EXHIBIT 99.1
CONTACT: KAREN L. LUNDSTEDT
         DIRECTOR, INVESTOR RELATIONS
         DURA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
         (619) 457-2553 X-113


             DURA PHARMACEUTICALS ANNOUNCES ACQUISITION OF TWO INTRANASAL
                  STEROID PRODUCTS, NASAREL-REGISTER TRADEMARK- AND
      NASALIDE-REGISTERED TRADEMARK-, FROM SYNTEX, A MEMBER OF THE ROCHE GROUP

    SAN DIEGO, CA -- May 7, 1997 -- Dura Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ NNM: 
DURA) today announced that it has signed agreements to acquire the intranasal 
steroid products Nasarel-REGISTERED TRADEMARK- and Nasalide-REGISTERED 
TRADEMARK-  (flunisolide) Nasal Solutions 0.025% from Syntex (USA), Inc., a 
member of the Roche Group, for $70 million plus additional contingent payment 
amounts.  The transaction is expected to close this week.  Dura believes that 
combined first full-year sales for the two products could be $25 - $30 
million.  The market for intranasal steroids in the U.S. was approximately 
$700 million in 1996, and has averaged 24% growth over the last two years.
"Nasal steroids are emerging as an important therapy for the treatment of 
the symptoms of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis," said Cam Garner, 
Dura's Chairman, President and CEO.  "The Nasarel-REGISTERED TRADEMARK-  and 
Nasalide-REGISTERED TRADEMARK-  products are ideal for Dura, as they fit 
squarely within our respiratory focus and add a new respiratory category to 
our product portfolio, diversifying our offering to high-prescribing 
physicians and further leveraging our sales representatives' time in every 
sales call."
    In addition to the strategic fit of the products, Dura expects 
Nasarel-REGISTERED TRADEMARK-  and Nasalide-REGISTERED TRADEMARK-  to have 
positive financial impact. "We expect that the products will be accretive to 
earnings despite our immediate investments in sales force expansion and 
product promotion," noted Mr. Garner.    A portion of the revenues from the 
products will fund the expansion of Dura's 200-person sales force by 50 
representatives who will target respiratory specialists.  These new positions 
are in addition to the previously planned expansion to 250 representatives by 
year end, bringing the expected sales force total to 300 by the end of 1997. 
"The acquisition of Nasarel-Registered Trademark- and Nasalide-Registered 
Trademark-is expected to accelerate our plans to reach 350 representatives in 
time for the launch of the first Spirosa inhaler product, Spirosa albuterol, 
expected in late 1998," said Mr. Garner.  "The sales force expansion 
strengthens our focus on key respiratory physicians since the highest 
potential prescribers of intranasal steroids are also the highest potential 
prescribers of Spirosa-TM-."
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    In the transaction, Dura gains ownership of the trademarks, NDAs, patents,
licenses, and certain formulation manufacturing know-how associated with each
product, as well as the right to develop and market the products
over-the-counter.  The patent life of the active ingredient in the two 
products, flunisolide hemihydrate, extends into 2007. "This agreement is a 
natural strategic move for both companies," said Stephen G. Sudovar, Senior 
Vice President, Pharmaceuticals for Roche Laboratories.  "Dura is gaining two 
excellent respiratory pharmaceuticals, and Roche will continue to focus on 
our strategic strengths."
    Dura Pharmaceuticals is a San Diego-based developer and marketer of
prescription pharmaceutical products for the treatment of allergies, asthma and
related respiratory conditions, and is developing a pulmonary drug delivery
system. Dura's mission is to be the leading niche pharmaceutical company with a
focus in the high-growth U.S. respiratory market.  The Company is pursuing that
goal through two major strategies:  (1) acquiring late-stage prescription
pharmaceuticals and/or companies with rights to such pharmaceuticals for
marketing to high-prescribing respiratory physicians and (2) developing Spirosa,
a proprietary dry powder pulmonary drug delivery system.
    Except for the historical and factual information contained herein, the
matters discussed in this press release may contain forward-looking statements
which involve risks and uncertainties, including the timely development of the
Spiros-TM- system, competitive products and pricing, the ability of the Company 
to acquire products and/or companies, the Company's limited manufacturing 
experience, seasonality, and other risks detailed from time to time in the 
Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Actual 
results may differ materially from those projected.  These forward-looking 
statements represent the Company's judgment as of the date of this release.  
The Company disclaims, however, any intent or obligation to update these 
forward-looking statements.
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