable salts thereof.

2.   5-(4-Phenylsulphamoylphenylazo)-salicylic acid and the sodium salt thereof.

3.   Disodium salt of 5-(4-darboxymethylcarbamoylphenylazo)-salicylic acid.

4.   5-(4-Carboxyethylcarbamoylphenylazo)-salicylic acid and the disodium salt
thereof.
<PAGE>
 
                            (R&D Schedule 1 cont...)
 
                                      -25-

5.   5-(4-Sulphoethylcarbamoylphenylazo)-salicylic acid.

6.   5-(4-Hydroxyethylcarbamoylphenylazo)-salicylic acid and the sodium salt
thereof.

7.   5-[4-(4-Methylcarboxymethylcarbamoyl)-phenylazo]-salicylic acid.

8.   5-[4-(4-Carboxymethylphenyl)-sulphamoylphenylazo salicylic acid.

9.   5-(4-Carboxypentylcarbamoylphenylazo)-salicylic acid.

10.  5-[4-(a-Dimethylaminocarboxypentylcarbamoyl)-phenylazo]-salicylic acid and
the disodium salt thereof.

l1.  5-(4-Diethylaminoethylcarbamoylphenylazo)-salicylic acid.

12.  A pharmaceutical composition containing at least one compound of the
general formula:-

                               [FORMULA OMITTED]

wherein X is an -SO\\2\\-or -CO- group and R is either a non-heterocyclic
aromatic ring system optionally substituted by a radical of the general formula-
(CH\\2\\)\\n\\-Y- or is a radical of the general formula -(CH\\2\\)\\n\\-Y, in
which Y is a hydroxyl group, an unsubstituted or substituted amino group or a
carboxylic or sulphonic acid group and n is a whole number of from 1 to 6 and
                                       -
<PAGE>
 
                            (R&D Schedule 1 cont...)
 
                                      -26-

in which one or more hydrogen atoms in the alkylene radical can be replaced by
unsubstituted or substituted amino groups or alky1 radicals, and/or containing
at least one ester thereof and/or at least one non-toxic, pharmaceutically
acceptable salt thereof, in admixture with a solid or liquid pharmaceutical
diluent or carrier.

13.  Pharmaceutical compositions according to claim 12, substantially as
hereinbefore described and exemplified.

14.  Process for the preparation of compounds of the general formula given in
claim 12, wherein an amine of the general formula:-

                               [FORMULA OMITTED]

in which R and X have the same meanings as above, is diazotised and coupled with
salicylic acid, whereafter, if desired, the compound obtained is salified with a
non-toxic inorganic or organic base.

15.  Process for the preparation of compounds of the general formula given in
claim 12 and of the salts thereof, substantially as hereinbefore described and
exemplified.

16.  Compounds of the general formula given in claim 12, whenever prepared by
the process according to claim 14 or 15.
<PAGE>
 
                                      -18-



                                  SCHEDULE 2

                   LIST OF DATA SUPPLIED BY GLYCYX TO ASTRA
<PAGE>
 
                         R&D Schedule 2 (page 1 to 10)
 
LISTING OF COMPLETED AND PLANNED PHARMACOKINETIC STUDIES WITH BALSALAZIDE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Requested by R. A. Onyett, CAMAS Partners, 31 August 1992.
Prepared by J. G. Allen, Pharmac Consultants, 1 September 1992.

1.   A list of the non-clinical studies "completed by Biorex" has been prepared
     by Glycyx Pharmaceuticals Ltd., in their COLAZIDE - INVENTORY OF STUDIES,
     (annotated copy attached).  None of these have, in fact, been written up as
     formal reports; therefore, they all need to be "reconstructed".  The
     possible use of a standard format for the preclinical reports has been
     discussed with T. L. Hardy Consultancy, who are exploring this.  When they
     are complete, however, the kinetic reports will only provide limited
     support the NDA.  All of the studies listed as "pharmacokinetics and
     distribution" under PART IIIG (categories 1-3) only involve the measurement
     of radioactivity, and in many cases this is complicated by the simultaneous
     use of two different /3/H-forms of BSZ and/or failure to separate out the
     tritiated water.  Reports of all the studies are however required to
     provide some data for the ferret, mouse and rabbit, and supportive
     information for the new rat data.

2.   The Biorex results in rats and ferrets suggest that both balsalazide and 4-
     ABA are highly cleared; therefore, the exposure of organs and tissues
     should be low.  Data in the rat also suggest that the systemic exposure to
     balsalazide and its metabolites, after administration of the lowest dose
     used in the toxicity studies, may be lower than that achieved with
     therapeutic doses in patients.  New ADME studies are planned in the rat to
     confirm this.  Similar studies are planned to determine whether this will
     also apply to the dog, which has been selected as an additional "non-
     rodent" for toxicology.  These are listed, as an attachment.  Limited
     studies may also be required in the mouse and rabbit, depending upon the
     rewrites.

3.   If it is confirmed that the clearance of balsalazide and/or metabolites is
     higher in laboratory animals than humans, reasoned arguments to justify the
     validity of the toxicology will need to be included in the NDA [e.g.
     exposure of the colon (the primary target organ) is related to total dose
     and the expected secondary effect is the salicylate-like action of 5-ASA on
     the kidney, which will be determined by species sensitivity and/or total
     renal clearance of active metabolite rather than plasma concentrations].
     Comparative protein binding data ("free drug fractions") may also need to
     be determined in this context.
<PAGE>
 
                           (R&D Schedule 2 cont...)
 
Listing of Completed and Planned Pharmacokinetic Studies with Balsalazide
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
cont.

4.   The dog was selected as the "non-rodent" for toxicology on the basis that
     it is one of the species recommended by various regulatory authorities, and
     because it was used for the recently submitted applications for olsalazine
     and mesalazine (FDA Summary Basis of Approval).  However the metabolism of
     both 5-ASA and 4-ABA in this species is unlikely to reflect that in man,
     where N-acetylation is expected to be the major route.  This can probably
     be justified for 5-ASA, because the dog's lack of secondary metabolism will
     maximise exposure to the active and potentially (salicylate) toxic moiety.
     Exposure to the N-acetyl metabolite of 4-ABA is likely, however, to only be
     covered in the rat.  If this proves to be very low relative to that in
     humans, additional (short-term) toxicology, either with this metabolite or
     in a further species, may need to be considered.

5.   I am aware of 3 Biorex human pharmacokinetic studies: (i) the comparative
     study with sulphasalazine (which was written up as a publication, and for
     the UK submission in 1985) (ii) a single dose bioequivalence comparison of
     solution and capsules and (iii) monitoring of Nottingham study, in patients
     receiving escalating doses.  The last two studies also need to be reported
     formally, as supportive data for the NDA.

6.   To date, two new human studies (shown in the Glycyx inventory) have been
     planned.  The need for further kinetic studies will depend upon the outcome
     of this program; for example, a randomised dose proportionality study could
     be required, if the repeat dose fails to reassure authorities (especially
     the FDA).  In addition: further patient monitoring data will be required,
     plus possibly a single dose human radiolabelled study (depending upon
     results from the metabolic studies in animals).  Bioequivalence studies may
     also be needed, depending upon changes in formulations, suppliers etc.


                    /s/ J. G. ALLEN
                    -------------------------------  
<PAGE>
 
                           (R&D Schedule 2 cont...)

 
          Summary of Preclinical ADME Studies planned for Balsalazide.
          ------------------------------------------------------------

Balsalazide and 4-ABA, randomly labelled with Carbon-14 in the aromatic ring are
being prepared by Amersham International, for ADME studies at Hazleton U. K.
These materials will be used for:

1.   A quantitative whole body autoradiographic study with /14/C-balsalazide in
     pregnant pigmented rats, to determine (i) general distribution after oral
     administration, (ii) placental transfer and foetal penetration and (iii)
     melanin binding after a single oral administration by gavage.

2.   Absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of single doses of 
     /14/C-balsalazide administered to male rats intravenously (one dose level)
     and orally by gavage (two dose levels, corresponding to the high and low
     doses used for 26 week toxicology).

3.   Absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of single doses of 
     /14/C-ABA administered to male rats intravenously (one dose level) and
     orally by gavage (one dose level, equivalent to the low dose used for 26
     week toxicology).

4.   Absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of single doses of 
     /14/C-balsalazide administered to beagles intravenously (one dose level)
     and orally by gavage (two dose levels, corresponding to the high and low
     doses used for 26 week toxicology).

In addition, monitoring of the rat and dog MTD, 26 week toxicology and rat
carcinogenicity will be used to assess dose-proportionality of absorption and
elimination during repeated oral administration.  Notification has also been
received recently from Biorex that 30 mCi of tritiated balsalazide were held at
University of Surrey; arrangements to transfer this material to HUK have been
made, as a contingency measure.
<PAGE>
 
                           (R&D Schedule 2 cont...)
 
                            T. L. HARDY CONSULTANCY



- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tel: (0929) 48 1197                                "Badgers"
Fax: (0929) 48 1197                                South Street,
                                                   Kingston,
                                                   Corfe Castle,
                                                   Wareham,
                                                   Dorset BH20 5LL
                                                   England



                                re:  Balsalazide

              Non-Clinical Safety Evaluation Studies - Toxicology

                            _______________________


I have examined the animal toxicology studies and genetic toxicology conducted
by and on behalf of Biorex laboratories Ltd. of Crossfield Chambers, Gladbeck
Way, Enfield, Mddx.  England and which were conducted to December 1991.

Although many of the studies were not conducted to the format and conditions now
expected by Regulatory Agencies, it is my opinion that the data shows that
balsalazide has a low order of toxicity and that the signs and reactions to
dosage as seen in the animal species studied are compatible with the
pharmacology of the product administered.  No adverse toxicities are clearly
apparent within the reports which I have examined which are aberrant in
consideration of the chemical nature of the principal metabolite, 5. ASA.  The
studies refered to include long term administration to rats and ferrets and
carcinogenicity studies in the mouse and rat.

Notwithstanding the above, a programme of toxicological evaluation of
balsalazide has been designed to fulfil the present day requirements of the
major Regulatory Agencies World Wide.  This programme includes re-evaluation of
the consequences of repeated administration to rodents and non-rodents,
reproduction toxicology and necessary toxicokinetics to enable overall
evaluation.

To date the initial findings in preliminary studies using high doses of
balslazide at large multiples of the proposed dose for man, are substantiating
the balsalazide has a low order of toxicity.



                              /s/ Terry Hardy

                              Terry L.Hardy.


                                         Dated: 31st.  August, 1992.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  ADVISOR ON TOXICOLOGY AND SAFETY EVALUATION

<PAGE>
 
                           (R&D Schedule 2 cont ...)
<TABLE>  
<CAPTION> 
                    COLAZIDE (R) DEVELOPMENT - COMPLETED STUDIES AND ADDITIONAL WORK
                    ----------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                          Glycyx         
                                                                      Completed   ------------------------  
                   EC Registration Dossier Headings                   by Biorex   Repeat/New Reconstruct 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   
<S>                                                                   <C>         <C>        <C>         
- -----------------------------------                                     
PART IIIA SINGLE DOSE TOXICITY
- ----------------------------------- 
  - Mouse, oral                                                           .                 
  - Mouse, ip                                                             .                
  - Rat, oral                                                             .         *   
  - Rat, ip (iv)                                                          .         *  
                                                                                           
  - Mouse, oral: 4-ABA                                                    .                
  - Rat, oral: 4-ABA                                                      .                
  - Mouse, oral: 5-ASA                                                    .                
  - Rat, oral: 5-ASA                                                      .                
  - Mouse, oral: 5-ASA/4-ABA                                              .                
  - Rat, oral: 5-ASA/4-ABA                                                .                
  - Mouse, oral: BSZ impurity                                             .                
  - Mouse, ip: BSZ impurity                                               .                
  - Mouse, ip: Colazide                                                   .                 

- ----------------------------------- 
PART IIIB - REPEATED DOSE TOXICITY
- ----------------------------------- 
 
 Max. Tolerated Dose  
 -------------------  
   - Dog                                                                            .
 
 Subacute  
 --------  
   - Rat, 14 days, oral                                                   .         .         * 
   - Mouse, 7 days, oral: BSZ                                             .                   * 
   - Mouse, 28 day, oral BSZ                                              .                   * 
   - Rat, 7 days, oral: BSZ                                               .                   * 
   - Rat, 28 day, oral: BSZ                                               .                   * 
   - Dog, 28 days, oral                                                             .           
                                                                                                    
 Chronic                                                                                            
 -------                                                                                            
   - Rat, 96 week, oral                                                   .                   . 
   - Ferret, 26 week, oral                                                .                   . 
   - Dog, 26 week, gavage                                                           .           
   - Rat 26 week, gavage                                                            .            

- ----------------------------------- 
PART IIIC Reproduction Studies
- ----------------------------------- 

 1. Fertility and general reproductive 
 ------------------------------------- 
 performance                             
 -----------                            
   -  Rat fertility, oral                                                 .         .    
                                                                                             
   -  Rat, comparative fertility with                                     .                  
       sulphasalazine oral                                                                   
                                                                                             
   -  Mouse, comparative fertility with                                   .                   
       sulphasadazine, oral             
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   
</TABLE> 

PAGE 1                                                     * under consideration
<PAGE>
 
                           (R&D Schedule 2 cont ...)

<TABLE>  
<CAPTION> 
                  COLAZIDE (R) DEVELOPMENT - COMPLETED STUDIES AND ADDITIONAL WORK
                  ----------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                         Glycyx         
                                                                      Completed   ------------------------  
                   EC Registration Dossier Headings                   by Biorex   Repeat/New Reconstruct 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  
<S>                                                                   <C>         <C>        <C>         
 2. Embryotoxicity
 ----------------- 
                   
   - Mouse teratology, oral                                               .          
   - Rat teratology                                                                 .       
   - Rabbit teratology, oral                                              .         .        

 3. Peri-/postnatal potential
 ---------------------------- 

   - Mouse perinatal, oral                                                .         
   - Rat peri-/post natal                                                           .       

- -----------------------------
PART IIID Mutagenic Potential
- -----------------------------

  In vitro  
  --------  
   - Ames test                                                            .  
   - Cultured human lymphocytes                                           .  
   - HGPRT1 locus Chinese hamster V79 cells                               .  

  In vivo 
  -------
   - Micronucleus test                                                    .         

- --------------------------------------------
PART IIIE - Oncogenic/carcinogenic potential
- --------------------------------------------

   - Mouse carcinogenicity, oral                                          .                   . 
   - Rat carcinogenicity, oral                                            .         .         . 
     (new study is 104 week) 
 
- ------------------------------
PART IIIF General Pharmacology
- ------------------------------
 
 1. Pharmacodynamic effects relating to proposed  
 -----------------------------------------------                     
 indications  
 -----------
 
   - Carrageenin-induced ulcerative colitis                               .                   *
   -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  
   - Gastrointestinal studies                            
     - Ulcerogenic potential                                              .                   *
     - GI motility and smooth muscle activity                             .                   *
     - Ethanol-induced gastric necrosis in rats                           .                   *   
     - Effect of BSZ on GSH levels in rectocolonic mucosa                 .                   *   
     - Effect of BSZ on ethanol-induced rectocolonic                      .                   *   
       damage                                                                                     
     - Effect of BSZ and metabolites on ethanol-                          .                   *    
       induced gastric necrosis                                                                   
     - Effect of BSZ on eicosanoid release                                .                   *    
     - Effect of BSZ and SASP on rectocolonic lesions                     .                   *     
 
   -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  
   - Anti-inflammatory activity                                           .                   *
   -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  
   - Analgesic activity 
     - Acetic acid-induced writhing test                                  .                   *
     - Hyperalgesia test in rats                                          .                   *
   -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  
   - Yeast-induced pyrexia                                                .                   *
   -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  
</TABLE>

PAGE 2                                                     * under consideration
<PAGE>
 
                           (R&D Schedule 2 cont ...)

<TABLE>  
<CAPTION> 
                   COLAZIDE (R) DEVELOPMENT - COMPLETED STUDIES AND ADDITIONAL WORK
                   ----------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                          Glycyx         
                                                                      Completed   ------------------------  
                   EC Registration Dossier Headings                   by Biorex   Repeat/New Reconstruct 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  
<S>                                                                   <C>         <C>        <C>          
 2. General Pharmacodynamics 
 ---------------------------
  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  * Central nervous system           
   - Barbiturate-induced sleeping time                                    .                   *
   - Spontaneous locomotor activity                                       .                   *
  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  * Endocrine system     
   - Vaginal cornification test                                           .                   *
   - Uterine weight response                                              .                   *
  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  * Cardiovascular system
   - Effect of BSZ on CV system and respiration in ferrets                .                   *
   - Effect of BSZ on cat BP and respiration                              .                   *
   - Effect of BSZ (I.V.) on BP, HR and respiration                       .                   *
     in anesthetized male cat
   - Effect of BSZ on BP, HR and respiration                              .                   *
     in anesthetized rats
   - Effect of BSZ on BP, HR and respiration                              .                   *
     of ferrets
   - Effect of impurity (BX769A) on rat BP,                               .                   *
     HR and respiration                         
   - Effect of impurity(BX769A) (I.V.)on BP,                              .                   *
     FIR and respiration of anesthetized rats   
   - Effect of BSZ metabolites on BP, HR and                              .                   *
     respiration of anesthetized cats            
  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  *  Electrolyte Excretion 
   - Diuretic test                                                        .                   *
   - Effect of BSZ and related compounds on water                         .                   *
     induced diuresis in the rat                        
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  * Other Systems
   - Effects of BSZ on rat peritoneal mast cell                          .                    *
     degranulation                                       
   - Effects of BSZ in vitro on erythrocyte membrane                     .                    *
     stabilization                                                       .                    *
   - Effect of BSZ and its impurity (BX769A) on                          .                    *
     erythrocyte membrane stabilization                  
   - Effect of SASP and BSZ on cell membrane stability                   .                    *
     and histamine release                               
   - Possible anti-microbial activity of BSZ and related                 .                    *
     compounds on organisms of gut microflora            
   - Comparative suppression of lymphocyte                               .                    *
     transformation by SASP analogues                     

2. Drug Interactions
- --------------------

     - No studies

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  
</TABLE> 

PAGE 3                                                     * under consideration
<PAGE>
 
                           (R&D Schedule 2 cont ...)

<TABLE>  
<CAPTION> 
                   COLAZIDE (R) DEVELOPMENT - COMPLETED STUDIES AND ADDITIONAL WORK
                   ----------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                         Glycyx         
                                                                      Completed   ------------------------  
                   EC Registration Dossier Headings                   by Biorex   Repeat/New Reconstruct 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  
<S>                                                                   <C>         <C>        <C>          
PART IIIG - Pharmacokinetics
- ----------------------------
 
  1. Pharmacokinetics after a single dose
     ------------------------------------
 
     .  Drug excretion in rat and ferret                                   .                      .
     .  Rat blood concentrations, oral and iv                              .                      .
     .  Rat bioavailability, oral liquid vs solid dose                     .                      .
     .  Ferret blood concentrations, oral and iv                           .                      .
     .  Ferret blood concentrations, dietary dosing                        .                      .
 
 
  2. Pharmacokinetics after repeated administration
     ----------------------------------------------
 
     .  Rat blood concentrations, oral, 28 days dosing                     .                      .
     .  Ferret blood concentrations, oral 28 days dosing                   .                      .
 
  3. Distribution in normal and pregnant animals
     -------------------------------------------
 
     .  Rat tissue concentrations, oral                                    .                      .
     .  Feret tissue concentrations, oral                                  .                      .
     .  Rat QWBA                                                                       .
 
  4. Biotransformation
     -----------------
 
     .  Mouse excretion, oral                                              .                      .
     .  Rat excretion, oral                                                .                      .
     .  Rat biliary excretion, oral                                        .                      .
     .  Ferret excretion, oral                                             .                      .
     .  Ferret biliary excretion, oral                                     .                      .
     .  Rat ADME, iv and gavage                                                        .
     .  Rat ADME (4-ABA), iv and gavage                                                .
     .  Dog ADME, iv and gavage                                                        .

 Comparison pharmacokinetics rat & ferret                                  .

- -----------------------------------------
PART IIIH -- Local Tolerance
- -----------------------------------------

     .  No studies

- -----------------------------------------
PART IIIQ - Other Information
- -----------------------------------------
 .  No studies
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  
</TABLE>

PAGE 4                                                     * under consideration
<PAGE>
 
                           R&D Schedule 2 cont ...)

          COLAZIDE(R) DEVELOPMENT - COMPLETED STUDIES AND ADDITIONAL WORK
          ---------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                          Glycyx         
                                                                      Completed   ------------------------  
                   EC Registration Dossier Headings                   by Biorex   Repeat/New Reconstruct 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  
<S>                                                                   <C>         <C>         <C>         
PART IV A Clinical Pharmacology
- -------------------------------

  1. Pharmacodynanics
  --------------------

  2. Pharmacokinetics
  --------------------

      .  Serum concentrations of BX661A, sulphasalazine and               .
         metabolites in man

      .  Comparative tolerability and pharmacokinetic                                .
         study of balsalazide, sulpphasalazine and
         mesalazine following a single oral dose

     .  Single dose bioequivalence                                        .                       .

     .  Tolerability and pharmacokinetic study of                                    
        balsalazide following repeated oral doses                                    .

     .  High dose patient monitoring                                      .                       .

PART IV B - Clinical Experience
- -------------------------------

  1. Clinical trials
  ------------------

     DOUBLE BLIND, CONTROLLED STUDIES IN ACUTE
     ACTIVE ULCERATIVE COLITIS

      .  Balsalazide 6.75g/d vs SASP 3g/d in the                          .
         treatment of mild first episode ulcerative
         colitis (Protocol 028/011)

      .  Balsalazide 6.75g/d vs SASP 3g/d in the treatment of             .
         acute relapse or first episode ulcerative
         colitis (Protocol 028/017)

     DOUBLE-BLIND, CONTROLLED STUDIES IN MAINTENANCE
     OF REMISSION OF ULCERATIVE COLITIS

          LOW DOSE PILOT (6 MONTH) STUDY:
     .  Balsalazide 2g/d vs SASP 2g/d in the maintenance of               .
        remission of patients with ulcerative colitis.
        (Protocol: 028/001)

          MEDIUM DOSE SUBCHRONIC (12 MONTH) STUDY:
     .  Balsalazide 2g/d vs 4g/d in the maintenance of remission          .
        of patients with ulcerative colitis (Protocol 028/005)

</TABLE> 

PAGE 5                                                    * under consideration

<PAGE>
 
                           (R&D Schedule 2 cont ...)

          COLAZIDE(R) DEVELOPMENT - COMPLETED STUDIES AND ADDITIONAL WORK
          ---------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                        Glycyx         
                                                                      Completed  ------------------------  
              EC Registration Dossier Headings                        by Biorex   Repeat/New Reconstruct 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  
<S>                                                                    <C>        <C>        <C>         
              HIGH DOSE CHRONIC (24 MONTH) STUDY
           .  Balsabalazide 3g/d vs 6g/d in the maintenance of             .
              remission of patients with ulcerative colitis.
              Protocols 028/010 and 028/016)


OPEN STUDIES IN NAMED PATIENTS

           .  Open assessment of balsalazide in the                        .
              maintenance of patients with ulcerative colitis

           .  Male patients infertile on sulfasalazine:                    .
              McIntyre and Lennard-Jones (1980

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           .  Patients intolerant to sulfasalazine                         .
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Additional Registration Studies
- ----------------------------------

              Comparison in acute U.C. against 'ASACOL'
              mesalazine 8 week.  Single blinded (UK)                                .

              Comparison in maintenance of remission
              against 'SALOFALK' mesalazine. 6 month                                 .
              blinded, 6 months open tolerance study.
              (Germany & Sweden)


3. Post Marketing Experience.
- -----------------------------

     None

</TABLE> 

PAGE 6                                                     * under consideration


<PAGE>
 
                                      -19-

                                   SCHEDULE 3

                                 PROJECT COSTS
<PAGE>
 
                        R&D Schedule 3 (pages 1 to 4)
 

GLYCYX DEVELOPMENT BUDGET AS AT 31.08.92.
=========================================

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
STUDY NO.                STUDY TYPE                ESTIMATE   INVOICED     BALANCE
                                                               TO DATE      TO PAY
<S>                      <C>                       <C>        <C>          <C>
[*] 
</TABLE>

[*]  CERTAIN INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE HAS BEEN OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH
     THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS BEEN
     REQUESTED WITH RESPECT TO THE OMITTED PORTIONS.

<PAGE>
 
                           (R&D Schedule 3 cont ...)
 
GLYCYX DEVELOPMENT BUDGET AS AT 31.08.92.
========================================

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

STUDY NO.        STUDY TYPE                ESTIMATE   INVOICED   BALANCE
                                                       TO DATE    TO PAY
<S>               <C>                       <C>         <C>       <C> 
[*] 
</TABLE>

[*]  CERTAIN INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE HAS BEEN OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH
     THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS BEEN
     REQUESTED WITH RESPECT TO THE OMITTED PORTIONS.

<PAGE>
 
                          (R&D Schedule 3 cont ...)                           

GLYCYX DEVELOPMENT BUDGET AS AT 31.08.92.
- -----------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
STUDY NO.                   STUDY TYPE          ESTIMATE   INVOICED     BALANCE
                                                            TO DATE      TO PAY
<S>                         <C>                <C>         <C>        <C>
SUMMARY
=======
[*]
</TABLE>

[*]  CERTAIN INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE HAS BEEN OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH
     THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS BEEN
     REQUESTED WITH RESPECT TO THE OMITTED PORTIONS.

<PAGE>
 
SCHEDULE 1                  ASTRA PAYMENTS SCHEDULE
                            =======================
                    IN RESPECT OF BALSALAZIDE R & D PROJECT
                    =======================================


[*]

[*]  CERTAIN INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE HAS BEEN OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH
     THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS BEEN
     REQUESTED WITH RESPECT TO THE OMITTED PORTIONS.

<PAGE>
 
                                      -20-


SIGNED by                      )
for and on behalf of GLYCYX    )
PHARMACEUTICALS, LTD in the    )   /s/ Randy Hamilton
presence of:-                  )

           /s/ Lorin K. Johnson

SIGNED by                      )
for and on behalf of AB ASTRA  )   /s/ Haken Mogren
in the presence of:-           )   President and Group
                                   Chief Executive Officer

/s/ Olof Ljungstrand
- ----------------------------
    Olof Ljungstrand
    Legal Counsel
<PAGE>
 
                                                                        AB Astra
                                                             S-151 85 Sodertalje
                                                                          Sweden

Salix Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
3600 W. Bayshore Road
Suite 202
Palo Alto
CA 94303
U.S.A.



                                                             21st September 1992

Dear Sirs

I write on behalf of AB Astra ("Astra") in connection with a Research and
Development Agreement and a Distribution Agreement proposed to be entered into
between Glycyx Pharmaceuticals Limited and Astra concerning the manufacture and
distribution of a product incorporating Balsalazide in Western Europe and
elsewhere.

Astra is aware that Salix Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("Salix") has been granted
exclusive rights to product incorporating Balsalazide for marketing and
distribution in the territory of the United States of America.

Under Clause 6.6 of the Research and Development Agreement (a copy of which is
attached) Astra may obtain rights to complete research and development into the
product and to complete and file the relevant dossier in order to obtain
regulatory approval in its territories.  In such circumstances, it is
acknowledged that Salix will get access to all data generated in connection with
such research and development and the completion of the dossier in order that
Salix might use such data in obtaining appropriate regulatory approvals within
the territory of the USA.

Astra agrees that in the event that the provisions of Clause 6.6 of the Research
and Development Agreement shall become effective it will supply to Salix copies
of all data, information, trial results and know-how obtained or developed
during the conduct and completion of the Project (as defined in the Research and
Development Agreement) by Astra and such other data, information, trial results
and know-how as may be generated by Astra in connection with Balsalazide or any
product incorporating Balsalazide. Salix agrees that in consideration of the
supply by Astra to it of such valuable information it will pay to Astra a
royalty [*] for the treatment of Diseases of Digestive System according to WHO
classification of diseases Class 52 in the territory of the

[*]  CERTAIN INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE HAS BEEN OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH
     THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS BEEN
     REQUESTED WITH RESPECT TO THE OMITTED PORTIONS.

<PAGE>
 
Continued/...                                                             Page 2



United States of America net only of purchase/sales taxes, customs or import
duties, delivery charges, returns and allowances actually charged on each sale
or shipment.

This letter is intended to evidence a binding Agreement between Salix and Astra
in this respect and is intended to become effective forthwith upon execution by
Glycyx and Astra of the proposed Research and Development Agreement and
Distribution Agreement.

Please sign and return the enclosed copy letter in order to evidence your
agreement to the terms as set out in this letter.

Yours faithfully



/s/ Hakan Mogren

Hakan Mogren, President and Group Chief Executive Officer
SIGNED FOR AND BEHALF OF
ASTRA AB



On copy:

Salix Pharmaceuticals, Inc hereby confirms and acknowledges the agreement as set
out in the above letter.

Signed: /s/ Randy W. Hamilton
       ------------------------
        Director

<PAGE>
 
                         ASTRA LETTERHEAD APPEARS HERE

                                                                   Exhibit 10.15

23 September 1997

Mr J Brough
President 
Glycyx Pharmaceuticals Ltd
The Armoury Building
37 Reid Street
HAMILTON HM 12
Bermuda

Dear John

In order to confirm our understanding reached in London on 23 September 1997, 
please find below a summary of the said understanding:

1.  Astra acknowledges and agrees that Glycyx will be granting a piggyback 
    licence to Astra and to Menarini International Operations Luxembourg SA (or
    its designee) with respect to the product licence/marketing authorisation
    for Colazide(R) in the United Kingdom. Notwithstanding such piggyback
    licence to Astra and subject to Section 9, 12 and 13 of the Distribution
    Agreement, Astra shall purchase Product exclusively from Glycyx during the
    term of the Distribution Agreement. The licence for Menarini shall only be
    used for purposes relating to obtaining market authorisation in Italy,
    Spain, Portugal and Greece under the Mutual Recognition Procedure.

2.  Astra will not take any action to transfer or change any part or aspect of 
    the product license(s) and/or marketing authorisation(s) for Product
    (including, without limitation, any aspect of any Drug Master File,
    manufacturing method or specification), nor to allow piggyback or similar
    licenses with respect thereto, to the extent such actions reasonably affect
    the obligations of Glycyx to manufacture and supply the Product to Astra,
    without the prior written consent of Glycyx (such consent not to be
    unreasonably withheld). As soon as reasonably possible Astra will seek the
    approval of such amendments and variations to such product licenses and/or
    marketing authorisations as are requested by Glycyx (i) to obtain approval
    of additional suppliers and bulk manufacturers of the
<PAGE>
 
    Product or (ii) to reflect changes in the manufacturing process to the
    extent Astra is not materially adversely affected by such changes in order
    to enable Glycyx to fulfil its obligations under the Distribution Agreement
    to supply the product.

3.  Notwithstanding any obligations on Glycyx under law in the Territory Astra 
    shall be solely responsible for all reporting and other obligations in the
    Territory related to holding a product license to sell Product, including,
    without limitation, adverse event reporting.

4.  We acknowledge receipt of a Letter of Access for the Mutual Recognition 
    Procedure in the EU.

5.  Except as specifically provided herein, the terms of the Agreement shall 
    remain in full force and effect.

Yours sincerely
ASTRA AB
(publ)



/s/ Hakan Bjorklund
Hakan Bjorklund
by proxy

Agreed and accepted by:
GLYCYX PHARMACEUTICALS LTD




     /s/ John Brough
- -------------------------
John Brough


Date: 23 September 1997

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 23.1
 
              CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
   
  We consent to the references to our firm under the captions "Selected
Consolidated Financial Data" and "Experts" and to the use of our report dated
March 18, 1997, in Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1
and related Prospectus of Salix Holdings, Ltd. for the registration of
3,450,000 shares of its common stock.     
 
                                          /S/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
 
Palo Alto, California
   
October 14, 1997     


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