SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    Form 10-K

(Mark One)

[X]     Annual report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
        Act of 1934 (Fee  Required) For the fiscal year ended  December 31, 1996
        or

[ ]     Transition  report  pursuant to  Section 13 or 15(d) of  the  Securities
        Exchange Act of 1934 (No Fee  Required) For the  transition  period from
        __________ to __________.

Commission File Number  0-16109


                         ADVANCED POLYMER SYSTEMS, INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

         Delaware                                     94-2875566
         --------                                     ----------
(State or other jurisdiction of         (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
 incorporation or organization)

3696 Haven Avenue, Redwood City, California           94063
- -------------------------------------------           -----
 (Address of principal executive offices)           (Zip Code)


Registrant's telephone number, including area code:           (415) 366-2626
                                                              --------------

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (b) of the Act:  None
                                                              ----

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (g) of the Act:  

                                                   Common Stock ($.01 par value)
                                                   -----------------------------

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the  preceding 12 months (or for such  shorter  period that the  registrant  was
required  to file  such  reports),  and  (2) has  been  subject  to such  filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ]

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent  filers  pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K (ss.229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will
not be contained, to the best of the registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy
or  information  statements  incorporated  by reference in Part III of this Form
10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.                                     [X]

The  aggregate  market  value  of the  voting  stock of the  registrant  held by
nonaffiliates of the registrant as of February 28, 1997, was $149,602,066. (1)

As of February 28, 1997,  18,412,562  shares of registrant's  Common Stock, $.01
par value, were outstanding.

                                        Exhibit Index at Page   35
                                                  Total Pages   35
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1       Excludes  5,668,132 shares held by directors,  officers and shareholders
        whose  ownership  exceeds 5% of the  outstanding  shares at February 28,
        1997.  Exclusion of such shares  should not be  construed as  indicating
        that the holders  thereof  possess  the power,  direct or  indirect,  to
        direct the management or policies of the registrant, or that such person
        is controlled by or under common control with the registrant.





                       DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE



 
    Document
    --------                                                  Form
                                                              10-K
                                                              Part
                                                              ----

      Definitive  Proxy  Statement to be used                  III
      in connection with the Annual Meeting of Stockholders.









                                        i






                                TABLE OF CONTENTS


       Item                                                                 Page
       ----                                                                 ----
                                     PART I

    1.   Business ___________________________________________________________ 1

    2.   Properties _________________________________________________________ 9

    3.   Legal Proceedings __________________________________________________ 9

    4.   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders ________________ 9


                                     PART II

    5.   Market for the Registrant's Common Equity and Related 
         Shareholder Matters _______________________________________________  9

    6.   Selected Financial Data ____________________________________________10

    7.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
         and Results of Operations __________________________________________10

    8.   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data ________________________14

    9.   Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting
         and Financial Disclosure ___________________________________________29


                                    PART III

   10.   Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant _________________29

   11.   Executive Compensation _____________________________________________29

   12.   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management _____29

   13.   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions _____________________29


                                     PART IV

   14.   Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K ___30

         Signatures _________________________________________________________32


                                       ii



PART I

Item 1.   BUSINESS

INTRODUCTION-FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

To  the  extent  that  this  report  discusses  future  financial   projections,
information or  expectations  about our products or markets,  or otherwise makes
statements  about future events,  such  statements are  forward-looking  and are
subject to a number of risks and  uncertainties  that could cause actual results
to differ  materially  from the statements  made.  These include,  among others,
uncertainty  associated  with  timely  approval,  launch and  acceptance  of new
products, the costs associated with new product introductions,  as well as other
factors  described  below  under  the  headings  "APS  Technology",  "Products",
"Manufacturing",   "Marketing",  "Government  Regulation",  "Patents  and  Trade
Secrets" and  "Competition".  In  addition,  such risks and  uncertainties  also
include the matters  discussed  under  Management's  Discussion  and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Item 7 below.


THE COMPANY

Advanced  Polymer  Systems,  Inc. and  subsidiaries  ("APS" or the "Company") is
using its  patented  Microsponge(R)  delivery  systems and  related  proprietary
technologies  to enhance  the safety,  effectiveness  and  aesthetic  quality of
topical prescription,  over-the-counter  ("OTC") and personal care products. The
Company is currently  manufacturing and selling  Microsponge  systems for use by
corporate  customers in almost 100 different cosmetic and personal care products
sold worldwide.  APS holds 188 issued U.S. and foreign patents on its technology
and has over 68 other patent applications pending.

The Company, founded in February 1983 as a California corporation under the name
AMCO Polymerics,  Inc.,  changed its name to Advanced  Polymer Systems,  Inc. in
1984 and was reincorporated in Delaware in 1987.

Products  under  development  or  in  the  marketplace   utilize  the  Company's
Microsponge  systems in three primary ways:  1) as reservoirs  releasing  active
ingredients  over an extended  period of time, 2) as  receptacles  for absorbing
undesirable  substances,  such as excess skin oils,  or 3) as closed  containers
holding  ingredients  away from the skin for superficial  action.  The resulting
benefits include extended efficacy, reduced skin irritation,  cosmetic elegance,
formulation flexibility and improved product stability.

In February  1997,  the Company  received  FDA  approval  for the first  ethical
pharmaceutical  product  based on its  patented  Microsponge  technology - Retin
A(R)-Micro(TM)  -  which  has  been  licensed  to  Ortho-McNeil   Pharmaceutical
Corporation, a member of the Johnson & Johnson ("J&J") family of companies. This
product was launched in March 1997. In September  1994, the Company  submitted a
New Drug  Application  (NDA) for a  melanin-Microsponge  sunscreen.  The NDA was
found to be non-approvable  pending additional  information which the Company is
continuing to provide.

APS has established several alliances with multinational  corporations including
J&J and Rhone-Poulenc  Rorer to develop products which  incorporate  Microsponge
systems. In general, these alliances provide for the client companies to pay the
costs  of  product  development,   clinical  testing,  regulatory  approval  and
commercialization.  In return,  the clients receive certain  marketing rights to
the products  developed.  APS typically receives an initial cash infusion in the
form of license fees,  future payments  contingent on the achievement of certain
milestones,  revenues from the manufacture of Microsponge  systems,  and royalty
payments based on third party product sales.  J&J and  Rhone-Poulenc  Rorer also
have made equity  investments  in the Company.  APS and Dow Corning  Corporation
formed a joint venture alliance in 1992 to develop and commercialize Polytrap(R)
and  Microsponge  systems for use in the  manufacture  of cosmetics and personal
care  products.  In the first  quarter of 1996,  APS  acquired all rights to the
Polytrap  technology  from Dow  Corning in exchange  for  200,000  shares of APS
common stock.

Effective  January 1997,  the Company  licensed its consumer  products to Lander
Company  in the  United  States  and  Canada in return  for  guaranteed  minimum
royalties,  revenues  from the sale of  Microsponge  systems  and  research  and
development  funding for new consumer  products.  Lander will be responsible for
all aspects of commercialization  including selling,  marketing,  manufacturing,
distribution and customer service.  Also as part of its long-term strategic plan
to move away from the direct marketing of consumer  products,  the Company plans
to discontinue the marketing of its in-licensed suncare products.

                                       1



To maintain quality control over  manufacturing,  APS has committed  significant
resources to its production processes and polymer systems development  programs.
The Company's manufacturing facility in Lafayette, Louisiana, is responsible for
large-scale  production of  Microsponge  systems and related  technologies.  All
products are  manufactured  according to Current  Good  Manufacturing  Practices
guidelines  ("CGMPs")  established  by the FDA. In  addition,  APS has a process
development  pilot plant in its  Louisiana  facility.  APS also has  established
relationships   with  contract   manufacturers,   which  provide   second-source
production   capabilities  to  handle  growing  product  demand.  The  Company's
objective is to utilize these third parties selectively, so that it can maintain
its  flexibility  and direct the bulk of APS'  capital  resources to other areas
such as product and technology development.


APS TECHNOLOGY

The fundamental  appeal of the Company's  Microsponge  technology stems from the
difficulty  experienced  with  conventional  formulations  in  releasing  active
ingredients   over  an  extended  period  of  time.   Cosmetics  and  skin  care
preparations are intended to work only on the outer layers of the skin. Yet, the
typical active  ingredient in  conventional  products is present in a relatively
high concentration  and, when applied to the skin, may be rapidly absorbed.  The
common result is over-medication, followed by a period of under-medication until
the next  application.  Rashes and more  serious side effects can occur when the
active ingredients rapidly penetrate below the skin's surface.  APS' Microsponge
technology  is  designed  to allow a  prolonged  rate of  release  of the active
ingredients,  thereby  offering  potential  reduction in the side effects  while
maintaining the therapeutic efficacy.

Microsponge Systems. The Company's Microsponge systems are based on microscopic,
polymer-based  microspheres  that can bind,  suspend or entrap a wide variety of
substances and then be incorporated  into a formulated  product,  such as a gel,
cream, liquid or powder. A single Microsponge is as tiny as a particle of talcum
powder,  measuring less than one-thousandth of an inch in diameter.  Like a true
sponge, each microsphere consists of a myriad of interconnecting  voids within a
non-collapsible  structure  that can accept a wide  variety of  substances.  The
outer surface is typically  porous,  allowing the controlled  flow of substances
into and out of the sphere. Several primary characteristics,  or parameters,  of
the  Microsponge  system can be defined  during the  production  phase to obtain
spheres  that  are  tailored  to  specific  product   applications  and  vehicle
compatibility.

Polymeric  (R)  Systems.  In  January  1996,  the  Company  signed a  definitive
agreement with Dow Corning Corporation,  one of the world's largest suppliers of
ingredients used in cosmetics and personal care products, to acquire full rights
to  Dow  Corning's  Polytrap(R)  technology  and  full  responsibility  for  the
continuing  commercialization of Polytrap systems in exchange for 200,000 shares
of APS common stock.  Polytrap  systems are designed to: 1) absorb skin oils and
eliminate shine, 2) provide a smooth and silky feel to product formulations,  3)
entrap and deliver various  ingredients in personal care products and 4) convert
liquids into powders.

Microsponge  and  Polytrap  systems  are made of  biologically  inert  polymers.
Extensive safety studies have demonstrated that the polymers are non-irritating,
non-mutagenic, non-allergenic, non-toxic and non-biodegradable. As a result, the
human  body  cannot  convert  them into  other  substances  or break  them down.
Furthermore,  although they are microscopic in size, these systems are too large
to pass  through the stratum  corneum  (skin  surface)  when  incorporated  into
topical products.

Colon-specific Systems. A Microsponge system offers the potential to hold active
ingredients in a protected  environment and provide controlled  delivery of oral
medication to the lower  gastrointestinal  (GI) tract, where it will be released
upon exposure to specific  enzymes in the colon.  This  approach if  successful,
should open up entirely new opportunities for APS.

                                       2



Bioerodible  Systems.  The  Company  is also  developing  systems  based  on new
bioerodible  polymers  for the  delivery  of small  and  large  molecule  drugs,
including proteins and peptides, which, if successful, should open up new fields
of opportunity in systemic drug delivery arenas.

PRODUCTS

APS is focusing its efforts primarily on the ethical dermatology,  OTC skin care
and personal care markets in which Microsponge  systems can provide  substantial
advantages.  Certain  additional  applications for the Company's  technology are
also under development, as noted below.

Ethical Dermatology

APS defines "ethical  dermatology" products as prescription and non-prescription
drugs  that are  promoted  primarily  through  the  medical  profession  for the
prevention and treatment of skin problems or diseases. The Company is developing
several  ethical  dermatology  products  which will require  approval of the FDA
before they can be sold in the United States. Although these pharmaceuticals are
likely to take  longer  to reach  the  marketplace  than OTC and  personal  care
products,  due to the regulatory approval process, the Company believes that the
benefits  offered by Microsponge  delivery  systems will allow valuable  product
differentiation in this large and potentially  profitable  market.  Results from
various  human  clinical  studies  reaffirm  that  this  technology  offers  the
potential to reduce the drug side effects, maintain the therapeutic efficacy and
potentially   increase  patient  compliance  with  the  treatment  regimen.  The
following  ethical  dermatology  products  have  been  developed  or  are  under
development by APS:

Tretinoin Acne  Medication.  In February 1997, the Company received FDA approval
for Microsponge-entrapped tretinoin for improved acne treatment. This submission
to the FDA  represented  the  culmination of an intensive  research and clinical
development program involving  approximately 1,150 patients.  Tretinoin has been
marketed in the U.S. by Ortho  Dermatological,  a Johnson & Johnson  subsidiary,
under  the  brand  name  RETIN-A(R)  since  1971.  It has  proven to be a highly
effective  topical acne  medication.  However,  skin irritation  among sensitive
individuals  can limit  patient  compliance  with the  prescribed  therapy.  The
Company believes its patented  approach to drug delivery reduces the potentially
irritating side effects of tretinoin.  Ortho Dermatological began marketing this
product in March 1997.

Melanin-Microsponge  Sunscreen.  Concern about the sun's harmful effects and its
role  in  aging  and  skin  cancer  has  resulted  in  heightened  awareness  of
preventative  measures  in  the  sunscreen  market.  APS  has  developed  a  sun
protectant  designed to provide  the  highest-available  protection  against the
sun's UVA rays as well as protection  from the burning UVB rays. This unique APS
product  candidate   incorporates  the  Company's   melanin-Microsponge   system
containing genetically engineered melanin, a natural pigment found in skin.

The Company filed its NDA in September  1994 for marketing  clearance.  Since it
involves an entirely new ethical pharmaceutical ingredient and application,  the
regulatory review process is lengthier and more complex. The NDA was found to be
non-approvable pending additional information which the Company is continuing to
provide.  There can be no  assurance  that FDA  approval  will be  received.  If
approval  is  received,  the  Company  plans to market  this  product  through a
strategic partner.

5-Fluorouracil.     Another    ethical     dermatology     product    candidate,
Microsponge-entrapped   5-Fluorouracil   (5-FU),   was   the   subject   of   an
Investigational  New Drug  ("IND")  filing in early 1995.  5-FU is an  effective
chemotherapeutic   agent  for  treating  actinic  keratosis,   a  pre-cancerous,
hardened-skin  condition  caused by  excessive  exposure to  sunlight.  However,

                                       3


patient  compliance  with the  treatment  regimen is poor,  due to  significant,
adverse side effects.  Through a joint agreement with  Rhone-Poulenc  Rorer, the
Company  is  developing  a   Microsponge-enhanced   topical   formulation   that
potentially  offers a less irritating  solution for treating actinic  keratosis.
Phase II clinical  studies have been  completed  and Phase III clinical  studies
are scheduled to commence in mid-1997.

Tretinoin Photodamage  Treatment.  Initial product development was undertaken in
1994 to develop a Microsponge  system product for the treatment of  photodamage,
which contributes to the premature aging of skin and has been implicated in skin
cancer.  Should  an IND be  filed  for this  product,  funding  for this  second
tretinoin   treatment   indication  will  be  provided  by  J&J's   Ortho-McNeil
Pharmaceutical subsidiary.

Cosmeceutical Products

Retinol.  Retinol is a highly  pure form of vitamin A which has  demonstrated  a
remarkable ability for maintaining the skin's youthful  appearance.  However, it
has been  available  only on a limited  basis  because it becomes  unstable when
mixed  with  other  ingredients.  APS has been able to  stabilize  retinol  in a
formulation which is cosmetically elegant and which has a low potential for skin
irritation.  The Company has executed  agreements with three companies,  each of
which have  marketing  strength in a  particular  channel of  distribution.  The
channels for which the Company has licensed retinol are direct marketing (Avon),
dermatologists  (Medicis) and salons and spas (Sothys). The Company retains full
rights to alternate  channels of distribution,  including  department stores and
other mass merchandisers.

Personal Care and OTC Products

APS technologies are ideal for skin and personal care products.  They can retain
several times their weight in liquids,  respond to a variety of release stimuli,
and absorb large amounts of excess skin oil, all while retaining an elegant feel
on the skin's  surface.  In fact,  APS  technologies  are currently  employed in
almost 100 products  sold by major  cosmetic and toiletry  companies  worldwide.
Among these  products are skin  cleansers,  conditioners,  oil control  lotions,
moisturizers, deodorants, razors, lipstick, makeup, powders, and eye shadows.

Entrapping cosmetic ingredients in APS' proprietary Microsponge delivery systems
offers several  advantages,  including improved physical and chemical stability,
greater available concentrations,  controlled release of the active ingredients,
reduced skin irritation and sensitization,  and unique tactile qualities.  


Other Product Applications

While not the principal focus of APS development  efforts,  other products could
benefit from the value-added application of the Company's polymer technology. To
date,  the  Company  has  chosen  to  apply  its  technology  to  the  following
non-skin-care field:

Analytical  Standards.  APS initially  developed  microsphere  precursors to the
Microsponge  for use as a testing  standard  for gauging the purity of municipal
drinking water. Marketed by APS nationwide,  these microspheres are suspended in
pure water to form an accurate, stable,  reproducible turbidity standard for the
calibration of turbidimeters used to test water purity.

APS believes its Analytical  Standards  technology has much broader applications
than testing the turbidity of water. The Company has begun to develop  standards
for industrial use for the calibration of spectrophotometers and colorimeters.


                                       4


MANUFACTURING

Polymer  Raw  Material.   Raw   materials   for  the   Company's   polymers  are
petroleum-based  monomers  which are widely  available at low cost. The monomers
have not been subject to unavailability or significant price  fluctuations.  Raw
material costs generally  account for less than a third of the total cost of the
Company's products.

Process Engineering and Development.  The Company employs chemical engineers and
operates  a  pilot-plant  facility  for  developing  production  processes.  The
equipment  used  for  manufacturing  and  process  development  is  commercially
available  in  industrial  sizes and is installed  in the  Company's  production
facility in Lafayette, Louisiana.

Microsponge   Production.   APS  has  committed  significant  resources  to  the
production process and polymer systems development required to commercialize its
products.  The  Company has to date  manufactured  most  Microsponge  systems in
company-owned and operated facilities.

The Company's manufacturing facility in Lafayette, Louisiana, is responsible for
large-scale production of Microsponge systems and related technologies. APS also
has  established   relationships  with  contract   manufacturers  which  provide
second-source  production  capabilities.  The Company's  objective is to utilize
these third parties  selectively,  so that it can maintain its  flexibility  and
direct  the bulk of APS'  capital  resources  to other  areas,  such as  product
development and marketing.  All products are manufactured  according to CGMP. In
addition, APS has a process development pilot plant in its Louisiana facility.


MARKETING

A key part of APS' business strategy is to ally the Company with major marketing
partners.  The Company  has  therefore  negotiated  several  agreements  for the
development  of   Microsponge   delivery   systems,   the  supply  of  entrapped
ingredients,  and the marketing of formulated  products.  To create an incentive
for APS to develop  products  as  quickly as  possible,  these  development  and
license  agreements  provide,  in some cases,  for  substantial  payments by the
client  companies  during the period of product  development and test marketing.
Additionally,  some  agreements  provide  for  non-refundable  payments  on  the
achievement  of  certain  key  milestones,  royalties  on  sales  of  formulated
products, and minimum annual payments to maintain exclusivity.  APS has, in some
product areas, retained co-marketing rights.

In general,  APS grants  limited  marketing  exclusivity  in defined  markets to
client  companies,  while  retaining the right to  manufacture  the  Microsponge
delivery systems it develops for these clients.  However,  after  development is
completed  and a  client  commercializes  a  formulated  product  utilizing  the
Company's delivery systems, APS can exert only limited influence

                                        5


over the  manner and  extent of the  client's  marketing  efforts.  APS'  client
companies may cancel their agreements without penalty.

The Company's material agreements and relationships are set forth below:

Johnson  &  Johnson  Inc.  In May  1992,  APS  and  Ortho-McNeil  Pharmaceutical
Corporation  ("Ortho"),  a subsidiary of J&J, entered into a licensing agreement
related to tretinoin-based  products incorporating APS' Microsponge  technology.
As part of the agreement,  in 1992, license fees of $6,000,000 were paid to APS.
In  addition,  Johnson & Johnson  purchased  723,006  shares of newly issued APS
common stock for $8,000,000.  In 1994, J&J purchased 1,000,000 additional shares
of newly issued common stock for $5,000,000.  J&J also received 200,000 warrants
that  expired in 1996.  The number of shares  issuable to J&J was  increased  by
432,101  pursuant to an agreed  upon  formula  tied to the trading  price of APS
stock  prior to January  1996.  The license fee  provides  Ortho with  exclusive
distribution  or license rights for all Ortho tretinoin  products  utilizing the
APS Microsponge  system.  Ortho's  exclusivity  will continue as long as certain
annual minimum  payments are made. In addition,  Ortho will pay license fees and
milestone  payments over time to APS. APS will also receive royalty  payments on
net product sales worldwide.

In February  1997,  APS received FDA approval for the first  product  covered by
this agreement,  Microsponge-entrapped  tretinoin. This product will be marketed
by Ortho  Dermatological  beginning March 1997. APS received a milestone payment
of $3,000,000 from Ortho upon receipt of the approval.

In December 1996, the Company purchased the Take-Off(R) trademark from Johnson &
Johnson  Consumer  Products,  Inc.  for a royalty of 3% on net sales of Take-Off
products with annual  minimums for five years.  Effective  January,  1997,  this
product was licensed to Lander Company.

Rhone-Poulenc  Rorer.  In  March  1992,  APS  and  Rhone-Poulenc  Rorer  ("RPR")
restructured  their 1989 joint  venture  agreement  to give APS more  freedom in
developing  products.  Under the new terms,  APS has regained from RPR worldwide
marketing rights to products in the prescription  dermatology  field,  including
the  melanin-based  sunscreen  product in which RPR had  invested  approximately
$4,000,000   in   development   costs.   APS   also   gained   ownership   of  a
partially-completed  manufacturing facility in Vacaville,  California, which the
Company sold in December 1995. Also under the new terms, RPR invested $2,000,000
in cash in APS and relieved APS of the obligation to repay a $1,500,000 advance.
In return,  RPR received  705,041  shares of APS stock and  maintains a minority
share in the  potential  net  profits of the  melanin-based  sunscreen  product.
Furthermore,  RPR has agreed to continue funding the exploration and development
of  certain  dermatology  applications  of APS'  technology  in which APS shares
marketing   rights.   Product   applications   include  a  5-FU   treatment  for
pre-cancerous actinic keratosis.  In 1995, RPR filed an IND application to begin
human  clinical  testing of 5-FU.  Phase II  clinical  trials for 5-FU have been
completed and Phase III clinical trials are scheduled to commence in mid 1997.

Dow  Corning.   In  July  1991,  APS  and  Dow  Corning   Corporation  formed  a
collaborative  alliance to manufacture  and sell both APS'  Microsponge  and Dow
Corning's Polytrap technologies worldwide in the cosmetics and toiletries field.
Under the agreement,  Dow Corning provided financial assistance in this venture,
as well as worldwide sales and support services; APS contributed its technology,
research and development,  technical  support and  manufacturing  capability for
both the  Microsponge and Polytrap  products.  In the first quarter of 1996, APS
acquired full rights to the Polytrap  technology and full responsibility for the
continuing commercialization in exchange for 200,000 shares of APS common stock.

Lander Company.  In March 1996, the Company formed a  collaboration  with Lander
Company, Inc. to develop and provide premium quality,  store-brand personal care
products based on the Company's patented delivery system technology. Under terms
of the  agreement,  the  Company  received a $3 million  equity  investment  and
license fees and will receive  additional  licensing fees,  royalties on product
sales and research and development  funding for new consumer  products.  APS and
Lander will collaborate on product  formulations and marketing  preparations and
Lander  will  be  responsible  for  sales,  manufacturing  and  distribution  to
retailers.

Effective  January 1997,  APS  established a new strategic  alliance with Lander
under which Lander was granted full  marketing  rights in the United  States and
Canada  to  Microsponge-based  Exact(R)  acne  medications,  Take-Off(R)  facial

                                       6


cleansers,  Everystep(R) Foot Powder, as well as in-licensed  consumer products.
Under  terms of the  agreement,  Lander will be  responsible  for all aspects of
commercialization including selling, marketing, manufacturing,  distribution and
customer service.  APS will receive guaranteed minimum royalties,  revenues from
the sale of  Microsponge  systems and research and  development  funding for new
branded consumer products.

Avon. In August 1996, APS signed a license and supply  agreement with Avon under
which  APS is  providing  Avon  with  a  formulation  incorporating  Microsponge
delivery systems and retinol, an ingredient  developed to improve the appearance
of aging skin. Under terms of the agreement, APS received upfront licensing fees
and will receive manufacturing revenues on supply of product.

Medicis.   In  October  1996,   APS  entered  into  an  agreement  with  Medicis
Pharmaceutical  Corporation for the  commercialization of dermatology  products.
Medicis will  initially be  responsible  for marketing  two newly  developed APS
products in the United States. In return, APS received an upfront licensing fee,
and will  receive an  additional  licensing  fee and a share of  revenues,  with
guaranteed minimums.

Procter & Gamble.  In the first  quarter of 1992,  after having been one of APS'
original  licensees in 1987,  Scott Paper Company began the regional U.S. launch
of Baby Fresh with Ultra Guard baby wipes.  Ultra Guard is Scott's trademark for
an APS  Microsponge  system that contains  dimethicone  to help protect a baby's
skin from diaper rash. In early 1993, Scott achieved  national  distribution for
Baby Fresh  with  Ultra  Guard.  In the first  quarter  of 1996,  Kimberly-Clark
completed its  acquisition of Scott Paper Company.  One of the conditions of the
acquisition  imposed by the Federal  Trade  Commission  was that  Kimberly-Clark
divest the acquired  baby wipe  business.  Procter & Gamble bought the baby wipe
business in 1996 and now markets the product under the Pampers brand name.


GOVERNMENT REGULATION

Ethical Products

In order to clinically  test,  produce and sell  products for human  therapeutic
use,  mandatory  procedures  and safety  evaluations  established by the FDA and
comparable  agencies in foreign  countries  must be followed.  The procedure for
seeking and obtaining the required governmental clearances for a new therapeutic
product includes  pre-clinical  animal testing to determine safety and efficacy,
followed  by  human  clinical  testing,  and can take  many  years  and  require
substantial  expenditures.  In the case of third-party  agreements,  APS expects
that the  corporate  client will fund the testing and the approval  process with
guidance  from  APS.  The  Company  intends  to seek  the  necessary  regulatory
approvals for its proprietary dermatology products as they are being developed.

APS' facilities,  where the Company  manufactures  pharmaceutical raw materials,
are subject to periodic  governmental  inspections.  If violations of applicable
regulations are noted during these inspections,  significant  problems may arise
affecting the continued marketing of any products manufactured by the Company.

The  Company's  plant  in  Lafayette,   Louisiana  operates  according  to  CGMP
prescribed  by  the  FDA.  This  compliance  has  entailed   modifying   certain
manufacturing  equipment,  as well as  implementing  certain  record keeping and
other  practices  and  procedures  which  are  required  of  all  pharmaceutical
manufacturers.  The Company  believes it is in compliance with federal and state
laws  regarding   occupational  safety,   laboratory  practices,   environmental
protection and hazardous substance control.

Personal Care Products

Under current regulations,  the market introduction of non-medicated  cosmetics,
toiletries and skin care products does not require prior formal  registration or
approval by the FDA or regulatory  agencies in foreign countries,  although this
situation  could change in the future.  The cosmetics  industry has  established
self-regulating  procedures  and most  companies  perform their own toxicity and
consumer tests.

                                       7

PATENTS AND TRADE SECRETS

As part of the Company's strategy to protect its current products and to provide
a foundation for future products, APS has filed a number of United States patent
applications on inventions  relating to specific  products,  product groups, and
processing technology. The Company also has filed foreign patent applications on
its polymer technology with the European Union, Japan, Australia,  South Africa,
Canada,  Korea and Taiwan.  The Company received U.S. patent  protection for its
basic  Microsponge  system in 1987 and now has a total of 40 issued U.S. patents
and an additional  148 issued foreign  patents.  The Company has over 68 pending
patent applications worldwide.

Although  the  Company   believes  the  bases  for  these   patents  and  patent
applications are sound,  they are untested,  and there is no assurance that they
will not be successfully  challenged.  There can be no assurance that any patent
already issued will be of commercial value, or that any patent applications will
result in issued patents of commercial  value,  or that APS' technology will not
be held to infringe on patents held by others.

APS relies on unpatented  trade secrets and know-how to protect  certain aspects
of its  production  technologies.  APS'  employees,  consultants,  advisors  and
corporate clients have entered into confidentiality agreements with the Company.
These agreements, however, may not necessarily provide meaningful protection for
the Company's trade secrets or proprietary know-how in the event of unauthorized
use or disclosure.  In addition,  others may obtain access to, or  independently
develop, these trade secrets or know-how.


COMPETITION

Although  Microsponge  and Polytrap  systems,  by virtue of their highly  porous
structure,  are  unique  delivery  systems,  there are many  alternate  delivery
systems  available.   However,   in  the  cosmetic  and  cosmeceutical   fields,
Microsponge  and  Polytrap  systems are  particularly  versatile at allowing the
entrapment  of  active  agents  and  controlled  release  by simple  changes  in
vehicles.

Other delivery  systems based on  microparticulate  materials could compete with
Microsponge and Polytrap systems.  Among these are liposomes,  microcapsules and
microspheres.  Liposomes are small  phospholipid  vesicles capable of entrapping
and releasing active agents.  However,  they are significantly more expensive to
manufacture,  less  versatile and their  stability is a concern.  While they are
primarily  used in  systemic  applications,  they are also used in the  cosmetic
arena.

The  most  closely  related   systems  are   microcapsules   and   microspheres.
Microcapsules  are spherical  particles  containing an active agent in the core,
surrounded  by  a  polymeric  membrane.  Microspheres  are  spherical  particles
containing  the  active  agent  dispersed  in  a  polymeric  matrix.  The  major
distinguishing   feature   between   Microsponge   and   Polytrap   systems  and
microcapsules, or microspheres is that the structure of Microsponge and Polytrap
systems  is  highly  porous,  while  microspheres  or  microcapsules  are  solid
particles with no internal voids.

Thus, while only one type if Microsponge  system can be used to entrap a variety
of  active  agents  and  release  these at  desired  rates by  vehicle  changes,
different active agents and different release profiles can only be achieved with
microcapsules  or  microspheres  by a complete change in polymer and fabrication
methods.


HUMAN RESOURCES

As of February 28, 1997, the Company had 84 full-time employees,  3 of whom hold
PhDs.  There  were 15  employees  engaged in  research  and  development,  34 in
manufacturing and production activities, 8 in quality control, and 27 working in
sales, finance, marketing, human resources and administration.

The Company  considers its relations with employees to be satisfactory.  None of
the Company's employees is covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

                                       8

Item 2.  PROPERTIES

The Company  currently  occupies  23,040 square feet of  laboratory,  office and
warehouse  space in Redwood  City,  California  and 4,800  square feet of office
space in Greenwich,  Connecticut.  Rent expense for these facilities in 1996 was
$254,184 and $109,936, respectively.

The  Company  occupies  a  production   facility  and  warehouse  in  Lafayette,
Louisiana,  with a current annual capacity,  depending upon the application,  to
produce  500,000 to 750,000 pounds of entrapped  materials.  The existing plant,
with contiguous acreage,  has been designed to allow significant  expansion.  In
1995 the Company sold this  facility  and  warehouse  along with  certain  other
assets and subsequently leased them back for a certain fixed monthly rent over a
period of  forty-eight  months.  The  Company  reported  this  transaction  as a
financing transaction.

The  construction  of the  facility in 1986 was  financed  primarily  by 15-year
tax-exempt industrial development bonds. In 1990, the bonds were refinanced. The
maturity date of the bonds occurs in  installments  beginning June 30, 1993, and
ending  December 31, 2000. The bonds bear a fixed interest rate of 10%. In 1995,
the Company extinguished the bond liability through an "insubstance  defeasance"
transaction by placing U.S.  government  securities in an  irrevocable  trust to
fund all future interest and principal payments.

The Company's  existing research and development and  administrative  facilities
are not yet  being  used at full  capacity  and  management  believes  that such
facilities  are adequate and  suitable  for its current and  anticipated  needs.
Additional  manufacturing  capacity could be required as APS expands  commercial
production. It is anticipated that any additional production facilities would be
built on land the Company presently occupies in Lafayette, Louisiana.

Item 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
None.

Item 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None.

PART II

Item 5.  MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS

Shares of the Company's common stock trade on the Nasdaq National Market,  under
the symbol APOS.  As of February  28, 1997,  there were 595 holders of record of
the Company's common stock.

The Company has never paid cash  dividends and does not  anticipate  paying cash
dividends in the  foreseeable  future.  The  following  table sets forth for the
fiscal periods indicated, the range of high and low closing sales prices for the
Company's common stock on the NASDAQ National Market System.

   1996              High       Low       1995                 High     Low
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   First Quarter     9 1/4      5 1/4     First Quarter        6        4
   Second Quarter   11 1/4      7 7/8     Second Quarter       5 7/8    4 1/16
   Third Quarter     9 5/8      5 7/8     Third Quarter        8 3/8    5 1/8
   Fourth Quarter    8 7/8      6 3/8     Fourth Quarter       7 1/2    4 7/8

                                       9


Item 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
         (in thousands, except per share data)

Years Ended December 31                1996             1995             1994             1993          1992
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                            
Statements of Operations
Total revenues                        $18,665         $16,108          $15,884           $19,932       $15,527
Research and
     development, net                   3,506           4,139            6,334             7,343         3,726
Selling, marketing and
     advertising                        8,455           6,560            5,669             6,237         4,013
General and administrative              2,984           3,082            2,844             2,988         3,468

Loss on purchase commitment,
     including related inventory        1,400             600              685               950             -
Net loss                               (9,378)         (9,359)          (9,759)           (9,877)       (5,545)

Loss per common share                 $ (0.52)        $ (0.57)         $ (0.65)          $ (0.73)      $ (0.43)
Weighted average common
     shares outstanding                17,987          16,459           15,018            13,527        12,805


December 31                            1996            1995              1994             1993          1992
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Balance Sheets
Working capital                        $3,800          $4,976           $5,641            $4,555       $14,428
Total assets                           18,444          23,082           23,508            24,378        31,115
Long-term debt, excluding
     current portion                    5,579           6,355              979             3,355         3,672
Shareholders' equity                    5,010           5,233           11,786            10,501        20,143



Item 7.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and 
          Results of Operations
          (Dollar amounts are rounded to nearest $1,000)

To the extent that this report discusses financial  projections,  information or
expectations about our products or markets,  or otherwise makes statements about
future events,  such statements are  forward-looking and are subject to a number
of risks and uncertainties  that could cause actual results to differ materially
from the statements made. These include,  among others,  uncertainty  associated
with timely  approval,  launch and acceptance of new products,  establishment of
new corporate alliances, progress in research and development programs and other
risks  listed  from  time to  time  in the  Company's  Securities  and  Exchange
Commission filings.

The Company's revenues are derived principally from product sales,  license fees
and royalties. The Company is currently manufacturing and selling Microsponge(R)
delivery  systems for use by  customers  in almost 100  different  cosmetic  and
personal care products.  Under strategic alliance arrangements entered into with
certain  multinational  corporations,  APS  generally  receives an initial  cash
infusion,  future  milestone  payments,  royalties  based on third party product
sales and revenues from the supply of Microsponge systems.

As of  January 1, 1997,  the  Company  licensed  its over the  counter  consumer
products to the Lander  Company in return for royalties on future product sales.
Also as part of its  long-term  strategic  plan to move  away  from  the  direct
marketing of consumer  products,  the Company plans to discontinue the marketing
of its in-licensed suncare products.

Past results are not indicative of future results.

The following  tables  summarize  highlights  from the  statements of operations
expressed  as a  percentage  change from the prior year and as a  percentage  of
product revenues.

                                       10



                                                           Years Ended December 31,                  Annual % Change
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS HIGHLIGHTS                       1996         1995           1994            96/95    95/94
- -----------------------------------                       ----         ----           ----            -----    -----
                                                          $000         $000           $000
                                                                                                 
Product revenues                                       $17,490       $15,203         $14,787            15%       3%
Licensing revenues                                       1,175           905           1,097            30%     -18%
                                                      --------     ---------        --------
  Total revenues                                        18,665        16,108          15,884            16%       1%
Cost of sales                                           10,772        11,047          10,149            -2%       9%
Research and development, net                            3,506         4,139           6,334           -15%     -35%
Selling and marketing                                    5,405         4,756           4,012            14%      19%
Advertising and promotion                                3,050         1,805           1,657            69%       9%
General and administrative                               2,984         3,082           2,844            -3%       8%
Loss on purchase commitments, including                                            
  related inventory                                      1,400           600             685           133%     -12%
                                                                                
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS HIGHLIGHTS                                1996              1995              1994
- -----------------------------------                                ----              ----              ----
Expenses expressed as a  percentage of product revenues:
Cost of sales                                                      62%               73%               69%
Research and development, net                                      20%               27%               43%
Selling and marketing                                              31%               31%               27%
Advertising and promotion                                          17%               12%               11%
General and administrative                                         17%               20%               19%
Loss on purchase commitments, including      
  related inventory                                                 8%                4%                5%



Results of Operations for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995

Total  revenues for 1996 totalled  $18,665,000  compared to  $16,108,000  in the
prior  year,  an  increase  of  $2,557,000  or 16%.  Product  sales  amounted to
$17,490,000, an increase of $2,287,000 or 15% over the prior year, and licensing
revenues  amounted to $1,175,000,  an increase of $270,000 or 30% over the prior
year.   Revenues  derived  from  products  which   incorporate  the  Microsponge
technology  totalled  $11,682,000,  an increase of $559,000 or 5% over the prior
year.

The  increase  in product  revenues  over 1995 was due  primarily  to  increased
shipments of Microsponge systems to manufacturers of cosmetics and personal care
products  of  $856,000  or 18% and  increased  sales  of  consumer  products  of
$1,363,000 or 15%. The Company  anticipates  an increase in sales of Microsponge
systems in 1997 as a result of agreements signed with major corporate  customers
who are launching new products  during the year.  These  partners  include Ortho
Dermatological, Avon,  Medicis,  Lander and Johnson & Johnson Consumer Products,
Inc. These increases will be offset by the absence of sales of consumer products
due to the  licensing  of products to the Lander  Company  effective  January 1,
1997, in return for a royalty stream and the Company's  plans to discontinue the
marketing of its in-licensed suncare products.

The increase in licensing fee revenue during 1996 relates to the receipt of fees
received from the Company's  new  corporate  partners as part of the  agreements
executed in 1996.

Gross profit on product  revenues for the year increased by $2,562,000 or 62% to
$6,718,000 due to increased manufacturing efficiencies resulting from the higher
volume and the sales mix of consumer products.

Research and development expense decreased by $633,000 or 15% due primarily to a
change in estimate.  Additionally,  there was a continuing  reduction in outside
services as external costs are being borne  principally  by corporate  partners.
Selling and marketing  expense  increased by $649,000 or 14% to  $5,405,000  due
mainly to an increased focus on opening new markets for Microsponge  systems and
increased distribution expense attributable to higher sales volume.

Advertising  and  promotion  expense  increased  by  $1,245,000  or 69% due to a
consumer  products  sampling program and expenditures  relating to a full year's
advertising  for the Neet(R)  depilatory  product line which was  licensed  from
Reckitt and Colman in  September,  1995.  These  costs,  together  with  selling
expenses,  will  decrease  significantly  in 1997 as a result  of the  licensing
arrangement for the Company's consumer product lines.

General and administrative  expense decreased by $98,000 or 3% to $2,984,000 due
mainly to reduced spending on external services.

The loss on purchase  commitment  relates to a  contractual  commitment  for the
purchase of melanin in excess of


                                       11

current estimated requirements. Melanin is the key ingredient in the manufacture
of the  APS-developed  UVA/UVB sun protection  cream for which an NDA was filed.
This amount includes the final amount due under the contractual commitment.

The  Company's  operating  loss  decreased by $869,000 or 9% to  $8,452,000 as a
result of the factors discussed above.

Interest income was essentially flat between 1996 and 1995, but interest expense
increased by $778,000 to  $1,223,000  in 1996 as a result of the debt  financing
arranged in the second half of 1995.

The net loss for the year of $9,378,000  was  essentially  flat with the loss in
the prior year,  with the  increased  gross  profit being offset by increases in
selling and promotional expense,  interest expense and the increased loss on the
purchase commitment.

Results of Operations for the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1994

Total revenues for 1995 amounted to  $16,108,000  compared to $15,884,000 in the
prior year,  an increase of $224,000 or 1%. This  consisted of product  sales of
$15,203,000,  an increase of $416,000 or 3% over the prior year,  and  licensing
revenues of $905,000, a decrease of $192,000 or 18% from the prior year.

Revenues from products which  incorporate  the Microsponge  technology  totalled
$10,458,000, an increase of $3,787,000 or 57% over the prior year.

The increase in product revenues over 1994 resulted from increased  shipments of
Microsponge  systems  to a variety of  personal  care and  specialty  customers,
primarily  manufacturers  of cosmetics and toiletries  through the alliance with
Dow Corning Corporation.  This increase was offset by a slight decrease in sales
of consumer  products.  While sales of the Exact(R)  acne line  increased by 71%
over the prior year and the  addition  of the line of Neet(R)  products  under a
licensing  agreement with Reckitt & Colman also contributed to sales of consumer
products,  this was offset by an  anticipated  decrease in sales of  in-licensed
suncare products which do not incorporate the Company's technology.

The  decrease in  licensing  fees was due mainly to the fact that the prior year
included  $894,000 of  revenues  recognized  under the  percentage-of-completion
method on  now-completed  clinical  trials,  offset by a  milestone  payment  of
$1,500,000 paid to the Company by Ortho-McNeil  Pharmaceutical  Corporation upon
the filing of the New Drug Application for  Microsponge-enhanced  tretinoin acne
cream in February 1995, of which $750,000 was recognized as revenues.

The gross profit on product  revenues for the year decreased to 27% from 31% due
to a higher percentage of close-out sales of suncare products,  partially offset
by improved gross profit on the supply of Microsponge systems.

Research and  development  expense  decreased  significantly  from $6,334,000 to
$4,139,000,  or by 35%, due to the fact that the prior year included significant
external  expenses  associated with clinical trials for NDAs which have now been
filed.

Selling and marketing  expense  increased by $744,000 or 19% to  $4,756,000  due
mainly  to  the  Company's   investment   in  the   initiation  of  its  ethical
pharmaceutical marketing effort.  Advertising and promotion expense increased by
$148,000 or 9% to $1,805,000  largely due to a sampling  program  related to the
Company's consumer  products,  the benefits of which should be realized in 1996,
partially offset by reduced spending on print media.

General and administrative expense increased by $238,000 or 8% to $3,082,000 due
mainly to increased spending on a variety of outside services.

The loss on purchase  commitment  primarily relates to a contractual  commitment
for the purchase of melanin in excess of current estimated requirements. Melanin
is the key  ingredient  in the  manufacture  of the  APS-developed  UVA/UVB  sun
protection cream for which an NDA was filed in the third quarter of 1994.

Interest  income  decreased  by $38,000 or 11% to  $318,000  due mainly to lower
average cash balances. Interest expense increased by $167,000 or 60% to $446,000
due to the debt financing arranged by the Company in the third quarter.

The net loss for the year of  $9,359,000  was lower by  $400,000  or 4% than the
prior year,  with  reduced  research  and  development  expense  being offset by
increased selling and marketing expense and reduced gross profit.

                                       12

Capital Resources and Liquidity

Total assets as of December 31, 1996 were $18,444,000  compared with $23,082,000
at December 31, 1995.  Cash and cash  equivalents at December 31, 1996 increased
to  $5,395,000  from  $5,173,000  at December 31, 1995.  The  Company's  primary
investment  objectives for those assets are the  preservation of capital and the
maintenance of a high degree of liquidity.  In the same period,  working capital
decreased to $3,800,000 from $4,976,000, primarily due to the discontinuation of
the direct marketing of consumer products which resulted in reduced inventory.

The  Company  has  financed  its  operations,  including  product  research  and
development,  from  amounts  raised in debt and equity  financings;  the sale of
consumer  products,   Microsponge   delivery  systems  and  Analytical  Standard
products;  payments received under licensing agreements;  and interest earned on
short-term investments.

In prior  years,  cash was  expended on Phase III  clinical  tests of  tretinoin
entrapped in a Microsponge  delivery system for the treatment of acne which have
now been  completed,  and of APS'  melanin-Microsponge  sun protectant  product,
together with related research and development costs. Additionally,  the Company
is contractually obligated to purchase minimum annual quantities of melanin. The
final  amounts  due under the  contractual  commitment  are  included in current
liabilities.

In the first quarter of 1996, the Company formed a collaborative  agreement with
the Lander Company under which the Company  received  $2,961,000 in net proceeds
from the sale of 356,761 shares of common stock.  In addition,  the Company will
receive  license fees,  royalties on product sales and research and  development
funding.

In the second  quarter of 1996,  the Company  entered into an agreement  for the
sale  of up to  $5,000,000  of its  common  stock  and  warrants,  which  can be
initiated at the Company's sole discretion.  In May 1996, the Company  exercised
its right to sell common  stock and  warrants  totalling  $2,000,000  under this
agreement.

During  1996,  Company   operations  used  approximately   $6,117,000  of  cash.
Approximately  $3,506,000 was invested in product  research and  development and
$3,050,000 was invested in advertising and promoting products.

In February  1997,  upon receipt of approval  from the FDA to market  Retin-A(R)
Micro(TM)  (tretinoin  gel)  microsphere for the treatment of acne, APS received
$3,000,000 from J&J as a milestone payment and prepaid royalties.

Also in  February  1997,  the Company  received  $653,000  from Lander  Company,
representing  payment  for a third of the assets  held for sale  pursuant to the
agreement between the two companies. The final two installments are due on March
31 and April 30, 1997.

The Company's existing cash and cash equivalents,  collections of trade accounts
receivable, together with interest income and other revenue producing activities
including licensing fees and milestone  payments,  are expected to be sufficient
to meet the Company's cash requirements for the foreseeable future,  assuming no
changes to existing business plans.


                                       13



Item 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Advanced Polymer Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

December 31,                                                                         1996             1995
                                                                                                    
Assets
Current Assets:
    Cash and cash equivalents                                                     $5,394,509       $5,172,809
    Accounts receivable less allowance for doubtful accounts of
       $47,527 and $68,650 at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively             1,666,148        2,436,815
    Accrued interest receivable                                                        3,963           16,473
    Inventory                                                                      2,085,073        7,858,584
    Prepaid expenses and other                                                       324,065          985,199
    Assets held for sale                                                           2,181,004               --
                                                                                 -----------      -----------
    Total current assets                                                          11,654,762       16,469,880
Property and equipment, net                                                        4,681,292        5,027,034
Deferred loan costs, net                                                             616,958          832,324
Prepaid license fees, net                                                            165,752          303,638
Goodwill and other intangibles, net of  accumulated amortization of $763,424
     and $483,668 at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively                      1,265,801          345,557
Other long-term assets                                                                59,603          103,809
                                                                                 -----------    --------------
Total Assets                                                                     $18,444,168      $23,082,242
                                                                                 ===========    =============

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Current Liabilities:
    Accounts payable                                                              $1,543,143       $3,240,807
    Accounts payable, Johnson & Johnson                                              814,509        4,229,637
    Accrued expenses                                                               1,456,512        1,819,541
    Accrued melanin purchase commitments                                           1,800,000          600,000
    Current portion - long-term debt                                               1,490,779          853,987
    Deferred revenue                                                                 750,000          750,000
                                                                                 -----------     ------------
       Total current liabilities                                                   7,854,943       11,493,972
Long-term debt                                                                     5,578,849        6,354,969
                                                                                 -----------     ------------
Total Liabilities                                                                 13,433,792       17,848,941
                                                                                 -----------     ------------

Commitments and Contingencies
Shareholders' Equity
    Preferred stock, authorized 2,500,000 shares; none issued or
       outstanding at December 31, 1996 and 1995                                          --               --
    Common stock, $.01 par value, authorized 50,000,000 shares;
       issued and outstanding 18,359,744 and 16,594,565 at
       December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively                                      183,597          165,946
    Common stock to be issued, $.01 par value, 432,101 shares
       issuable in 1996                                                                   --            4,321
    Warrants, issued and outstanding: 1,431,974 at December 31, 1996
       and 1,628,611 at December 31, 1995                                          2,457,692        2,653,076
    Additional paid-in capital                                                    73,950,092       64,600,516
    Unrealized gain on securities                                                         --           12,348
    Accumulated deficit                                                          (71,581,005)     (62,202,906)
                                                                                 -----------    -------------
Total Shareholders' Equity                                                         5,010,376        5,233,301
                                                                                 -----------    -------------
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity                                       $18,444,168      $23,082,242
                                                                                 ===========    =============
<FN>
See accompanying notes.
</FN>


                                       14


Advanced Polymer Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For the Years Ended December 31,                                            1996                1995             1994
                                                                                                             
Revenues:
Product revenues                                                         $17,489,907         $15,203,196      $14,787,048
Licensing revenues                                                         1,175,000             905,000        1,097,402
                                                                       -------------       -------------     -------------
     Total revenues                                                       18,664,907          16,108,196       15,884,450

Expenses:
Cost of sales                                                             10,771,766          11,047,399       10,149,302
Research and development, net                                              3,506,161           4,139,441        6,334,168
Selling and marketing                                                      5,404,774           4,755,788        4,011,752
Advertising and promotion                                                  3,050,180           1,804,540        1,657,178
General and administrative                                                 2,984,213           3,081,900        2,844,282
Loss on purchase commitment, including related inventory                   1,400,000             600,000          685,000
                                                                       -------------       -------------     ------------
     Operating loss                                                       (8,452,187)         (9,320,872)      (9,797,232)

Interest expense                                                          (1,223,303)           (445,501)        (278,988)
Interest income                                                              322,986             317,948          355,837
Other income (expense), net                                                  (25,595)             89,895          (38,593)
                                                                       -------------       -------------     ------------
Net loss                                                                 $(9,378,099)        $(9,358,530)     $(9,758,976)
                                                                       =============       =============     ============

Loss per common share                                                         $(0.52)             $(0.57)          $(0.65)
                                                                       =============       =============     ============

Weighted average common shares outstanding                                17,987,153          16,459,446       15,017,753
                                                                       =============       =============     ============

<FN>
See accompanying notes.
</FN>


                                       15



Advanced Polymer Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For the Years Ended
     December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
                                                                             Common Stock           Additional      Unrealized
                                               Common Stock                    Warrants                Paid-In         Holding  
                                            Shares      Amount          Shares          Amount         Capital            Gain   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                                                                            
Balance December 31, 1993               13,646,657    $136,467       1,161,500    $  2,300,000    $ 51,077,341             $--   

Options exercised                          471,306       4,713              --              --       1,881,821              --   
Agreement with Johnson &
   Johnson, net of $30,201
   in offering costs                     1,000,000      10,000         200,000         285,000       4,674,799              --   
Private placement,
   net of $353,183 in
   offering costs                          925,158       9,251         925,158       1,474,500       2,663,066              --   
Unrealized holding gain                         --          --              --              --              --         113,166   
Net loss                                        --          --              --              --              --              --   
Distributions                                   --          --              --              --              --              --
                                        --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1994 Total                               2,396,464      23,964       1,125,158       1,759,500       9,219,686         113,166   
                                        --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance December 31, 1994               16,043,121    $160,431       2,286,658    $  4,059,500    $ 60,297,027    $    113,166   
                                        --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Options exercised                          236,992       2,370              --              --       1,078,929              --   
Private placement,
   net of $112,383 in
   offering costs                          310,278       3,103         310,278         485,591         898,923              --   
Securities issued in debt
  financing arrangements                     4,174          42         193,175         407,985          29,958              --   
Common stock to be issued in
   connection with the agreement
   with Johnson & Johnson                  432,101       4,321              --              --          (4,321)             --   
Warrants expired                                --          --      (1,161,500)     (2,300,000)      2,300,000              --   
Change in unrealized holding gain               --          --              --              --              --        (100,818)
Net loss                                        --          --              --              --              --              --   
                                        --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1995 Total                                 983,545       9,836        (658,047)     (1,406,424)      4,303,489        (100,818)  
                                        --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance December 31, 1995               17,026,666    $170,267       1,628,611    $  2,653,076    $ 64,600,516    $     12,348   
                                        ======================================================================================

Options exercised                          416,219       4,162              --              --       1,993,017              --   
Shares retired                             (12,836)       (128)             --              --         (97,747)             --   
Private Placement,
   net of $62,149 in
   offering costs                          201,922       2,019          86,538         295,751       1,640,081              --   
Common stock to be issued in
   connection with the agreement
   with Johnson & Johnson                 (432,101)     (4,321)             --              --           4,321              --   
Common stock issued in
   connection with the agreement
   with Johnson & Johnson                  432,101       4,321              --              --          (4,321)             --   
Common stock issued in connection
   with the agreement with Lander
   Company, net of $39,547 in
   offering costs                          356,761       3,567              --              --       2,956,976              --   
Common stock issued to Dow Corning, 
   net of $4,000 in offering costs         200,000       2,000              --              --       1,194,000              --   
Common stock issued to Biosource            94,000         940              --              --         599,060              --   
Securities issued in debt financing
   arrangements                             10,675         107           4,325         (50,935)         78,353              --   
Fair value of stock options
   issued to non-employees                      --          --              --              --         161,299              --   
Warrants exercised                          66,337         663         (87,500)       (155,200)        539,537              --   
Warrants expired                                --          --        (200,000)       (285,000)        285,000              --   
Change in unrealized holding gain               --          --              --              --              --         (12,348)  
Net loss                                        --          --              --              --              --              --   
                                        --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 Total                               1,333,078      13,330        (196,637)       (195,384)      9,349,576         (12,348)  
                                        --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance December 31, 1996               18,359,744    $183,597       1,431,974    $  2,457,692    $ 73,950,092             $--   
                                        ======================================================================================
<FN>
See accompanying notes.                                              
</FN>








For the Years Ended
     December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
                                                             Total 
                                       Accumulated    Shareholders'  
                                           Deficit          Equity   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance December 31, 1993             $(43,012,400)   $ 10,501,408   
                                                                     
Options exercised                               --       1,886,534   
Agreement with Johnson &                                             
   Johnson, net of $30,201                                           
   in offering costs                            --       4,969,799   
Private placement,                                                   
   net of $353,183 in                                                
   offering costs                               --       4,146,817   
Unrealized holding gain                         --         113,166   
Net loss                                (9,758,976)     (9,758,976)  
Distributions                              (73,000)        (73,000)  
                                      ------------    ------------   
1994 Total                              (9,831,976)      1,284,340   
                                      ------------    ------------   
Balance December 31, 1994             $(52,844,376)   $ 11,785,748   
                                      ============    ============   

Options exercised                               --       1,081,299   
Private placement,                                                   
   net of $112,383 in                                                
   offering costs                               --       1,387,617   
Securities issued in debt                                            
  financing arrangements                        --         437,985   
Common stock to be issued in                                         
   connection with the agreement                                     
   with Johnson & Johnson                       --              --   
Warrants expired                                --              --   
Change in unrealized holding gain               --        (100,818)  
Net loss                                (9,358,530)     (9,358,530)  
                                      ------------    ------------   
1995 Total                              (9,358,530)     (6,552,447)  
                                      ------------    ------------   
Balance December 31, 1995             $(62,202,906)   $  5,233,301   
                                      ============    ============   

Options exercised                               --       1,997,179   
Shares retired                                  --         (97,875)      
Private Placement,                                                   
   net of $62,149 in                                                 
   offering costs                               --       1,937,851   
Common stock to be issued in                                         
   connection with the agreement                                     
   with Johnson & Johnson                       --              --   
Common stock issued in                                               
   connection with the agreement                                     
   with Johnson & Johnson                       --              --   
Common stock issued in connection                                    
   with the agreement with Lander                                    
   Company, net of $39,547 in                                        
   offering costs                               --       2,960,543   
Common stock issued to Dow Corning   
   net of $4,000 in offering costs              --       1,196,000
Common stock issued to Biosource                --         600,000   
Securities issued in debt financing                                  
   arrangements                                 --          27,525   
Fair value of stock options                                          
   issued to non-employees                      --         161,299   
Warrants exercised                              --         385,000   
Warrants expired                                --              --   
Change in unrealized holding gain               --         (12,348)  
Net loss                                (9,378,099)     (9,378,099)  
                                      ------------    ------------   
1996 Total                              (9,378,099)       (222,925)  
                                      ------------    ------------   
Balance December 31, 1996             $(71,581,005)   $  5,010,376   
                                      ============    ============   
See accompanying notes.                                              
                                     
                                       16



Advanced Polymer Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For the Years Ended December 31,                                                           1996              1995              1994
                                                                                                                        
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss                                                                            $(9,378,099)      $(9,358,530)      $(9,758,976)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash
   used in operating activities:
      Depreciation and amortization                                                   1,393,805         1,377,614         1,243,906
      Provision for loss on purchase commitments, including inventory                 1,400,000           600,000           685,000
      Change in allowance for doubtful accounts                                         (21,123)            2,086           (69,456)
      Accretion of pledged long-term marketable securities                                   --          (121,572)         (150,498)
      (Gain) loss on sale of equipment and assets held for sale                              --           125,764              (868)
      Gain on sale of pledged marketable securities                                          --          (234,319)               --
      Provision for deferred compensation                                               161,299                --                --
      Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
         Accounts receivable                                                            791,790        (1,130,448)          908,738
         Accrued interest receivable                                                     12,510             9,570             6,981
         Inventory                                                                    5,573,511          (856,558)        1,291,126
         Prepaid expenses and other                                                     661,134            20,931          (575,003)
         Assets held for sale                                                        (2,181,004)               --                --
         Deferred loan costs                                                            215,366          (439,824)               --
         Other long-term assets                                                         129,425           (10,856)           17,895
         Accounts payable and accrued expenses                                       (1,460,693)           87,394           517,005
         Accounts payable, Johnson & Johnson                                         (3,415,128)          659,112        (1,852,753)
         Deferred revenue                                                                    --           750,000          (894,000)
                                                                                    ------------------------------------------------
Net cash used in operating activities                                                (6,117,207)       (8,519,636)       (8,630,903)
                                                                                    ------------------------------------------------

Cash flows from investing activities:
   Purchase of property and equipment                                                  (719,640)         (901,288)         (645,899)
   Proceeds from sale of equipment and assets held for sale                                  --           797,672             2,290
   Purchases of marketable securities                                                  (512,513)       (4,458,891)       (1,448,467)
   Maturities and sales of marketable securities                                        500,165         5,935,087         1,216,394
                                                                                    ------------------------------------------------
Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities                                  (731,988)        1,372,580          (875,682)
                                                                                    ------------------------------------------------

Cash flows from financing activities:
   Repayment to Dow Corning                                                                  --                --          (274,208)
   Repayment of long-term debt                                                         (870,598)         (258,304)         (200,000)
   Proceeds from long-term debt and warrants                                            758,795         7,367,259                --
   Proceeds from private placements, net of offering costs                             1,937,851         1,387,617         4,146,817
   Proceeds from stock issued to Lander Company, net of offering costs                2,960,543                --                --
   Proceeds from agreement with Johnson & Johnson                                            --                --         4,969,799
   Distributions                                                                             --                --           (73,000)
   Proceeds from the exercise of common stock options and warrants,
      net of common stock retired                                                     2,284,304         1,081,299         1,886,534
                                                                                    ------------------------------------------------
Net cash provided from financing activities                                           7,070,895         9,577,871        10,455,942
                                                                                    ------------------------------------------------

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents                                               221,700         2,430,815           949,357
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year                                5,172,809         2,741,994         1,792,637
                                                                                    ------------------------------------------------
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year                                     $5,394,509        $5,172,809        $2,741,994
                                                                                    ================================================
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing transactions:

   During the first  quarter of 1996,  the  Company  acquired  all rights to the
   Polytrap  technology  from Dow Corning  Corporation  ("DCC") in exchange  for
   200,000 shares of common stock valued at $1,200,000.

   During the first  quarter of 1996,  the Company paid  Biosource  for the 1995
   purchase  commitment  totalling  $600,000 by issuing  94,000 shares of common
   stock.

   The Company offset a deposit of approximately  $188,000 and $755,000 for 1996
   and 1995, respectively, with a creditor against a loan from the same creditor
   (Note 8).

   In  September,  1995,  the  Company  offset its note  payable to Dow  Corning
   Corporation  against its receivable  from DCC. This resulted in a decrease in
   long-term debt, short-term debt and accounts receivable of $478,935, $100,000
   and $578,935, respectively.

   In 1995, the Company  extinguished  a debt through an insubstance  defeasance
   transaction by placing U.S. government  securities in an irrevocable trust to
   fund all future scheduled payments on the debt.
<FN>
See accompanying notes.
</FN>

                                       17

                 ADVANCED POLYMER SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
                         December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994

Note 1   Business

Advanced Polymer Systems,  Inc. ("APS" or the "Company") develops,  manufactures
and sells patented  delivery  systems that allow for the  controlled  release of
active ingredients which have benefits in the ethical dermatology,  cosmetic and
personal  care areas.  Certain  projects are  conducted  under  development  and
licensing  arrangements with large companies,  others are part of joint ventures
in which APS is a major  participant,  and a number of projects are exclusive to
APS. APS also marketed and distributed a range of consumer products for personal
care through its subsidiary, Premier, Inc. ("Premier").  Effective January 1997,
APS licensed the consumer products to a third party (Note 6).

Note 2   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation:  The consolidated  financial statements include the
financial statements of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries,  Premier,
Advanced  Consumer  Products,  Inc.  ("ACP") and APS Analytical  Standards.  All
significant  intercompany  balances and  transactions  have been  eliminated  in
consolidation.

Cash  Equivalents and Marketable  Securities:  For purposes of the  Consolidated
Statements of Cash Flows and Consolidated  Balance Sheets, the Company considers
all  short-term  investments  that have  original  maturities of less than three
months to be cash  equivalents.  Short-term  investments  consist  primarily  of
certificates  of  deposit,   commercial  paper,   master  notes  and  repurchase
agreements.  Investments which have original maturities longer than three months
are classified as marketable securities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance
Sheets.  The Company has classified  its  investments in certain debt and equity
securities as "available-for-sale".  Such investments are recorded at fair value
with  unrealized  holding gains and losses  reported as a separate  component of
stockholders' equity.

Inventory:  Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market value,  utilizing
the average cost method (Note 5).

Property and Equipment: Property and equipment are carried at cost. Depreciation
is computed using the  straight-line  method over the estimated  useful lives of
the assets, not exceeding twenty years (Note 7).

Prepaid License Fees: The fee paid to Biosource Technologies, Inc. ("Biosource")
in 1992 is being amortized over a seven-year  period consistent with the term of
the agreement (Note 3).  Amortization of prepaid license fees totalled $137,880,
$137,868 and $124,057 in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

Deferred  Loan Costs:  Deferred  charges  relate to costs  incurred in obtaining
certain  loans.  These  charges are being  amortized  over the life of the loans
using the effective interest method (Note 8).

Long-Lived Assets, Including Goodwill and Other Intangibles:  In accordance with
SFAS No.  121,  "Accounting  for the  Impairment  of  Long-Lived  Assets and for
Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of", the Company evaluates whether changes have
occurred  that  would  require  revision  of the  remaining  estimated  lives of
recorded  long-lived  assets,  including  goodwill,  or render  those assets not
recoverable.  If such  circumstances  arise,  recoverability  is  determined  by
comparing  the  undiscounted  net  cash  flows  of  long-lived  assets  to their
respective carrying values. The amount of impairment,  if any, is measured based
on the projected  discounted  cash flows using an appropriate  discount rate. At
this time,  the Company  believes that no  significant  impairment of long-lived
assets,  including goodwill, has occurred and that no reduction of the estimated
useful lives of such assets is warranted.

In the first  quarter  of 1996,  APS  acquired  all  patents  and  rights to the
Polytrap  technology from Dow Corning Corporation in exchange for 200,000 shares
of its  common  stock.  APS  recorded  intangible  assets  totalling  $1,200,000
relating to this  transaction.  The intangible  assets are being  amortized on a
straight  line  basis  over a period of  approximately  10  years,  which is the
remaining life of the main patent acquired.

In 1992,  APS acquired for 157,894 shares of its common stock,  the  outstanding
25% interest in ACP, APS'  over-the-counter  consumer products  subsidiary.  The
acquisition  was  accounted  for as a  purchase.  Excess of cost over net assets
acquired  

                                       18


arising from the purchase is being  amortized over five years on a straight-line
basis.

Amortization of intangible assets totalled $279,756,  $188,875 and $160,796,  in
1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

Adoption of  Statement of Financial  Accounting  Standards No. 123: Statement of
Financial   Accounting   Standards   No.  123,   "Accounting   for   Stock-Based
Compensation," encourages, but does not require companies to record compensation
cost for stock-based employee  compensation plans at fair value. The Company has
chosen to account for stock-based  compensation using the intrinsic value method
prescribed in Accounting  Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for "Stock
Issued to Employees" and related interpretations.  Accordingly, except for stock
options issued to  non-employees,  no compensation  cost has been recognized for
the Company's fixed stock option plans (Note 10).

Use of Estimates:  The  preparation of financial  statements in conformity  with
generally accepted  accounting  principles requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the amounts  reported in the consolidated  financial
statements and related notes to financial statements.  Changes in such estimates
may affect amounts in future periods.

Advertising and Promotion Costs: Advertising and promotion costs are expensed as
incurred.

Earnings  (Loss) Per Share:  Earnings  (loss) per common  share are based on the
weighted  average  number of common  shares  outstanding  during each year.  The
computation  assumes  that  no  outstanding  stock  options  and  warrants  were
exercised as they would be anti-dilutive.

Licensing  Agreements:   The  Company  has  several  licensing  agreements  that
generally provide for monthly payments,  periodic minimum payments and royalties
for exclusivity.  Revenue is recorded as services are performed.  The agreements
do not  contain any  financial  obligations  with  respect to the Company at the
expiration or earlier  termination of the  agreements.  Certain  agreements also
require the remittance of non-refundable license fees.

Deferred Revenue:  Prepaid royalties paid to APS by Ortho-McNeil  Pharmaceutical
Corporation  ("Ortho"),  a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson Inc. ("J&J"), as part
of the retinoid licensing agreement are reported as deferred revenues (Note 13).

Concentrations of Credit Risk:  Financial  instruments which potentially  expose
the  Company to  concentrations  of credit  risk,  as defined  by  Statement  of
Financial  Accounting  Standards No. 105,  consist  primarily of trade  accounts
receivable.  As of December 31, 1996,  approximately  53% of the recorded  trade
receivables  were  concentrated  with two customers in the cosmetic and personal
care  industries.  To reduce credit risk,  the Company  performs  ongoing credit
evaluations  of its  customers'  financial  conditions.  The  Company  does  not
generally require collateral.

Reclassifications:  Certain  reclassifications  have been made to the prior year
financial statements to conform with the presentation in 1996.

Note 3   Related Party Transactions

APS has entered into agreements with Biosource. One director serves on the Board
of Directors of both Biosource and APS. All agreements between APS and Biosource
have been,  and will  continue to be,  considered  and approved by a vote of the
disinterested  directors. The agreements provide APS worldwide rights to use and
sell Biosource's biologically-synthesized melanin in Microsponge systems for all
sun protection,  cosmetic,  ethical dermatology and  over-the-counter  skin care
purposes.  In return,  APS is  required  to make  annual  minimum  purchases  of
melanin,  pay  royalties  on sales of APS  melanin-Microsponge  products and was
required  to prepay  $500,000 of  royalties.  For  estimated  losses on purchase
commitments and related inventory, the Company accrued $1,400,000,  $600,000 and
$685,000 in 1996,  1995 and 1994,  respectively.  During 1994,  the Company paid
Biosource $263,403 for the supply of melanin. All minimum financial  commitments
under the current agreements have been expensed by APS.

In 1996,  APS paid  Biosource  the 1995 minimum  purchase  commitment by issuing
Biosource 94,000 shares of APS common stock.

                                       19

Note 4   Cash Equivalents

All investments in debt  securities have been classified as cash  equivalents in
the accompanying balance sheets as they mature in less than three months.

At December 31, 1996 and 1995, the amortized cost and estimated  market value of
investments in debt securities are set forth in the tables below:

                                      December 31, 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          Unrealized    Unrealized    Estimated
                                 Cost        Gains        Losses     Fair Value
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Available-for-Sale:
Corporate debt securities     $3,556,052       --          --        $3,556,052
Other debt securities            214,790       --          --           214,790
                              -------------------------------------------------
   Totals                     $3,770,842       --          --        $3,770,842
                              =================================================


                                      December 31, 1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          Unrealized    Unrealized    Estimated
                                 Cost        Gains        Losses     Fair Value
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Available-for-Sale:
Corporate debt securities     $3,273,602      $12,348           --   $3,285,950
Other debt securities            164,425           --           --      164,425
                              -------------------------------------------------
   Totals                     $3,438,027      $12,348           --   $3,450,375
                              ==================================================


Note 5   Inventory

The major components of inventory are as follows:     December 31,  December 31,
                                                             1996          1995
                                                     ---------------------------
Raw materials and work-in-process                        $604,852     $1,006,847
Finished goods                                          1,480,221      6,851,737
                                                     ---------------------------
Total inventory                                        $2,085,073     $7,858,584
                                                     ===========================

Consumer  products  inventory  is  classified  as  Assets  Held  for Sale in the
accompanying  December  31,  1996  balance  sheet  (Note 6).  J&J has a security
interest in the Company's  Sundown(R) and Johnson's Baby Sunblock(R)  inventory.
Inventory subject to their security interest totalled  approximately  $4,400,000
at December 31, 1995 (Note 14).

Note 6   Assets Held for Sale

As part of the Company's  long-term  strategic plan to move away from the direct
marketing  of consumer  products,  APS  entered  into an  agreement  with Lander
Company under which Lander will commercialize the APS consumer  products.  Under
the terms of the agreement,  certain consumer products inventory,  manufacturing
equipment and prepaid advertising credits were sold to Lander in January 1997 at
the December 31, 1996 book value.  In  addition,  APS will receive  revenue from
royalties on consumer  product  sales and the supply of  Microsponge  systems to
Lander.  Also,  the Company  plans to  discontinue  the marketing of the suncare
products licensed from J&J; the related  inventory,  in which J&J has a security
interest, amounted to approximately $198,000 at December 31, 1996. For financial
reporting purposes,  these consumer product assets are classified as Assets Held
for Sale in the  accompanying  balance  sheet and  consist of the  following  at
December 31, 1996:

         Inventory                                   $1,703,764
         Prepaid Asset                                  388,021
         Property Plant and Equipment                    89,219
                                                  -------------
                                                     $2,181,004
                                                  =============


                                       20

Note 7   Property and Equipment

Property and equipment consist of the following:

                                                December 31,       December 31,
                                                        1996               1995 
                                                --------------------------------
Building                                         $1,611,039          $1,610,339
Land and improvements                               163,519             163,519
Leasehold improvements                              571,223             571,223
Furniture and equipment                          11,119,307          10,623,203
                                                --------------------------------
Total property and equipment                    $13,465,088         $12,968,284
Accumulated depreciation and
  amortization                                   (8,783,796)         (7,941,250)
                                                --------------------------------
Property and equipment, net                      $4,681,292          $5,027,034
                                                ================================

Depreciation  expense amounted to $976,163,  $980,779 and $920,871 for the years
ended December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994, respectively.

Certain  consumer products manufacturing  equipment is classified as Assets Held
for Sale in the accompanying December 31, 1996 balance sheet (Note 6).


Note 8   Long-Term Debt


Long-term debt consists of the following:                                              December 31,     December 31,
                                                                                               1996             1995
                                                                                       -----------------------------
                                                                                                           
Bank loan,  interest  payable monthly,  principal due in non-equal  installments
commencing  December 1, 1996  through  March 1, 1999,  secured by the assets and
operating cash flow of a subsidiary of the Company and guaranteed by the Company        $2,950,000        $3,000,000

Term loan, subordinated to bank loan, interest payable quarterly,  principal due
in non-equal  installments  commencing  December 1, 1996 through  March 1, 1999,
secured by the assets and  operating  cash flows of a subsidiary  of the Company
and guaranteed by the Company                                                            1,622,500         1,500,000

Term loan, principal and interest due in equal monthly  installments  commencing
October 1996 through December 1999, secured by certain real and personal property        2,497,128         2,708,956
                                                                                       -----------------------------

Total                                                                                   $7,069,628        $7,208,956
Less current portion                                                                     1,490,779           853,987
                                                                                       -----------------------------
Long-term debt                                                                          $5,578,849        $6,354,969
                                                                                       =============================


Maturities of the long-term debt are as follows:

     Years ending December 31:                                     Amount
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         1997                                                  $  1,490,779
         1998                                                     2,523,389
         1999                                                     3,055,460
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               $  7,069,628
================================================================================

In 1995,  the Company  received an  aggregate  amount of  $8,122,334  from three
financing arrangements.

The first financing arrangement was a $3,000,000 bank loan with an interest rate
equal to two  percentage  points  above the 

                                       21

Prime Rate (8.25% as of December  31,  1996).  The loan is secured by the assets
and operating  cash flows of a subsidiary  of the Company and  guaranteed by the
Company.

The second  financing  arrangement  was originally a $1,500,000 term loan with a
syndicate  of lenders  and a fixed  interest  rate of 14%. In January  1996,  an
incremental $150,000 was received under this financing arrangement.  The loan is
also  secured by the  assets and  operating  cash flows of a  subsidiary  of the
Company and guaranteed by the Company. The security interest of the debt holders
is subordinated to the bank loan's security interest.

In the third quarter of 1995,  the Company  consummated  a  transaction  whereby
certain real and personal properties were sold to a third party and subsequently
leased back for a fixed rental stream over a period of forty-eight  months.  The
Company has the option either to purchase all the  properties at the  expiration
of the term of the lease or extend the term of the lease.  The Company  reported
this  transaction  as  a  financing   transaction  since  the  requirements  for
consummation of a sale were not met. A deposit of $188,000 and $755,000 with the
lender was offset  against  the loan  balance as of  December  31, 1996 and 1995
respectively.  In 1996, the Company received a refund of $567,000 of the deposit
upon satisfaction of certain conditions  identified in the financing  agreement.
This transaction has been reflected in the table above as a term loan.

The terms of certain  financing  agreements  contain,  among  other  provisions,
requirements  for a  subsidiary  of the  Company to maintain  defined  levels of
earnings,  net worth and various financial ratios,  including debt to net worth.
In conjunction with the debt financing agreements, APS issued a total of 197,500
warrants with an exercise price of $7.00 per share of common stock.

All costs incurred in obtaining the financing arrangements have been capitalized
as deferred  charges,  and are being  amortized over the life of the loans using
the effective interest method. Interest paid in 1996, 1995 and 1994 approximated
interest expense reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

In September  1995, the Company  extinguished  $2,500,000 of Industrial  Revenue
Bonds through an "insubstance  defeasance"  transaction by placing approximately
$2,500,000 of U.S.  government  securities in an  irrevocable  trust to fund all
future  interest  and  principal  payments.   The  purchase  of  the  government
securities  was achieved  through the sale of the Company's  pledged  marketable
security.  The  debt  extinguishment  did  not  have a  material  impact  on the
Company's  earnings.  The debt balance  outstanding  as of December 31, 1996 was
$2,500,000.


Note 9   Commitments

Lease Commitments: Total rental expense for property and equipment was $655,283,
$639,807 and $558,086 for 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

The Company's  future  minimum lease  payments  under  noncancellable  operating
leases for facilities as of December 31, 1996, are as follows:

                                                                   Minimum
           Years Ending December 31,                              Payments
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             1997                                                $ 443,442
             1998                                                  132,186
             1999                                                  100,043
             2000                                                   80,869
             2001                                                   75,600
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 $ 832,140
===============================================================================

Note 10   Shareholders' Equity

Private  Placements  and Common  Stock  Warrants:  In 1994,  the Company  raised
$9,116,616  net of offering costs through two private  placements.  In the first
private  placement,  APS issued 1,000,000 shares of newly issued common stock to
Johnson & Johnson  ("J&J") in  consideration  for $5,000,000.  In addition,  J&J
received  200,000  warrants  exercisable  for two years at $12.00 per share.  In
January 1996,  in  accordance  with the 1994 private  placement  agreement,  APS
issued J&J 432,101 shares of common stock as a result of the APS stock price not
achieving certain

                                       22



predetermined  levels.  The 200,000  warrants issued to J&J in conjunction  with
this private placement expired in 1996 (Note 13).

The second private  placement was pursuant to an agreement for the sale of up to
$8,000,000 of common stock and warrants in six  installments  beginning in June,
1994 and ending on September  29, 1995.  The Company sold  $6,000,000  of common
stock  and  warrants   through  March  30,  1995.  The  remaining  two  optional
installments in June and September 1995 totalling $2,000,000 of common stock and
warrants were not sold by the Company.  In accordance  with the  agreement,  the
following shares of common stock and warrants were issued:

                        Number of shares           Number of      Exercise Price
Date Issued          of Common Stock Issued     Warrants Issued    of Warrants
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

June 30, 1994                294,314                294,314            $5.61
September 30, 1994           299,066                299,066            $5.52
December 31, 1994            331,778                331,778            $4.97
March 30, 1995               310,278                310,278            $5.32

The warrants issued are exercisable over a three-year  period.  The value of the
warrants was determined using the Black-Scholes model.

In conjunction with certain debt financing agreements made in 1995 (Note 8), APS
issued a total of 197,500  warrants with an exercise price of $7.00 per share of
common stock. These warrants expire on March 27, 2000.

In the first  quarter  of 1995,  1,161,500  warrants  issued  in a 1992  private
placement expired.

In the first quarter of 1996, the Company formed a collaborative  agreement with
the Lander Company under which the Company  received  $2,961,000 in net proceeds
from the sale of 356,761 shares of common stock.  In addition,  the Company will
receive  licensing  fees,  research  and  development  funding and  royalties on
product sales in the future.

In 1996, APS acquired all patents and rights to the Polytrap technology from Dow
Corning in exchange for 200,000 shares of APS common stock (Note 2).

During the second  quarter of 1996,  APS  received  $1,937,851  net of  offering
costs,  through a private  placement and sale of 201,922  shares of common stock
and 86,538  warrants  exercisable  over a  three-year  period.  The warrants are
exercisable at the following prices:

            Number of Shares               Exercise Price
            ----------------               --------------
                 28,846                         $7.43
                 28,846                         $9.90
                 28,846                        $12.38

The  private  placement  was  pursuant  to an  agreement  for the  sale of up to
$5,000,000 of common stock and warrants, which can be initiated at the Company's
sole discretion.

Shareholders  Rights Plan: On August 19, 1996, the Board of Directors approved a
Shareholders Rights Plan under which shareholders of record on September 3, 1996
received a dividend of one Preferred  Stock purchase  right  ("Rights") for each
share of common  stock  outstanding.  The Rights are not  generally  exercisable
until 10  business  days  after a person  or group  acquires  20% or more of the
outstanding  shares of common  stock or  announces  a tender  offer  which could
result in a person or group  beneficially  owning 20% or more of the outstanding
shares of common stock (an "Acquisition") of the Company.  Each Right, should it
become  exercisable,  will entitle the holder (other than  acquirer) to purchase
company  stock at a discount.  The Board of Directors  may  terminate the Rights
plan or, under certain circumstances, redeem the rights.

In the event of an  Acquisition  without the  approval of the Board,  each Right
will entitle the registered  holder,  other than an acquirer and certain related
parties, to buy at the Right's then current exercise price a number of shares of
common stock with a market value equal to twice the exercise price.

                                       23


In addition,  if at the time when there was a 20% shareholder,  the Company were
to be acquired by merger,  shareholders  with unexercised  Rights could purchase
common  stock of the acquirer  with a value of twice the  exercise  price of the
Rights.

The Board  may  redeem  the  Rights  for  $0.01  per Right at any time  prior to
Acquisition. Unless earlier redeemed, the Rights will expire on August 19, 2006.

Stock  Options:  The Company  has  various  stock  option  plans for  employees,
officers,  directors  and  consultants.  The  options are granted at fair market
value and expire no later than ten years from the date of the grant. The options
are exercisable in accordance with vesting  schedules that generally provide for
them to be fully exercisable four years after the date of grant.

The Company has adopted the disclosure only provisions of Statement of Financial
Accounting  Standards  No. 123,  ("SFAS No. 123")  "Accounting  for  Stock-Based
Compensation." Accordingly, except for stock options issued to non-employees, no
compensation  cost has been  recognized  for the fixed stock option  plans.  The
compensation  cost that has been charged  against  income for the stock  options
issued  to  non-employees  was  $161,000,  $0 and $0 for  1996,  1995 and  1994,
respectively.  Had compensation  cost for the Company's fixed stock option plans
been  determined  consistent  with the provisions of SFAS No. 123, the Company's
net loss and loss per common share would have increased to the pro-forma amounts
indicated below:
                                                  1996              1995
                                                  ----              ----
         Net loss - as reported                   $( 9,378,099)     $(9,358,530)
         Net loss - pro-forma                     $(10,462,871)     $(9,815,235)
         Loss per common share - as reported      $      (0.52)     $     (0.57)
         Loss per common share - pro-forma        $      (0.58)     $     (0.60)

The fair value of each option  grant is estimated on the date of grant using the
Black-Scholes   option   pricing  model  with  the  following   weighted-average
assumptions  used for  grants in 1996 and 1995:  dividend  yield of 0;  expected
volatility of 85%; risk-free interest rate of 6.1 percent;  and expected life of
four years for all the stock option plans.

The amounts  disclosed above under the fair value method of SFAS No. 123 include
compensation costs and fair values for options granted since January 1, 1995 and
may not be representative of the effects in future years.


The following table summarizes option activity for 1996, 1995 and 1994:


- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
December 31,                                           1996                           1995                        1994
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                               Weighted                         Weighted                   Weighted
                                                               Average                          Average                    Average
                                                               Exercise                         Exercise                   Exercise
                                              Shares           Price            Shares          Price       Shares         Price
                                              ------           -----            ------          -----       ------         -----
                                                                                                           
Outstanding at beginning of year              2,972,324        $5.98            2,677,162        $6.14      2,588,940      $6.21
Granted                                         502,500        $7.89              636,500        $5.31        723,500      $5.13
Exercised                                      (416,219)       $4.80             (236,992)       $4.59       (471,306)     $4.00
Expired or Cancelled                           (157,165)       $6.25             (104,346)       $9.14       (163,972)     $9.00
                                              ---------                         ---------                   ---------
Outstanding at end of year                    2,901,440        $6.46            2,972,324        $5.98      2,677,162      $6.14
                                              =========                         =========                   =========
Options exercisable at year-end               1,945,056                         1,877,295                   1,529,574
Shares available for future grant at
year end                                        569,984                           167,819                     709,973
Weighted-average fair value of options
granted during the year                                        $7.89                             $5.31                     $5.13


                                       24





The following table summarizes information about fixed stock options outstanding
at December 31, 1996:


                             OPTIONS OUTSTANDING                                             OPTIONS EXERCISABLE

                                           Weighted Avg.                                                    
Range of              Number               Remaining                                  Number              
Exercise              Outstanding          Contractual          Weighted Avg.         Exercisable        Weighted Avg.  
Prices                12/31/96             Life                 Exercise Price        at 12/31/96        Exercise Price 
- ------                -------              ----                 --------------        -----------        --------------
                                                                                              
$3.44-$5.25             922,760            6.6 years            $  4.65                 613,035          $  4.39
$5.38-$5.75             727,180            7.1                  $  5.45                 581,772          $  5.46
$6.13-$8.13             729,500            8.1                  $  7.15                 308,249          $  6.97
$9.25-$11.13            522,000            5.9                  $ 10.11                 442,000          $ 10.08
                      ---------                                                       ---------
$3.44-$11.13          2,901,440            7.0                  $  6.46               1,945,056          $  6.42



Distributions:   Distributions  presented  in  the  Consolidated  Statements  of
Shareholders'  Equity represent  payments to the shareholders of Premier,  which
was a subchapter S Corporation.  Premier's S Corporation election was terminated
in conjunction with the merger.

Note 11   Defined Contribution Plan

The Company sponsors a defined  contribution plan covering  substantially all of
its employees.  In 1996 and 1995, the Company made matching  contributions equal
to 50% of each participant's  contribution  during the plan year up to a maximum
amount equal to the lesser of 3% of each  participant's  annual  compensation or
$4,750 and $4,500 for the 1996 and 1995 calendar  years,  respectively.  In 1994
the maximum matching contribution made by the Company was equal to the lesser of
1.5% of each  participant's  salary or $1,000 per calendar year. The Company may
also contribute additional  discretionary  amounts as it may determine.  For the
years ended  December 31, 1996,  1995 and 1994,  the Company  contributed to the
plan approximately $110,000, $89,000 and $55,000, respectively. No discretionary
contributions have been made to the plan since its inception.

Note 12   Income Taxes

A reconciliation of the Federal statutory rate of 34% to the Company's effective
tax rate is as follows:

                                                   December 31
                                               1996           1995        1994
                                             -----------------------------------
U.S. Federal statutory rate (benefit)         (34.0)%        (34.0)%     (34.0)%
Net losses without tax benefits               33.75           33.5        34.0
State income taxes, net of U.S.
     Federal income tax effect                   --             --         --
Nondeductible expenses                         0.25            0.5         --
                                             ----------------------------------
     Total tax expense                           --             --         --
                                             ==================================


At December 31, 1996, the Company had net Federal  operating loss  carryforwards
of  approximately  $72,500,000 for income tax reporting  purposes and California
operating  loss  carryforwards  of  approximately  $8,400,000.  The  Federal net
operating loss carryforwards expire beginning in 1998 through the year 2011. The
California net operating loss carryforwards expire beginning in 1997 through the
year  2001.  A  California  net  operating  loss  carryforward  from 1989 in the
approximate amount of $2,000,000 expired December 31, 1996.

Due to the  "change  in  ownership"  provisions  of the Tax  Reform Act of 1986,
approximately $32,000,000 and $5,500,000 of the Company's Federal and California
net  operating  loss  carryforwards,  respectively,  are  subject  to an  annual
limitation  against  taxable  income.  The balance of the Federal and California
loss carryforwards of  approximately  $40,500,000 and $2,900,000,  respectively,
which  arose  subsequent  to the  Company's  change in  ownership  will be fully
available  to offset  taxable  income in excess of the annual  limitation  until
fully utilized or there is another ownership change.

                                       25


The Company also has  investment tax credits and research and  experimental  tax
credits  aggregating  approximately  $1,692,000  and  $673,000  for  Federal and
California  purposes,  respectively.  The Federal  credit  carryforwards  expire
beginning  in 1998  through  the year 2011.  The  California  credits  carryover
indefinitely until utilized.

There are also California credit  carryforwards for qualified  manufacturing and
research and  development  equipment of  approximately  $11,000;  these  credits
expire beginning in 2005 through the year 2006.


The tax effects of temporary  differences that give rise to significant portions
of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 1996 and
1995 are presented below:


                                                              1996                      1995
                                                              ----                     -----
                                                                                      
Deferred tax assets:
     Deferred research expenditures                         $1,445,000               $1,443,000
     Accruals and reserves not currently deductible
        for tax purposes                                     1,771,000                1,197,000
     Net operating loss carryforwards                       25,407,000               22,283,000
     Credit carryforwards                                    2,377,000                2,274,000
     Other                                                     406,000                  572,000
                                                         --------------           --------------
Gross deferred tax assets                                   31,406,000               27,769,000
     Less valuation allowance                              (31,182,000)             (27,426,000)
                                                         --------------           --------------
Total deferred tax assets                                     $224,000                 $343,000
                                                         --------------                --------
Deferred tax liabilities:
     Property and equipment                                  $(224,000)               $(343,000)
                                                         --------------           --------------
Total deferred tax liabilities                                (224,000)                (343,000)
                                                         --------------           --------------
     Net deferred taxes                                   $         --             $         --
                                                         ==============           ==============


The net change in the valuation allowance for the years ended December 31, 1996,
1995  and 1994 was an  increase  of  approximately  $3,756,000,  $4,534,000  and
$3,627,000, respectively. Management believes that sufficient uncertainty exists
regarding  the  realizability  of these  items  and,  accordingly,  a  valuation
allowance is required.

Gross  deferred  tax  assets  as of  December  31,  1996  include  approximately
$2,594,000 relating to the exercise of stock options,  for which any related tax
benefits will be credited to equity when realized.

Note 13   Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical Corporation

In May  1992,  APS  entered  into  development,  and  licensing  and  investment
agreements  with  Ortho-McNeil  Pharmaceutical  Corporation  ("Ortho")  for  the
development  of retinoid  products.  The first product is a  Microsponge  system
entrapment of tretinoin  (trans-retinoic  acid or "t-RA"),  a prescription  acne
drug for which FDA  approval was  received in February  1997.  A second  product
licensed to Ortho is a  Microsponge  entrapment of a retinoid to be used for the
treatment of photodamaged skin.

The terms of the agreements included an $8,000,000 investment in APS for 723,006
newly issued  shares of APS common stock and the payment to APS of $6,000,000 in
licensing fees by J&J. The licensing fees were recognized as revenues  according
to  the  percentage-of-completion   method  of  accounting  whereby  income  was
recognized  based on the estimated  stage of completion of the related  project.
Cash  payments  received in advance of being earned were  classified as deferred
revenue.  Revisions  of  estimated  profits  were  included  in  earnings by the
reallocation  method  which  spread the change in estimate  over the current and
future periods.  As of December 31, 1994, the project had been completed and all
associated revenues had been recognized.

J&J made a second  equity  investment  in the  Company  in May 1994.  Under this
agreement,  J&J  purchased  1,000,000  shares of newly  issued  common  stock in
consideration for $5,000,000.  In January 1996, APS issued J&J 432,101 shares of
common  stock  as a  result  of  the  APS  stock  price  not  achieving  certain
predetermined  levels. The 200,000 warrants issued in 1994 to J&J in conjunction
with this equity  investment  expired in 1996. As of December 31, 1996, J&J owns
approximately 12% of the APS common shares outstanding.

In February 1995, APS received  $750,000 in prepaid  royalties and an additional
$750,000 as a  milestone  payment on the  submission  to the FDA of its New Drug
Application for the tretinoin prescription acne treatment. The milestone payment

                                       26

was recognized as revenue upon receipt.  The prepaid  royalties of $750,000 were
recorded as deferred  revenues.  In February 1997, upon receipt of approval from
the FDA to market  Retin-A(R)  Micro(TM)  (tretinoin  gel)  microsphere  for the
treatment  of acne,  APS received  $3,000,000  from Ortho of which one half is a
milestone  payment  which  will be  recognized  as  revenue  in 1997 and half is
prepaid royalties which will be recorded as deferred  revenues.  APS will earn a
mark-up  on  Microsponge  systems  supplied  to Ortho and  Ortho  will pay APS a
royalty on product sales, subject to certain minimums. Should these minimums not
be achieved,  Ortho would lose its  exclusivity  and APS would regain  marketing
rights to the  retinoid  products.  APS has the  ability  to earn an  additional
$4,750,000 in fees if certain research milestones are achieved.


Note 14   Johnson & Johnson

Licensing Agreement:  The Company's wholly owned subsidiary,  Premier,  licensed
from J&J the exclusive right to manufacture and distribute a product,  Take-Off,
in the U.S. The agreement  provided for Premier to remit royalty payments to J&J
based on net sales,  with  minimum  payments of $375,000  per year.  In December
1996, the Company  purchased the rights to Take-Off from J&J for a 3% royalty on
net sales for the five year period ending December 31, 2001. In January 1997, as
part of its long-term strategic plan to move away from the marketing of consumer
products,  the Company  sub-licensed  the right to  manufacture  and  distribute
Take-Off to Lander Company.

Distribution  Arrangement:  Premier obtained the rights to market and distribute
two suncare products, Sundown and Johnson's Baby Sunblock, in the U.S. Premier &
J&J share the profits or losses on sales of suncare products. Premier performs a
reconciliation  of the payable to J&J annually to determine  the portion that is
currently  due. The portion of the payable that relates to inventory sold during
a contract year is due at the end of that contract year, which begins on January
1 and ends on December 31.

As part of the Company's  long-term  strategic plan to move away from the direct
marketing of consumer products,  this distribution  arrangement with J&J will be
terminated in 1997. The remaining inventory on hand as of December 31, 1996 will
be sold in 1997.

                                       27



                          Independent Auditors' Report


The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Advanced Polymer Systems, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Advanced Polymer
Systems, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the related
consolidated statements of operations,  shareholders' equity, and cash flows for
each  of the  years  in the  three-year  period  ended  December  31,  1996.  In
connection with our audits of the  consolidated  financial  statements,  we also
have audited the financial  statement  schedule as listed in Item 14(a)2.  These
consolidated  financial  statements and the financial statement schedule are the
responsibility of the Company's management.  Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these consolidated  financial  statements and the financial statement
schedule based on our audits.

We  conducted  our  audits  in  accordance  with  generally   accepted  auditing
standards.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes
assessing the  accounting  principles  used and  significant  estimates  made by
management,  as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated  financial statements referred to above present
fairly,  in all material  respects,  the financial  position of Advanced Polymer
Systems, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the results
of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year
period ended December 31, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.  Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when
considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a
whole,  presents  fairly,  in all material  respects,  the information set forth
therein.

                                          KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
 
San Francisco, California
March 5, 1997

                                       28



Item 9.   Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and
          Financial Disclosure

       Not applicable.

                                    Part III

Item 10.  Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

       APS  incorporates  by  reference  the  information  set  forth  under the
captions "Nomination and Election of Directors" and "Executive  Compensation" of
the Company's Proxy Statement (the "Proxy  Statement") for the annual meeting of
shareholders to be held on June 4, 1997.

Item 11.  Executive Compensation

       APS incorporates by reference the information set forth under the caption
"Executive Compensation" of the Proxy Statement.

Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

       The Company incorporates by reference the information set forth under the
caption "Beneficial Stock Ownership" of the Proxy Statement.

Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

       The Company incorporates by reference the information set forth under the
caption "Certain Transactions" of the Proxy Statement.

                                       29




                                     Part IV

Item 14.  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K

(a)  1.    Financial Statements
                The financial  statements  and  supplementary  data set forth on
                pages  14-27  of  Part  II  of  the  10-K   Annual   Report  are
                incorporated herein by reference.

     2.    Financial Statement Schedules
                Schedule II                      Valuation Accounts
           All other  schedules have been omitted because the information is not
           required  or is not  so  material  as to  require  submission  of the
           schedule,  or because the  information  is included in the  financial
           statements or the notes thereto.

     3.    Exhibits
           3-A      -Copy of Registrant's Certificate of Incorporation. (1)
           3-B      -Copy of Registrant's Bylaws. (1)
           10-B     -Lease Agreement between the Registrant and White Properties
                     Joint Venture for lease of Registrant's  executive  offices
                     in Redwood City, dated as of August 1, 1992. (3)
           10-C     -Registrant's  1992 Stock Plan dated August 11,  1992.  (2)*
           10-N     -Agreement with Johnson & Johnson dated April 14, 1992. (3)
           10-P     -Warrant to Purchase Common Stock. (5)
           10-S     -Lease  Agreement  between   Registrant  and  Financing  for
                     Science  International  dated  September  1,  1995 (6)
           10-T     -Security and Loan Agreement between  Registrant and Venture
                     Lending dated  September 27, 1995 (6) 
           10-U     -Asset Purchase Agreement with Dow Corning Corporation dated
                     January 23,  1996 (7) 
           10-V     -Investment  Agreement  between  Registrant  and the  Lander
                     Company. (8)
           10-W     -License, Assignment and Supply Agreement between Registrant
                     and  Lander  Company.  
           21       -Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders. (4)
           23       -Consent of Independent Auditors.
           27       -Financial Data Schedules

(b)        Reports on Form 8-K
           None.

(c)        Exhibits
           The  Company  hereby  files as part of this  Form  10-K the  exhibits
           listed in Item 14(a)3. As set forth above.

(d)        Financial Statement Schedules
           See Item 14(a)2. of this Form 10-K.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           (1)    Filed  as  an  Exhibit  with  corresponding   Exhibit  No.  to
                  Registrant's  Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration
                  No. 33-15429) and incorporated herein by reference.
           (2)    Filed  as  Exhibit  No.  28.1  to  Registrant's   Registration
                  Statement  on Form  S-8  (Registration  No.  33-  50640),  and
                  incorporated herein by reference.
           (3)    Filed  as  an  Exhibit  with  corresponding   Exhibit  No.  to
                  Registrant's  Annual  Report on Form  10-K for the year  ended
                  December 31, 1992, and incorporated herein by reference.
           (4)    To be filed supplementally.
           (5)    Filed as an Exhibit with corresponding  Exhibits 4.1, 4.2, 4.3
                  and 4.4 to  Registrant's  Registration  Statement  on Form S-3
                  (Registration   No.33-82562)   and   incorporated   herein  by
                  reference.
           (6)    Filed  as  an  Exhibit  with  corresponding   Exhibit  No.  to
                  Registrant's  Quarterly  Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly
                  period ended September 30, 1995.
           (7)    Filed  as  an  Exhibit  with  corresponding   Exhibit  No.  to
                  Registrant's  Annual  Report on Form  10-K for the year  ended
                  Deccember 31, 1995, and incorporated herein by reference.
           (8)    Filed  as  an  Exhibit  with  corresponding   Exhibit  No.  to
                  Registrant's  Quarterly  Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly
                  period ended  March  31,  1996,  and  incorporated  herein  by
                  reference.
            *     Management Contract or Compensatory plans.

                                       30



     For  purposes  of  complying  with the  amendments  to the rules  governing
Registration  Statements  on Form  S-8  (effective  July  13,  1990)  under  the
Securities  Act of 1933 ("the  Act"),  as amended,  the  undersigned  registrant
hereby  undertakes  as  follows,  which  undertaking  shall be  incorporated  by
reference into Part II of the registrant's  Registration  Statements on Form S-8
Nos.  33-18942,  33-21829,  33-29084 and 33-50640 filed on December 8, 1987, May
13, 1988, June 6, 1989 and August 11, 1992, respectively.


     Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
of 1933 may be permitted to directors,  officers and controlling  persons of the
registrant pursuant to the foregoing  provisions,  or otherwise,  the registrant
has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities  and Exchange  Commission
such  indemnification  is against  public policy as expressed in the Act and is,
therefore,  unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against
such liabilities  (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred
or paid by a director,  officer or  controlling  person of the registrant in the
successful  defense of any  action,  suit or  proceeding)  is  asserted  by such
director,  officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been  settled by  controlling  precedent,  submit to a court of  appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such  indemnification  by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of
such issue.


                                       31


                                   SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the  requirement of Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities  Exchange
Act of 1934,  the  registrant  has duly  caused  this report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

ADVANCED POLYMER SYSTEMS, INC.


By:      /S/John J. Meakem, Jr.
         --------------------------------------------
         John J. Meakem, Jr.
         Chairman, President, Chief Executive Officer


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report
has been  signed  by the  following  person in the  capacities  and on the dates
indicated.


Signature                                 Title                                           Date
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    
  /S/ John J. Meakem, Jr.                 Chairman, President,
- ---------------------------               Chief Executive Officer                         March 28, 1997      
John J. Meakem, Jr.                                                                       ---------------      
                                          
  /S/ Michael O'Connell                   Executive Vice President, Chief
- ---------------------------               Administrative Officer and                                                
Michael O'Connell                         Chief Financial Officer                         March 28, 1997 
                                                                                          --------------



  /S/ Carl Ehmann                         Director                                        March 28, 1997
- ---------------------------                                                               --------------
Carl Ehmann


  /S/ Jorge Heller                        Director                                        March 28, 1997
- ---------------------------                                                               --------------
Jorge Heller


  /S/ Peter Riepenhausen                  Director                                        March 28, 1997
- ---------------------------                                                               --------------
Peter Riepenhausen


  /S/ Toby Rosenblatt                     Director                                        March 28, 1997
- ---------------------------                                                               --------------
Toby Rosenblatt


  /S/ Gregory H. Turnbull                 Director                                        March 28, 1997
- ---------------------------                                                               --------------
Gregory H. Turnbull


  /S/ C. Anthony Wainwright               Director                                        March 28, 1997
- ---------------------------                                                               --------------
C. Anthony Wainwright


  /S/ Dennis Winger                       Director                                        March 28, 1997
- ---------------------------                                                               --------------
Dennis Winger



                                       32



                         ADVANCED POLYMER SYSTEMS, INC.



Schedule II


Valuation Accounts
                                                            Additions
                                              Beginning    Charged to                             Ending
                                                Balance       Expense          Deductions        Balance
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                         
December 31, 1994
Accounts receivable, allowance
    for doubtful accounts                     $136,020         $5,833             $75,289        $66,564

December 31, 1995
Accounts receivable, allowance
    for doubtful accounts                      $66,564        $29,464             $27,378        $68,650

December 31, 1996
Accounts receivable, allowance
    for doubtful accounts                      $68,650         $9,331             $30,454        $47,527




                                       33



                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Advanced Polymer Systems, Inc.:


We consent to incorporation  by reference in the  Registration  Statements (Nos.
33-18942,  33-21829,  33-29084 and  33-50640)  on Forms S-8 of Advanced  Polymer
Systems,  Inc. and in the  Registration  Statements  (Nos.  33-47399,  33-51326,
33-82562,  33-88972 and 333-759) on Forms S-3 of Advanced Polymer Systems,  Inc.
of our report dated March 5, 1997,  relating to the consolidated  balance sheets
of Advanced Polymer  Systems,  Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and
1995,  and the related  consolidated  statements  of  operations,  shareholders'
equity  and cash  flows for each of the  years in the  three-year  period  ended
December  31,  1996,  and the  related  schedule,  which  report  appears in the
December 31, 1996 annual report on Form 10-K of Advanced Polymer Systems, Inc.




                                                    KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

San Francisco, California
March 26, 1997


                                       34




                                  EXHIBIT INDEX

                             Form 10-K Annual Report

                         ADVANCED POLYMER SYSTEMS, INC.


           3-A    -Copy of Registrant's  Certificate of  Incorporation. (1) 
           3-B    -Copy  of  Registrant's  Bylaws. (1)  
          10-B    -Lease Agreement  between the Registrant a nd White Properties
                   Joint Venture for lease of Registrant's  executive offices in
                   Redwood City, dated as of August 1, 1992. (3)
           10-C   -Registrant's 1992 Stock Plan dated August 11, 1992. (2)*
           10-N   -Agreement with Johnson & Johnson dated April 14, 1992. (3)
           10-P   -Warrant to Purchase Common Stock. (5)
           10-S   -Lease Agreement between  Registrant and Financing for Science
                   International dated September 1, 1995 (6)
           10-T   -Security and Loan  Agreement  between  Registrant and Venture
                   Lending dated September 27, 1995 (6)
           10-U   -Asset Purchase  Agreement with Dow Corning  Corporation dated
                   January 23, 1996. (7)
           10-V   -Investment  Agreement between  Registrant and Lander Company.
                   (8)
           10-W   -License,  Assignment and Supply Agreement between  Registrant
                   and Lander Company.
           21     -Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders. (4)
           23     -Consent of Independent Auditors.
           27     -Financial Data  Schedules

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

           (1)    Filed  as  an  Exhibit  with  corresponding   Exhibit  No.  to
                  Registrant's  Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration
                  No. 33-15429) and incorporated herein by reference.
           (2)    Filed  as  Exhibit  No.  28.1  to  Registrant's   Registration
                  Statement  on  Form  S-8  (Registration   No.  33-50640),  and
                  incorporated herein by reference.
           (3)    Filed  as  an  Exhibit  with  corresponding   Exhibit  No.  to
                  Registrant's  Annual  Report on Form  10-K for the year  ended
                  December 31, 1992, and incorporated herein by reference.
           (4)    To be filed supplementally.
           (5)    Filed as an Exhibit with corresponding  Exhibits 4.1, 4.2, 4.3
                  and 4.4 to  Registrant's  Registration  Statement  on Form S-3
                  (Registration   No.33-82562)   and   incorporated   herein  by
                  reference.
           (6)    Filed  as  an  Exhibit  with  corresponding   Exhibit  No.  to
                  Registrant's  Quarterly  Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly
                  period ended  September 30, 1995, and  incorporated  herein by
                  reference.
           (7)    Filed  as  an  Exhibit  with  corresponding   Exhibit  No.  to
                  Registrant's  Annual  Report on Form  10-K for the year  ended
                  December 31, 1995, and incorporated herein by reference.
           (8)    Filed  as  an  Exhibit  with  corresponding   Exhibit  No.  to
                  Registrant's  Quarterly  Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly
                  period  ended  March  31,  1996,  and  incorporated  herein by
                  reference.
           *      Management Contract or Compensatory plans.