Business Wire - October 28, 2003

-- Proof of Concept (Phase I/II Clinical Study Report) Submitted to FDA

-- Phase III Study Design Being Prepared to Submit to FDA for End of Phase II Meeting

-- Newly Identified Second HIV Drug Being IND Readied to Submit to FDA

Samaritan Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Samaritan Research Labs, Georgetown University, announced today, it has submitted its Phase II clinical study report, with positive data demonstrating statistical significance, for viral load and quality of life, to the FDA.

Based on the encouraging results, Samaritan is in the process of developing a Phase III clinical study regimen designed to attack the virus in new ways. Dr. Janet Greeson, CEO of Samaritan Pharmaceuticals, stated "While AIDS related deaths have declined; the number of people living with HIV still continues to grow. We are attempting to design a Phase III trial that focuses on the most pressing unmet medical needs in HIV therapeutics today." Dr. Greeson continued, "When we complete the trial design, we intend to request an 'End of Phase II meeting' with the FDA which is normally granted within sixty days."

In addition to clinical advances, Samaritan, in collaboration with Georgetown University, is making progress with its second HIV drug. It is progressing through pharmacology and pharmacokinetic preclinicals trials, with encouraging results. Samaritan's next step is to accomplish animal studies to demonstrate safety and then file for an IND with the FDA in 2004.

About Samaritan Pharma: "A Little Bridge Can Go a Long Way"

Samaritan Pharmaceuticals specializes in accelerating University discovery through drug development, and proof-of-concept/Phase II clinical trials, thereby bridging and creating value to commercialize its products with potential Pharma partners. Samaritan, in collaboration with Georgetown University, has a unique pipeline of AIDS, Alzheimer's and Cancer drug candidates and diagnostics. Samaritan's lead platform HIV immunomodulator drug is the closest to commercialization; with FDA Phase II clinical trial data suggesting it counteracts cortisol's neurodegenerative, and immunosuppressive properties.

Disclaimer

The company disclaims any information that is created by an outside party and endorses only information that is communicated by its press releases, filings and Web site. This news release contains forward-looking statements that reflect management's current beliefs about the potential for its drug candidates, science and technology. However, as with any biopharmaceutical under development, there are significant risks and uncertainties in the process of development and regulatory review. There are no guarantees that products will prove to be commercially successful. For additional information about the factors that affect the company's business, please read the company's latest Form 10-K filed May 15, 2003. The company undertakes no duty to update forward-looking statements.

To receive future press releases and newsletters automatically, or for more information, visit our Web site at www.samaritanpharmaceuticals.com.

CONTACT: Samaritan Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Gene Boyle, 702-735-7001, 702-499-8652

Fax: 702-737-7016

Email: GeneBoyle@aol.com

or

Doug Bessert, 702-735-7001 (Investor Relations)

Fax: 702-737-7016

Email: DougBessert@aol.com

SOURCE: Samaritan Pharmaceuticals Inc.

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