For Immediate Release SALIX VENTURES ANNOUNCES INVESTMENT IN U.S. RENAL CARE SAN FRANCISCO, CA (March 11, 2005) -- Salix Ventures announced today its investment in U.S. Renal Care, based in Jonesboro, Arkansas. SV Life Sciences of Boston, Massachusetts, and Select Capital Ventures of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, also participated in the $10 million financing. As a result of this investment, Marty Felsenthal, a General Partner of Salix Ventures, will join U.S. Renal Care's Board of Directors. U.S. Renal Care develops, acquires, and operates outpatient treatment centers for patients suffering from chronic kidney failure, also known as end-stage renal disease ("ESRD"). The Company operates freestanding dialysis clinics in partnership with physicians in under-served tertiary markets in the south and southwest U.S. Proceeds were used to finance the acquisition of eight dialysis clinics in Texas. When combined with the company's three existing facilities in Arkansas, U.S. Renal Care now provides services to more than 800 patients. According to Marty Felsenthal, "We're delighted to be partnering with Chris Brengard, an outstanding entrepreneur and executive, and we believe our physician partners and clinics in Arkansas and Texas form a great base for the Company's future success." Chris Brengard is the CEO of U.S. Renal Care. Prior to founding U.S. Renal Care in 2000, Chris was Vice President of Outpatient Operations for Select Medical Corporation. From 1992 to 1998, he was founder and President of Medfit Rehabilitation Group, an outpatient rehabilitation company located in Houston, Texas.