Exhibit 99.1

Contact:
Incara:
W. Bennett Love

919-558-1907

For Immediate Release:

               Incara Announces Deligoparin Clinical Trial Results

Research Triangle Park, N.C., September 17, 2002 - Incara Pharmaceuticals
Corporation (Nasdaq:INCR) announced today that analysis of the results from the
clinical trial of deligoparin for the treatment of ulcerative colitis shows that
treatment with deligoparin did not meet the primary or secondary endpoints of
the study. Deligoparin is an ultra low molecular weight heparin that is being
developed for the treatment of ulcerative colitis by Incara Development, Ltd.,
which is jointly owned by Incara Pharmaceuticals and Elan Corporation, plc.
Incara Pharmaceuticals licensed deligoparin from Opocrin S.p.A. of Modena, Italy
in 1998.

In January 2001, Incara Development initiated the Phase 2/3 pivotal clinical
trial for deligoparin in patients with ulcerative colitis. The trial enrolled
138 patients at 30 academic and private medical centers and is the largest
controlled clinical trial of the treatment of ulcerative colitis with heparin or
a lower molecular weight heparin. The study was designed to examine the effects
of subcutaneous injection of deligoparin in patients with symptoms of active
ulcerative colitis who were also receiving standard medical treatment. The
objective of treatment was to induce complete remission or significantly improve
signs and symptoms of ulcerative colitis as reflected in changes in a colitis
activity index (CAI) score. The CAI score assessed stool frequency, rectal
bleeding, endoscopic appearance of the colon and a physician's global
assessment.

"Although the drug appeared to be safe, the results of the trial do not justify
further development for treatment of ulcerative colitis. Given these results, we
believe it is now appropriate for Incara to redirect our resources and energy
away from deligoparin, and concentrate on our catalytic antioxidant program and
liver cell transplantation program," stated Clayton I. Duncan, President and CEO
of Incara.

Incara Pharmaceuticals Corporation (www.incara.com ) is developing therapies
focused on tissue protection, repair and regeneration. The company is developing
a series of catalytic antioxidants as treatments for damage occurring in cancer
radiation therapy and stroke and for protection of cells in transplantation.
Incara is also developing liver cell therapy for treatment of liver failure.

The statements in this press release that are not purely statements of
historical fact are forward-looking statements, and actual results might differ
materially from those



anticipated. These statements and other statements made elsewhere by Incara or
its representatives, which are identified or qualified by words such as
"intends," "likely," "will," "suggests," "expects," "might," "may," "believe,"
"could," "should," "would," "anticipates," "plans," or the negative of those
terms or similar expressions, are based on a number of assumptions that are
subject to risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause results
to differ include risks associated with clinical trials, the uncertainties of
scientific research, product development activities, the need to obtain funds
for operations and the failure to satisfy the listing requirements of the Nasdaq
Stock Market. These and other important risks are described in Incara's reports
on Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K and its registration statements filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission. Readers are cautioned not to place undue
reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date
hereof. Incara assumes no obligation to update the information in this release.