Cardiome Shareholders Approve Acquisition Of U.S. Pharma Company.

Business Editors

VANCOUVER, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 15, 2002

Cardiome Pharma Corp. (the "Company" or "Cardiome") announced today that shareholders have approved the acquisition of Paralex, Inc. ("Paralex") which was previously announced on December 21, 2001. The transaction, expected to be completed by mid March, remains conditional upon the successful conclusion of a public offering led by Sprott Securities Inc. and including Raymond James Ltd., previously announced January 24, 2002.

Of the votes cast at the meeting, more than 99 percent of Cardiome shareholders voted in favour of the Paralex acquisition, a four to one share consolidation, and continuance of the Company under the Canada Business Corporations Act. Cardiome will issue to Paralex approximately 33.3 million common shares for all the shares of common stock of Paralex. In a separate meeting, the shareholders of Paralex have approved the sale of Paralex to Cardiome.

About Cardiome Pharma Corp

Cardiome Pharma Corp. is a product-focused cardiac drug discovery and development company. The Company's mission is to prevent and treat heart disease. Upon closing of the Paralex transaction, the Company will have four drug programs in the cardiac area. The Paralex program is focused on congestive heart failure and is ready for Phase II development. RSD1235, intended for the acute treatment of atrial fibrillation, is currently being tested by the Company in a Phase II clinical trial. RSD1122, intended for chronic treatment of atrial and ventricular arrhythmia, is in pre-clinical development with AstraZeneca, one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies. The Company's Kv1.5 antiarrhythmic program, focused on the chronic treatment of atrial fibrillation, is also in the pre-clinical phase at Cardiome. The Company's facilities are on the grounds of the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. Cardiome is traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (COM) and the NASD OTCBB market (COMTF.OB).

Forward-Looking Statement Disclaimer

Statements contained in this news release relating to future results, events and expectations are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievement of the Company, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Such factors include, among others, those described in the Company's annual report on Form 20-F on file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The Toronto Stock Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

"Robert Rieder"
President & Chief Executive Officer