CIMA LABS Issued Third Patent for OraVescent Oral Drug Delivery Technology.

Business Editors and Medical/Pharmaceutical Writers

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 29, 2002

CIMA LABS INC. (Nasdaq NMS:CIMA) today announced the issuance of a third patent (U.S. patent No. 6,391,335) from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office covering its OraVescent(R) technology.

The most recent OraVescent patent applies to orally administered dosage forms that use effervescence as a penetration enhancer for active drug ingredients known or suspected of having poor bioavailability. The active drug ingredient is released when the tablet or capsule reaches the targeted part of the gastrointestinal tract for optimal absorption. This OraVescent dosage form uses a barrier coating that prevents premature release of an active drug ingredient when it is combined with effervescence to drive the it across mucosal membranes.

The first patent on CIMA's OraVescent technology, which was issued in March 2001, applies to a drug delivery system that utilizes a tablet placed under the tongue or between the gum and cheek to improve drug absorption across mucosal membranes lining the mouth. The second OraVescent patent, which was issued in March 2002, applies to tablets or capsules that are swallowed by the patient.

CIMA also announced that it will present at the UBS Warburg Global Specialty Pharmaceuticals Conference in New York on June 6.

About CIMA LABS

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 our technologies, an active drug ingredient 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. We develop and manufacture fast-dissolve versions of active drug ingredients for pharmaceutical company partners for whom we currently produce three branded prescription pharmaceuticals and two over-the-counter brands. In an expansion of its portfolio of partner-funded collaborations, CIMA recently entered into a product development, license and supply agreement with Schering-Plough Limited, a subsidiary of Schering-Plough Corporation for a prescription product that will utilize CIMA's OraSolv fast-dissolve drug delivery system. CIMA is also developing proprietary products that will utilize our OraSolv and DuraSolv technologies, as well as our new OraVescent(R) enhanced absorption, transmucosal drug delivery system.

Cautionary Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from CIMA's assumptions and expectations. 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.