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XOMA Contacts Investor Relations Contacts Media Contacts
Peter B. Davis Lippert/Heilshorn & Associates ElissaGrabowski ([email protected])
Ellen M. Martin Bruce Voss ([email protected]) Carrie Kocik
(510) 644-1170 Bonnie Feldman ([email protected])
(www.xoma.com) ([email protected]) (212) 838-3777
(310) 575-4848 (www.lhai.com)
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ALLERGAN RETURNS rBPI OPHTHALMIC
DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS TO XOMA
Berkeley, CA - November 16, 2000 - XOMA Ltd. (NASDAQ: NM XOMA), a
biopharmaceutical company developing products for immunological and inflammatory
disorders, infectious disease and cancer, today announced that Allergan, Inc.
has decided to terminate its agreement with XOMA to develop ophthalmic
anti-infective products. All rights to ophthalmic anti-infective products
containing rBPI (recombinant bactericidal/ permeability-increasing protein) will
revert to XOMA.
"Allergan has told us at this time they have more promising research and
development product candidates than they can reasonably fund," said Jack
Castello, Chairman, President and CEO of XOMA. "Consequently, they have made the
difficult business decision to discontinue further development of products under
the XOMA agreement."
"Even though the product has been meeting scientific and development objectives
and our working relationship with them has been excellent, we have to respect
Allergan's business decision," Mr. Castello commented. "I would point out that
the discontinuation of this agreement has no material impact on XOMA's current
financial position."
XOMA develops and manufactures antibody and other protein biopharmaceuticals.
Late-stage programs include a collaboration with Genentech, Inc. to develop the
anti-CD11a antibody product for psoriasis (Phase III) and kidney transplant
rejection (Phase I/II), and an agreement with the Hyland Immuno Division of
Baxter Healthcare Corporation to develop NEUPREX(R) (a systemic formulation of
rBPI21) for multiple indications. Earlier stage products include: ING-1, a Human
Engineered(TM) antibody now in Phase I studies for cancer; Genimune(TM), a Human
Engineered(TM) antibody-based immunofusion product in preclinical development
for autoimmune diseases and immunological cancers; Mycoprex(TM), a compound in
preclinical development for the treatment of fungal infections; and
antiangiogenic compounds for retinal disorders. For more information about
XOMA's pipeline and activities, visit XOMA's web site at www.xoma.com.
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Statements made in this news release related to collaborative agreements and
other aspects of product development, or that otherwise relate to future
periods, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the
Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
These statements are based on assumptions that may not prove accurate. Actual
results could differ materially from those anticipated due to certain risks
inherent in the biotechnology industry and for companies engaged in the
development of new products in a regulated market. These risks, including those
related to changes in the status of the Company's collaborative relationships,
the timing or results of pending or future clinical trials, actions by the Food
and Drug Administration or the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and
uncertainties regarding the status of biotechnology patents, are discussed in
the Company's most recent annual report on Form 10-K and in other SEC filings.
Consider such risks carefully in evaluating XOMA's prospects.
