Barrier Therapeutics Acquires Canadian Distribution Rights for VANIQA(R)

Market Wire, June, 2005

Barrier Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: BTRX), a pharmaceutical company developing products in the field of dermatology, today announced that it has acquired the right to distribute VANIQA (eflornithine hydrochloride) Cream, 13.9% in Canada from Shire Pharmaceutical Contracts Limited. VANIQA is currently the only prescription product approved by Health Canada for slowing the growth of unwanted facial hair in women.

Under the terms of the agreement, Barrier will be the exclusive distributor for VANIQA in the Canadian territory and will be responsible for all sales, marketing, regulatory and distribution activities. Shire Pharmaceuticals will be the supplier of finished goods for Barrier.

"Having acquired the rights to sell VANIQA in Canada, along with our existing product Solag, we will immediately begin to build our own sales and marketing organization in Canada," commented Al Altomari, Chief Commercial Officer. "We view Canada as an important market in our global commercialization plans, as it provides us an opportunity to leverage our existing commercial infrastructure."

About VANIQA (eflornithine hydrochloride) Cream, 13.9%

VANIQA is the only prescription product approved by Health Canada for slowing the growth of unwanted facial hair in women. VANIQA works during the growth phase of the hair cycle by blocking an enzyme that is necessary for hair growth. VANIQA does not remove facial hair; instead, it is designed to reduce the rate of growth of facial hair and increase the interval between periods of hair removal when used together with traditional hair removal methods such as shaving, waxing and tweezing. Clinical trials have shown results from the use of VANIQA in four to eight weeks from initial application, with continued improvement over time.

VANIQA is approved for sale in 39 countries, including the United States, Canada, the European Union, and major Latin American countries.

About Barrier Therapeutics, Inc.

Barrier Therapeutics, Inc. is a pharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of pharmaceutical products in the field of dermatology. The Company currently markets Solag (mequinol 2%, tretinoin 0.01%) Topical Solution in the U.S. and Canada for the treatment of solar lentigines, a common condition also known as "age spots" or "liver spots," and for the broader indication including related hyperpigmented lesions in Canada. Barrier has eight product candidates in various stages of clinical development. The four most advanced product candidates include one for the treatment of diaper dermatitis complicated by candidiasis, which is in registration, and three products, which are in or entering Phase 3 clinical trials for the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis, fungal infections, including vaginal candidiasis and onychomycosis, and congenital ichthyosis. Barrier has product candidates in earlier stages of clinical development for the treatment of acne, psoriasis and fungal infections. The Company is headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey and has wholly owned subsidiaries in Geel, Belgium and Ontario, Canada. Web site: http://www.barriertherapeutics.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

In addition to historical facts or statements of current condition, this press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "Safe Harbor" provisions of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding Barrier's plans for commencing commercialization of Vaniqa. Forward-looking statements provide Barrier's current expectations or forecasts of future events. Barrier's performance and financial results could differ materially from those reflected in these forward-looking statements due to the decisions of regulatory authorities, Barrier's ability to implement its commercial plans, general financial, economic, regulatory and political conditions affecting the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries generally. For a discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties that may effect the forward-looking statements please see the risk factors in our Annual Report on Form 10K, which is on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Given these risks and uncertainties, any or all of these forward-looking statements may prove to be incorrect. Barrier undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statement.

Contact: Barrier Therapeutics, Inc. Anne M. VanLent 609-945-1202 Noonan Russo Jane Petrino 212-845-4274