Anavex Life Sciences Corp. Recognizes Alzheimer's Action Day

New York, N.Y. – September 21, 2012 -- Anavex Life Sciences Corp. (“Anavex”) (OTCQB: AVXL) today joins the Alzheimer’s Association® in recognizing September 21st as Alzheimer’s Action Day.

September is World Alzheimer’s Month. In the United States alone, Alzheimer’s disease afflicts more than five million people and affects millions more husbands, wives, children, grandchildren, and caregivers. By 2050, the Alzheimer’s Association® projects that $1 trillion will be required to treat as many as 16 million Americans suffering from this disease. Anavex encourages you to learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and the impact it has on you, your family and friends today, and its impact in the future.

Early detection can help individuals get the most effectiveness from currently available treatments and to maintain their independence for a longer period of time. The Alzheimer’s Association® has published information so that you and your loved ones can learn more about early signs of this disease, which include memory loss that disrupts daily life, difficulty completing familiar tasks and confusion with time or place.

Anavex is researching a cure for Alzheimer’s disease and supports efforts to raise awareness, and reduce the stigma of this disease. We encourage you to take some time today to learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and to talk to your loved ones. Your discussion may help prevent you or a loved one from mistaking early signs of the disease with normal signs of aging. To learn more visit the Alzheimer’s Association® web site at www.alz.org.

About Anavex Life Sciences Corp.

Anavex Life Sciences Corp. (www.anavex.com) is a pharmaceutical company engaged in the development of novel drug candidates. Lead compound ANAVEX 2-73, developed to treat Alzheimer’s through disease modification, is in human clinical trials. A Phase 1 single ascending dose study of ANAVEX 2-73 was successfully completed in Germany in 2011. Studies indicate that ANAVEX 2-73 demonstrates anti-amnesic and neuroprotective properties, and that it is well tolerated in doses up to 55mg. The company is preparing to embark on a multiple ascending dose clinical trial of ANAVEX 2-73 in 2012. Anavex is a publicly traded corporation quoted as AVXL.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this press release that are not strictly historical in nature are forward-looking statements. These statements are only predictions based on current information and expectations and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual events or results may differ materially from those projected in any of such statements due to various factors, including the risks and uncertainties inherent in drug discovery and development, which include, without limitation, the potential failure of development candidates to advance through preclinical studies or demonstrate safety and efficacy in clinical testing and the ability to pass clinical trials so as to move on to the next phase, our ability to finance development or satisfy the rigorous regulatory requirements for new drugs, our ability to attract and retain quality personnel, and that despite positive results, our competitors may offer better or cheaper alternatives. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement and Anavex Life Sciences Corp. undertakes no obligation to revise or update this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.

For Further Information

Anavex Life Sciences Corp.

Research & Business Development

Email: info@anavex.com

Shareholder & Media Relations

Toll-free: 1-866-505-2895

Outside North America: +1 (416) 489-0092

Email: ir@anavex.com

www.anavex.com

Back to news