Biota, Inc. Completes Asset Purchase From Maxthera, Inc.

Melbourne, Australia — 4 March 2010: Biota Holdings Limited (ASX:BTA) today announced that all conditions have now been met for the acquisition of the antibacterial assets of MaxThera Inc., announced on 12 November 2009.

The cash portion of the purchase price of US$1.2 million has recently been paid. In addition, 155,850 shares (equivalent to US$0.3 million) will be acquired on market on behalf of MaxThera. These shares will be released from escrow in two equal tranches August 2010 and February 2011.

About Biota

Biota is a leading anti-infective drug development company based in Melbourne Australia, with key expertise in respiratory diseases, particularly influenza. Biota developed the first-in-class neuraminidase inhibitor, zanamivir, subsequently marketed by GlaxoSmithKline as Relenza. Biota research breakthroughs have included novel nucleoside analogues designed to treat hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections, licensed to Boehringer Ingelheim, and a series of candidate drugs aimed at treatment of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease. Biota has clinical trials underway with its lead compound for human rhinovirus (HRV) infection in patients with compromised respiration or immune systems.

In addition, Biota and Daiichi Sankyo co-own a range of second generation influenza anti-virals, of which the lead product laninamivir, is in late stage clinical development.

Relenza™ is a registered trademark of the GlaxoSmithKline group of companies.

*Further information available at www.biota.com.au