Durham, N.C.–Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: ISPH) announced today the U.S. launch and commercial availability of AzaSite(TM)(azithromycin ophthalmic solution) 1% for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis. AzaSite has been shipped to pharmacies throughout the United States and Inspire’s sales force of 98 sales representatives has begun product education outreach to physicians.

AzaSite offers the fewest number of doses for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis, commonly called “pinkeye.” The recommended dose for AzaSite is one drop twice-a-day for two days, followed by one drop once-a-day for the next five days, for a total of nine drops per affected eye. The current market leader’s recommended dosing regimen is one drop three times-a-day for seven days per affected eye.

AzaSite is azithromycin ophthalmic solution formulated in DuraSite(R), a patented ocular drug delivery system developed by InSite Vision Incorporated. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved AzaSite for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis in April 2007. Inspire licensed the rights to commercialize AzaSite for ocular infections in the United States and Canada from InSite Vision in February 2007. Inspire estimates the revenues from sales of AzaSite in the United States to total $30-45 million in 2008.

“AzaSite is a welcome addition to the treatment regimen for bacterial conjunctivitis,” stated Francis S. Mah, M.D., Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Co-medical Director, Charles T. Campbell Ophthalmic Microbiology Laboratory, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. “In Phase 3 clinical trials, AzaSite had excellent bacterial eradication rates against the three most common causes of bacterial conjunctivitis with tolerability similar to placebo. This, combined with a convenient dosing schedule of nine drops over the course of a week, makes AzaSite an exciting new product for both patients and parents.”

“We are excited to offer patients a convenient new alternative for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis,” stated Christy L. Shaffer, Ph.D., President and CEO of Inspire. “Inspire is responsible for marketing and selling AzaSite in the United States, and we have prepared extensively for the commercial launch by building a new infrastructure to make the product available. Our sales force will be expanding on already established relationships with eye care specialists by also targeting high prescribing pediatricians and primary care physicians.”

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