Wex Pharmaceuticals Inc. Retirement of Vice President, Research and Development

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - October 08, 2010) - WEX Pharmaceuticals Inc. ("WEX" or the "Company") (TSX: WXI) announced today that Dr. Larry Gontovnick, WEX's Vice President, Research and Development has informed the Company of his intention to retire at the end of 2010. Dr. Gontovnick joined the Company as Senior Director, Clinical Development in September 2008 and was promoted to Vice President, Research and Development in March 2009.

"We thank Dr. Gontovnick for his contributions to our clinical development programs, and wish him well in his retirement," said Dr. Bin Huang, President and CEO of WEX. "His experience in the pharmaceutical industry has added great value to our clinical and commercial efforts on TTX."

A search is underway for a replacement and Dr. Gontovnick has indicated his availability to assist in the transition to the end of this year.

About WEX Pharmaceuticals Inc.

WEX Pharmaceuticals Inc. is dedicated to the discovery, development, manufacture and commercialization of innovative drug products to treat pain. The Company's principal business strategy is to derive drugs from naturally occurring toxins and develop proprietary products for the global market.

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