Savient Pharmaceuticals Names John H. Johnson Chief Executive Officer

Savient Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: SVNT) today announced that its board of directors has named John H. Johnson as Chief Executive Officer, effective January 31, 2011. Mr. Johnson will also serve as a member of Savient's board of directors.

Mr. Johnson brings significant biotechnology business experience to Savient. Most recently, he served as a Senior Vice President of Eli Lilly and Company and President of Lilly Oncology Business Unit. From August 2007 to November 2009, Mr. Johnson was Chief Executive Officer of ImClone Systems, which develops targeted biologic cancer treatments, and served on ImClone's board of directors until the company was acquired by Lilly in November 2008.

"John is a seasoned and accomplished leader in the biopharmaceutical industry and we are very fortunate to have him join Savient as our CEO," said Stephen O. Jaeger, Chairman of the Board. "With the depth of his industry experience, we believe John is the right person to help Savient bring KRYSTEXXA™ (pegloticase) to market and realize this novel drug's full potential, both for our shareholders and those adult patients suffering from chronic gout refractory to conventional therapy. Since securing FDA approval for KRYSTEXXA in September, we have been focused on bringing this exciting new drug to market. John is ideally suited to move us the rest of the way down the road."

"I am thrilled to be joining Savient at this exciting time," said Mr. Johnson. "KRYSTEXXA is a product that has potential to make a significant difference in the lives of patients around the world. I look forward to working with the dedicated and talented Savient employees to bring relief to those adult patients suffering from chronic gout refractory to conventional therapy. My focus will be on successfully launching KRYSTEXXA globally in order to build value for all our stakeholders."