CIMA Labs Announces U.S. Market Launch of Zomig-ZMT by AstraZeneca.

Business Editors & Medical Writers

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 27, 2001

Antimigraine Product Based on CIMA's Fast-Dissolve DuraSolv(TM)

Drug Delivery Technology

CIMA Labs, Inc. (Nasdaq NMS:CIMA) today announced that AstraZeneca (NYSE:AZN) has initiated its U.S. market launch of Zomig-ZMT(TM) (zolmitriptan), an orally disintegrating antimigraine compound incorporating CIMA's DuraSolv(TM) fast-dissolve drug delivery system with AstraZeneca's active drug ingredient, zolmitriptan.

Zomig-ZMT, which received FDA approval in February, is indicated for the acute treatment of migraine attacks, with or without aura.

A conventional tablet dosage form of Zomig(R) has been commercially available in the U.S. since 1997. The European equivalent of Zomig-ZMT, Zomig(R)Rapimelt(TM), was launched in September 1999 and is currently available in 18 markets outside the U.S. AstraZeneca recently reported that sales of Zomig Rapimelt increased 33% in the first quarter of 2001 versus the year-earlier period.

CIMA, which is AstraZeneca's exclusive supplier of Zomig-ZMT and Zomig Rapimelt, manufactured and shipped launch supplies of Zomig-ZMT in the first quarter of 2001.

Zomig-ZMT is the third branded pharmaceutical launched in the U.S. market that incorporates a CIMA fast-dissolve technology:

-- In February 2001, Organon Inc. introduced Remeron(R)SolTab(TM), an orally
disintegrating antidepressant incorporating CIMA's OraSolv(R)drug delivery
system with Organon's active ingredient, mirtazapine.

-- In March, Schwarz Pharma introduced NuLev(TM), a treatment for irritable
bowel syndrome based upon CIMA's DuraSolv technology and the active drug
ingredient hyoscyamine sulfate.

About CIMA

CIMA develops and manufactures prescription and over-the-counter products for pharmaceutical companies based upon its proprietary, fast-dissolve drug delivery technologies, OraSolv and DuraSolv. CIMA formulates a pharmaceutical company's active drug ingredient into a new, orally disintegrating dosage form that dissolves quickly in the mouth without chewing or the need for water. Taste masking agents may be used with the Company's fast-dissolve technologies to prevent or minimize the unpleasant taste associated with many active drug ingredients. CIMA currently manufactures five pharmaceutical brands utilizing its OraSolv and DuraSolv technologies: three prescription and two over-the-counter.

About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a major international healthcare business engaged in the research, development, manufacture and marketing of prescription pharmaceuticals and the supply of healthcare services. It is one of the top five pharmaceutical companies in the world with healthcare sales of $15.8 billion and leading positions in sales of gastrointestinal, oncology, anesthesia (including pain management), cardiovascular, central nervous system (CNS) and respiratory products. In the United States, AstraZeneca is an $8 billion healthcare business with more than 10,000 employees.

The information in 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. These factors include AstraZeneca's ability to successfully market Zomig-ZMT. 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 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by CIMA with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements are qualified by, and should be considered in conjunction with, such cautionary statements.