LIESTAL,Switzerland, Nov. 6,2008--Santhera Pharmaceuticals (SIX: SANN), a Swiss specialty pharmaceutical company focused on neuromuscular diseases, announced today that it has raised gross proceeds of CHF 15.9 million in a private placement with Ares Life Sciences, an investment vehicle established by the Bertarelli family. Santhera sold 370,082 new registered common shares at a price of CHF 43.00 per share representing a premium of 3.7% over the volume-weighted average share price of the last five trading days. The transaction strengthens Santhera’s financial flexibility and represents a positive strategic endorsement by a major global biotech investor.