Vaughn M. Kailian Joins Elixir Pharmaceuticals as Chairman of the Board.

Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 18, 2004

Elixir Pharmaceuticals today announced the appointment of Vaughn M. Kailian to Chairman of the Board. Mr. Kailian has been a leading figure in the biotechnology industry as President of COR Therapeutics, Vice Chairman of Millennium Pharmaceuticals (NASD: MLNM) and a longstanding Board member of the Biotechnology Industry Organization.

"The pioneering approach taken by Elixir Pharmaceuticals to tackling the diseases of aging represents a potential revolution in our industry," said Mr. Kailian. "I look forward to working with the Elixir team as we identify the opportunities and overcome the challenges inherent in ground-breaking research and product development."

"Vaughn Kailian's acceptance of the Chairmanship coincides with Elixir's creation of a number of early focused product development programs that are now moving towards the clinic. Vaughn brings extraordinary business experience and proven abilities in building a commercially successful biotech company. He is the ideal person to provide leadership in shepherding Elixir's programs towards commercialization. He will join experienced pharmaceutical executives including Ed Scolnick, Ben Shapiro and Andy Bodnar in supporting Elixir," said Ansbert Gadicke, the former Chairman of Elixir and Founding General partner of MPM Capital.

Vaughn M. Kailian is vice chairperson of the Board of Directors of Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. where as head of Millennium's commercial organization he oversaw the integration of the COR Therapeutics commercial organization, expanded the cardiovascular sales effort and led the establishment of the Millennium commercial group which successfully launched VELCADE. Prior to joining Millennium, Mr. Kailian served from 1990 until 2002 as CEO, president and director of COR Therapeutics, Inc. From 1967 to 1990, Mr. Kailian was employed by Marion Merrell Dow, Inc., a pharmaceutical company, and its predecessor companies, in various international and U.S. general management, marketing and sales positions. Among the positions held by Mr. Kailian were president and general manager, Merrell Dow USA; and corporate vice president of Global Commercial Development, Marion Merrell Dow, Inc. He is currently a member of the Board of the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), the California Healthcare Institute and the Pharmaceutical Foundation Advisory Council at the University of Texas at Austin. In addition to Millennium, he is a director of NicOx, S.A and Chairman of ViaCell, Inc. Mr. Kailian earned his B.A. degree at Tufts University.

About Elixir

Elixir Pharmaceuticals is a genomics-based drug discovery company developing a new category of pharmaceuticals that treat and/or prevent the broad spectrum of diseases that accompany aging. Our technology is based on the recent discovery that aging is genetically controlled. We have identified many of the genes that regulate aging and the proteins encoded by these longevity genes are the targets of our drug discovery efforts. Our mission is to develop such drugs as pharmaceuticals that slow aging, reduce the disease and disability that accompany aging, and extend youthful health, vigor and productivity. More information about Elixir, the Company's centenarian studies and qualifications for participation can be obtained by calling 866-LIVE-100 (866-548-3100) or by visiting www.elixirpharm.com.