July 23, 2002

Neurochem scientists report on multiple research and therapeutic programs for Alzheimer's Disease.
Data presented at the 8th International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders, in Stockholm, Sweden.

Neurochem Inc. (TSX : NRM) is presenting novel results at the 8th International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders, in Stockholm, Sweden (July 20-25, 2002). The Company is reporting on the mechanism of action of its lead drug candidate, Alzhemed™, which completed Phase I clinical trials for the treatment of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Additionally, Neurochem's researchers are presenting data on its expanding discovery platform on amyloid in Alzheimer's Disease.

"The expanding scope of our research studies demonstrates Neurochem's continued commitment to advance our technology towards the discovery of innovative and safe therapeutics for the treatment of Alzheimer's Disease," said Dr. Louis R. Lamontagne, President and CEO of Neurochem. "Our research is directed at identifying the cascade of early events associated with amyloid deposition and its related toxicity in the development of Alzheimer's Disease."

About the Presentations

Four poster presentations are being displayed at the conference focusing on novel data in Neurochem's AD research program. The related abstracts can be viewed at www.neurochem.com/NewsRoom.htm :

• Identification of Genes Associated with the Amyloid ß (Aß)-Induced Microglial Activation
  In examining the inflammatory response to amyloid deposition, Neurochem identified genes involved in the activation process, opening a potential and additional therapeutic avenue for Neurochem to treat Alzheimer's Disease.
  
  

• Impact of the Genetic Background on Survival and Plaque Formation in TgCRND8 Mice
  In examining the genetic control of the rate of amyloid deposition in the brain, results demonstrated the impact of the genetic background on animal survival and amyloid plaque formation in a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's Disease. These results are part of the novel discovery program aimed at the identification of factors which could delay the onset of Alzheimer's Disease.
  
  

• Therapeutic Intervention for Alzheimer's Disease Using Glycosaminoglycan Mimetics
  In examining the effects of a specific GAG mimetic compound on several indicators of brain amyloidosis in mice, researchers demonstrated the ability of Neurochem's drug candidate to prevent and arrest the fibrillogenic process that leads to plaque formation in the brain of Alzheimer's patients.
  
  

• Inhibition of ß-Amyloid Peptide-Induced Microglial Cell Activation by Glycosaminoglycans
  Neurochem's GAG mimetics technology is shown to reduce the microglial inflammatory response to Ab by binding to soluble Aß. Other anionic compounds which bind to the fibrillary Ab were unable to prevent this inflammatory response. In binding to the soluble Aß protein early in the amyloid fibrillogenesis process, Neurochem's technology is shown to be effective in preventing the inflammation associated with Alzheimer's Disease.
  
  

"Neurochem's research is aimed at broadening our understanding of amyloid and Alzheimer's Disease," said Dr. Francine Gervais, Vice-President, Research and Development at Neurochem. "By continuing to explore the mechanisms of AD progression, we are enhancing our ability to provide effective therapeutics that target different stages of the development of the disease."

About Neurochem

Neurochem is an industry leader in the development of therapeutic drugs and diagnostic tools for central nervous system and amyloid-related diseases associated with aging. The Company has built a strong product pipeline by developing a novel, proprietary series of compounds that inhibit the formation, deposition and toxic effects of amyloid fibrils within the body. Neurochem's therapeutic programs target Alzheimer's Disease, Hemorrhagic Stroke (due to Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy), Secondary Amyloidosis, Diabetes Type II and Epilepsy. Neurochem is using a multi-pronged approach towards the development of pharmaceuticals for Alzheimer's Disease, including glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) mimetics, a vaccine, an anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective approaches as well as the development, in collaboration with Amersham Health, of a diagnostic imaging tool. The Company has advanced to date three drug candidates to clinical trials: Alzhemed™, for the treatment of Alzheimer's Disease, Fibrillex™, for the orphan disease Secondary Amyloidosis, and Cerebril™, for Hemorrhagic Stroke. At present, the Company employs over 77 people and is located in Saint-Laurent, Canada (www.neurochem.com).

All of the statements contained in this news release, other than statements of fact which are independently verifiable at the date hereof, are forward-looking statements. Such statements, based as they are on the current expectations of management, inherently involve numerous risks and uncertainties, known and unknown. Some examples of known risks are: the impact of general economic conditions, general conditions in the pharmaceutical industry, changes in the regulatory environment in the jurisdictions in which Neurochem does business, stock market volatility, fluctuations in costs, and changes to the competitive environment due to consolidation or otherwise. Consequently, actual future results may differ materially from the anticipated results expressed in the forward-looking statements.

For further Information, please contact:
Dr. Lise Hébert
Vice President, Corporate Communications
lhebert@neurochem.com

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Laval (Quebec)
H7V 4A7
Tel: (450) 680-4500
Fax: (450) 680-4501

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