CIMA LABS Announces Results of Annual Meeting of Stockholders; Company Reaffirms Second-Quarter and Full-Year 2003 Guidance.

Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 21, 2003

CIMA LABS INC. (NASDAQ: CIMA) today announced the results of its Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which was held this afternoon at the Company's Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, facility.

A majority of the holders of CIMA's common stock entitled to vote were represented either in person or by proxy and elected the following six directors to serve until the next Annual Meeting of Stockholders or until their successors have been duly elected and qualified:

-- Steven B. Ratoff, Chairman of the Board, Interim Chief

Executive Officer, CIMA LABS

-- John M. Siebert, former President and Chief Executive Officer,

CIMA LABS

-- Terrence W. Glarner, President, West Concord Ventures

-- Joseph R. Robinson, Professor of Pharmacy, University of

Wisconsin, Madison

-- John F. Chappell, President of Eponym, Inc.

-- Steven D. Cosler, President and Chief Executive Officer,

Priority Healthcare Corporation

CIMA's stockholders also ratified the appointment of Ernst & Young as the Company's independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2003.

"CIMA achieved record results in 2002, from both a financial and operational perspective, as we successfully executed on our partner strategy and began proprietary product development," said Ratoff. "Our successful execution of CIMA's dual operating strategy last year and through the first quarter of 2003 gives us confidence in our prospects for the remainder of the year, as we look to strengthen our position as a leading developer of fast-dissolve prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceutical products."

During the meeting, CIMA confirmed its guidance for the second quarter and full year. The Company continues to expect second-quarter revenue to be in the range of $17.5 million to $19.0 million. Earnings per diluted share, based on an anticipated tax rate of 32% to 34%, are expected to be in the range of $0.22 to $0.25. For the full year 2003, CIMA expects revenue to be in the range of $70 million to $75 million. Earnings per diluted share, based on a full-year tax rate of 31% to 33%, are expected to be in the range of $1.07 to $1.17 per share.

CIMA develops and manufactures prescription and over-the-counter products based upon its proprietary, fast-dissolve drug delivery technologies, OraSolv(R) and DuraSolv(R). Based on its technologies, an active drug ingredient, which the Company frequently taste-masks, is formulated into a new, orally disintegrating dosage form that dissolves quickly in the mouth without chewing or the need for water. CIMA's business involves a dual operating strategy. The Company develops and manufactures fast-dissolve versions of drugs for pharmaceutical company partners for whom CIMA currently produces three branded prescription pharmaceuticals and three over-the-counter brands. CIMA also is developing proprietary products utilizing its fast-dissolve technologies, as well as its new OraVescent(R) enhanced absorption, transmucosal drug delivery system.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited to, those relating to CIMA's prospects for the second quarter and remainder of 2003 and the Company's ability to strengthen its position as a leading developer of fast-dissolve prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceutical products. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from CIMA's assumptions and expectations. These factors include the successful completion of feasibility projects, consumer acceptance of CIMA's products, the receipt of firm orders for CIMA's products, the success of pharmaceutical companies in marketing CIMA's products, production costs, production yields, agreeing to commercial terms with pharmaceutical companies for new collaborative development and license agreements, capacity utilization of product development and manufacturing resources, the outcome of tests in humans of proposed products, returns on investments, and recognition of income tax benefits. Additional factors that may cause actual results to differ from CIMA's assumptions and expectations include those set forth under the heading "Factors That Could Affect Future Results" included in CIMA's most recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements are qualified by, and should be considered in conjunction with, such cautionary statements.