<SUBMISSION>
<ACCESSION-NUMBER>0001047469-04-023560
<TYPE>424B3
<PUBLIC-DOCUMENT-COUNT>1
<FILING-DATE>20040719
<FILER>
<COMPANY-DATA>
<CONFORMED-NAME>NEKTAR THERAPEUTICS
<CIK>0000906709
<ASSIGNED-SIC>2834
<IRS-NUMBER>943134940
<STATE-OF-INCORPORATION>DE
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>1231
</COMPANY-DATA>
<FILING-VALUES>
<FORM-TYPE>424B3
<ACT>33
<FILE-NUMBER>333-108856
<FILM-NUMBER>04920116
</FILING-VALUES>
<BUSINESS-ADDRESS>
<STREET1>150 INDUSTRIAL RD
<CITY>SAN CARLOS
<STATE>CA
<ZIP>94070
<PHONE>6506313100
</BUSINESS-ADDRESS>
<MAIL-ADDRESS>
<STREET1>150 INDUSTRIAL ROAD
<CITY>SAN CARLOS
<STATE>CA
<ZIP>94070
</MAIL-ADDRESS>
<FORMER-COMPANY>
<FORMER-CONFORMED-NAME>INHALE THERAPEUTIC SYSTEMS INC
<DATE-CHANGED>19980723
</FORMER-COMPANY>
<FORMER-COMPANY>
<FORMER-CONFORMED-NAME>INHALE THERAPEUTIC SYSTEMS
<DATE-CHANGED>19940303
</FORMER-COMPANY>
</FILER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>424B3
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>a2140275z424b3.htm
<DESCRIPTION>424B3
<TEXT>
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<FONT SIZE=3 ><A HREF="#04PAL1436_1">QuickLinks</A></FONT>
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<P ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Filed pursuant to Rule&nbsp;424(B)(3)<BR>
Registration File No: 333-108856  </B></FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2><B> PROSPECTUS  </B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=5><B>NEKTAR THERAPEUTICS  </B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=4><B>9,764,048 Shares of Common Stock  </B></FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE ALIGN="CENTER" WIDTH="120">

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We issued $110,000,000 principal amount of our 3% Convertible Subordinated Notes due June&nbsp;30, 2010 in a private offering in
June&nbsp;2003. In March 2004, we called for the full redemption of all such convertible subordinated notes under the terms described in such notes. Prior to the redemption date, all of the
outstanding notes were converted into common stock in accordance with the terms of the notes, resulting in the issuance of 9,691,629 shares of our common stock. This prospectus relates to the sale of
the shares of our common stock issued upon conversion of such notes. This prospectus also relates to the sale by AFAC Equity, L.P. of up to 72,419 shares of our common stock acquired by them from us
in a private placement. The selling security holders may sell the common stock covered by this prospectus directly to purchasers or through underwriters, broker-dealers or agents, who may receive
compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our
common stock trades on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol "NKTR." The last reported sale price on July&nbsp;16, 2004 was $17.60 per share. </FONT></P>

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<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><B>Investing in our common stock offered by this prospectus involves a high degree of risk. Please carefully consider the "Risk Factors" beginning on page&nbsp;3
of this prospectus.</B></FONT></P>

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<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><B>Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or
accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.</B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>The
date of this prospectus is July&nbsp;19, 2004. </FONT></P>

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<P><FONT SIZE=2>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>YOU SHOULD RELY ONLY ON THE INFORMATION CONTAINED, OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE, IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT. WE HAVE NOT AUTHORIZED ANYONE
TO PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION DIFFERENT FROM THAT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS. THE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK COVERED BY THIS PROSPECTUS ARE NOT BEING OFFERED IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE THE OFFER OR
SALE IS NOT PERMITTED. THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS ACCURATE ONLY AS OF THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS, AND THE INFORMATION IN THE DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED OR DEEMED TO BE INCORPORATED
BY REFERENCE IN THIS PROSPECTUS SPEAKS ONLY AS OF THE RESPECTIVE DATES THOSE DOCUMENTS WERE FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, REGARDLESS OF THE TIME OF DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS OR
OF ANY SALE OF THE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK COVERED BY THIS PROSPECTUS.</B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="bg1436_table_of_contents"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_bg1436_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>TABLE OF CONTENTS    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

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<TH WIDTH="92%" ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT><BR></TH>
<TH WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="5%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Page</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="92%"><FONT SIZE=2>SUMMARY</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2>1</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="92%"><FONT SIZE=2>RISK FACTORS</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2>3</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="92%"><FONT SIZE=2>RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2>18</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="92%"><FONT SIZE=2>FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2>18</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="92%"><FONT SIZE=2>USE OF PROCEEDS</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2>19</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="92%"><FONT SIZE=2>WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2>19</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="92%"><FONT SIZE=2>DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2>21</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="92%"><FONT SIZE=2>SELLING SECURITY HOLDERS</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2>28</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="92%"><FONT SIZE=2>PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2>31</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="92%"><FONT SIZE=2>LEGAL MATTERS</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2>33</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="92%"><FONT SIZE=2>EXPERTS</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2>33</FONT></TD>
</TR>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This
prospectus contains summaries of certain provisions contained in some of the documents described herein, but reference is made to the actual documents for complete information. All
of the summaries are qualified in their entirety by the actual documents. Copies of some of the documents referred to herein have been filed or incorporated by reference as exhibits to the
registration statement of which this prospectus is a part and you may obtain copies of those documents as described below under "Where You Can Find More Information." </FONT></P>

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<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>SUMMARY    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2><I>This summary highlights information contained elsewhere in this prospectus or incorporated by reference into this prospectus. This summary
does not contain all the information that is important to you. We urge you to read this entire prospectus carefully, including the "Risk Factors" section and the documents incorporated and deemed to
be incorporated by reference into this prospectus, including the financial statements and related notes, identified under "Where You Can Find More Information" before making an investment
decision.</I></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Nektar Therapeutics  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nektar Therapeutics is in the business of improving therapeutics through improved drug delivery. Each of our three technology platforms has the ability to enhance
therapeutics based on the technology and the particular application of the technology. </FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We
are working to become one of the world's leading drug delivery products based companies by providing a portfolio of technologies and expertise that is intended to enable us and our
pharmaceutical and biotechnology partners to improve drug performance throughout the drug development process. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our
mission is to provide drug delivery technologies that enable the development and manufacture of superior therapeutics that make a difference in patients' lives. Primarily, we want to
partner with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies seeking to improve and differentiate their marketed products as well as the products in their pipelines. In addition to our partner-funded
programs, we have started applying our technologies independently through internal early-stage product development efforts. </FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our
technologies are designed to improve either the performance of a drug molecule (</FONT><FONT SIZE=2><I>e.g.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>, bioavailability, safety, efficacy, stability,
targeting, etc.) or how the drug is delivered (</FONT><FONT SIZE=2><I>e.g.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>, enabling new dosage form or delivery profile that improves how the therapeutic can treat patients).
We currently have three technology platforms: </FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2><B>Nektar Advanced PEGylation Technology</B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&#151;using advanced PEGylation (covalent chemical attachment of polyethylene
glycol, or PEG, chains to drug substances) and PEG-based delivery systems to enhance the efficacy and performance of several drug classes, including macromolecules such as peptides and
proteins, smaller sized molecular compounds and other drugs. Nektar Advanced PEGylation Technology has been approved for use in five products in the U.S. and in another product approved only in
Europe.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2><B>Nektar Pulmonary Technology</B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&#151;using our pulmonary expertise in drug formulation and inhalers for systemic and local
lung therapies. Nektar Pulmonary Technology is focused on the formulation of molecules and delivery devices for inhalation. Through this technology we are working to improve or enable drug delivery
and improve therapeutic outcomes for large and small molecules for systemic and local lung therapies.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2><B>Nektar Supercritical Fluid Technology</B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&#151;using a single step particle formulation process that is intended to yield
consistent powder particles that can be incorporated into a final dosage form such as tablets or capsules. Nektar Supercritical Fluid Technology uses proprietary particle engineering methods designed
to develop drug formulations to obtain precision and consistency in particle formulation or to develop beneficial new formulations, including taste-masking of products and improving the
bioavailability of products. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our
strategy is to enable our pharmaceutical and biotechnology partners' drugs through partner-funded programs, and to selectively fund internal early-stage proprietary products with a
view to finding a pharmaceutical or biotechnology company partner prior to late stage clinical development. Our goal is to leverage our technology investments over a large pipeline that allows us to
realize value by advancing our partners' and our proprietary products. As we identify the technologies and markets in which we see opportunities to establish leadership positions, we intend to
continue to develop or acquire technologies intended to capitalize on such opportunities. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We
currently have collaborations ongoing with more than 25 biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, of which 21 are announced. Our product pipeline includes 5 products approved in the
United States, 1 additional product approved in Europe, 4 products in Phase III trials, and 12 products in Phase I and Phase II trials. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>1</FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>The Offering  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This prospectus relates to the sale by certain security holders of shares of common stock issued upon conversion of our 3% Convertible Subordinated Notes due
June&nbsp;30, 2010 and to the sale by AFAC Equity, L.P. of up to 72,419 shares of our common stock. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We
will not receive any proceeds from the sale by the selling securityholders of the shares of common stock covered by this prospectus. </FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>The Common Stock  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The following is a brief summary of the terms of the common stock offered for resale by the selling securityholders by this prospectus. For a more complete
description of the terms of our common stock, see "Description of Capital Stock" in this prospectus. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In
2002, we issued shares of our common stock to AFAC Equity L.P., an affiliated partnership of McKinsey&nbsp;&amp; Company,&nbsp;Inc. United States ("McKinsey"), in connection with
certain consulting services provided to us by McKinsey during 2002. In 2004, we issued shares of common stock to certain securityholders upon conversion of our 3% Convertible Subordinated Notes due
June 30, 2010. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Under
the terms of registration rights agreements that we entered into in connection with the sale or issuance of common stock to the selling securityholders, we have filed a shelf
registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933 relating to the resale of the shares of common stock purchased by or issued to the selling securityholders. This prospectus constitutes a part
of that registration statement. We filed the shelf registration statement to permit the resale of the common stock, and investors who purchase shares of common stock from the selling securityholders
in this offering will not be entitled to any registration rights under the registration rights agreements. In addition, under the registration rights agreements, the selling securityholders may be
required to discontinue the sale or other disposition of the common stock pursuant to the shelf registration statement and to discontinue the use of this prospectus under certain circumstances
specified in the registration rights agreements. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>Risk Factors  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;See "Risk Factors" and other information included and incorporated by reference in this prospectus for a discussion of factors you should carefully consider
before deciding to invest in our common stock. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>2</FONT></P>

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<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>RISK FACTORS    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2><I>An investment in the securities offered by this prospectus supplement involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the
following factors and other information in this prospectus and the documents incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus before deciding to purchase the shares of common
stock offered by this prospectus. Any of the following factors could materially and adversely affect our business, operating results or financial condition. In that case, the market price of our
common stock could decline and you may lose part or all of your investment.</I></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Risks Relating to Our Business  </B></FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>If our collaborative partners that we depend on to obtain regulatory approvals and commercialization of our products are not successful, or if such collaborations fail, then
our product development or commercialization of our products may be delayed or unsuccessful.  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Because we are in the business of developing technology for improving drug formulations and methods for drug delivery, and licensing these technologies to
companies that make and sell drugs, we do not have the people and other resources to do the following things: </FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>synthesize
active pharmaceutical ingredients to be used as medicines;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>design
and conduct large scale clinical studies;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>prepare
and file documents necessary to obtain government approval to sell a given drug product; or
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>market
and sell our products when and if they are approved. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When
we sign a collaborative development agreement or license agreement to develop a product with a drug or biotechnology company, the drug or biotechnology company agrees to do some or
all of the things described above. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reliance
on collaborative relationships poses a number of risks, including: </FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>the
potential inability to control whether and the extent to which our collaborative partners will devote sufficient resources to our programs or products;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>disputes
which may arise in the future with respect to the ownership of rights to technology and/or intellectual property developed with collaborative partners;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>disagreements
with collaborative partners which could lead to delays in or termination of the research, development or commercialization of product candidates, or result in
litigation or arbitration;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>the
potential for contracts with our collaborative partners to fail to provide significant protection or to be effectively enforced if one of these partners fails to
perform. Collaborative partners have considerable discretion in electing whether to pursue the development of any additional products and may pursue alternative technologies or products either on
their own or in collaboration with our competitors;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>the
potential for collaborative partners with marketing rights to choose to devote fewer resources to the marketing of our products than they do to products of their own
development;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>risks
related to the ability of our collaborative partners to pay us; and
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>the
potential for collaborative partners to terminate their agreements with us unilaterally for any or no reason. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>3</FONT></P>

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<UL>
</UL>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Given
these risks, there is a great deal of uncertainty regarding the success of our current and future collaborative efforts. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We
have entered into collaborations in the past that have been subsequently terminated. If other collaborations are suspended or terminated, our ability to commercialize certain of our
other proposed products could also be negatively impacted. If these efforts fail, our product development or commercialization of products could be delayed and our financial position and results of
operations would be significantly harmed. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>If Pfizer does not file an NDA for approval of Exubera&reg; in the U.S., if the FDA does not timely approve any NDA for Exubera&reg;, if the European Medicines
Evaluation Agency ("EMEA") does not timely approve a marketing authorization application for Exubera&reg;, or if our collaboration with Pfizer is discontinued prior to the commercial launch of
Exubera&reg;, then our financial position and results of operations will be significantly harmed.  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We are developing with Pfizer an inhaleable version of insulin, Exubera&reg;, for the treatment of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes that will be administered
using our Pulmonary Technology. Exubera&reg; is currently in extended Phase III clinical trials. We currently depend on Pfizer as the source of a significant portion of our revenues. For the
three-month periods ended March&nbsp;31, 2004 and 2003, revenue from Pfizer accounted for 59% and 54% of our revenue, respectively. In March&nbsp;2004, Pfizer and Aventis announced that the EMEA
has accepted the filing of a marketing authorization application for Exubera&reg;. However, there can be no assurance that Exubera&reg; will be approved for marketing and/or commercial
use in the European Union ("E.U."). Delays in the filing of an Exubera&reg; NDA will result in a delay in marketing approval in the U.S., and there can be no assurance that even if the NDA
submission is filed, Exubera&reg; will be approved for marketing and commercial use in the U.S. Among the factors that may delay the filing or approval of the NDA, the approval by the EMEA to
market Exubera&reg; in the E.U., or the commercial launch of Exubera&reg; in the U.S.
or the E.U., or that may impact a decision to proceed at all with respect to any of the foregoing, are the following: </FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Pfizer
is currently conducting studies to generate controlled long-term safety data with respect to Exubera&reg;, in particular its effect on lung
function, and the results of the studies may impact the filing of regulatory submissions or regulatory approvals.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Pfizer
and its partner, Aventis, have been working with the FDA to determine the appropriate timing for submission of the Exubera&reg; NDA in the U.S. The results of
any discussions with the FDA with respect to the requirements for and timing of the submission of an NDA may impact the filing or approval of the NDA.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>We
may experience difficulties with respect to the processing of the dry powder formulation of inhaleable insulin, and the filling and packaging of the inhaleable insulin
powder for Exubera&reg;. We may not be able to transfer the filling and packaging technology to Pfizer for the large-scale commercial production of Exubera&reg;.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>We,
with our contract manufacturers, may experience difficulties with respect to the production of the pulmonary inhaler device for Exubera&reg;, including the
design, scale up and automation of the commercial manufacture of the pulmonary inhaler device for Exubera&reg;, and any such difficulties may delay the filing and approval of the NDA or the
approval to market in the E.U. Our contract manufacturers may also experience difficulties with respect to manufacturing the device in high volumes for commercial use.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Pfizer
may elect for marketing or other reasons, to delay or not proceed with the filing of regulatory submissions for Exubera&reg;, or if approved following any
such filing, the commercial launch of Exubera&reg;. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>4</FONT></P>

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<UL>
</UL>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
determination as to whether or when an NDA is filed with respect to Exubera&reg; will be made by Pfizer in its discretion. If the filing or approval of the NDA is
substantially delayed beyond the internal estimates we have made for purposes of budgeting and resource allocation, we may not
have the financial ability to continue supporting the Exubera&reg; program or be able to meet our contractual obligations relating to the commercial launch of Exubera&reg;. In the
event of any such delay, we may also elect to divert resources away from Exubera&reg; related activities or otherwise reduce our activities relating to the Exubera&reg; program. Any
material delay in the filing for regulatory approval or material delay in receiving regulatory approval (which in some countries includes pricing approval), or failure to receive regulatory approval
for Exubera&reg; at all, would affect our contract research revenue from Pfizer, may result in the payment by us of substantial reimbursements to the contract manufacturers of our proprietary
inhaler device with respect to the capital they have deployed in support of such activity, and would significantly harm our financial position and results of operations. Furthermore, should the
collaboration with Pfizer be discontinued, our financial position and results of operations may be substantially harmed. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>If we fail to establish future successful collaborative relationships, then our financial results may suffer and our product development efforts may be delayed or unsuccessful.  </B></FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We intend to seek future collaborative relationships with pharmaceutical and biotechnology partners to fund some of our research and development expenses and to
develop and commercialize potential products. Further, we anticipate that the timing of drug development programs under existing collaborative agreements with our partners will continue to affect our
revenues from such agreements. We may not be able to negotiate acceptable collaborative arrangements in the future, and any arrangements we do negotiate may not be successful. If we fail to establish
additional collaborative relationships, we will be required to undertake research, development, marketing, and manufacturing of our proposed products at our own expense or discontinue or reduce these
activities. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>If we are unable to establish successful collaborative relationships for our early-stage proprietary product development, then our financial results may suffer and our product
development efforts may be delayed or unsuccessful.  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We intend to seek future collaborative relationships with pharmaceutical and biotechnology partners to fund some clinical trials and other development expenses
associated with the development and commercialization of products developed through our Proprietary Products Group. We may not be able to negotiate acceptable collaborative arrangements in the future
with respect to these products, and any arrangements we do negotiate may not be successful. If we fail to establish these collaborative relationships, we will have expended significant funds of our
own in developing these products, and not get a return on our investment. We may then be required to undertake further development, marketing, and manufacturing of these products at our own expense or
discontinue or reduce these activities altogether. As a result, failure to establish successful collaborative relationships for these products with pharmaceutical and biotechnology partners will cause
our financial results to suffer and could delay or terminate the development of such products. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>If our drug delivery technologies are not commercially feasible, then our revenues and results of operations will be impacted negatively.  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We are in an early stage of development with respect to many of our products. There is a risk that our technologies will not be commercially feasible. Even if our
technologies are commercially feasible, they may not be commercially accepted across a range of large and small molecule drugs. We have tested 13 drug formulations based on our Pulmonary Technology in
humans. None of the products using our Pulmonary Technology has been approved for marketing; Exubera&reg; is in Phase III in the U.S., and Pfizer and Aventis have filed a marketing
authorization application for Exubera&reg; with the </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>5</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>EMEA;
and some other products are in Phase I clinical trials. Our Advanced PEGylation Technology has been incorporated in five products that the FDA has approved for marketing and one additional
product approved in Europe, and 10 others are in clinical trials. Our Supercritical Fluid Technology is also primarily in an early stage of feasibility. Our potential products require extensive
research, development and preclinical and clinical testing. Our potential products also may involve lengthy regulatory reviews and require regulatory approval before they can be sold. We do not know
if, and cannot provide assurance that, any of our potential products will prove to be safe and effective, accomplish the objectives that we and our collaborative partners are seeking through the use
of our technologies, meet regulatory standards or continue to meet such standards if already approved. There is a risk that we, and our collaborative partners, may not be able to produce any of our
potential products in commercial quantities at acceptable costs, or market them successfully. Failure to achieve commercial feasibility, demonstrate safety, achieve clinical efficacy, obtain
regulatory approval or, together with partners, successfully market products will negatively impact our revenues and results of operations. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>If our research and development efforts are delayed or unsuccessful, then we will experience delay or be unsuccessful in having our products commercialized, and our business
will suffer.  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Except for products using our Advanced PEGylation Technology that have already been approved by the FDA or other regulatory agencies, our product candidates are
still in research and development, including preclinical testing and clinical trials. Preclinical testing and clinical trials are long, expensive and uncertain processes. It may take us, or our
collaborators several years to complete this testing, and failure can occur at any stage in the process. Success in preclinical testing and early clinical trials does not ensure that later clinical
trials will be successful. A number of companies in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries have suffered significant setbacks in later stage clinical trials, even after promising results in
earlier trials. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Any
clinical trial may fail to produce results satisfactory to us, our collaborative partners or the FDA. Preclinical and clinical data can be interpreted in different ways, which could
delay, limit or prevent
regulatory approval or commercialization. Negative or inconclusive results or adverse medical events during a clinical trial could cause a clinical trial to be repeated or a program to be terminated.
We typically rely on collaborative partners and third-party clinical investigators to conduct clinical trials of our products and, as a result, we may face additional delaying factors outside our
control. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We
do not know if any of our research and development efforts, including preclinical testing or clinical trials will adhere to our planned schedules or be completed on a timely basis or
at all. Typically, there is a high rate of attrition for product candidates in preclinical and clinical trials. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>If our drug delivery technologies do not satisfy certain basic feasibility requirements such as total system efficiency, then our products may not be competitive.  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We may not be able to achieve the total system efficiency for products based on our Pulmonary Technology that is needed to be competitive with alternative routes
of delivery or formulation technologies. We determine total system efficiency by the amount of drug loss during manufacture, in the delivery system, and in reaching the ultimate site at which the drug
exhibits its activity. We would not consider a drug to be a good candidate for development and commercialization using our Pulmonary Technology if drug loss is excessive at any one stage or
cumulatively in the manufacturing and delivery process. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our
ability to efficiently attach PEG polymer chains to a drug molecule is the initial screen for determining whether drug formulations using our Advanced PEGylation Technology are
commercially feasible. We would not consider a drug formulation to be a good candidate for development and </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>6</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>commercialization
using our Advanced PEGylation Technology if we could not efficiently attach a PEG polymer chain to such drug without destroying or impairing the drug's activity. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For
our Supercritical Fluid Technology, solubility characteristics of a drug and the solvents, which may be incorporated in the manufacturing process, provide the initial screen for
whether drug formulations using this technology are commercially feasible. We would not consider a drug to be a good candidate for this technology if its solubility characteristics were such that the
application of our technology results in very low efficiency in manufacturing of drug powders. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>If our drug formulations are not stable, then we will not be able to develop or commercialize products.  </B></FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We may not be able to identify and produce powdered or other formulations of drugs that retain the physical and chemical properties needed to work effectively
with our inhaler devices for deep lung delivery using our Pulmonary Technology, or through other methods of drug delivery using our Advanced PEGylation or Supercritical Fluid Technology. Formulation
stability is the physical and chemical stability of the drug over time and under various storage, shipping and usage conditions. Formulation stability will vary with each drug formulation and the type
and amount of ingredients that are used in the formulation. Since our drug formulation technology is new and largely unproven, we do not know if our drug formulations will retain the needed physical
and chemical properties and performance of the drugs. Problems with formulated drug powder stability in particular would negatively impact our ability to develop products based on our Pulmonary
Technology or Supercritical Fluid Technology, or obtain regulatory approval for or market such products. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>If our drug delivery technologies are not safe, then regulatory approval of our products may not be obtained, or our products may not be developed or marketed.  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We, or our collaborative partners, may not be able to prove that potential products using our drug delivery technologies are safe. Our products require lengthy
laboratory, animal and human testing. Many of our products are in preclinical testing or the early stage of human testing. Since many of our products are in an early stage of testing and have not
completed clinical trials, we cannot be certain that these products, and our technology that developed these products, are safe or will not produce unacceptable adverse side effects. The safety of our
formulations will vary with each drug and the ingredients used in our formulation. If any product is found not to be safe, the product will not be approved for marketing or commercialization. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>If product liability lawsuits are brought against us, we may incur substantial liabilities.  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The manufacture, testing, marketing and sale of medical products entail an inherent risk of product liability. If product liability costs exceed our liability
insurance coverage, we may incur substantial liabilities. Whether or not we were ultimately successful in product liability litigation, such litigation would consume substantial amounts of our
financial and managerial resources, and might result in adverse publicity, all of which would impair our business. We may not be able to maintain our clinical trial insurance or product liability
insurance at an acceptable cost, if at all, and this insurance may not provide adequate coverage against potential claims or losses. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>If the products using our Pulmonary Technology do not provide consistent doses of medicine, then we will not be able to develop, and our partners will not be able to obtain
regulatory approval for and commercialize products.  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We may not be able to provide reproducible dosing of stable formulations of drug compounds. Reproducible dosing is the ability to deliver a consistent and
predictable amount of drug into the </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>7</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>bloodstream
over time both for a single patient and across patient groups. Reproducible dosing of drugs based on our Pulmonary Technology requires the development of: </FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>an
inhalation or other device that consistently delivers predictable amounts of dry powder to the deep lung;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>accurate
unit dose packaging of dry powder; and
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>moisture
resistant packaging. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Since
our Pulmonary Technology is still in development and is yet to be used in commercialized products, we cannot be certain that we will be able to develop reproducible dosing of any
potential product. The failure to do so would mean that we would not consider such a product a good candidate for development and commercialization. </FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>If we or our partners do not obtain regulatory approval for our products on a timely basis, then our revenues and results of operations may be affected negatively.  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There is a risk that we, or our partners, will not obtain regulatory approval (which in some countries includes pricing approval) for our unapproved products on a
timely basis, or at all. Our unapproved products must undergo rigorous animal and human testing and an extensive FDA mandated or equivalent foreign authorities' review process. This process generally
takes a number of years and requires the expenditure of substantial resources. The time required for completing such testing and
obtaining such approvals is uncertain. The FDA and other U.S. and foreign regulatory agencies also have substantial discretion to terminate clinical trials, require additional testing, delay or
withhold registration and marketing approval and mandate product withdrawals including recalls. The FDA has approved for marketing five products using our Advanced PEGylation Technology for specific
uses in the United States. Further, another product using our Advanced PEGylation Technology has been approved in Europe. Even though our partners have obtained regulatory approval for some of our
products, these products and our manufacturing processes are subject to continued review by the FDA and other regulatory authorities. Even if our partners receive regulatory approval of a product, the
approval may limit the indicated uses for which our partners may market the product. In addition, our partners' marketed products, our manufacturing facilities and we, as the manufacturer in certain
instances, will be subject to continual review and periodic inspections. Later discovery from such review and inspection of previously unknown problems may result in restrictions on our partners'
products or on us, including withdrawal of our partners' products from the market. The failure to obtain timely regulatory approval of our partners' products, any product marketing limitations or a
product withdrawal would negatively impact our revenues and results of operations. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In
addition, we may encounter delays or rejections based upon changes in FDA regulations or policies, including policies relating to current good manufacturing practice compliance, or
"cGMP," during the period of product development. We may encounter similar delays in other countries. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>If our technologies cannot be integrated successfully to bring products to market, then our ability to develop, and our partners' ability to obtain approval or market our
products, may be delayed or unsuccessful.  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We may not be able to integrate all of the relevant technologies to provide complete drug delivery and formulation systems. In particular, our development of
drugs based on our Pulmonary Technology relies upon the following several different but related technologies: </FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>dry
powder formulations;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>dry
powder processing technology;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>dry
powder packaging technology; and
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>deep
lung delivery devices. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>8</FONT></P>

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<UL>
</UL>
</UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our
other technologies may face similar challenges relating to the integration of drug formulation, processing, packaging and delivery device technologies. At the same time we must: </FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>establish
collaborations with partners;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>perform
laboratory and pre-clinical testing of potential products; and
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>scale-up
our manufacturing processes. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We
must accomplish all of these steps without delaying any aspect of technology development. Any delay in one component of product or business development could delay our ability to
develop, and our partners' ability to obtain approval or market products using our delivery and formulation technologies. </FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>If we are not able to manufacture our products in commercially feasible quantities or at commercially feasible costs, then our products will not be successfully commercialized.  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><I>Nektar Advanced PEGylation Technology and Supercritical Fluid Technology  </I></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Except for the five approved products and the one additional product approved in Europe incorporating our Advanced PEGylation Technology, all of the drug
formulations which incorporate our Advanced PEGylation Technology and Supercritical Fluid Technology are in various stages of feasibility testing or human clinical trials. We are currently expanding
our Advanced PEGylation Technology
manufacturing capacity and anticipate having to add additional Supercritical Fluid Technology manufacturing capacity. If we are not able to scale-up to large clinical trials or commercial
manufacturing for products incorporating either of these technologies in a timely manner or at a commercially reasonable cost, we risk not meeting our customers' supply requirements or our contractual
obligations. Our failure to solve any of these problems could delay or prevent late stage clinical testing and commercialization of our products and could negatively impact our revenues and results of
operations. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><I>Nektar Pulmonary Technology  </I></FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Except for the one product incorporating our Pulmonary Technology that has been filed for approval in Europe, all of the drug formulations, which incorporate our
Pulmonary Technology, are in various stages of human clinical trials or feasibility testing. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><I>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Powder Processing.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We have no experience manufacturing powder products for commercial purposes. With respect to drugs based
on our Pulmonary Technology, we have only performed powder processing on the scale needed for testing formulations, and for early stage and larger clinical trials. We may encounter manufacturing and
control problems as we attempt to scale-up powder processing facilities. We may not be able to achieve such scale-up in a timely manner or at a commercially reasonable cost, if
at all, and the powder processing system we implement may not be applicable for other drugs. Our failure to solve any of these problems could delay or prevent some late stage clinical testing and
commercialization of our products and could negatively impact our revenues and results of operations. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To
date, we rely primarily on two particular methods of powder processing. There is a risk that these technologies will not work with all drugs or that the cost of drug production with
this processing will preclude the commercial viability of certain drugs. Additionally, there is a risk that any alternative powder processing methods we may pursue will not be commercially practical
for aerosol drugs or that we will not have, or be able to acquire the rights to use, such alternative methods. </FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2><I>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Powder Packaging.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our fine particle powders and small quantity packaging utilized for drugs based on our Pulmonary Technology
require special handling. We have designed and qualified automated filling equipment for small and moderate quantity packaging of fine powders. We face significant technical challenges in
scaling-up an automated filling system that can handle the small dose </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>9</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>and
particle sizes of our powders in commercial quantities. There is a risk that we will not be able to scale-up our automated filling equipment in a timely manner or at commercially
reasonable costs. Any failure or delay in such scale-up would delay product development or bar commercialization of products based on our Pulmonary Technology and would negatively impact
our revenues and results of operations. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There
can be no assurance we will be able to manufacture products on our autofiller system in a timely manner or at a commercially reasonable cost; any delay or failure in further
developing such technology would delay product development or inhibit commercialization of our products and would have a materially adverse effect on us. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><I>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nektar Pulmonary Inhaler Device.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We face many technical challenges in developing our pulmonary inhaler device to work with a
broad range of drugs, to produce such devices in sufficient quantities, and to adapt the devices to different powder formulations. Our pulmonary inhaler device being used with Exubera&reg; is
still in clinical testing. Additional design and development work may be required to optimize the device for regulatory approval, field reliability, or other issues that may be important to its
commercial success. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Additional
design and development work may lead to a delay in regulatory approval and delay efforts to seek regulatory approval for any product that incorporates the device or the time
the device could be ready for commercial launch. In addition, we are attempting to develop a smaller inhaler device, which presents particular technical challenges. There is a risk that we will not
successfully achieve any of these challenges. Our failure to overcome any of these challenges would negatively impact our revenues and results of operations. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For
late stage clinical trials and initial commercial production, we intend to use one or more contract manufacturers to produce our pulmonary inhaler devices. There is a risk that we
will not be able to maintain arrangements with our contract manufacturers on commercially acceptable terms or at all, or effectively scale-up production of our pulmonary inhaler devices
through contract manufacturers. Our failure to do so would negatively impact our revenues and results of operations. Dependence on third parties for the manufacture of our pulmonary inhaler devices
and their supply chain may adversely affect our cost of goods and ability to develop and commercialize products on a timely or competitive basis. Because our manufacturing processes and those of our
contract manufacturers are very complex and subject to lengthy governmental approval processes, alternative qualified production sources or capacity may not be available on a timely basis or at all.
Disruptions or delays in our manufacturing processes or those of our contract manufacturers for existing or new products could result in increased costs, loss of revenues or market share, or damage to
our reputation. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There
is no assurance that devices designed by us and built by contract manufacturers will be approved or will meet approval requirements on a timely basis or at all, or that any of our
device development will be successful or commercially viable. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>If Pfizer is not able to fill the bulk drug powders for Exubera&reg; in commercially feasible quantities, then Exubera&reg; will not be successfully
commercialized and would negatively impact our revenues and results of operations.  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We have developed a high capacity automated filling unit capable of filling blisters on a production scale for moderate and large volume products using our
Pulmonary Technology. The technology for the high capacity automated filling unit has been transferred to Pfizer who will have the responsibility of packaging and filling the bulk drug powders for
Exubera&reg;. There are significant technical challenges in scaling-up an automated filling system that can handle the small dose and particle sizes of our powders in commercial
quantities. In addition, there is the additional risk that Pfizer has no backup manufacturing facility for this process. Any failure or delay in the manufacturing facility or process </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>10</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>would
delay product development or bar commercialization of Exubera&reg; and would negatively impact our revenues and results of operations. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>If we are not able to manufacture our dry powder inhaler device in commercially feasible quantities or at commercially feasible costs, then our Pulmonary Technology products
may not be successfully commercialized.  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In addition to our inhaler device being used with Exubera&reg;, we are developing a breath actuated compact dry powder inhaler device ("DPI"). We are
developing the DPI device to be appropriate for the delivery of either large or small molecules for short-term use. We face many unique technical challenges in developing the DPI device to
work with a broad range of drugs, producing the DPI device in sufficient quantities and adapting the DPI device to different powder formulations. Our DPI device is still in clinical testing and
production scale-up work is ongoing. Further design and development will be required to obtain regulatory approval for the DPI device, enable commercial manufacturing, insure field
reliability or manage other issues that may be important to its commercial success. Such additional design and development work may lead to a delay in efforts to seek regulatory approval for any
product that incorporates the DPI device, or could delay the timeframe within which the device could be ready for commercial launch. There is a risk that we will not successfully achieve any of these
challenges. Our failure to overcome any of these challenges would negatively impact our revenues and results of operations. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>We depend on sole or exclusive suppliers for our pulmonary inhaler devices, bulk active pharmaceutical ingredients and PEG polymer chains and if such suppliers fail to supply
when required, then our product development efforts may be delayed or unsuccessful and our commercial supply obligations may be compromised.  </B></FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We agreed to subcontract the manufacture of our pulmonary inhaler devices used with Exubera&reg; before commercial production. We have identified contract
manufacturers that we believe have the technical capabilities and production capacity to manufacture such device and which can meet the requirements of cGMP. We are not certain that we will be able to
maintain satisfactory contract manufacturing on commercially acceptable terms, if at all. Our failure to maintain ongoing commercial relationships with our existing contract manufacturers may subject
us to significant reimbursement obligations upon termination of such relationships. Our dependence on third parties for the manufacture of our pulmonary inhaler devices may negatively impact our cost
of goods and our ability to develop and commercialize products based on our Pulmonary Technology on a timely and competitive basis. </FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For
the most part, we obtain the bulk active pharmaceutical ingredients we use to manufacture products using our technologies from sole or exclusive sources of supply. For example, with
respect to our source of bulk insulin, we have entered into a collaborative agreement with Pfizer that has, in turn, entered into an agreement with Aventis to manufacture regular human insulin. Under
the terms of their agreement, Pfizer and Aventis agreed to construct a jointly owned manufacturing plant in Frankfurt, Germany. Until needed, Pfizer will provide us with insulin from Aventis's
existing plant. We have also entered into an agreement with one supplier for the supply of PEG polymer chains we use in our products that incorporate our Advanced PEGylation Technology. NOF
Corporation is our sole supplier of pharmaceutical grade PEGylation materials pursuant to an agreement. </FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If
our sole or exclusive source suppliers fail to provide either active pharmaceutical ingredients or PEGylation materials in sufficient quantities when required, our revenues and
results of operations will be negatively impacted. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>11</FONT></P>

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<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>If the market does not accept products using our drug delivery technologies, then our revenues and results of operations will be adversely affected.  </B></FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The commercial success of our potential products depends upon market acceptance by health care providers, third-party payors like health insurance companies and
Medicare and patients. Our products
under development use new drug delivery technologies and there is a risk that the market will not accept our potential products. Market acceptance will depend on many factors, including: </FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>the
safety and efficacy of products demonstrated in clinical trials;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>favorable
regulatory approval and product labeling;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>the
frequency of product use;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>the
ease of product use;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>the
availability of third-party reimbursement;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>the
availability of alternative technologies; and
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>the
price of our products relative to alternative technologies. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There
is a risk that health care providers, patients or third-party payors will not accept products using our drug delivery and formulation technologies. If the market does not accept
our potential products, our revenues and results of operations would be significantly and negatively impacted. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>If our products are not cost effective, then government and private insurance plans may not pay for them and our products may not be widely accepted, which will adversely
affect our revenues and results of operations.  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In both domestic and foreign markets, sales of our products under development will depend in part upon the availability of reimbursement from third-party payors,
such as government health administration authorities, managed care providers, private health insurers and other organizations. In addition, such third-party payors are increasingly challenging the
price and cost effectiveness of medical products and services. Significant uncertainty exists as to the reimbursement status of newly approved health care products. Legislation and regulations
affecting the pricing of pharmaceuticals may change before regulatory agencies approve our proposed products for marketing. Adoption of such legislation and regulations could further limit
reimbursement for medical products. A government or third-party payor decision not to provide adequate coverage and reimbursements for our products would limit market acceptance of such products. </FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>If our competitors develop and sell better drug delivery and formulation technologies, then our products or technologies may be uncompetitive or obsolete and our revenues and
results of operations will be adversely affected.  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We are aware of other companies engaged in developing and commercializing drug delivery and formulation technologies similar to our technologies. Some of our
competitors with regard to our Pulmonary Technology include AeroGen,&nbsp;Inc., Alkermes,&nbsp;Inc., Aradigm Corporation, and MannKind. AeroGen and Aradigm are each developing liquid drug delivery
systems, and Alkermes is working on a dry powder delivery system. Our competitors with regard to our Advanced PEGylation Technology include Valentis,&nbsp;Inc., Mountain View
Pharmaceuticals,&nbsp;Inc. and SunBio PEG-SHOP, as well as several pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies with in-house PEGylation expertise. Some of our competitors with
regard to our Supercritical Fluid Technology include Alkermes, Battelle Memorial Institute, Ethypharm SA, Ferro Corp., Lavipharm SA and RxKinetics. Some of these companies license or provide the
technology to other companies, while others are developing the technology for internal use. Many of these companies have greater research and development capabilities, experience, </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>12</FONT></P>

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<P><FONT SIZE=2>manufacturing,
marketing, financial and managerial resources than we do and represent significant competition for us. Acquisitions of or collaborations with competing drug delivery companies by large
pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies could enhance our competitors' financial, marketing and other resources. Accordingly, our competitors may succeed in developing competing technologies,
obtaining regulatory approval for products or gaining market acceptance before us. Developments by others could make our products or technologies uncompetitive or obsolete. Our competitors may
introduce products or processes competitive with or superior to our products or processes. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>If any of our patents are invalid or pending patents do not issue or following issuance are deemed not valid, then we may lose key intellectual property right protection. If
our products infringe on third-party's rights, then we will suffer adverse effects on our ability to develop and commercialize products as well as our revenues and results of operations.  </B></FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We have filed patent applications covering certain aspects of our inhalation devices, powder processing technology, powder formulations and deep lung route of
delivery for certain molecules as well as for our Advanced PEGylation and Supercritical Fluid Technology, and we plan to file additional patent applications. As of March&nbsp;31, 2004, we had 686
issued U.S. and foreign patents that cover certain aspects of our technologies and we have a number of patent applications pending. There is a risk that many of the patents applied for will not issue,
or that any patents that issue or have issued will not be held valid and enforceable. Enforcing our patent rights would be time consuming and costly. </FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our
access or our partners' access to the drugs to be formulated using our technologies will affect our ability to develop and commercialize our technologies. Many drugs, including
powder formulations of certain drugs that are presently under development by us, and our drug formulation technologies are subject to issued and pending U.S. and foreign patents that may be owned by
competitors. We know that there are issued patents and pending patent applications relating to the formulation and delivery of large and small molecule drugs, including several for which we are
developing formulations using our various technologies. This situation is highly complex, and the ability of any one company, including us, to commercialize a particular drug is unpredictable. </FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We
intend generally to rely on the ability of our partners to provide access to the drugs that we formulate for deep lung and other forms of delivery. There is a risk that our partners
will not be able to provide access to such drug candidates. Even if our partners provide such access, there is a risk that third parties will accuse, and possibly a court or a governmental agency will
determine, our partners or us to be infringing a third-party's patent rights, and we will be prohibited from working with the drug or be found liable for damages that may not be subject to
indemnification, or we may choose to pay such third party royalties under a license to such patent rights. Any such restriction on access to drug candidates, liability for damages or payment of
royalties would negatively impact our revenues and results of operations. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>We may incur material litigation costs, which may adversely affect our business and results of operations.  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;From time to time, we are party to various litigation matters, including several that relate to our patent and intellectual property rights. We cannot predict
with certainty the eventual outcome of any pending litigation or potential future litigation, and we might have to incur substantial expense in defending these or future lawsuits or indemnifying third
parties with respect to the results of such litigation. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>13</FONT></P>

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<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>If earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes and other catastrophic events strike, our business may be negatively affected.  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our corporate headquarters, including a substantial portion of our research and development operations, are located in the San Francisco Peninsula, a region known
for seismic activity. A significant natural disaster such as an earthquake could have a material adverse impact on our business, operating results, and financial condition. There are no backup
facilities for some of our manufacturing operations located in the San Francisco Peninsula. Certain of our other facilities, such as our facility in Huntsville, Alabama and certain of our
collaborative partners located elsewhere may also be subject to catastrophic events such as hurricanes and tornadoes, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating
results, and financial condition. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>Investors should be aware of industry-wide risks, which are applicable to us and may affect our revenues and results of operations.  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In addition to the risks associated specifically with us described above, investors should also be aware of general risks associated with drug development and the
pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. These include, but are not limited to: </FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>changes
in and compliance with government regulations;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>handling
and disposal of hazardous materials;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>workplace
health and safety requirements;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>hiring
and retaining qualified people; and
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>insuring
against product liability claims. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>If we do not generate sufficient cash flow through increased revenues or raising additional capital, then we may not be able to meet our substantial debt obligations.  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As of April&nbsp;30, 2004, we had approximately $173.9&nbsp;million in long-term convertible subordinated notes and debentures,
$30.9&nbsp;million in non-current capital lease obligations and $12.1&nbsp;million in other long-term liabilities. Our substantial long-term indebtedness, which
totaled $216.9&nbsp;million as of April&nbsp;30, 2004, has and will continue to impact us by: </FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>making
it more difficult to obtain additional financing; and
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>constraining
our ability to react quickly in an unfavorable economic climate. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>
<BR>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Currently
we are not generating positive cash flow. Delay in the approval of Exubera&reg;, or other adverse occurrences related to our product development efforts will adversely
impact our ability to meet our obligations to repay the principal amounts on our convertible subordinated notes and debentures when due. In addition, if the market price of our common stock is below
the related conversion price, the holders of the related outstanding convertible subordinated notes and debentures will not likely convert such securities to equity in accordance with their existing
terms. If we are unable to satisfy our debt service requirements, substantial liquidity problems could result. As of April&nbsp;30, 2004 we had cash, cash equivalents and short-term
investments valued at approximately $445.3&nbsp;million. We expect to use a substantial portion of these assets to fund our on-going operations over the next few years. As of
April&nbsp;30, 2004, we had approximately $173.9&nbsp;million outstanding convertible subordinated notes and debentures, all of which will mature in 2007. We may not generate sufficient cash from
operations to repay our convertible subordinated notes and debentures or satisfy any other of these obligations when they become due and may have to raise additional funds from the sale of equity or
debt securities or otherwise restructure our obligations in order to do so. There can be no assurance </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>14</FONT></P>

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<P><FONT SIZE=2>that
any such financing or restructuring will be available to us on commercially acceptable terms, if at all. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>If we cannot raise additional capital our financial condition may suffer.  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our capital needs may change as a result of numerous factors, and may result in additional funding requirements. In addition, we may choose to raise additional
capital due to market conditions or strategic considerations. To the extent that additional capital is raised through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, the issuance of such securities
could result in dilution to our stockholders. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We
have no material credit facility or other material committed sources of capital. To the extent operating and capital resources are insufficient to meet future requirements, we will
have to raise additional funds to continue the development and commercialization of our technologies and products. Such funds may not be available on favorable terms, or at all. In particular, our
substantial leverage may limit our ability to obtain additional financing. In addition, as an early stage biotechnology company, we do not qualify to issue investment grade debt and therefore any
financing we do undertake will likely involve the issuance of equity, convertible debt instruments and/or high-yield debt. These sources of capital may not be available to us in the event
we require additional financing. If adequate funds are not available on reasonable terms, we may be required to curtail operations significantly or obtain funds by entering into financing, supply or
collaboration agreements on unattractive terms. Our inability to raise capital could negatively impact our business. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>If we fail to manage our growth effectively, our business may suffer.  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our ability to offer commercially viable products, achieve our expansion objectives, manage our growth effectively and satisfy our commitments under our
collaboration agreements depends on a variety of factors, all of which must be successfully managed. Key factors include our ability to develop products internally, enter into strategic partnerships
with collaborators, attract and retain skilled employees and effectively expand our internal organization to accommodate anticipated growth including integration of any potential businesses that we
may acquire. If we are unable to manage some or all of these factors effectively, our business could grow too slowly or too quickly to be successfully sustained, thereby resulting in material adverse
effects on our business, financial condition and results of operations. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>If we acquire additional companies, products or technologies, we may not be able to effectively integrate personnel and operations and such failure may disrupt our business and
results of operations.  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We have acquired companies, products and/or technologies in the past, and may continue to acquire or make investments in complementary companies, products or
technologies in the future. We may not receive the anticipated benefits of these acquisitions or investments. We may face risks relating to difficult integrations of personnel, technology and
operations, uncertainty whether any integration will be successful and whether earnings will be negatively affected, and potential distractions to our management with respect to these acquisitions. In
addition, our earnings may suffer because of acquisition-related costs. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>We expect to continue to lose money for the next few years and may not reach profitability if our products do not generate sufficient revenue.  </B></FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We have never had a profitable year and, through April&nbsp;30, 2004, we have an accumulated deficit of approximately $662.4&nbsp;million. We expect to
continue to incur substantial and potentially increasing losses over at least the next few years as we expand our research and development efforts, testing activities and manufacturing operations, and
as we further expand our late stage clinical and early </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>15</FONT></P>

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<P><FONT SIZE=2>commercial
production facilities. Most of our potential products are in the early stages of development. Except for the approved products incorporating our Advanced PEGylation Technology, we have
generated no revenues from product sales. Our revenues to date have consisted primarily of payments under short-term research and feasibility agreements and development contracts. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To
achieve and sustain profitable operations, we must, alone or with others, successfully develop, obtain regulatory approval for, manufacture, introduce, market and sell products using
our drug delivery technologies. There is risk that we will not generate sufficient product or contract research revenue to become profitable or to sustain profitability. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>Anti-takeover provisions in our charter documents and under Delaware law may make it more difficult to acquire us, even though such acquisitions may be beneficial
to our stockholders.  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, as well as provisions of Delaware law, could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us,
even though such acquisitions may be beneficial to our stockholders. These anti-takeover provisions include: </FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>establishment
of a classified board of directors such that not all members of the board may be elected at one time;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>lack
of a provision for cumulative voting in the election of directors, which would otherwise allow less than a majority of stockholders to elect director candidates;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>the
ability of our board to authorize the issuance of "blank check" preferred stock to increase the number of outstanding shares and thwart a takeover attempt;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>prohibition
on stockholder action by written consent, thereby requiring all stockholder actions to be taken at a meeting of stockholders;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>establishment
of advance notice requirements for nominations for election to the board of directors or for proposing matters that can be acted upon by stockholders at
stockholder meetings; and
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>limitations
on who may call a special meeting of stockholders. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Further,
we have in place a preferred share purchase rights plan, commonly known as a "poison pill." The provisions described above, our "poison pill" and provisions of Delaware law
relating to business combinations with interested stockholders may discourage, delay or prevent a third party from acquiring us. These provisions may also discourage, delay or prevent a third party
from acquiring a large portion of our securities, or initiating a tender offer or proxy contest, even if our stockholders might receive a premium for their shares in the acquisition over the then
current market prices. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B><I>Risks Relating to Our Common Stock  </I></B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>We expect our stock price to remain volatile.  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our stock price is volatile. In the twelve-month period ending May&nbsp;31, 2004, based on closing prices on the Nasdaq National Market, our stock price ranged
from $6.87 to $23.24. We expect our stock price to remain volatile. A variety of factors may have a significant effect on the market price of our common stock, including: </FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>clinical
trial results or product development delays or delays in product approval or launch;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>announcements
by collaboration partners as to their plans or expectations related to products using our technologies;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>announcement
or termination of collaborative relationships by us or our competitors; </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>16</FONT></P>

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<UL>
<UL>
</UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>fluctuations
in our operating results;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>developments
in patent or other proprietary rights;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>announcements
of technological innovations or new therapeutic products;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>governmental
regulation;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>public
concern as to the safety of drug formulations developed by us or others; and
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>general
market conditions. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Any
litigation brought against us as a result of this volatility could result in substantial costs and a diversion of our management's attention and resources, which could negatively
impact our financial condition, revenues, results of operations and the price of our common stock. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>Future sales of our common stock in the public market could adversely affect the trading price of our common stock and our ability to raise funds in new stock offerings.  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Future sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market, or the perception that such sales could occur, could adversely affect prevailing
trading prices of our common stock and could impair our ability to raise capital through future offerings of equity or equity related securities. As of May&nbsp;31, 2004, we had
83,650,584&nbsp;shares of common stock outstanding, excluding: </FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>14,381,411
shares of common stock reserved for issuance upon exercise of options outstanding under our stock option plans;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>56,000
shares of our common stock reserved for issuance upon exercise of outstanding warrants;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>4,706,388
shares of common stock reserved for issuance upon conversion of our outstanding convertible subordinated notes and debentures as well as our outstanding
convertible preferred stock; and
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>3,824,663
additional shares reserved for future issuance under our stock option and stock purchase plans. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We
cannot predict the effect, if any, that future sales of shares of common stock, or the availability of shares of common stock for future sale, will have on the trading price of our
common stock prevailing from time to time. Sales of substantial amounts of common stock or the perception that such sales could occur, may adversely affect prevailing market prices for our common
stock. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>17</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='page-break-before:always'></p>
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NAME="page_de1436_1_18"> </A> </FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de1436_ratio_of_earnings_to_fixed_charges"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de1436_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our earnings were insufficient to cover fixed charges in each of the years in the five-year period ended December&nbsp;31, 2003 and in the three
month periods ended March&nbsp;31, 2003 and 2004. Earnings consist of loss from continuing operations before income taxes, extraordinary items, cumulative effect of accounting changes, equity in net
losses of affiliates and fixed charges, adjusted for capitalized interest. Fixed charges consist of interest expensed and capitalized and amortized premiums, discounts and capitalized expenses related
to indebtedness. The extent to which earnings were insufficient to cover fixed charges is as follows: </FONT></P>

<!-- User-specified TAGGED TABLE -->
<DIV ALIGN="CENTER"><TABLE WIDTH="96%" BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TH WIDTH="30%" ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT><BR></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH COLSPAN=14 ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Year Ended December&nbsp;31,</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH COLSPAN=5 ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Three Months<BR>
Ended<BR>
March&nbsp;31,</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TH WIDTH="30%" ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT><BR></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH COLSPAN=2 ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>2003</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH COLSPAN=2 ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>2002</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH COLSPAN=2 ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>2001</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH COLSPAN=2 ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>2000</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH COLSPAN=2 ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>1999</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH COLSPAN=2 ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>2004</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH COLSPAN=2 ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>2003</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TH WIDTH="30%" ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT><BR></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH COLSPAN=20 ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>(in thousands)<BR> </B></FONT><BR></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="30%"><FONT SIZE=1>Deficiency of earnings available to cover fixed charges</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=1>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>(46,682</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=1>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>(107,468</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=1>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>(251,238</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=1>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>(97,403</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=1>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>(38,448</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=1>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>(40,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=1>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>(19,949</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>)</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="30%"><FONT SIZE=1>Ratio of earnings to fixed charges</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>N/A</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>N/A</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>N/A</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>N/A</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>N/A</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>N/A</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>N/A</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE></DIV>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><A
NAME="de1436_forward-looking_statements"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de1436_2"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This prospectus and the documents that we have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission that are included or incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by
reference in this prospectus include "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section&nbsp;27A of the Securities Act and Section&nbsp;21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. You can
identify these statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Such statements may include words such as "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "project,"
"intend," "plan," "believe" and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance. In particular, these statements include, among
other things, statements relating to: </FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>our
business strategy, including our acquisition strategy;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>proposed
new products or services
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>the
development of our products;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>the
establishment and development of collaborative partnerships;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>our
ability to identify new potential products;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>our
ability to achieve commercial acceptance of our products;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>our
ability to scale-up our manufacturing capabilities and facilities;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>our
projected capital expenditures;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>our
liquidity;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>plans
and objectives of management for future operations;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>future
economic conditions or performance; and
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>any
assumptions underlying the foregoing. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Any
or all of our forward-looking statements in this prospectus and in the documents incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus may turn out to be wrong.
They can be affected by inaccurate assumptions we might make or by known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Many factors mentioned in our discussion in this prospectus will be important in
determining future results. Consequently, no forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Actual future results may vary materially. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>18</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='page-break-before:always'></p>
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<A NAME="page_de1436_1_19"> </A>
<BR>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We
undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. You are advised, however, to consult any
additional cautionary discussion of risks and uncertainties under "Risk Factors" above and in our Forms 10-K, as amended, 10-Q and 8-K we file with the SEC. These
are factors that we believe could cause our actual results to differ materially from expected results. Other factors besides those listed here could also adversely affect us. This discussion is
provided as permitted by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de1436_use_of_proceeds"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de1436_3"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>USE OF PROCEEDS    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We will not receive any proceeds from the sale by any selling security holders of the shares of common stock offered by this prospectus. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de1436_where_you_can_find_more_information"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de1436_4"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We are subject to the information and reporting requirements of the Exchange Act of 1934, under which we file periodic reports, proxy statements and other
information with the SEC. Copies of the reports, proxy statements and other information may be examined without charge at the Public Reference Section of the SEC, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington,
D.C. 20549, and the SEC's Regional offices located at 5670 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90036 or on the Internet at www.sec.gov. Copies of all or a portion of such materials can be
obtained from the Public Reference Section of the SEC upon payment of prescribed fees. Please call the SEC at 800-SEC-0330 for further information about the Public Reference
Room. These reports, proxy and information statements and other information may also be inspected at the offices of Nasdaq Operations, 1735 K Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We
have agreed that if, at any time the shares of common stock issued upon conversion of our Convertible Subordinated Notes due June&nbsp;30, 2010 are "restricted securities" within
the meaning of the Securities Act and we are not subject to the information reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, we will furnish to holders of such common stock and to prospective purchasers
designated by them the information required to be delivered pursuant to Rule&nbsp;144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act to permit compliance with Rule&nbsp;144A in connection with resales of such
common stock. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We
are "incorporating by reference" specified documents that we file with the SEC, which means: </FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>incorporated
documents are considered part of this prospectus;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>we
are disclosing important information to you by referring you to those documents; and
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>information
that we file in the future with the SEC automatically will update and supersede earlier information in or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We
incorporate by reference the documents listed below and any documents that we file in the future with the SEC under Section&nbsp;13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after
the date of this prospectus and before the completion of the offering of the shares of common stock offered by this prospectus (other than current reports furnished under Item 9 or Item 12 of
Form&nbsp;8-K): </FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>our
Annual Report on Form&nbsp;10-K, as amended for the fiscal year ended December&nbsp;31, 2003;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>our
quarterly report on Form&nbsp;10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March&nbsp;31, 2004; and
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>our
current reports on Form&nbsp;8-K filed on January 26, 2004, February&nbsp;2, 2004, March&nbsp;11, 2004, March&nbsp;30, 2004, April&nbsp;1, 2004,
April&nbsp;13, 2004, May&nbsp;5, 2004 and June&nbsp;29, 2004 (other than such reports or portions of such reports furnished under Item&nbsp;9 or Item&nbsp;12 of Form&nbsp;8-K). </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>19</FONT></P>

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<UL>
<UL>
</UL>
</UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;You
may request a copy of these filings, at no cost, by writing or telephoning us at the following address: </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>Nektar
Therapeutics<BR>
150 Industrial Road<BR>
San Carlos, California 94070<BR>
(650)&nbsp;631-3100<BR>
Attention: Secretary </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Exhibits
to the filings will not be sent, however, unless those exhibits have specifically been incorporated by reference in this document. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>20</FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="dk1436_description_of_capital_stock"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_dk1436_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The following description of our capital stock and certain provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws is a summary and is qualified in its entirety
by the provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our
authorized capital stock consists of 300,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.0001 par value, and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.0001 par value, of which 3,100,000 shares
have been designated Series&nbsp;A junior participating preferred stock and 40,000 shares have been designated Series&nbsp;B convertible preferred stock. As of May&nbsp;31, 2004, there were
83,650,584 shares of common stock outstanding, no shares of Series&nbsp;A junior participating preferred stock and 19,945 shares of Series&nbsp;B convertible preferred stock outstanding. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>Common Stock  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The holders of common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders. The holders of common
stock are not entitled to cumulative voting rights with respect to the election of directors, and as a consequence, minority stockholders are not able to elect directors on the basis of their votes
alone. Subject to preferences that may be applicable to any shares of preferred stock currently outstanding or issued in the future, holders of common stock are entitled to receive ratably such
dividends as may be declared by our board of directors out of funds legally available therefor. In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, holders of our common stock are entitled to
share ratably in all assets remaining after payment of liabilities and the liquidation preference of any then outstanding preferred stock. Holders of common stock have no preemptive rights and no
right to convert their common stock into any other securities. There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the common stock. All outstanding shares of common stock are, and all
shares of common stock that may be issued under this prospectus will be, fully paid and non-assessable. </FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>Preferred Stock  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Of the 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock authorized, we have designated 3,100,000 shares as Series&nbsp;A junior participating preferred stock and 40,000
shares as Series&nbsp;B convertible preferred stock. Our board of directors has the authority, without further action by the stockholders, to issue up to 6,860,000 shares of preferred stock in one
or more series and to fix the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions thereof, including dividend rights, conversion rights, voting rights, terms of redemption, liquidation preferences,
sinking fund terms and the number of shares constituting any series or the designation of such series, without any further vote or action by stockholders. The issuance of preferred stock could
adversely affect the voting power of holders of common stock and the likelihood that such holders will receive dividend payments and payments upon liquidation and could have the effect of delaying,
deferring or preventing a change in control. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><I>Series&nbsp;A Junior Participating Preferred Stock  </I></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In June&nbsp;2001, our board of directors approved the adoption of a share purchase rights plan and, pursuant to its authority as described above, authorized
3,100,000 shares of Series&nbsp;A junior participating preferred stock. A certificate of designation filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware sets forth the rights, privileges and
preferences of the Series&nbsp;A junior participating preferred stock. Terms of the plan provide for a dividend distribution of one preferred share purchase right for each outstanding share of our
common stock. The rights have certain anti-takeover effects and will cause substantial dilution to a person or group that attempts to acquire us on terms not approved by our board of
directors. The dividend distribution was payable on June&nbsp;22, 2001 to stockholders of record on that date. Each right entitles the registered holder to purchase from us 1/100 of a share of </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>21</FONT></P>

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<A NAME="page_dk1436_1_22"> </A>
<BR>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>Series&nbsp;A
junior participating preferred stock at a price of $225.00 per 1/100 of a share of Series&nbsp;A junior participating preferred stock, subject to adjustment. Each 1/100 of a share of
Series&nbsp;A junior participating preferred stock has designations and powers, preferences and rights, and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions which make its value approximately equal
to the value of a share of common stock. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
rights are not exercisable until the "distribution date" as defined in the certificate of designation for the Series&nbsp;A junior participating preferred stock. The rights will
expire on June&nbsp;1, 2011, unless the rights are earlier redeemed or exchanged by us. Each share of Series&nbsp;A junior participating preferred stock will be entitled to a minimum preferential
quarterly dividend payment of $1.00 but will be entitled to an aggregate dividend of 100 times the dividend declared per share of common stock. In the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding
down, the holders of the Series&nbsp;A junior participating preferred stock would be entitled to a minimum preferential liquidation payment of $100 per share, but would be entitled to receive an
aggregate payment equal to 100 times the payment made per share of
common stock. Each share of Series&nbsp;A junior participating preferred stock will have 100 votes, voting together with the common stock. Finally, in the event of any merger, consolidation or other
transaction in which shares of common stock are exchanged, each share of Series&nbsp;A junior participating preferred stock will be entitled to receive 100 times the amount of consideration received
per share of common stock. Because of the nature of the Series&nbsp;A junior participating preferred stock dividend and liquidation rights, the value of 1/100 of a share of Series&nbsp;A junior
participating preferred stock should approximate the value of one share of common stock. The Series&nbsp;A junior participating preferred stock ranks junior to the Series&nbsp;B convertible
preferred stock and would rank junior to any other series of preferred stock. Until a right is exercised, the holder thereof, as such, will have no rights as a stockholder, including, without
limitation, the right to vote or to receive dividends. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><I>Series&nbsp;B Convertible Preferred Stock  </I></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In January&nbsp;2002, our board of directors, pursuant to its authority as described above, authorized 40,000 shares of Series&nbsp;B convertible preferred
stock. In connection with a strategic alliance with Enzon Pharmaceuticals,&nbsp;Inc., we entered into a preferred stock purchase agreement pursuant to which we sold to Enzon and Enzon purchased from
us 40,000 shares of non-voting Series&nbsp;B convertible preferred stock at a purchase price of $1,000 per share for an aggregate purchase price of $40,000,000. In February and March of
2004, Enzon converted a total of 20,055 shares of Series&nbsp;B convertible preferred stock into common stock and as of May&nbsp;31, 2004 there were 19,945 shares of Series&nbsp;B preferred
stock outstanding. A certificate of designation filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware sets forth the rights, privileges and preferences of the Series&nbsp;B convertible
preferred stock. Pursuant to the certificate of designation, the Series&nbsp;B convertible preferred stock does not have voting rights. The Series&nbsp;B convertible preferred stock is
convertible, in whole or in part, into that number of shares of our common stock equal to the quotient of $1,000 per share divided by the conversion price. The "conversion price" shall initially be
equal to $22.79 per share or 125% of the closing price and at no time can the Series&nbsp;B convertible preferred stock convert into shares of common stock at a discount to the closing price. The
"closing price" equals $18.23 per share and was based upon the average of our closing bid prices as listed on The Nasdaq National Market for the 20 trading days preceding the date of the closing of
the transaction. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
Series&nbsp;B convertible preferred stock is convertible at the option of the holder after the first anniversary of the original issuance of the Series&nbsp;B convertible
preferred stock, which was January&nbsp;7, 2002, or, if earlier, upon a "change in control" (as defined in the certificate of designation). Except with respect to an automatic conversion as
described below, the conversion price shall be equal to 125% of the closing price until the third anniversary of the original issue date of the Series&nbsp;B convertible preferred stock, which will
be January&nbsp;7, 2005. Upon the third anniversary of the original issue date, the conversion price shall be adjusted to be equal to either (i)&nbsp;the closing price, in the event </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>22</FONT></P>

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<P><FONT SIZE=2>that
the average of the closing bid prices of our common stock as quoted on The Nasdaq National Market for the 20 trading days preceding the third anniversary of the original issuance (the "Future
Price") is less than or equal to the closing price; (ii)&nbsp;the Future Price (as defined above) if the Future Price is greater than the closing price but less than 125% of the closing price; or
(iii)&nbsp;125% of the closing price if the Future Price is equal to or greater than 125% of the closing price. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To
the extent not previously converted, the Series&nbsp;B convertible preferred stock will automatically convert into shares of our common stock, based on the then effective conversion
price, upon the earliest of (i)&nbsp;the fourth anniversary of the original issue date; (ii)&nbsp;immediately prior to an "asset transfer" or "acquisition" (as defined in the certificate of
designation); or (iii)&nbsp;with the consent of the holders of a majority of the then outstanding Series&nbsp;B convertible preferred stock immediately prior to our liquidation, dissolution or
winding up. In the event of an automatic conversion pursuant to an asset transfer, acquisition or liquidation, the adjustment mechanism described above will be applied immediately prior to the
automatic conversion. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In
the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding down, either voluntary or involuntary, following the payment of any distributions due the holders of any class of capital stock or
series of preferred stock that ranks senior to the Series&nbsp;B convertible preferred stock, the holders of the Series&nbsp;B convertible preferred stock shall be entitled to receive, prior and
in preference to any distribution of any of our assets or surplus funds to the holders of our common stock or any class of capital stock or series of preferred stock that does not rank senior to or on
parity with the Series&nbsp;B convertible preferred stock, an amount per share (as adjusted for any combinations, consolidations, stock distributions or stock dividends with respect to the
Series&nbsp;B convertible preferred stock) equal to up to $1,000. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>Registration Rights  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As of the date hereof, AFAC Equity L.P. has the right to include 72,419 shares of our common stock purchased pursuant to purchase agreements in certain public
offerings of our common stock for our account or the account of other security holders, for registration in certain registration statements filed by us with the SEC. AFAC Equity, L.P. has included
72,419 shares of our common stock for registration in the registration statement filed with the SEC of which this prospectus is a part. We are
required to pay all expenses in connection with such registration. Enzon has the right to require us to register shares of our common stock issued upon conversion of the Series&nbsp;B convertible
preferred stock issued pursuant to the purchase agreement relating to its equity investment. We are required to pay all expenses in connection with such registration. Pfizer has the right to include
shares of our common stock purchased pursuant to the purchase agreement relating to its equity investment in the first firmly underwritten public offering of our common stock effected after
January&nbsp;18, 2000. We are required to pay all expenses in connection with such registration, excluding the fees of counsel for Pfizer. Baxter has the right to include shares of our common stock
purchased pursuant to the purchase agreement relating to its equity investment in any firmly underwritten public offering of our common stock effected prior to March&nbsp;1, 2004. We are required to
pay all expenses in connection with such registration, excluding fees of counsel for Baxter. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;On
June&nbsp;30, 2003, we entered into a registration rights agreement with the initial purchasers of our Convertible Subordinated Notes due June&nbsp;30, 2010. In the registration
rights agreement, we agreed that we would, at our expense, file with the SEC not later than the date 90&nbsp;days after the earliest date of original issuance of any of the notes, subject to certain
conditions set forth below, a shelf registration statement on such form as we deem appropriate covering resales by holders of all notes and the common stock issuable upon conversion of the notes. We
have agreed to use our best efforts to keep the registration statement effective until such date that is two years after the last date of original issuance of any of the notes (or such earlier date
when the holders of the notes and the common stock issuable upon conversion of the notes are able to sell all such securities immediately without restriction </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>23</FONT></P>

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<P><FONT SIZE=2>pursuant
to the volume limitation provisions of Rule&nbsp;144 under the Securities Act or any successor rule thereto or otherwise). </FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In
the registration rights agreement, we agreed that we would provide to each registered holder copies of this prospectus and take certain other actions as are required to permit
unrestricted resales of the notes and the common stock issuable upon conversion of the notes. A holder who sells those securities pursuant to the shelf registration statement generally will be
required to be named as a selling stockholder in the related prospectus and to deliver a prospectus to purchasers (and, as required by the registration rights agreement, the holder will be deemed to
have agreed to deliver a prospectus to purchasers to the extent required by law and provided that we have furnished the holder with the prospectus), be subject to the civil liability provisions under
the Securities Act in connection with these sales and will be bound by the provisions of the registration rights agreement, which are applicable to that holder (including the prospectus delivery
obligation referred to above and certain indemnification provisions). If a shelf registration statement covering those securities is not effective, they may not be sold or otherwise transferred except
pursuant to an exemption from registration under the Securities Act and any other applicable securities laws or in a transaction not subject to those laws. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Each
holder of the common stock issued upon conversion of the notes must notify us not later than three business days prior to any proposed sale by that holder pursuant to the shelf
registration statement. This notice will be effective for five business days. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We
may suspend the use of the prospectus by holders of the common stock issued upon conversion of the notes for a reasonable period not to exceed 45&nbsp;days (60&nbsp;days under
certain circumstances relating to a proposed or pending material business transaction, the disclosure of which would impede our ability to consummate such transaction) in any 90-day
period, and not to exceed an aggregate of 90&nbsp;days in any 360&nbsp;day period, if we, in our reasonable judgment, believe we may possess material non-public information the
disclosure of which would have a material adverse effect on us and our subsidiaries taken as a whole. Each holder, by its acceptance of a note, agreed to hold any communication by us in response to a
notice of a proposed sale in confidence. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Under
the terms of the registration rights agreement, if </FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>the
registration statement shall cease to be effective or fail to be usable without being succeeded within five business days by a post-effective amendment or a
report filed with the SEC pursuant to the Exchange Act that cures the failure of the registration statement to be effective or useable; or
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>on
the 45th, 60th or 90th day, as the case may be, of any period that the prospectus has been suspended as described in the preceding paragraph, such suspension has not been
terminated (each, a "registration default"), </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>additional
interest as liquidated damages would have accrued on the notes, from and including the day following the registration default to but excluding the day on which the registration default has
been cured. Holders who received shares of common stock issued upon conversion of such notes are entitled to receive equivalent amounts based on the principal amount of the notes converted. Such
liquidated damages will be paid semi-annually in arrears, with the first semi-annual payment due on the first June&nbsp;30 or December&nbsp;30 following the date on which
such liquidated damages begin to accrue, and will accrue at a rate per year equal to: </FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>an
additional 0.25% of the principal amount to and including the 90th day following such registration default; and
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>an
additional 0.5% of the principal amount from and after the 91st day following such registration default. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>
<BR>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In
no event will liquidated damages accrue at a rate per year exceeding 0.5%. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>24</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In
the registration rights agreement, we agreed to pay liquidated damages if a shelf registration statement is not timely filed with the SEC. We filed the shelf registration statement of
which this prospectus is a part prior to the date specified in the registration rights agreement and, accordingly, no liquidated damages were or will be payable as a result of any failure to make that
filing on a timely basis. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This
summary of certain provisions of this registration rights agreement is not complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, all the provisions of this
registration rights agreement. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>Anti-Takeover Effects of Provisions of Delaware Law and Our Charter Documents.  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><I>Rights Plan  </I></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We are subject to certain anti-takeover provisions under our share purchase rights plan. The rights issued and issuable pursuant to our share purchase
rights plan trade with our common stock and are not currently exercisable. Under certain circumstances, the rights initially become exercisable for 1/100 share of our Series&nbsp;A junior
participating preferred stock. The plan also provides that: </FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>if
a third party acquires more than 20% of our common stock, the rights holders, other than the third party, would have the right to purchase a certain number of shares of
our common stock at a discount;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>if
we are acquired in a merger or other business combination transaction or 50% or more of our consolidated assets or earning power are sold, the rights holders would have
the right to acquire a certain number of shares of the common stock of the acquiring company at a discount; or
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>our
board of directors may, under certain circumstances, exchange each right, other than those held by such third party, for one share of our common stock. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
provisions described above may discourage, delay or prevent a third party from acquiring us. These provisions may also discourage, delay or prevent a third party from acquiring a
large portion of our securities, or initiating a tender offer or proxy contest, even if our stockholders might receive a premium for their shares in the acquisition over then current market prices. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><I>Certificate of Incorporation  </I></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our certificate of incorporation provides for our board of directors to be divided into three classes, with staggered three-year terms. As a result,
only one class of directors will be elected at each annual meeting of stockholders, with the other classes continuing for the remainder of their respective three-year terms. Stockholders
have no cumulative voting rights, and the stockholders representing a majority of the shares of common stock outstanding are able to elect all of the directors. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our
certificate of incorporation also requires that any action required or permitted to be taken by our stockholders must be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting of the
stockholders and may not be effected by a consent in writing and that the stockholders may amend our bylaws or adopt new bylaws, only by the affirmative vote of 66<SUP>2</SUP>/<SMALL>3</SMALL>% of the
outstanding voting securities. A special meeting of the stockholders may be called by our Chairman, our Chief Executive Officer, a resolution adopted by a majority of the total number of authorized
directors or stockholders owning 10% or more of the outstanding voting capital stock. These provisions may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
classification of our board of directors and lack of cumulative voting will make it more difficult for our existing stockholders to replace our board of directors as well as for
another party to obtain control of us by replacing our board of directors. Since our board of directors has the power to </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>25</FONT></P>

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<P><FONT SIZE=2>retain
and discharge our officers, these provisions could also make it more difficult for existing stockholders or another party to effect a change in management. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;These
and other provisions may have the effect of deterring hostile takeovers or delaying changes in control or management. These provisions are intended to enhance the likelihood of
continued stability in the composition of our board of directors and in the policies of our board of directors and to discourage certain types of transactions that may involve an actual or threatened
change in control. These provisions are designed to reduce our vulnerability to an unsolicited acquisition proposal. The provisions also are intended to discourage certain tactics that may be used in
proxy rights. However, such provisions could have the effect of discouraging others from making tender offers for our shares and, as a consequence, such provisions also may inhibit fluctuations in the
market price of our shares that could result from actual or rumored takeover attempts. Such provisions also may have the effect of preventing changes in our management. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><I>Section&nbsp;203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law  </I></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We are subject to Section&nbsp;203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which, subject to certain exceptions, prohibits a Delaware corporation from engaging
in any business combination with any interested stockholder for a period of three years following the time that such stockholder became an interested stockholder, unless: </FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>prior
to such time, the board of directors of the corporation approved either the business combination or the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an
interested holder;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>upon
consummation of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock
of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding for purposes of determining the number of shares outstanding those shares owned (a)&nbsp;by persons who are directors
and also officers and (b)&nbsp;by employee stock plans in which employee participants do not have the right to determine confidentially whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a
tender or exchange offer; or
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>at
or subsequent to such time, the business combination is approved by the board of directors and authorized at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, and not by
written consent, by the affirmative vote of at least 66<SUP>2</SUP>/<SMALL>3</SMALL>% of the outstanding voting stock which is not owned by the interested stockholder. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In
general, Section&nbsp;203 defines "business combination" to include the following: </FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>any
merger or consolidation involving the corporation and the interested stockholder;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>any
sale, transfer, pledge or other disposition of 10% or more of the assets of the corporation involving the interested stockholder;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>subject
to certain exceptions, any transaction that results in the issuance or transfer by the corporation of any stock of the corporation to the interested stockholder;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>any
transaction involving the corporation that has the effect of increasing the proportionate share of the stock or any class or series of the corporation beneficially owned
by the interested stockholder; or
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>the
receipt by the interested stockholder of the benefit of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges or other financial benefits provided by or through the corporation. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In
general, Section&nbsp;203 defines "interested stockholder" as an entity or person beneficially owning 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation and any entity
or person affiliated with or controlling or controlled by such entity or person. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>26</FONT></P>

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<P><FONT SIZE=2><I>Certain Transactions  </I></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our bylaws provide that we will indemnify our directors and officers, employees and other agents to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law. We are also
empowered under our bylaws to enter into indemnification contracts with our directors and officers and to purchase insurance on behalf of any person whom we are required or permitted to indemnify. </FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In
addition, our certificate of incorporation provides that the liability of our directors for monetary damages shall be eliminated to the fullest extent permissible under Delaware law.
Pursuant to Delaware law, our directors shall not be liable for monetary damages for breach of the directors' fiduciary duty of care to us and our stockholders. However, this provision does not
eliminate the duty of care, and in appropriate circumstances, equitable remedies such as injunctive or other forms of nonmonetary relief that will remain available under Delaware law. In addition,
each director will continue to be subject to liability for (i)&nbsp;breach of the directors duty of loyalty to us or our stockholders, (ii)&nbsp;acts or omissions not in good faith or which
involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii)&nbsp;violating Section&nbsp;174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, or (iv)&nbsp;any transaction from which the director
derived an improper personal benefit. The provision also does not affect a director's responsibilities under any other law, such as the federal securities laws or state or federal environmental laws. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>Transfer Agent and Registrar  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mellon Investor Services LLC is the transfer agent and registrar for our common stock. Mellon Investor Services' address is 235 Montgomery Street,
23<SUP>rd</SUP> Floor, San Francisco, CA 94104 and telephone number is (415)&nbsp;743-1422. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>27</FONT></P>

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<A NAME="toc_dk1436_2"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>SELLING SECURITY HOLDERS    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We originally issued and sold our Convertible Subordinated Notes due June&nbsp;30, 2010 to the initial purchasers in transactions exempt from the registration
requirements of the Securities Act, and the initial purchasers immediately resold the notes to persons they reasonably believed to be "qualified institutional buyers" within the meaning of
Rule&nbsp;144A under the Securities Act. The shares issued upon conversion of the notes were issued pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. We originally
issued and sold the shares of common stock held by AFAC Equity, L.P. in a transaction exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. Selling holders, including their transferees,
pledgees or donees or their successors, may from time to time offer and sell pursuant to this prospectus any or all of the common stock issued upon conversion of the notes and the 72,419 shares of
common stock originally purchased by AFAC Equity, L.P. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
following table sets forth information, as of June&nbsp;29, 2004, with respect to the selling holders and the numbers of shares of common stock beneficially owned by each selling
holder that may be offered under this prospectus. The information is based on information provided by or on behalf of the selling holders, and we have not independently verified this information. The
selling holders may offer all, some or none of the common stock covered by this prospectus. Because the selling holders may offer all or some portion of the common stock, no estimate can be given as
to the amount of the common stock that will be held by the selling holders upon termination of any sales; the table below assumes that all selling holders will sell all of their common stock, unless
otherwise indicated. In addition, the selling holders identified below may have sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of all or </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>28</FONT></P>

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<BR>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>a
portion of their notes or common stock since the date on which they provided the information regarding their common stock </FONT></P>

<!-- User-specified TAGGED TABLE -->
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TH WIDTH="55%" ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Name<BR> </B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Common Stock<BR>
Beneficially<BR>
Owned(1)(2)</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Common Stock<BR>
Offered(1)(2)</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Common Stock<BR>
Owned After<BR>
Completion of<BR>
Offering</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="55%"><FONT SIZE=1>AFAC Equity, L.P.</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>72,419</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>(3)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>72,419</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>(3)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>0</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="55%"><FONT SIZE=1>AIG DKR SoundShore Oasis Holding Fund Ltd.</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>132,158</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>132,158</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>0</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="55%"><FONT SIZE=1>AIG DKR SoundShore Opportunity Holding Fund Ltd.</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>101,762</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>101,762</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>0</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="55%"><FONT SIZE=1>AIG DKR SoundShore Strategic Holding Fund Ltd.</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>184,581</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>184,581</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>0</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="55%"><FONT SIZE=1>Alexandra Global Master Fund Ltd.</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>264,317</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>264,317</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>0</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="55%"><FONT SIZE=1>Aristeia International Limited</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>321,145</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>321,145</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>0</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="55%"><FONT SIZE=1>Aristeia Trading LLC(4)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>75,330</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>75,330</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>0</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="55%"><FONT SIZE=1>Brencourt Merger Arbitrage Master Fund Ltd.</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>176,211</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>176,211</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>0</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="55%"><FONT SIZE=1>CNH CA Master Account, L.P.</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>132,158</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>132,158</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>0</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="55%"><FONT SIZE=1>Context Convertible Arbitrage Offshore, LTD</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>200,881</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>200,881</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>0</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="55%"><FONT SIZE=1>Context Convertible Arbitrage Fund, L.P.(4)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>107,488</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>107,488</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>0</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="55%"><FONT SIZE=1>Credit Suisse First Boston Europe Limited(5)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>2,775,329</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>2,775,329</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>0</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="55%"><FONT SIZE=1>CRT Capital Group LLC(4)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>176,211</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>176,211</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>0</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="55%"><FONT SIZE=1>DBAG&#151;London(4)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>264,317</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>264,317</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>0</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="55%"><FONT SIZE=1>Deutsche Bank Securities Inc.(4)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>44,052</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>44,052</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>0</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="55%"><FONT SIZE=1>DKR Saturn Event Driven Holding Fund Ltd.</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>823,964</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>(6)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>803,964</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>20,000</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="55%"><FONT SIZE=1>DKR Saturn Special Situations Holding Fund Ltd.</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>803,964</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>803,964</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>0</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="55%"><FONT SIZE=1>Equitec Group, LLC(5)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>44,052</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>44,052</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>0</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="55%"><FONT SIZE=1>Friedman, Billings, Ramsey &amp; Co., Inc.(4)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>26,431</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>26,431</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>0</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="55%"><FONT SIZE=1>GLG Global Convertible Fund</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>220,264</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>220,264</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>0</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="55%"><FONT SIZE=1>GLG Global Convertible UCITS Fund</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>44,052</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>44,052</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>0</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="55%"><FONT SIZE=1>GLG Market Neutral Fund</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>528,634</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>528,634</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>0</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="55%"><FONT SIZE=1>Grace Convertible Arbitrage Fund, Ltd.(5)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>264,317</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>264,317</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>0</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="55%"><FONT SIZE=1>Hourglass Master Fund, Ltd.</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>237,885</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>237,885</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>0</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="55%"><FONT SIZE=1>James D. Balakian</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>44,052</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>44,052</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>0</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="55%"><FONT SIZE=1>JP Morgan Securities Inc.(4)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>272,409</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>(7)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>264,317</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>8,092</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="55%"><FONT SIZE=1>The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company&#151;General Account(5)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>176,211</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>176,211</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>0</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="55%"><FONT SIZE=1>The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company&#151;Group Annuity Separate Account(5)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>22,026</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>22,026</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>0</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="55%"><FONT SIZE=1>Ramius Master Fund, Ltd.(5)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>220,264</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>220,264</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>0</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="55%"><FONT SIZE=1>RCG Latitude Master Fund, Ltd.(5)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>220,264</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>220,264</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>0</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="55%"><FONT SIZE=1>Salomon Brothers Asset Management, Inc.(5)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>1,627,488</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>1,627,488</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>0</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="55%"><FONT SIZE=1>Salomon Brothers Asset Management, Inc.(5)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>1,233,480</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>1,233,480</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>0</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="55%"><FONT SIZE=1>Tewksbury Investment Fund Ltd.</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>44,052</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>44,052</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>0</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="55%"><FONT SIZE=1>Tribeca Investments Ltd.</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>528,634</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>528,634</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>0</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="55%"><FONT SIZE=1>UBS O'Connor LLC, F/B/O O'Connor Global Convertible Arbitrage Master Ltd</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>440,528</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>440,528</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>0</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="55%"><FONT SIZE=1>UBS O'Connor LLC, F/B/O O'Connor Global Convertible Portfolio</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>22,026</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>22,026</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>0</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="55%"><FONT SIZE=1>ZCM Asset Holding Co., Inc.</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>26,431</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>26,431</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=1>0</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<!-- end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE -->

<HR NOSHADE ALIGN="LEFT" WIDTH="120">
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-9pt;'><FONT SIZE=1>(1)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=1>Amounts
indicated may be in excess of the total amount registered due to sales or transfers exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act since the date upon which
the selling holders provided to us the information regarding their common stock.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-9pt;'><FONT SIZE=1>(2)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=1>Unless
otherwise noted, represents shares of common stock issued upon conversion of our Convertible Subordinated Notes due June&nbsp;30, 2010.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-9pt;'><FONT SIZE=1>(3)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=1>Represents
72,419 shares of common stock acquired by AFAC Equity, L.P. in a transaction exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-9pt;'><FONT SIZE=1>(4)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=1>These
selling security holders are also registered broker-dealers and therefore may be "underwriters" within the meaning of the Securities Act.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-9pt;'><FONT SIZE=1>(5)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=1>These
selling security holders are affiliates of registered broker-dealers and have advised us that they purchased our Convertible Subordinated Notes due June&nbsp;30, 2010 in the
ordinary course of business and, at the time of the purchase of the notes, had no agreements or understandings directly or indirectly with any person to distribute the notes or the shares of common
stock issuable upon conversion thereof.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-9pt;'><FONT SIZE=1>(6)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=1>Includes
20,000 shares of common stock held separate from conversion of our Convertible Subordinated Notes due June&nbsp;30, 2010.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-9pt;'><FONT SIZE=1>(7)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=1>Includes
8,092 shares of common stock held separate from conversion of our Convertible Subordinated Notes due June&nbsp;30, 2010. </FONT></DD></DL>
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>29</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='page-break-before:always'></p>
<!-- ZEQ.=9,SEQ=31,EFW="2140275",CP="NEKTAR THERAPEUTICS",DN="1",CHK=578802,FOLIO='29',FILE='DISK019:[04PAL6.04PAL1436]DK1436A.;14',USER='ATOBAK',CD='15-JUL-2004;18:39' -->
<A NAME="page_dk1436_1_30"> </A>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner&nbsp;&amp; Smith Incorporated, Deutsche Bank Securities&nbsp;Inc., Lehman Brothers&nbsp;Inc., Friedman, Billings,
Ramsey&nbsp;&amp; Co.,&nbsp;Inc. and SG Cowen Securities Corporation were the initial purchasers of our Convertible Subordinated Notes due June&nbsp;30, 2010. With the exception of Friedman,
Billings, Ramsey&nbsp;&amp; Co.,&nbsp;Inc., none of the selling holders nor any of their affiliates, officers, directors or principal equity holders has held any position or office or has had any
material relationship with us within the past three years. The selling holders of common stock issued upon conversion of the notes purchased the notes in transactions exempt from the registration
requirements of the Securities Act on or after June&nbsp;30, 2003. All of the notes and common stock issuable upon conversion of the notes were "restricted securities" under the Securities Act prior
to this registration. AFAC Equity, L.P. purchased the shares of common stock in transactions exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act in 2002. All of the shares of common stock
held by AFAC Equity, L.P. covered by this prospectus were "restricted securities" under the Securities Act prior to this registration. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Information
concerning the selling holders may change from time to time and any changed information will be set forth in supplements to this prospectus and/or amendments to the
registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, if and when necessary. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>30</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='page-break-before:always'></p>
<!-- ZEQ.=10,SEQ=32,EFW="2140275",CP="NEKTAR THERAPEUTICS",DN="1",CHK=978070,FOLIO='30',FILE='DISK019:[04PAL6.04PAL1436]DK1436A.;14',USER='ATOBAK',CD='15-JUL-2004;18:39' -->
<A NAME="page_dk1436_1_31"> </A>
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="dk1436_plan_of_distribution"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_dk1436_3"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The selling holders and their successors, including their transferees, pledgees or donees or their successors, may sell the common stock covered by this
prospectus from time to time directly to purchasers or through underwriters, broker-dealers or agents, who may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the
selling holders or the purchasers. These discounts, concessions or commissions as to any particular underwriter, broker-dealer or agent may be in excess of those customary in the types of transactions
involved. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
common stock covered by this prospectus may be sold: </FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>in
one or more transactions at fixed prices;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>at
prevailing market prices at the time of sale;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>at
prices related to the prevailing market prices;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>at
varying prices determined at the time of sale; or
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>at
negotiated prices. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;These
sales may be effected in transactions, which may involve crosses or block transactions: </FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>on
any national securities exchange or U.S. inter-dealer system of a registered national securities association on which the notes or the common stock may be listed or
quoted at the time of sale;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>in
the over-the-counter market;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>in
transactions otherwise than on these exchanges or systems or in the over-the-counter market;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>through
the writing of options, whether the options are listed on an options exchange or otherwise; or
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>through
the settlement of short sales. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>Crosses
are transactions in which the same broker acts as an agent on both sides of the trade. </FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In
connection with the sale of the common stock covered by this prospectus, the selling holders may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions,
which may in turn engage in short sales of the common stock in the course of hedging the positions they assume; however, the selling holders may not use the common stock covered by this prospectus to
satisfy a short sale obligation entered into prior to the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. Subject to the limitation described above, the selling holders
may also sell the common stock covered by this prospectus short and deliver these securities to close out their short positions, or loan or pledge the common stock to broker-dealers or other financial
institutions that in turn may sell these securities. The selling holders also may transfer, donate and pledge shares of common stock covered by this prospectus, in which case the transferees, donees,
pledgees or other successors in interest will be deemed selling holders for purposes of this prospectus. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
aggregate proceeds to the selling holders from the sale of common stock offered by them will be the purchase price of common stock less discounts and commissions, if any. Each of the
selling holders reserves the right to accept and, together with their broker-dealers or agents from time to time, to reject, in whole or in part, any proposed purchase common stock to be made directly
or through broker-dealers or agents. We will not receive any of the proceeds from the offering of common stock covered by this prospectus. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our
common stock is listed for trading on the Nasdaq National Market. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In
order to comply with the securities laws of some states, if applicable, the common stock covered by this prospectus may be sold in these jurisdictions only through registered or
licensed brokers or </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>31</FONT></P>

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<P><FONT SIZE=2>dealers.
In addition, in some states the common stock covered by this prospectus may not be sold unless they have been registered or qualified for sale or an exemption from registration or
qualification requirements is available and is complied with. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
selling holders and any underwriters, broker-dealers or agents that participate in the sale of the common stock covered by this prospectus may be "underwriters" within the meaning of
Section&nbsp;2(11) of the Securities Act. Any discounts, commissions, concessions or profit they earn on any resale of the common stock may be underwriting discounts and commissions under the
Securities Act. Selling holders who are "underwriters" within the meaning of Section&nbsp;2(11) of the Securities Act will be subject to the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act.
If the selling securityholders were deemed to be underwriters, the selling securityholders could be subject to certain statutory liabilities under the federal securities laws, including under Sections
11, 12 and 17 of the Securities Act and Rule&nbsp;10b-5 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
selling securityholders and any other persons participating in the distribution of the common stock covered by this prospectus will be subject to the Securities Exchange Act. The
Securities Exchange Act rules include, without limitation, Regulation&nbsp;M, which may limit the timing of or prohibit the purchase and sale of common stock covered by this prospectus by the
selling securityholders and any such other person. In addition, under Regulation&nbsp;M, any selling securityholder or other person engaged in the "distribution", within the meaning of
Regulation&nbsp;M, of the common stock covered by this prospectus may not engage in market-making activities with respect to the common stock for certain periods prior to the commencement of that
distribution, unless, in the case of persons other than selling securityholders, an applicable exemption is available under Regulation&nbsp;M. The foregoing may affect the marketability of the
common stock covered by this prospectus and the ability of any person or entity to engage in market-making activities with respect to those securities. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In
that regard, the selling securityholders are required to acknowledge that they understand their obligations to comply with the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act and the rules
thereunder
relating to stock manipulation, particularly Regulation&nbsp;M thereunder (or any successor rules or regulations), in connection with the offering made by this prospectus. Each selling
securityholder is required to agree that neither it nor any person acting on its behalf will engage in any transaction in violation of such provisions. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
selling holders may not sell any, or may sell less than all, of the common stock offered by them pursuant to this prospectus. In addition, any securities covered by this prospectus
that qualify for sale pursuant to Rule&nbsp;144 or Rule&nbsp;144A of the Securities Act may be sold under Rule&nbsp;144 or Rule&nbsp;144A rather than pursuant to this prospectus. A selling
holder may transfer, devise or gift these securities by other means not described in this prospectus. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To
the extent required, the specific common stock to be sold, the names of the selling holders, the respective purchase prices and public offering prices, the names of any agent, dealer
or underwriter, and any applicable commissions or discounts with respect to a particular offer will be set forth in an accompanying prospectus supplement or, if appropriate, a
post-effective amendment to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We
entered into registration rights agreements for the benefit of holders of the common stock covered by this prospectus under applicable federal and state securities laws under specific
circumstances and at specific times. The registration rights agreements provides for cross-indemnification of the selling holders and us and their and our respective directors, officers and
controlling persons against specific liabilities in connection with the offer and sale of the notes and the common stock, including liabilities under the Securities Act. </FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We
will pay substantially all costs and expenses associated with the registration of the common stock covered by this prospectus. These expenses include the SEC's filing fees and fees
under state </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>32</FONT></P>

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<BR>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>securities
or "blue sky" laws. The selling stockholders will pay all underwriting discounts, commissions, transfer taxes and certain other expenses associated with any sale of the common stock by
them. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="dk1436_legal_matters"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_dk1436_4"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>LEGAL MATTERS    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The validity of the shares of common stock offered by this prospectus will be passed upon for us by Cooley Godward LLP, Palo Alto, California. As of the date of
this prospectus, certain partners and associates of Cooley Godward LLP own an aggregate of 2,000 shares of our common stock. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="dk1436_experts"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_dk1436_5"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>EXPERTS    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ernst&nbsp;&amp; Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, have audited our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report, as
amended (Form&nbsp;10-K/A), for the year ended December&nbsp;31, 2003, as set forth in their report, which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration
statement. Our financial statements are incorporated by reference in reliance on Ernst&nbsp;&amp; Young LLP's report, given on their authority as experts in accounting and auditing. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>33</FONT></P>

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<BR>
<P><br><A NAME="04PAL1436_1">QuickLinks</A><br></P><!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_bg1436_1">TABLE OF CONTENTS</A></FONT><BR>
<!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ca1436_1">SUMMARY</A></FONT><BR>
<!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_dc1436_1">RISK FACTORS</A></FONT><BR>
<!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de1436_1">RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de1436_2">FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de1436_3">USE OF PROCEEDS</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de1436_4">WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION</A></FONT><BR>

<!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_dk1436_1">DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_dk1436_2">SELLING SECURITY HOLDERS</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_dk1436_3">PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_dk1436_4">LEGAL MATTERS</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_dk1436_5">EXPERTS</A></FONT><BR>
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