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ALIMERA LAUNCHES MARKET'S FIRST DRY-EYE EMOLLIENT (LUBRICANT) DROP

Alimera Sciences' first product, Soothe™, available September 15

ATLANTA (August 13, 2004) - Alimera Sciences Inc., a dynamic ophthalmic pharmaceutical company, today unveiled Soothe™ Emollient (lubricant) Eye Drops, the market's first multi-dose, emollient-based artificial tear product. Soothe offers over-the-counter relief to the 12 million Americans suffering from dry eye, a condition resulting from the body's inability to produce enough tears to keep the eye surface lubricated.

Featuring Restoryl™, an advanced lipid restorative, Soothe re-establishes the eye's protective lipid layer to reduce tear evaporation and seal essential moisture, giving patients up to 8 hours of long-lasting comfort.

"The Alimera Sciences team is proud to bring forth an unparalleled, market-driven product after only nine months of development," said Dan Myers, Alimera Sciences CEO. "Even more, we look forward to providing the first multi-dose lipid-restoring tear product to patients who have been unsuccessfully battling dry eye."

Studies show that approximately 15 percent of the 65-and-over population suffers from dry eye, a painful condition that dehydrates and irritates eyes. Dry eye is especially prevalent in women. In fact, a study published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology found that 3.2 million American women over the age of 50 suffer from dry eye. Certain medications, contact lenses, the environment and the air conditioner or furnace may also affect moisture levels in the eye.

Alimera Sciences licensed Soothe in November 2003 from Ocular Research of Boston, a group of eyecare specialists who focus on dry eye research. The agreement combined the medical expertise of ORB with the ophthalmic commercial experience of Alimera Sciences.

"This product was inspired by and developed for dry eye patients. Because Soothe restores the compromised lipid layer of patient's tears regardless of the particular dry eye state, harmful evaporation is minimized and the ocular surface is protected. Thus doctors can be confident that they are giving their patients long lasting relief," said Dr. Donald Korb, ORB president. "After years of perfecting the formula and finding the right partner, I am excited that Soothe will be accessible to patients in such a short time."

Soothe will be available in U.S. retail stores beginning September 15.

About Alimera Sciences Inc.

Alimera Sciences Inc. specializes in the development and commercialization of over-the-
counter and prescription ophthalmology pharmaceuticals. Founded by an executive
team with unparalleled development and revenue growth expertise, Alimera Sciences'
products address underserved and overlooked areas of the ophthalmic market.

www.alimerasciences.com