Collaboration Between Wex Pharmaceuticals Inc. And Laboratoire du Lacteol du Docteur Boucard S.A. Grows To Co-Development

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(CCNMatthews - March 16, 2005) - WEX Pharmaceuticals Inc. ("WEX" or the "Company") (TSX:WXI) is pleased to announce that it has mutually decided with its European partner, Laboratorios del Dr. Esteve S.A. ("ESTEVE") to make certain amendments to the previously executed License and Collaboration Agreement relating to the Company's products Tectin(TM), Tetrodin(TM) and Tocudin(TM). The amendments expand the existing collaboration to include additional co-development work. Both parties agree that to achieve commercialization of Tectin(TM) in the most expeditious manner it is necessary to effectively utilize their combined resources. ESTEVE will pursue development in Europe and is planning to commence a double blind placebo controlled study in Europe later this year.