Patheon Opens New U.S. Headquarters and Analytical Laboratory Facility

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC, Dec. 10 /CNW/-Patheon (TSX:PTI), a global provider of drug development and manufacturing services to the international pharmaceutical industry is pleased to announce the opening of its new U.S. headquarters and analytical lab facilities in the vicinity of Research Triangle Park (RTP), North Carolina.
     Established nearly five decades ago on 7,000 acres of land, Research Triangle Park has evolved into an international hub for high-tech, award winning research and development. Patheon joins over 170 other companies currently headquartered in this region of North Carolina.
     In addition to the new U.S. headquarters facility, Patheon has opened a new pharmaceutical development laboratory in RTP. This laboratory will support Patheon's current U.S.-based pharmaceutical development operations in Cincinnati and will initially offer stability studies, validation testing and analytical chemistry services.
     Wes Wheeler, Chief Executive Officer and President of Patheon Inc., stated: "North Carolina is a rapidly growing center for the pharmaceutical industry, which now boasts 334 biotechnology-related companies. It is a pro-business community which combines attractive corporate incentives with a high quality of life for our employees. We are delighted to open our new U.S. headquarters and our new laboratory here, in the vicinity of Research Triangle Park."
     To mark this special occasion, Patheon will host state and local officials, customers and employees at a ribbon cutting ceremony on December 10, 2008 at their new U.S. headquarters, located in the Imperial Center at 4721 Emperor Boulevard, Durham, NC. The laboratory facility is a few miles away in Research Triangle Park.
     North Carolina Secretary of Commerce Jim Fain stated, "We are delighted to welcome Patheon to North Carolina. The addition of such a well-respected company can only enhance our state's reputation as a world leader in the biopharmaceutical sector and we look forward to Patheon being a member of our corporate community."

     ABOUT PATHEON

     Patheon Inc. (TSX: PTI; www.patheon.com) is a leading global provider of contract development and manufacturing services to the global pharmaceutical industry. Patheon prides itself in providing the highest quality products and services to more than 300 of the world's leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Patheon's services range from preclinical development through commercial manufacturing of a full array of dosage forms including parenteral, solid, semi-solid and liquid forms. Patheon uses many innovative technologies including single-use disposables, Liquid-Filled Hard Capsules and a variety of modified release technologies.
     Patheon's comprehensive range of fully integrated Pharmaceutical Development Services includes pre-formulation, formulation, analytical
development, clinical manufacturing, scale-up and commercialization. Patheon can take customers direct to clinic with global clinical packaging and distribution services and Patheon's Quick to Clinic(TM) programs can accelerate early phase development project to clinical trials while minimizing the consumption of valuable API. Patheon's integrated network strives to ensure that customer products can be launched with confidence globally.

     Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

     This news release may contain forward-looking statements which reflect management's expectations regarding the Company's future growth of operations, performance (both operational and financial) and business prospects and opportunities. These statements are made in the context of the risks and uncertainties that are outlined in the Company's public documents, which can be accessed on our website at www.patheon.com or on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.