SAN DIEGO, Calif., Oct. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Houghten Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
(HPI) (Nasdaq: HPIP) today announced that a complaint has been filed in San
Diego Superior Court naming HPI, ChromaXome Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary
of HPI (CXC), and the officers and directors of HPI as defendants.  The
complaint, filed by Michael Dickman and Katie Thompson, the founders of CXC,
alleges various contract and tort claims against the defendants, including
that the defendants acted wrongfully in connection with HPI's recent
acquisition of CXC to deny Mr. Dickman and Ms. Thompson access to and
employment with CXC and to prevent them from obtaining certain consideration
in connection with the CXC acquisition.  HPI believes that the claims are
without merit.  Moreover, HPI believes it has valid claims, which it has
raised, against Mr. Dickman and Ms. Thompson regarding their conduct in
connection with the business of CXC prior to its acquisition by HPI.  Although
there can be no assurances in this regard, HPI believes that the claims of Mr.
Dickman and Ms. Thompson, and any related litigation, will have no material
adverse effect on HPI.  HPI intends to vigorously defend against the claims of
Mr. Dickman and Ms. Thompson in any litigation.
    HPI develops and utilizes combinatorial chemistry and other molecular
diversity technologies to pursue the discovery of novel, small-molecule drug
therapies.
    Except for the Historical information contained herein, the matters
discussed in the news release are forward-looking statements that involve
risks and uncertainties.  These forward-looking statements represent HPI's
judgment as of the date of this release.  Actual results may differ materially
from those predicted.  HPI disclaims, however, any intent or obligation to
update these forward-looking statements.

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