Axcan Pharma: The Power of a Dream

BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA--(Marketwire - March 04, 2009) - Axcan Pharma is pleased to be part of dreams and magic through its support of the Georgia and Alabama Chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation®. Axcan's recent donation made it possible to fulfill the dream of Gerald, a 12-year-old boy from Alabama suffering from cystic fibrosis. Thanks to this granted wish, Gerald will be travelling to Atlantis with his family during the month of March. "I chose this wish because it's cool. It has waterslides. I want to jet ski, snorkel, swim with dolphins, go deep sea fishing, and visit the Hard Rock Cafe," said Gerald.

"Directly or from afar, each Axcan employee contributes in his or her own way with dedication and commitment in order to make a real difference in the life of people suffering from chronic diseases. We truly believe that a dream come true could be the source of many memories that will be cherished for the rest of the child's life and instill the hope and strength needed to face the toughest moments in his or her battle," said David W. Mims, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Axcan.

A Wish Presentation party to celebrate the event will take place on March 5th at 3:00 CST in the Birmingham, Alabama offices of Axcan.

WHEN: March 5th at 3:00 CST

WHERE: Axcan Pharma Inc., 22 Inverness Center Pkwy, Alabama, 35242

MEDIA REGISTRATION: Please contact Ginny Franks at 1-800-950-8085, ext. 3258

Cystic Fibrosis (also known as CF or mucoviscidosis) is a hereditary disease affecting the exocrine (mucus) glands of the lungs, liver, pancreas, and intestines, causing progressive disability due to multisystem failure. In the United States, it is estimated that 1 in 3,900 children is born with CF. At present, only half of those with CF survive to age 36.8.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation® is a non-profit organization with a mission to fulfill the wishes of children between the ages of 3 and 17 who suffer from serious illnesses. To find out more about the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Georgia and Alabama or to make a donation, please visit www.ga-al.wish.org.

ABOUT AXCAN PHARMA

Axcan is a leading multinational specialty pharmaceutical company focused on gastroenterology. The Company develops and markets a broad line of prescription products to treat a range of gastrointestinal diseases and disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, cholestatic liver diseases and complications related to pancreatic insufficiency. Axcan's products are marketed by its own specialized sales forces in North America and the European Union and through commercial collaborations in many markets around the world.