Connetics Announces Highlights of Discovery Day 2005; Live Webcast Begins at 3:00 p.m. Pacific Time Today.

PALO ALTO, Calif. -- Connetics Corporation (Nasdaq:CNCT), a specialty pharmaceutical company that develops and commercializes dermatology products, reports highlights of its Discovery Day 2005, to be held today at Connetics' new headquarters in Palo Alto, California. The event begins at 3:00 p.m. Pacific time and will be broadcast live over the Internet, including presentation slides. To access the presentations go to the investor relations section of www.connetics.com. A replay will be available for 30 days.

The Discovery Day event includes a business update by Chief Executive Officer Thomas G. Wiggans, and an in-depth look at Connetics' formulation, research and commercial capabilities presented by the Company's product development and marketing management. A panel discussion focusing on the current dermatology market and pharmaceutical environment featuring the Company's three staff dermatologists is followed by a facilities tour, where Connetics scientists and commercial teams will host three hands-on demonstrations focusing on the Evoclin(TM) (clindamycin) Foam 1% marketing campaign, Center for Skin Biology activities and formulation innovations.

"We are proud to host this event at our state-of-the-art facility so investors can witness first-hand the platform from which we are building the premier medical dermatology company in the United States," said Tom Wiggans, Chief Executive Officer of Connetics. "Our talented and highly dedicated employees are eager to demonstrate, through an interactive program, our shared vision and unwavering commitment to medical dermatology, and the meaning of our tagline Connecting Science, Skin and Lives."

Discovery Day 2005 program highlights include presentation of the following:

--Positive Phase III Trial Results with Primolux in Psoriasis: The Primolux (clobetasol propionate) VersaFoam-EF, 0.05% clinical program consists of two Phase III trials, one focusing on psoriasis and the other on atopic dermatitis. In the psoriasis trial Primolux, a super high-potency topical steroid formulation, demonstrated positive results with statistically significant superiority versus placebo foam, and was safe and well tolerated. The atopic dermatitis trial is ongoing and Connetics affirms that completion is anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2005. Primolux will represent Connetics' second product in the super high-potency topical steroid market.

--Commencement of a Phase III Trial with Extina: The Phase III trial has been initiated with Extina(R), an investigational new drug formulation of 2% ketoconazole using the Company's VersaFoam(R) delivery system for the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis. The trial will be powered to demonstrate superiority to placebo foam and is the result of several meetings between Connetics and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding final requirements to obtain approval for the product.

--Velac Plan in Development: The Company has met with the FDA regarding the development of Velac(R) and reiterates its strong commitment to bring the product to market. Velac is a combination of 1% clindamycin and 0.025% tretinoin gel, for treating acne.

--Evoclin Leads in Branded Clindamycin Category: Evoclin(TM) (clindamycin) Foam, 1%, Connetics recently introduced topical antibiotic for acne, is now the leading branded clindamycin product with 5.3% of the topical antibiotic and combo-antibiotic market. The Company's advertising campaign for this product has been extremely well received with 93% ad recognition and 77% product recall among dermatologists based upon AC Nielsen HCI findings. The pharmaceutical industry average for ad recognition is 66% and for product recall is 55%.

--Soriatane Update: Connetics recently extended its finished goods supply agreement for Soriatane(R) (acitretin) capsules, an oral treatment for severe psoriasis, with Roche by an additional year, through 2006. Connetics is in discussions with Roche to extend its raw material manufacture supply agreement beyond 2008. In addition, the Company does not foresee generic Soriatane entering the market at least through 2006.

--Corporate Partners: Several of Connetics corporate partners that license Connetics' technologies or products have progressed in developing their respective assets. Connetics anticipates it will generate new royalty revenue in 2006 from several of these licensees.

--Financial Reporting and Guidance: Connetics will report third quarter financial results after market close on November 1, 2005, and expects to provide 2006 financial guidance late in the fourth quarter.

About Connetics

Connetics Corporation is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative therapeutics for the dermatology market. Connetics has branded its proprietary foam drug delivery vehicle VersaFoam(R). The Company's marketed products are OLUX(R) (clobetasol propionate) Foam, 0.05%, Luxiq(R) (betamethasone valerate) Foam, 0.12%, Soriatane(R) (acitretin) capsules and Evoclin(TM) (clindamycin) Foam, 1%. Connetics is developing Velac(R) (a combination of 1% clindamycin and 0.025% tretinoin) Gel, for treating acne, Desilux(TM) (desonide) VersaFoam-EF, 0.05%, a low-potency topical steroid formulated to treat atopic dermatitis, Primolux(TM) (clobetasol propionate) VersaFoam-EF, 0.05%, a super high-potency topical steroid formulation to treat atopic dermatitis and plaque psoriasis and Extina(R), a foam formulation of the antifungal drug ketoconazole. Connetics' product formulations aim to improve the management of dermatological diseases and provide significant product differentiation. In Connetics' marketed products, these formulations have earned wide acceptance by both physicians and patients due to their clinical effectiveness, high quality and cosmetic elegance. For more information about Connetics and its products, please visit www.connetics.com.

Forward-looking Statements

This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Securities Litigation Reform Act. All statements included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that Connetics expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including, particularly, statements about the results from and completion of the Phase III trial with Primolux, the Phase III trial with Extina, the development of Velac, Connetics' contractual relationship with Roche, the absence of generic Soriatane from the market through 2006, royalty revenue resulting from Connetics' corporate partner-licensees in 2006, the introduction of 2006 financial guidance in the fourth quarter, and earnings estimates, future financial performance, and financial guidance, are forward-looking statements. Statements pertaining to revenue expectations, revenue growth, and regulatory and clinical milestones associated with Connetics' products or product candidates are also forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions made by Connetics' management based on its experience and factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. Such statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Connetics' control, and which could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, risks and other factors that are discussed in documents filed by Connetics with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, including Connetics' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 and Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005. Forward-looking statements represent the judgment of the Company's management as of the date of this release, and Connetics disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

Press Release Code: (CNCT-G)