Aton Pharma CEO Mike Wells Named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year(R) 2009 Award...

Aton Pharma CEO Mike Wells Named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year(R)
2009 Award Winner;

Award Recognizes Entrepreneurial Excellence

LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J., June 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Aton Pharma, Inc. announced today
that its Chief Executive Officer, Michael G. Wells, has received the Ernst &
Young Entrepreneur Of The Year(R) 2009 Award in the emerging companies
category in New Jersey. According to Ernst & Young LLP, the award recognizes
outstanding entrepreneurs who are building and leading dynamic, growing
businesses. Mr. Wells was selected by an independent panel of judges, and the
award was presented at a gala event at the Teaneck Marriott at Glenpointe on
Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090701/SF40163)

"I'm proud that our hard work at Aton Pharma has been publicly recognized and
that we are able to make a contribution to our region's economy," said Wells.
"We are continuing our commitment to expanding access to our portfolio of
medically essential therapeutics in ophthalmology, acute care and orphan
diseases. We take great pride in helping the patients who use our products
enjoy improved outcomes and a better quality of life."

The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year awards celebrate their 23rd
anniversary this year. The program honors entrepreneurs who have demonstrated
exceptionality in such areas as innovation, financial performance and personal
commitment to their businesses and communities.

Aton Pharma's products include Lacrisert(R) (hydroxypropyl cellulose
ophthalmic insert), a preservative-free, once-daily*, sustained release
prescription insert indicated for moderate to severe dry eye. Aton recently
acquired the U.S. marketing rights to the TIMOPTIC(R) product line from Merck
& Co., Inc., including TIMOPTIC in OCUDOSE(R), the only preservative-free
medication for glaucoma available in the U.S.

About Lacrisert
Lacrisert has been FDA-approved for use in patients with moderate to severe
dry eye and available by prescription for more than two decades. Unlike
artificial tear substitutes that have a residence time measured in minutes,
Lacrisert provides continual lubrication and protection to the surface of the
eye for all-day relief. Lacrisert acts to stabilize and thicken the
pre-corneal tear film and prolong the tear film breakup time, which is usually
accelerated in patients with dry eye states. Information and educational video
content are available at www.Lacrisert.com.

Most adverse reactions with Lacrisert were mild and transient and included
transient blurring of vision, ocular discomfort or irritation, matting or
stickiness of eyelashes, photophobia, hypersensitivity, edema of the eyelids
and hyperemia. Lacrisert should not be used by patients who are hypersensitive
to hydroxypropyl cellulose. If improperly placed, Lacrisert may result in
corneal abrasion.

About TIMOPTIC(R) in OCUDOSE(R)
TIMOPTIC(R) (timolol maleate ophthalmic solution) in OCUDOSE(R) (sterile
ophthalmic unit dose dispenser) is a preservative-free, non-selective
beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agent indicated in the treatment of elevated
intraocular pressure in patients with ocular hypertension or open-angle
glaucoma. Preservative-free TIMOPTIC is provided in OCUDOSE, a clear low
density polyethylene unit dose container, as a sterile, isotonic, buffered,
aqueous solution of timolol maleate in two dosage strengths, 0.25 percent and
0.5 percent.

TIMOPTIC in OCUDOSE is contraindicated in patients with bronchial asthma; a
history of bronchial asthma; severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;
sinus bradycardia; second or third degree atrioventricular block; overt
cardiac failure; cardiogenic shock; or hypersensitivity to any component of
this product. Because of the potential effects of beta-adrenergic blocking
agents on blood pressure and pulse, these agents should be used with caution
in patients with cerebrovascular insufficiency. The same adverse reactions
found with systemic administration of beta-adrenergic blocking agents may
occur with topical ophthalmic administration.

About Aton Pharma
Aton Pharma, Inc., headquartered in Lawrenceville, NJ, is a global,
diversified specialty pharmaceutical company providing essential treatments
for under-treated diseases. Aton's mission is to improve patient outcomes and
quality of life worldwide by enhancing and expanding access and availability
of medically essential therapeutics. Aton's portfolio of ten products, with
sales in over 30 countries, focuses on ophthalmic diseases, orphan conditions
and acute care hospital products. For more information, see www.atonrx.com.

* Some patients may require the flexibility of twice-daily dosing for optimal
results.

SOURCE Aton Pharma, Inc.

Ed Stevens, +1-727-412-1541, estevens@chasepr.com, for Aton Pharma, Inc.