NOVEN ISSUED U.S. PATENT FOR TRANSDERMAL DELIVERY OF ACE INHIBITOR

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Miami, FL, December 16, 2004 -- Noven Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:NOVN), a leading developer of advanced transdermal drug delivery technologies and prescription transdermal products, today announced that it has been issued a new U.S. patent.

U.S. Patent No. 6,805,878, entitled Transdermal Administration of ACE Inhibitors, is effective through the year 2021. The patent relates to a method for delivering a therapeutically effective amount of enalaprilat, the pharmaceutically active form of the drug enalapril, by means of transdermal drug delivery systems (patches). Enalapril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor generally indicated for the treatment of hypertension and other heart conditions.

"Our science and legal teams continue to work to expand our intellectual property portfolio," said Robert C. Strauss, Noven’s President, CEO & Chairman. "We currently hold over 30 U.S. and over 180 foreign patents, and more than 130 patent applications are pending worldwide."

Noven Pharmaceuticals, Inc., headquartered in Miami, Florida, is a leading developer of advanced transdermal drug delivery technologies and prescription transdermal products. Noven’s prescription patches are approved in over 30 countries, and a range of new patches are being developed in collaboration with Novartis Pharma AG, Shire Pharmaceuticals Group plc, Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals, Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc. and others. Together with Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, Noven owns Novogyne Pharmaceuticals, a profitable women’s health products company with 2003 sales of over $100 million. Among other products, Novogyne markets and sells Noven’s Vivelle-Dot^® product – the smallest estrogen patch in the world, and the most dispensed transdermal estrogen product in the U.S. Noven is committed to expanding the universe of available transdermal therapies for the benefit of patients, partners and shareholders. See www.noven.com for additional information.

Except for historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those contemplated, expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein. Some or all of the referenced patent claims may be determined to be invalid, unenforceable or subject to blocking patents, and products utilizing the referenced patent may not be developed or commercialized. Reference is made to the risks and uncertainties described in Noven’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 as well as the quarterly and other reports filed by Noven with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The reader should not rely on any forward-looking statement, and Noven undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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