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Optimer Pharmaceuticals Announces Presentations of Additional Fidaxomicin Phase 3 Data at Upcoming ICAAC Annual Meeting

SAN DIEGO, CA - September 2, 2010 – Results from studies related to Optimer Pharmaceuticals, Inc.’s (NASDAQ: OPTR) lead developmental product candidate, fidaxomicin, will be presented at the 50^th Annual Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (ICAAC) to be held at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center in Boston on September 12-15, 2010.

Fidaxomicin abstracts and speakers include:

“Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) of Fidaxomicin (FDX) Versus Vancomycin (VAN) in Treatment of Recurrent Clostridium difficile Infection (CDI)”
Oral Presentation: Oliver Cornely, M.D.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010 9:00 am - 9:15 am Eastern Time
Presentation number: L1-1305 in 253A

“Clostridium difficile Strain Type as Determined by Restriction Endonuclease Analysis (REA) Typing in Two Phase III Trials of Fidaxomicin vs Vancoymcin: Treatment Outcome for the Epidemic BI/NAP1/027 Strain”
Oral Presentation: Dale N. Gerding, M.D.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010 9:15 am - 9:30 am Eastern Time
Presentation number: L1-1306 in 253A

“Correlation of the ATLAS Bedside Scoring System And Its Components With Cure and Recurrence of Clostridium difficile Infection (CDI)”
Poster Presentation: Mark A. Miller, M.D.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010 11:15 am - 1:15 pm Eastern Time
Presentation number: K-1692 in Exhibit Hall B1

“Use of Concomitant Antibiotics (CA) Has a Deleterious Effect on Outcomes During Treatment for Clostridium difficile Infection (CDI)”
Poster Presentation: Kate Mullane, M.D.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010 11:15 am - 1:15 pm Eastern Time
Presentation number: K-1695 in Exhibit Hall B1

“Comparative Susceptibilities of Fidaxomicin (OPT-80) of Isolates Collected at Baseline, Recurrence and Failure from Patients in a Phase III trial (004) of C difficile infection (CDI)”
Poster Presentation: Ellie J. Goldstein, M.D.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010 11:15 am - 1:15 pm Eastern Time
Presentation number: K-1691 in Exhibit Hall B1

About Optimer Pharmaceuticals

Optimer Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing hospital specialty products to treat serious infections and address unmet medical needs. Optimer has two late-stage anti-infective product candidates under development. Fidaxomicin is a narrow spectrum antibiotic being developed for the treatment of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). In two Phase 3 trials completed by Optimer to study the safety and efficacy of fidaxomicin for the treatment of CDI, fidaxomicin was statistically superior to vancomycin in global cure rate (defined as cure with no recurrence within four weeks of completing therapy) as well as statistically superior in reducing recurrences of CDI by up to 50% when compared with vancomycin, the only FDA approved product for CDI. Pruvel™ is a prodrug in the fluoroquinolone class of antibiotics being developed as a treatment for infectious diarrhea. Optimer has also successfully completed two Phase 3 trials with Pruvel. Additional information can be found at http://www.optimerpharma.com.

Contacts

Optimer Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Christina Donaghy, Corporate Communications Manager
John D. Prunty, Chief Financial Officer & VP Finance
858-909-0736

Canale Communications, Inc.
Jason I. Spark, Senior Vice President
619-849-6005

Optimer Pharmaceuticals to Present at September 2010 Investor Conferences

SAN DIEGO, CA – September 1, 2010 - Optimer Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: OPTR) today announced that the Company will present at the following investor conferences:

Robert W. Baird 2010 Health Care Conference on Tuesday, September 14, 2010 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time at The St. Regis Hotel in New York City.
UBS Global Life Sciences Conference 2010 on Tuesday, September 21, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time at the Grand Hyatt New York in New York City
5th Annual JMP Securities Healthcare Conference on Tuesday, September 28, 2010 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time at The New York Palace in New York City.

Live audio webcasts of these presentations will be accessible on the Company’s website at www.optimerpharma.com, under the investors section. Replays of these presentations will be available at the same location for 30 days after the presentations.

About Optimer Pharmaceuticals

Optimer Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing hospital specialty products to treat serious infections and address unmet medical needs. Optimer has two late-stage anti-infective product candidates under development. Fidaxomicin is a narrow spectrum antibiotic being developed for the treatment of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). In two Phase 3 trials completed by Optimer to study the safety and efficacy of fidaxomicin for the treatment of CDI, fidaxomicin was statistically superior to vancomycin in global cure rate (defined as cure with no recurrence within four weeks of completing therapy) and reduced recurrences of CDI by up to 50% when compared with vancomycin, the only FDA approved product for CDI. Pruvel™ is a prodrug in the fluoroquinolone class of antibiotics being developed as a treatment for infectious diarrhea. Optimer has also successfully completed two Phase 3 trials with Pruvel. Additional information can be found at http://www.optimerpharma.com.

Contacts

Optimer Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Christina Donaghy, Corporate Communications Manager
John D. Prunty, Chief Financial Officer & VP Finance
858-909-0736

Canale Communications, Inc.
Jason I. Spark, Senior Vice President
619-849-6005

Optimer Pharmaceuticals Fidaxomicin Marketing Authorization Application Accepted for Review by European Medicines Agency

SAN DIEGO, CA – August 19, 2010 - Optimer Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: OPTR) today announced that the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has accepted for review Optimer’s Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) for fidaxomicin for the treatment of patients with Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) and for the prevention of recurrences of CDI in the European Union (EU). Optimer announced the submission of its MAA for fidaxomicin to the EMA on August 2, 2010.

“An independent survey recently conducted by Decision Resources indicates that CDI is on the rise and that nearly 70% of surveyed infectious disease specialists and internists would use fidaxomicin in first- and second-line treatment of CDI, if approved,” said Pedro Lichtinger, President and CEO of Optimer. “We believe the potential demand for a narrow spectrum antibiotic with lower recurrence rates for the treatment of CDI is significant. The acceptance for review of the fidaxomicin marketing application by the EMA is an important step in bringing this much needed therapy to Europe, where treatment options are limited. With the validation of this MAA, we believe we have significantly improved the risk profile of our European program that when combined with our growing excitement and understanding of CDI incidence, access and prescribing intentions across the region, present an enhanced value proposition for fidaxomicin.”

Given these developments, the Company is increasing its focus on its European partnering process for fidaxomicin. J.P. Morgan has been engaged to advise and assist Optimer in this process.

Optimer also plans to submit a new drug application to the FDA in 2010 for marketing approval of fidaxomicin in the U.S.

About Fidaxomicin

Fidaxomicin is the first in a new class of antibiotics called macrocycles, which inhibit the bacterial enzyme RNA polymerase, resulting in the death of C. difficile. The narrow-spectrum profile of fidaxomicin may eradicate C. difficile selectively with minimal disruption to the normal intestinal flora, while the alternative antibiotics to treat CDI, metronidazole and vancomycin, disrupt the flora. Fidaxomicin may facilitate the return of normal physiological conditions in the colon which may be responsible for reducing CDI recurrence.

About Clostridium difficile Infection (CDI)

CDI has become a significant medical problem in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and in the community. It is a serious illness caused by infection of the inner lining of the colon by C. difficile bacteria, which produces toxins that cause inflammation of the colon, severe diarrhea and, in the most serious cases, death. Patients typically develop CDI from the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics that disrupt normal gastrointestinal (gut) flora, and thus allowing C. difficile bacteria to flourish.

Current therapeutic options for CDI include the off-label use of metronidazole and oral vancomycin, the only FDA-approved treatment. However, approximately 20% to 30% of CDI patients who initially respond to these treatments experience a clinical recurrence following cessation of antibiotic administration.

Primary risk factors for CDI include broad-spectrum antibiotic use (such as cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones), advanced age (over 65) and exposure to emerging hyper-virulent strains (BI/NAP1/027, 078, 001) of C. difficile. Increasing incidence, higher treatment failures and recurrence with current therapies have resulted in greater awareness and concern of CDI among medical professionals and public health officials. Learn more about CDI at www.cdiinfo.org.

About Optimer Pharmaceuticals

Optimer Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing hospital specialty products to treat serious infections and address unmet medical needs. Optimer has two late-stage anti-infective product candidates under development. Fidaxomicin is a narrow spectrum antibiotic being developed for the treatment of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). In two Phase 3 trials completed by Optimer to study the safety and efficacy of fidaxomicin for the treatment of CDI, fidaxomicin was statistically superior to vancomycin in global cure rate (defined as cure with no recurrence within four weeks of completing therapy) and reduced recurrences of CDI by up to 50% when compared with vancomycin, the only FDA approved product for CDI. Pruvel™ is a prodrug in the fluoroquinolone class of antibiotics being developed as a treatment for infectious diarrhea. Optimer has also successfully completed two Phase 3 trials with Pruvel. Additional information can be found at http://www.optimerpharma.com.

Forward Looking Statements

Statements included in this press release that are not a description of historical facts are forward-looking statements, including without limitation all statements related to the development of fidaxomicin, the incidence and effects of CDI, the efficacy of current CDI treatments and the efficacy and potential benefits of fidaxomicin, potential regulatory approval of fidaxomicin, the timing of an NDA filing for fidaxomicin, the impact of the validation of Optimer’s fidaxomicin MAA on the value of fidaxomicin or Optimer’s partnership efforts, Optimer’s plans to commercialize fidaxomicin, if approved, the likelihood that healthcare professionals would use fidaxomicin, if approved, and the awareness of CDI among healthcare professionals. Words such as "believes", “would”, "anticipates", "plans", "expects", "may", "intend", "will", and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The inclusion of forward-looking statements represent Optimer’s judgment as of the time of this release and should not be regarded as a representation by Optimer that any of its plans will be achieved. Actual results may differ materially from those set forth in this release due to the risks and uncertainties inherent in Optimer's business including, without limitation, risks relating to: the development of alternative treatments for or means of preventing CDI, whether regulatory authorities will review or approve Optimer's applications for marketing approval, the timing of any marketing approvals, Optimer ‘s ability to enter into a collaboration with respect to fidaxomicin on favorable terms or at all, Optimer’s ability to complete its NDA submission in a timely manner, Optimer's ability to commercialize any products for which it receives marketing approval, whether healthcare professionals will prescribe fidaxomicin, if approved, whether fidaxomicin will receive reimbursement coverage from healthcare payors and government agencies and other risks detailed in Optimer's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Optimer disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements, other than as may be required under applicable law.

Contacts

Optimer Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Christina Donaghy, Corporate Communications Manager

John D. Prunty, Chief Financial Officer & VP Finance

858-909-0736

Canale Communications, Inc.

Jason I. Spark, Senior Vice President

619-849-6005

In First- and Second-Line Treatment of Clostridium Difficile Infection, Nearly 70 Percent of Surveyed Infectious Disease Specialists and Internists Will Use Fidaxomicin and Nearly Half Will Use CDA1/CDB1

About Two-Thirds of Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee Members Expect to Include Fidaxomicin and CDA1/CDB1 on Their Hospital Formularies, According to a New Report from Decision Resources

WALTHAM, Mass., Aug 05, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Decision Resources, one of the world's leading research and advisory firms for pharmaceutical and healthcare issues, finds that, in first- and second-line treatment of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), nearly 70 percent of surveyed infectious disease specialists and internists will use Optimer's fidaxomicin and nearly half will use Medarex/Merck's CDA1 and CDB1, one year after the launch of these agents. The lower recurrent/relapse rate associated with fidaxomicin and CDA1/CDB1 is the most influential attribute surveyed clinicians cite in their decisions to prescribe these emerging agents for CDI.

The new Physician & Payer Forum report entitled Hospital Anti-Infectives: Insights on the Uptake and Formulary Inclusion of Emerging Antibiotics and Antifungals--A Survey of Infectious Disease Specialists, Internists and P&T Committee Members finds that fidaxomicin and, to a higher degree, CDA1/CDB1, will also see robust uptake by surveyed clinicians for the treatment of recurrent CDI. The report also finds that approximately two-thirds of pharmacy and therapeutics committee (P&T) members expect to include fidaxomicin and CDA1/CDB1 on their hospital's formulary.

Fidaxomicin and CDA1/CDB1 would provide much needed options for the treatment of CDI as the only currently available agents in this indication are Pfizer's metronidazole (generically available) and ViroPharma's Vancocin. According to the report, unmet need for novel anti-infectives is shifting away from methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) to CDI and gram-negative infections.

"In addition to MRSA, infectious disease specialists report a rise in CDI and gram-negative infections," said Decision Resources Therapeutic Area Director Danielle Drayton, Ph.D. "Over the past 12 months, 82 percent of surveyed infectious disease specialists observed an increase in the incidence of ESBL-producing enterobacteriaceae while more than half of surveyed clinicians also point to an increase in the incidence of CDI and MRSA. Drugs that target key gram-negative pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and ESBL-producing enterobacteriaceae and Clostridium difficile stand to address a key unmet need and will capitalize on untapped market opportunities."

The report also finds that Forest/AstraZeneca/Takeda's ceftaroline and Trius's torezolid are the two late-stage emerging therapies that are most likely to gain formulary inclusion, according to surveyed P&T committee members. Seventy one percent of surveyed P&T committee members expect torezolid to be on formulary and 62 percent expect ceftaroline to be on formulary.

Hospital Anti-Infectives: Insights on the Uptake and Formulary Inclusion of Emerging Antibiotics and Antifungals--A Survey of Infectious Disease Specialists, Internists and P&T Committee Members is based on a U.S. survey of 51 infectious disease specialists, 52 internal medicine specialists and 21 infectious disease specialists who sit on their hospital's P&T committee.

About Decision Resources

Decision Resources (www.decisionresources.com) is a world leader in market research publications, advisory services and consulting designed to help clients shape strategy, allocate resources and master their chosen markets. Decision Resources is a Decision Resources, Inc. company.

About Decision Resources, Inc.

Decision Resources, Inc. is a cohesive portfolio of companies that offers best-in-class, high-value information and insights on important sectors of the healthcare industry. Clients rely on this analysis and data to make informed decisions. Please visit Decision Resources, Inc. at www.DecisionResourcesInc.com.

All company, brand, or product names contained in this document may be trademarks or

registered trademarks of their respective holders.

SOURCE Decision Resources

Optimer Pharmaceuticals Reports Second Quarter 2010 Financial Results

SAN DIEGO – August 4, 2010 - Optimer Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: OPTR) today reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2010. Optimer reported a net loss for the second quarter of 2010 of $10.4 million, or $0.27 per share, which was in line with the Company’s expectations. This compares to a net loss for the second quarter of 2009 of $12.4 million, or $0.37 per share. The decrease in net loss was primarily due to lower research and development expenses offset by an increase in general and administrative expenses.

Research and development expenses in the second quarter of 2010 were $6.4 million, compared to $10.7 million in the second quarter of 2009.

The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in fidaxomicin and Pruvel™ development expenses. Additionally, the prior year’s expenses included certain expenses that were reimbursed to Biocon Limited (NSE: BIOCON). The increase in general and administrative expenses of $1.8 million was due to higher compensation expenses, including a $1.3 million increase in non-cash stock compensation expenses compared to the second quarter of 2009.

As of June 30, 2010, Optimer held cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $66.6 million.

“Last quarter, we achieved key milestones in our pre-approval activities for fidaxomicin by securing a commercial manufacturing agreement with Biocon and by submitting a Marketing Authorization Application for European marketing approval,” said Pedro Lichtinger, Optimer's President and Chief Executive Officer. “We expect another strong presence at ICAAC and IDSA with additional data from our fidaxomicin Phase 3 studies. As we head into the second half of this year, we are focused on completing our New Drug Applications with the FDA for both fidaxomicin and Pruvel.”

Recent Corporate Highlights

Submitted a Marketing Authorization Application to the European Medicines Agency for marketing approval of fidaxomicin for the treatment of Clostridium difficile infection.
Optimer and Biocon Limited, entered into a long-term supply agreement for the commercial manufacture of the active pharmaceutical ingredient in fidaxomicin.
Received a $500,000 milestone payment from Cempra Pharmaceuticals as a result of Cempra’s continuing development of a next-generation macrolide (CEM-101) for the treatment of respiratory infections. Cempra licensed CEM-101 from Optimer, and has successfully completed a Phase 1 study.
Pedro Lichtinger succeeded Michael N. Chang, Ph.D. as Optimer’s President and Chief Executive Officer and also was appointed to the Board of Directors. Dr. Chang has remained on the Board of Directors as the Chairman and is serving as a consultant. Mr. Lichtinger joined Optimer with more than 30 years of global experience in the pharmaceutical industry. He served as an executive of Pfizer, Inc. from 1995 to 2009, most recently as President of Pfizer’s Global Primary Care Business Unit, where he oversaw operations in North America, Europe, Korea, and Australia with revenues of $23 billion and 15,000 employees.

About Optimer Pharmaceuticals

Optimer Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing hospital specialty products to treat serious infections and address unmet medical needs. Optimer has two late-stage anti-infective product candidates under development. Fidaxomicin is a narrow spectrum antibiotic being developed for the treatment of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). In two Phase 3 trials completed by Optimer to study the safety and efficacy of fidaxomicin for the treatment of CDI, fidaxomicin was statistically superior to vancomycin in global cure rate (defined as cure with no recurrence within four weeks of completing therapy) as well as statistically superior in reducing recurrences of CDI by up to 50% when compared with vancomycin, the only FDA approved product for CDI. Pruvel™ is a prodrug in the fluoroquinolone class of antibiotics being developed as a treatment for infectious diarrhea. Optimer has also successfully completed two Phase 3 trials with Pruvel. Additional information can be found at http://www.optimerpharma.com.

Forward-looking Statements

Statements included in this press release that are not a description of historical facts are forward-looking statements, including without limitation all statements related to the development of fidaxomicin and Pruvel and the timing and plans related to regulatory filings and presentations of clinical trial results. Words such as "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "intend," "will," "goal" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The inclusion of forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by Optimer that any of its plans will be achieved. Actual results may differ materially from those set forth in this release due to the risks and uncertainties inherent in Optimer's business including, without limitation, risks relating to: the timing, progress and likelihood of success of its product research and development programs, uncertainty regarding regulatory requirements for approval, the timing of regulatory submissions and the uncertainty regarding whether such submissions will be accepted or approved, and other risks detailed in Optimer's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Contacts

Optimer Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Christina Donaghy, Corporate Communications Manager

John D. Prunty, Chief Financial Officer & VP Finance

858-909-0736

Canale Communications, Inc.

Jason I. Spark, Senior Vice President

619-849-6005

Optimer Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited) Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2010 2009 2010 2009 Revenues: Research grants $ 357,436 $ 324,778 $ 654,873 $ 407,790 Collaborative research agreements - 100,000 - 100,000 Total revenues 357,436 424,778 654,873 507,790 Operating expenses: Research and development 6,419,251 10,737,277 17,780,830 19,651,349 Marketing 656,464 266,267 925,058 461,063 General and administrative 3,686,442 1,871,309 6,075,154 3,919,809 Total operating expenses 10,762,157 12,874,853 24,781,042 24,032,221 Loss from operations (10,404,721) (12,450,075) (24,126,169) (23,524,431) Interest income and other, net 53,719 88,070 78,497 275,038 Consolidated net loss $ (10,351,002) $ (12,362,005) $ (24,047,672) $ (23,249,393) Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest 290,105 - 491,020 - Net loss attributable to Optimer Pharmaceuticals, Inc. $ (10,060,897) $ (12,362,005) $ (23,556,652) $ (23,249,393) Basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to Optimer Pharmaceuticals, Inc. common stockholders $ (0.27) $ (0.37) $ (0.66) $ (0.73) Shares used to compute basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders 38,306,910 33,083,447 36,663,380 31,816,553 Optimer Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets June 30 December 31, 2010 2009 (unaudited) ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 31,377,616 $ 17,054,328 Short-term investments 35,180,463 21,131,145 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 816,983 416,859 Total current assets 67,375,062 38,602,332 Property and equipment, net 803,989 672,896 Long-term investments 882,000 882,000 Other assets 503,741 498,762 Total assets $ 69,564,792 $ 40,655,990 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 3,447,820 $ 2,625,240 Accrued expenses 2,113,604 5,025,669 Total current liabilities 5,561,424 7,650,909 Deferred rent 200,179 253,474 Commitments and contingencies - - Stockholders’ equity 63,803,189 32,751,607 Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 69,564,792 $ 40,655,990