NEWS Release

International Wex Technologies Inc. changes name to Wex Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Date: October 25, 2004

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

Vancouver, October 25, 2004 - International Wex Technologies Inc. (TSX: WXI), a pharmaceutical company developing drugs for the management of pain, announces that the Company has changed its name to Wex Pharmaceuticals Inc. ("WEX" or "the Company"). It is expected the shares of the Company will commence trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the company's new name on Wednesday October 27th. The trading symbol will remain the same (WXI).

In connection with the Company's name change, the Company has adopted a new form of share certificate showing the new name, new CUSIP number 962084 10 9 and a new ISIN number CA9620841093. New share certificates will be issued in the normal course further to share transfers and other share transactions. In the meantime, share certificates showing the former name will represent the common shares of WEX. Shareholders may, however, obtain the new form of share certificate by surrendering their existing share certificate to CIBC Mellon Trust Company, the Company's transfer agent.

At our AGM held on September 29, 2004 our shareholders voted to adopt the new name, which better describes the company's business and operations.

About Wex Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Wex Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a pharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery of new therapeutic agents for the treatment of moderate to severe pain, symptom relief associated with addiction withdrawal from opioid abuse, and medicines designed for local and regional anaesthesia. The Company's principle business strategy is to derive drugs from naturally occurring toxins and develop proprietary products for North American, European and international markets. The Company also generates revenues from sales of generic products manufactured at its facility in China .

For additional information on our products call Don Evans or Gor don Stanley , Corporate Communications at 604-683-8880 or 1-800-722-7549 or visit our website at www.wexpharma.com.

Per: Donna Shum, Corporate Secretary