NeurogesX to Present at J.P. Morgan Health Care Conference

SAN MATEO, Calif., Jan. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- NeurogesX, Inc. , a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing novel pain management therapies, announced today that Anthony DiTonno, President and Chief Executive Officer, is scheduled to present at the 28th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, to be held January 11-14, 2009 at the Westin St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco, California.

Mr. DiTonno and Stephen Ghiglieri, Chief Financial Officer, will be available to respond to questions during a 25-minute breakout session immediately following the presentation, and to participate in one-on-one meetings with investors attending the conferences.

Event: 28th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference Date: Thursday, January 14, 2009 Time: 12:30 p.m. PT Place: Westin St. Francis Hotel, San Francisco, CA (Elizabethan A/B)

The presentation will be webcast live and can be accessed by visiting the investor relations section of NeurogesX' website at http://www.neurogesx.com/. The webcasts will be archived for 90 days.

About NeurogesX, Inc.

NeurogesX, Inc. is a San Francisco Bay Area-based biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing novel pain management therapies. NeurogesX was founded on the concept that use of prescription strength capsaicin could help manage the pain associated with neuropathic pain conditions. Since its inception, NeurogesX has leveraged its passion to help people with pain to efficiently develop this concept and is now poised to bring its lead product to patients and physicians. In addition, we continue to apply our knowledge and expertise in the development of other novel treatments for pain.

The Company's lead product, Qutenza® (capsaicin) 8% patch, is a dermal delivery system containing a prescription strength of capsaicin that is currently approved in the United States and the European Union. NeurogesX expects to launch Qutenza in United States in the first half of 2010 for patients with postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). In Europe, Qutenza will be marketed by Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd., (Astellas), the European subsidiary of Tokyo-based Astellas Pharma Inc.

The Company's second most advanced product candidate, NGX-1998, is a topically applied, liquid formulation containing a high concentration of capsaicin designed to treat pain associated with neuropathic pain conditions. NGX-1998 has completed three Phase 1 studies.

The Company's early stage product pipeline includes pre-clinical compounds which are prodrugs of acetaminophen and various opioids. The Company has evaluated these compounds in vitro and in vivo.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements for purposes of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "Act"). NeurogesX disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements, and claims the protection of the Safe Harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Act. Examples of such statements include but are not limited to: statements about the safety and efficacy of Qutenza®; the timing of launch of Qutenza; and development activities for NGX-1998 and other product candidates. Such statements are based on management's current expectations, but actual results may differ materially due to various risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to: any regulatory approvals which are received may be limited to certain indications; Qutenza and NeurogesX' other product candidates may have unexpected adverse side effects; difficulties or delays in the launch and commercialization of Qutenza; and the outcomes of any submissions to the FDA for NeurogesX' product candidates. For further information regarding these and other risks related to NeurogesX' business, investors should consult NeurogesX' filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

NeurogesX, Inc. Stephen Ghiglieri Chief Financial Officer [phone] The Ruth Group Sara Pellegrino (investors) [phone] [e-mail] Jason Rando (media) [phone] [e-mail] -----------------------

NeurogesX, Inc.

CONTACT: Stephen Ghiglieri, Chief Financial Officer, NeurogesX, Inc.,
[phone]; or Sara Pellegrino (investors), [phone],
[e-mail], or Jason Rando (media), [phone],
[e-mail], both of The Ruth Group

Web Site: http://www.neurogesx.com/