NeurogesX and Astellas Enter Commercialization Agreement for Qutenza(TM) (y 2)

Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd., located in the UK, is a European subsidiary of Tokyo-based Astellas Pharma Inc. Astellas is a pharmaceutical company dedicated to improving the health of people around the world through the provision of innovative and reliable pharmaceutical products. The organization is committed to becoming a global company by combining outstanding R&D and marketing capabilities and continuing to grow in the world pharmaceutical market. Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd., is responsible for 20 affiliate offices located across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, an R&D site and three manufacturing plants with approximately 3,400 staff. For more information about Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd., please visit our website at http://www.astellas-europe.co.uk/.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements for purposes of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "Act"). NeurogesX disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements, and claims the protection of the Safe Harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Act. Examples of such statements include, but are not limited to, expectations with respect to the successful commercial launch and market potential of Qutenza; expectations with respect to the activities of NeurogesX and Astellas under the Distribution, Marketing and License Agreement (the Agreement); the potential receipt of post-execution payments under the Agreement; potential uses of proceeds from the Agreement; expectations regarding additional studies, including a safety study to be carried out by Astellas under the Agreement; the timing of regulatory decisions with respect to the NDA for Qutenza with the FDA, including the PDUFA date for the NDA; plans for entry into a U.S. commercialization partnership for NeurogesX pre-clinical compounds; and plans for clinical development of NGX-1998.

Such statements are based on management's current expectations, but actual results may differ materially due to various risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to; NeurogesX' product candidates may have unexpected adverse side effects or inadequate therapeutic efficacy; Astellas may not devote sufficient resources or personnel to the commercialization of Qutenza; adoption of Qutenza by physicians may be longer than anticipated; discussions with governmental or administrative entities may not result in adequate reimbursement or pricing to support commercialization efforts for Qutenza; Astellas may not elect to make option related payments or co-develop NGX-1998; positive results in Qutenza clinical trials may not be sufficient to obtain FDA approval; the FDA may request additional clinical trials or other information prior to granting approval for Qutenza; and other difficulties or delays in the successful commercialization of Qutenza, carrying out activities or obtaining payments under the Agreement and in clinical development of, and obtaining regulatory approval for, NeurogesX' product candidates. For further information regarding these and other risks related to NeurogesX' business, investors should consult NeurogesX' filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

NeurogesX, Inc., Stephen Ghiglieri, Chief Financial Officer, +1-(650)-358-3310, Astellas Pharma Europe. Mindy Dooa, Corporate Communications Director, +44-(0)7826-912-339, mindy.dooa@eu.astellas.com. The Ruth Group, Sara Pellegrino (investors), +1-(646)-536-7002, spellegrino@theruthgroup.com. Jason Rando (media)/Janine McCargo, +1-(646)-536-7025/7033, jrando@theruthgroup.com, jmccargo@theruthgroup.com