Cubist Pharmaceuticals Receives Phase I Bioterrorism SBIR Grant.

Business Editors and Health/Medical Writers

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LEXINGTON, Mass.--(BW HealthWire)--July 30, 2002

Research Focuses on Novel Bacillus anthracis (Anthrax) Target

Cubist Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: CBST) today announced the receipt of a special Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). This grant resulted from an application in response to an NIH solicitation amendment to encourage "Bioterrorism-Related Research."

The recent emergence of Gram-positive bacteria resistant to many current antiinfective therapies presents a challenge to the pharmaceutical industry. New classes of inhibitory molecules are needed that are substantially different from the previous generations of drugs. This need has been heightened in the wake of recent occurrences of Bacillus anthracis (anthrax) infections, which have resulted in the call for additional antiinfectives to treat anthrax and other potential bioterrorist agents. Cubist is attempting to address this need through the use of target-based drug discovery technologies that focus efforts on bacterial targets not inhibited by current antiinfective agents.

Specifically, Cubist has been granted $250,000 to cover six months of research to identify broad-spectrum inhibitors of a novel bacterial target known as UppS (Undecaprenyl Diphosphate Synthase). The initial goal of the project is to identify drug candidates with efficacy against anthrax, but ideally against other Gram-positive and possibly Gram-negative bacteria as well. Bacillus anthracis is a large, Gram-positive, spore-forming rod.

The utility of the UppS target was originally validated by Cubist using its proprietary VITA(TM) technology, a system that accelerates the validation of novel antiinfective targets in an animal model while concurrently developing a high-throughput screening assay for use in discovering active drug candidates. In collaboration with Syrrx Inc., Cubist has been able to solve the three-dimensional structure of the target complexed with an inhibitor and has begun using this information to rationally design compounds with potential activity against the target.

George H. "Skip" Shimer, Ph.D., Cubist's Vice President of Research commented on the SBIR Grant: "We are pleased that our drug discovery efforts to date have resulted in this NIH grant, which provides us greater opportunity to participate in global efforts to respond to the threat of bioterrorism. This grant should aid in accelerating progress in this important project."

Cubist Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is focused on becoming a global leader in the research, development and commercialization of novel pharmaceuticals to combat serious and life-threatening infections. Cubist is evaluating the safety and efficacy of Cidecin(R) (daptomycin for injection) in the EDGE(TM) (Evaluation of Daptomycin against Gram-positive Entities) clinical trial program and has broadened its pipeline to include multiple pre-clinical drug candidates. The Company is engaged in strategic partnerships with Novartis Pharma AG for the discovery and development of novel antiinfectives and with Gilead Sciences for the commercialization of daptomycin in Europe. Cubist is headquartered in Lexington, MA and has operations in Vancouver, BC, Canada and Slough, UK.

Cubist Safeharbor Statement

Statements contained herein that are not historical fact may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, that are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties. There are a number of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or suggested in any forward-looking statements made by the Company. These factors include, but are not limited to: (i) the Company's ability to successfully complete product research and development, including pre-clinical and clinical studies and commercialization; (ii) the Company's ability to obtain required governmental approvals; (iii) the Company's ability to attract and/or maintain manufacturing, sales, distribution and marketing partners; and (iv) the Company's ability to develop and commercialize its products before its competitors. Additional factors that would cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or suggested in any forward-looking statements are contained in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including those factors discussed under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Company's recent SEC filings.

Cidecin(R), VITA(TM) and EDGE(TM) are trademarks of Cubist Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Additional information can be found at the Company's web site at www.cubist.com or at www.nrp-euro.com.