Orphan Medical Announces the Commercial Launch of Xyrem® (Sodium Oxybate) Oral Solution Through A Dedicated Specialty Sales Force

Minneapolis, MN - October 8, 2002

Orphan Medical, Inc. (Nasdaq: ORPH) announced the launch of Xyrem® (sodium oxybate) oral solution in the United States. Xyrem is being sold through a dedicated specialty sales force to sleep centers and other physicians who treat cataplexy patients. Xyrem is the first and only approved medication for the treatment of cataplexy, a debilitating symptom of narcolepsy.

Cataplexy, a sudden loss of muscle tone, is usually triggered by strong emotions such as laughter, anger, or surprise and in its most severe form, can cause a person to collapse. Sixty to ninety percent of the 140,000 Americans with narcolepsy suffer from cataplexy. The U.S. cataplexy market is estimated to be in excess of $125 million annually.

"The creation of an experienced high-caliber specialty sales force that is dedicated to Xyrem is a tremendous advantage for Orphan Medical as we reach out to physicians treating cataplexy. Our new sales force, together with a broad range of marketing and medical education initiatives, represent the key components of a comprehensive strategy to provide physicians the information they need to make the decision to treat their cataplexy patients with Xyrem," said Mark Perrin, Chief Commercial Officer. "The early physician inquiries for Xyrem are encouraging and indicate a high interest and awareness regarding Xyrem in the sleep community."

John Bullion, Orphan Medical Chairman and CEO, added "The launch of Xyrem represents years of development and hard work to bring Xyrem to patients who have not had a satisfactory treatment for their cataplexy. It also represents a milestone that will define the future of Orphan Medical. We now have a sales force of over 40 professionals experienced in developing specialty markets, and we have an established presence in the growing market for sleep disorders. We will certainly leverage this presence as we build Orphan Medical into a leading specialty pharmaceutical company."

Orphan Medical acquires, develops, and markets pharmaceuticals of high medical value for inadequately treated and uncommon diseases treated by specialist physicians. Orphan Medical's Internet Web site address is www.orphan.com.