NEWS Release

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER RESIGNS

Date: November 17, 2005

Toronto Stock Exchange Trading Symbol: WXI
http://www.wexpharma.com
E-mail: wex@wexpharma.com

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Vancouver, BC (November 17, 2005) - WEX Pharmaceuticals Inc. (the “Company”) today announced that Michael Chen has given notice to resign from his position as Interim Chief Financial Officer ("CFO") of the Company on November 30, 2005 for personal reasons. 

Mr. Chen took the position in August on a part time interim basis as the Company conducted a search for a permanent CFO.  Michael will continue to serve on the Company’s board and contribute to the success of WEX.

We thank Michael for acting in the position of interim CFO and for his many contributions over the past 3 months. 

The Company's search for a permanent full time CFO is ongoing.

About WEX Pharmaceuticals Inc.

WEX Pharmaceuticals Inc. is dedicated to the discovery, development, manufacture and commercialization of innovative drug products to treat moderate to severe acute and chronic pain, symptom pain relief associated with addiction withdrawal from opioid abuse and medicines designed for local anaesthesia.  The Company’s principal business strategy is to derive drugs from naturally occurring toxins and develop proprietary products for the global market.  The Company’s Chinese subsidiary sells generic products manufactured at its facility in China.

Forward Looking Statements

This News Release contains forward-looking statements which may not be based on historical fact, including without limitation statements. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, events or developments to be materially different from any future results, events or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  These factors should be considered carefully and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The company disclaims any obligation to update any such factors or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments.

For additional information on our products, visit us at www.wexpharma.com or call Don Evans, V.P. Corporate Communications at 604-683-8880 or 1-800-722-7549.

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