Auxer Announces Viva's Plans & Makes a Correction

    PATERSON, N.J.--Dec. 17, 2002--The Auxer Group, Inc. (OTCBB: AXGI) announced today that, its merger candidate, Viva Airlines, Inc. is planning to change its name to Viva International, Inc.
    Robert Scott, President and Chief Executive Officer of VIVA, stated, "Our goal is to conduct international operations and our name change will reflect our mission. We will actively be looking to acquire carriers, licensing, and aircraft that will be consistent with our goals. We are presently looking for a United States licensed air carrier or certificate."
    Scott further stated, "VIVA is a holding company. As such, our acquisitions, affiliations, investments, management involvement will vary with each transaction."
    "It was recently announced that VIVA offered a letter of intent to acquire Queen Air, Aeronaves Queen, S.A. (a Dominican Republic Corporation and air carrier). The announcement should have read that the letter of intent was to acquire 49% of Queen Air. This correction does not in any way depart from the expected revenues and profits to VIVA or our excitement to be involved in the ownership of Queen Air. For example, Queen Air through its authorization to provide international air transportation of persons, property and mail from Santo Domingo to various destinations allows a participation in the international markets from the commencement of flight service."
    "VIVA will be providing to Queen Air a package of financial, accounting and management services to ensure Queen Air's success. We are drafting a business plan that will reflect VIVA's 49% stake in Queen Air. We will further assist Queen Air in drafting a business plan for their operation."
    "The airline industry is a highly regulated industry. Our intent to acquire a 49% stake in Queen Air is acceptable within the various regulations governing such investment, whereas a stake greater than 49% is unacceptable. We will do everything possible to make sure we remain fully compliant within the industry."

    Forward -looking statements in this release are made pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, continued acceptance of the company's products, competition, new products and technological changes, intellectual property rights and other risks.

    For further information on Viva Airlines, Inc. please visit our website at: www@vivaairlines.com

    For further information on The Auxer Group, Inc. please visit our website at: www@axgiinvestor.com