AUXER Signs Merger Agreement

    PATERSON, N.J.--Jan. 9, 2003--The Auxer Group, Inc. (OTCBB: AXGI) announced today that a stock exchange and reorganization agreement with Viva Airlines, Inc. was signed on January 8, 2002.
    Eugene Chiaramonte, Chairman of AUXER, said "The master agreement between AUXER and VIVA has been signed and agreed to by the respective companies. There are a few schedules and some supplemental information that is to be exchanged between the parties that will become a part of the agreement. However, these items are a formality and should be exchanged within the next few days. We will have a normal closing as is customary in such agreements and that should occur on or before January 15, 2003."
    Chiaramonte further stated "The VIVA merger brings tremendous energy and excitement to AUXER. While VIVA continues to fine tune its business plan, exciting developments and opportunities are occurring daily. A series of announcements discussing VIVA's operations will soon follow."
    VIVA's plan is to provide "niche" passenger and cargo services to the Caribbean.
    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.