Inspire Named One of the “Best Places to Work” in 2008 by The Scientist Magazine

- Company Also Receives Two Employee Wellness Awards –

Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: ISPH) ranked second overall in the “Best Places to Work in Industry” annual survey conducted by The Scientist magazine, published in June 2008. This is the third year Inspire received the award and the second year in a row the Company ranked in the top five. The survey included responses from more than 200 U.S. and internationally based companies, with workforces ranging from less than 100 employees to more than 100,000.

Recently, Inspire was also recognized by the American Heart Association as a Start! Fit-Friendly Company, receiving a Gold-level award. This recognition is awarded to companies that offer employees physical activity support, increase healthy eating options at work, promote a wellness culture, and implement physical, nutrition and cultural activities. In addition, Inspire was named an honoree at Business Leader magazine’s and Rex Healthcare’s “2008 Healthiest Companies” competition, which recognized the healthiest companies in the Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.

“Inspire is dedicated to fostering a positive work environment and exceptional corporate culture that enables our employees to achieve professional and personal success,” stated Christy L. Shaffer, Ph.D., President and CEO of Inspire. “Also, as a company in the healthcare industry, we are pleased to be recognized for our efforts to promote a healthier work place for our employees and their families.”

About Inspire

Inspire is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering, developing and commercializing prescription pharmaceutical products for diseases in the ophthalmic and respiratory areas. Inspire is currently developing products for dry eye, cystic fibrosis and glaucoma. Inspire employs a U.S. sales force for the promotion of AzaSite® (azithromycin ophthalmic solution) 1% for bacterial conjunctivitis, Elestat® (epinastine HCl ophthalmic solution) 0.05% for allergic conjunctivitis and Restasis® (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion) 0.05% for dry eye. Elestat and Restasis are registered trademarks owned by Allergan, Inc. AzaSite is a registered trademark owned by InSite Vision Incorporated. For more information, visit www.inspirepharm.com.

Contacts

Investor Contact:
Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Jenny Kobin, 919-941-9777, Extension 219
VP, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications
or
Media Contact:
BMC Communications
Dan Budwick, 212-477-9007, Extension 14