<PAGE>

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


                                    FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)
[X]    QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
       SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

       For the quarterly period ended September 30, 1998.


[ ]    TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
       SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

                        Commission File number 000-19809

                           DURA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

         DELAWARE                               95-3645543
(State or other jurisdiction of              (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)               Identification Number)

7475 LUSK BLVD., SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA                        92121
(Address of principal executive offices)                 (Zip Code)


    REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE IS (619) 457-2553

         Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days.
         [ X ] Yes [ ] No

The number of shares of the Registrant's Common Stock outstanding as of October
30, 1998 was 46,372,348.


<PAGE>

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.         FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                           DURA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                       IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                  DECEMBER 31,  SEPTEMBER 30,
ASSETS                                                                                1997          1998
                                                                                  ------------  -------------
                                                                                                 (unaudited)
<S>                                                                                <C>            <C>
CURRENT ASSETS:
  Cash and cash equivalents                                                        $  72,003    $  57,482
  Short-term investments                                                             313,218      310,950
  Accounts and other receivables                                                      40,987       27,097
  Inventory                                                                           15,201       12,730
                                                                                  ------------  -------------
           Total current assets                                                      441,409      408,259


License agreements and product rights                                                250,781      286,320
Property                                                                              48,525       79,451
Other assets                                                                          34,165       38,675
                                                                                  ------------  -------------
TOTAL                                                                              $ 774,880    $ 812,705
                                                                                  ------------  -------------
                                                                                  ------------  -------------
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

  Accounts payable and accrued liabilities                                         $  45,741    $  55,365
  Current portion of long-term obligations                                             2,798        2,948
                                                                                  ------------  -------------
           Total current liabilities                                                  48,539       58,313

Convertible subordinated notes                                                       287,500      287,500
Other long-term obligations                                                            9,564       13,426
                                                                                  ------------  -------------
           Total liabilities                                                         345,603      359,239

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
  Preferred stock, par value $.001; shares authorized - 5,000,000;
    no shares issued or outstanding
  Common stock, par value $.001; shares authorized - 200,000,000;
    issued and outstanding - 45,608,414 and 46,370,276, respectively                      46           46
  Additional paid-in capital                                                         604,991      608,596
  Accumulated other comprehensive income                                                 176          860
  Warrant subscriptions receivable                                                   (12,252)     (10,117)
  Accumulated deficit                                                               (163,684)    (145,919)
                                                                                  ------------  -------------
           Total stockholders' equity                                                429,277      453,466
                                                                                  ------------  -------------
TOTAL                                                                              $ 774,880    $ 812,705
                                                                                  ------------  -------------
                                                                                  ------------  -------------
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                         2
<PAGE>

                           DURA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                     IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS
                                  (UNAUDITED)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                      THREE MONTHS ENDED         NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                           SEPTEMBER 30,           SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                     --------------------    ----------------------
                                                         1997        1998         1997         1998
                                                     ----------------------------------------------
     <S>                                             <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>
     REVENUES:
       Sales                                         $ 36,098    $ 24,961    $ 105,437    $  95,759
       Contract                                         7,245      18,402       22,430       48,308
                                                     --------    --------    ---------    ---------
                Total revenues                         43,343      43,363      127,867      144,067
                                                     --------    --------    ---------    ---------

     OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES:
       Cost of sales                                    7,426       5,798       23,373       21,348
       Clinical, development and regulatory             5,807      11,298       18,160       32,375
       Selling, general and administrative             16,733      25,224       49,485       70,685
                                                     --------    --------    ---------    ---------
                Total operating costs and expenses     29,966      42,320       91,018      124,408
                                                     --------    --------    ---------    ---------
     OPERATING INCOME                                  13,377       1,043       36,849       19,659
                                                     --------    --------    ---------    ---------
     OTHER:
       Interest income                                  5,058       5,578       11,437       16,931
       Interest expense                                (2,242)     (2,945)      (2,531)      (9,155)
       Other - net                                        (14)          1           (3)        (504)
                                                     --------    --------    ---------    ---------
                Total other                             2,802       2,634        8,903        7,272
                                                     --------    --------    ---------    ---------
     INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES                        16,179       3,677       45,752       26,931
     PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES                         4,854       1,253       16,357        9,166
                                                     --------    --------    ---------    ---------
     NET INCOME                                      $ 11,325    $  2,424    $  29,395    $  17,765
                                                     --------    --------    ---------    ---------
                                                     --------    --------    ---------    ---------
     NET INCOME PER SHARE:
       Basic                                         $   0.26    $   0.05    $    0.67    $    0.38
                                                     --------    --------    ---------    ---------
                                                     --------    --------    ---------    ---------
       Diluted                                       $   0.24    $   0.05    $    0.62    $    0.37
                                                     --------    --------    ---------    ---------
                                                     --------    --------    ---------    ---------
     WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF
       COMMON SHARES:
       Basic                                           43,875      46,367       43,633       46,216
                                                     --------    --------    ---------    ---------
                                                     --------    --------    ---------    ---------
       Diluted                                         47,606      47,578       47,392       47,647
                                                     --------    --------    ---------    ---------
                                                     --------    --------    ---------    ---------
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                         3
<PAGE>

                           DURA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                  IN THOUSANDS
                                  (UNAUDITED)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                               NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                  SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                            ----------------------
                                                                1997         1998
                                                            ----------------------
     <S>                                                    <C>          <C>
     NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES              $  44,504    $  56,628
                                                            ----------   ---------
     INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
       Purchases of short-term investments                   (335,983)    (277,617)
       Sales and maturities of short-term investments         157,334      280,569
       Product acquisitions                                   (71,973)     (40,223)
       Capital expenditures                                   (18,757)     (34,627)
       Issuance of convertible note receivable                      0       (5,000)
       Other                                                      842         (583)
                                                            ----------   ---------

                Net cash used for investing activities       (268,537)     (77,481)
                                                            ----------   ---------
     FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
       Issuance of common stock and warrants - net              4,840        6,332
       Issuance of convertible subordinated notes, net        278,175            0
       Principal payments on long-term obligations            (23,500)           0
                                                            ----------   ---------
                Net cash provided by financing activities     259,515        6,332
                                                            ----------   ---------
     NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS      35,482      (14,521)
     CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD         131,101       72,003
                                                            ----------   ---------

     CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD             $ 166,583    $  57,482
                                                            ----------   ---------
                                                            ----------   ---------

     SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

       Cash paid during the period for:
         Interest (net of amounts capitalized)              $     206    $  11,312
         Income taxes                                       $   1,215    $   5,890

</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                         4
<PAGE>


                           DURA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                   (UNAUDITED)

1.         BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been 
prepared by Dura Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("Dura" or the "Company") in 
accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q. The consolidated financial 
statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring 
accruals, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair 
statement of the results of the interim periods presented. These consolidated 
financial statements and notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the 
audited financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's 1997 
Annual Report to Shareholders, which statements and notes are incorporated by 
reference in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended 
December 31, 1997. The results of operations for the interim periods are not 
necessarily indicative of results to be expected for any other interim period 
or for the year as a whole.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Dura and its 
wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances are 
eliminated in consolidation. Certain reclassifications have been made to 
amounts included in the prior year's financial statements to conform to the 
financial statement presentation for the three months and nine months ended 
September 30, 1998.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted 
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions 
that affect amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and 
related notes. Changes in those estimates may affect amounts reported in 
future periods.

2.       NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARD

Effective January 1, 1998, the Company adopted Statement of Financial 
Accounting Standards No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income" ("SFAS 130"). 
SFAS 130 requires reporting and displaying comprehensive income and its 
components which, for Dura, includes net income and unrealized gains and 
losses on investments. In accordance with SFAS 130, the accumulated balance 
of other comprehensive income is disclosed as a separate component of 
shareholders' equity. Prior year financial statements have been reclassified 
to conform to the requirements of SFAS 130.

                                         5
<PAGE>

 For the three months and nine months ended September 30, 1997 and 1998,
comprehensive income consisted of (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                     Three Months Ended                  Nine Months Ended
                                                        September 30,                      September 30,
                                                   1997              1998             1997              1998
                                                   ----              ----             ----              ----
     <S>                                           <C>            <C>                <C>              <C>
     Net income                                    $11,325        $2,424             $29,395          $17,765
     Other comprehensive income:
              Unrealized gain on
                investments                            119              767              233              684
                                                ----------         --------       ----------      -----------
     Comprehensive income                          $11,444           $3,191          $29,628          $18,449
                                                ----------         --------       ----------      -----------
                                                ----------         --------       ----------      -----------
</TABLE>

3. LICENSE AGREEMENTS AND PRODUCT RIGHTS

On August 3, 1998, the Company acquired from an affiliate of American Home
Products ("AHP") exclusive U.S. marketing rights to the single-source
tuberculosis drug Myambutol-Registered Trademark-. The purchase price
consisted of a $33.5 million cash payment made at closing, plus additional
payments over the next four years based upon net sales of Myambutol during
that period. Based on historical sales data for Myambutol provided by AHP,
the Company estimates that such future payments could approximate $50 million.

4. CAPITAL STOCK

COMMON STOCK.On May 21, 1998, the Company's stockholders approved an 
amendment to the Company's Certificate of Incorporation increasing the number 
of authorized shares of Common Stock from 100 million to 200 million.

SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS PLAN. In May 1998, the Company adopted a Shareholder Rights
Plan in which Preferred Stock purchase rights ("Rights") were distributed as a
dividend at the rate of one Right for each share of Common Stock held as of the
close of business on June 5, 1998. Each Right entitles stockholders to buy, upon
certain events, one one-thousandth of a share of a new series of junior
participating Preferred Stock of the Company at an exercise price of $175.00.
The Rights are designed to guard against partial tender offers and other abusive
tactics that might be used in an attempt to gain control of the Company or to
deprive stockholders of their interest in the long-term value of the Company.
The Rights are exercisable only if a person or group acquires 15% or more of the
Company's Common Stock or announces a tender offer of which the consummation
would result in ownership by a person or group of 15% or more of the Company's
Common Stock. The Rights are redeemable for one cent per Right at the option of
the Board of Directors prior to this event occurring. The Rights expire on June
5, 2008.

5. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

TERMINATION OF MERGER AGREEMENT WITH SCANDIPHARM, INC. On December 1, 1997, the
Company terminated a merger agreement with Scandipharm, Inc. ("Scandipharm")
entered into on October 20, 1997. On January 16, 1998, Scandipharm filed suit
against the Company for breach of 

                                         6
<PAGE>

contract. On January 19, 1998, the Company filed suit against Scandipharm 
seeking a declaratory judgment that Dura's termination of the merger 
agreement did not breach the agreement and for damages against Scandipharm. 
The Company believes that it had the right to terminate the merger agreement, 
that Scandipharm's claims in its lawsuit and its claims for damages are 
without merit, and the outcome of this matter will not have a material 
adverse effect on the Company's operations.

ACQUISITION OF SPIROS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION. On December 19, 1997, the Company
acquired all of the outstanding callable common stock of Spiros Development
Corporation. The Company is in the process of determining the appropriate values
to be assigned to the assets and liabilities assumed in the acquisition. The
Company's estimate of these values is subject to revision upon completion of its
evaluation which may result in an adjustment to the amount recorded in 1997 for
the acquisition of in-process technology.

6. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On October 1, 1998, DJ Pharma, Inc. ("DJ") exercised its option under the 
July 28, 1998 Co-promotion and Option Agreement with Dura to acquire the 
Rondec product line, Keftab, and certain cough, cold and allergy products 
from the Company. As consideration for the products, the Company received a 
secured note receivable and is entitled to receive a percentage of the net 
sales of certain of the products over a four year period. Dura has committed 
to providing DJ a $5 million loan upon the closing by DJ of an aggregate 
equity offering of not less than $15 million.

COMMON STOCK REPURCHASE. On October 12, 1998, the Board of Directors authorized
the Company to repurchase up to $50 million of the Company's common stock. Any
repurchases made under the program are expected to be funded from existing cash
and short- term investments.

                                         7
<PAGE>

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
        OF OPERATIONS

This information should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial
statements and the notes thereto included in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report and
the audited financial statements and notes thereto and Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for the year ended
December 31, 1997 contained in the Company's 1997 Annual Report to Shareholders,
which is incorporated by reference in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 1997. See "Risks and Uncertainties" below for a
discussion of factors known to the Company that could cause reported financial
information not to be necessarily indicative of future results, including
discussion of the effects of seasonality on the Company. The Company undertakes
no obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking
statements contained in this report to reflect events and circumstances arising
after the date of this report.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

On November 4, 1998, Dura and Spiros Development Corporation II, Inc. 
("Spiros Corp. II") announced the receipt of a complete response letter from 
the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") indicating that the new drug 
application ("NDA") submitted by Dura on behalf of Spiros Corp. II for the 
use of albuterol with the Spiros system ("Albuterol Spiros-TM- is not 
approvable until and unless certain deficiencies are addressed. The FDA has 
requested additional clinical trials on the to-be-marketed Spiros inhaler in 
order to ensure inhaler reliability and replicate clinical outcomes of the 
initial trials. The FDA has also requested the resolution of a number of 
chemistry, manufacturing, and control issues. The letter also raised certain 
issues regarding electromechanical reliability. During the clinical trials, 
Dura made improvements to the Spiros inhaler which it believes have addressed 
these issues. Representatives from Dura and the FDA are scheduled to meet to 
develop a mutually agreed upon plan to resolve these issues.

On September 23, 1998, the Company announced its collaboration with Eli Lilly 
and Company ("Lilly") to develop pulmonary delivery technology for insulin 
products under a previously established agreement. The product under 
development is based on the Company's proprietary Spiros-Registered 
Trademark- pulmonary drug delivery technology for proteins and peptides. 
Under the terms of the agreement, the Company received an up-front payment 
and will receive funding for research as well as additional payments if 
defined milestones are achieved. In addition, the Company will receive 
royalties and manufacturing payments on products that reach the market. Lilly 
has received worldwide commercialization rights for any resulting inhaled 
insulin products.

On August 3, 1998, the Company acquired from an affiliate of AHP exclusive U.S.
marketing rights to the single-source tuberculosis drug Myambutol. The purchase
price consisted of a $33.5 million cash payment made at closing, plus additional
payments over the next four years based upon net sales of Myambutol during that
period. Based on historical sales data for Myambutol provided by AHP, the
Company estimates that such future payments could approximate an aggregate of
$50 million.

                                         8
<PAGE>

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 AND 1998

Total revenues for the three months ended September 30, 1998 were $43.4 million,
unchanged from the same period in 1997. Net income for the three months ended
September 30, 1998 was $2.4 million, or $0.05 per diluted share, a decrease of
$8.9 million, or $0.19 per diluted share, from the same period in 1997. The
principal factors causing this change are discussed below.

Pharmaceutical sales for the three months ended September 30, 1998 were $25 
million, a decrease of $11.1 million, or 31%, over the same period in 1997. 
The decrease is due in part to a decline in sales of certain of the Company's 
cough, cold and allergy products resulting from lower prescription volume for 
such products. In addition, the sales of certain other products declined 
during the three months ended September 30, 1998 as compared to the same 
period in 1997 due to differences between the periods in wholesaler buying 
patterns. These decreases were partially offset by increases in sales of 
Myambutol, acquired in August 1998.

Gross profit (pharmaceutical sales less cost of sales) for the three months
ended September 30, 1998 was $19.2 million, a decrease of $9.5 million, or 33%,
as compared to the same period in 1997. This decrease is due to the decrease in
pharmaceutical sales discussed above. Gross profit as a percentage of sales was
77% for the three months ended September 30, 1998 compared to 79% for the same
period in 1997. 

Contract revenue relates primarily to amounts received by the Company for the 
development of Spiros, the Company's proprietary dry powder pulmonary drug 
delivery system. Pursuant to agreements with several companies, the Company 
conducts feasibility testing and development work on various compounds for 
use with Spiros. Contract revenues include payment for feasibility and 
development work performed by the Company as well as milestone and technology 
access payments. Contract revenue for the three months ended September 30, 
1998 was $18.4 million, an increase of $11.2 million, or 154%, over the same 
period in 1997. This increase is due to increased development activity 
conducted primarily on behalf of Spiros Corp. II and Eli Lilly and Company 
("Lilly"). Contract revenues from Spiros- related development and feasibility 
agreements totaled $17.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 
1998 as compared to $6.7 million for the same period in 1997, including $12.6 
million from Spiros Corp. II as compared to $6.1 million from Spiros 
Development Corporation for the same period in 1997. Contract revenues from 
Lilly totaled $4.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 1998 as 
compared to $191,000 for the same period in 1997. Contract revenue may 
fluctuate from period to period base on the achievement of milestones and 
technology access payments from new partners.


                                         9
<PAGE>

Clinical, development and regulatory expenses for the three months ended
September 30, 1998 were $11.3 million, an increase of $5.5 million, or 95%, over
the same period in 1997. The increase reflects additional expenses incurred by
the Company under feasibility and development agreements covering the use of
various compounds with Spiros as discussed above.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended 
September 30, 1998 were $25.2 million, an increase of $8.5 million, or 51%, 
over the same period in 1997, and increased as a percentage of total revenues 
to 58% for the three months ended September 30, 1998 as compared to 39% for 
the same period in 1997. The dollar and percentage increases are primarily 
due to increased costs associated with expanding the Company's sales force 
(increase of $7.5 million) and increases in operating costs related to 
general corporate activities (increase of $612,000). During 1998, the Company 
has expanded its sales force from approximately 270 representatives to 
approximately 400 representatives as of September 30, 1998. The rapid 
expansion of the Company's sales force has resulted in an increase in fiscal 
1998 in its selling, general, and administrative expenses, both in total and 
as a percentage of revenues, as compared to fiscal 1997.

Interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 1998 was $2.9 million,
an increase of $703,000, or 31%, as compared to the same period in 1997. The
increase is due to interest expense on the Notes issued in July 1997 (see
"Liquidity and Capital Resources" below).

The Company records interim provisions for income taxes based on the estimated
effective combined tax rate to be applicable for the fiscal year.  This
estimate is reevaluated by management each quarter based on forecasts of income
before income taxes for the year as well as anticipated adjustments from
statutory federal and state tax rates. The Company's effective tax rate for
the three months ended September 30, 1998 was 34%, compared to 30% for the same
period in 1997. During the quarter ended September 30, 1997, the Company
reduced its estimate of the combined effective tax rate for fiscal 1997 from
39% to 36%, resulting in an effective tax rate of 30% for the third quarter.

NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 AND 1998

Total revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 1998 were $144.1 million,
an increase of $16.2 million, or 13%, over the same period in 1997. Net income
for the nine months ended September 30, 1998 was $17.8 million, or $0.37 per
diluted share, a decrease of $11.6 million, or $0.25 per diluted share, from the
same period in 1997. The principal factors causing these changes are discussed
below.

Pharmaceutical sales for the nine months ended September 30, 1998 were
$95.8 million, a decrease of $9.7 million, or 9%, over the same period in 1997.
This decrease is primarily due to a decline in sales of certain of the Company's
cough, cold and allergy products resulting from lower prescription volume for
such products, partially offset by an increase in sales of Nasarel-Registered
Trademark- and Nasalide-Registered Trademark-, acquired in May 1997, and
Myambutol, acquired in August 1998.

                                         10
<PAGE>

Gross profit (pharmaceutical sales less cost of sales) for the nine months 
ended September 30, 1998 was $74.4 million, a decrease of $7.7 million, or 
9%, as compared to the same period in 1997. This decrease is due to the 
decrease in pharmaceutical sales discussed above. Gross profit as a 
percentage of sales was 78% for the nine months ended September 30, 1998 and 
1997.

Contract revenue relates primarily to amounts received by the Company for the 
development of Spiros, the Company's proprietary dry powder pulmonary drug 
delivery system. Pursuant to agreements with several companies, the Company 
conducts feasibility testing and development work on various compounds for 
use with Spiros. Contract revenues include payment for feasibility and 
development work performed by the Company as well as milestone and technology 
access payments. Contract revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 
1998 was $48.3 million, an increase of $25.9 million, or 115%, over the same 
period in 1997. This increase is due to increased development activity 
conducted on behalf of Spiros Corp. II and Lilly. Contract revenue from 
Spiros- related development and feasibility agreements for the nine months 
ended September 30, 1998 totaled $47 million as compared to $21.3 million for 
the same period in 1997, including $35.6 million from Spiros Corp. II as 
compared to $18.3 million from Spiros Development Corporation for the same 
period in 1997. Contract revenues from Lilly totaled $9.6 million for the 
nine months ended September 30, 1998 as compared to $214,000 for the same 
period in 1997. Contract revenue may fluctuate from period to period based on 
the achievement of milestones and technology access payments from new 
partners.

Clinical, development and regulatory expenses for the nine months ended
September 30, 1998 were $32.4 million, an increase of $14.2 million, or 78%,
over the same period in 1997. The increase reflects additional expenses incurred
by the Company under feasibility and development agreements covering the use of
various compounds with Spiros as discussed above.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the nine months ended 
September 30, 1998 were $70.7 million, an increase of $21.2 million, or 43%, 
over the same period in 1997, and increased as a percentage of total revenues 
to 49% for the nine months ended September 30, 1998 as compared to 39% for 
the same period in 1997. The dollar and percentage increases are primarily 
due to increased costs incurred to support the Company's sales and contract 
revenue, including costs associated with expanding the Company's sales force 
(increase of $18.9 million), amortization of newly acquired product rights 
(increase of $564,000) and increases in operating costs related to general 
corporate activities (increase of $2 million). During 1998, the Company has 
expanded its sales force from approximately 270 representatives to 
approximately 400 representatives as of September 30, 1998. The rapid 
expansion of the Company's sales force has resulted in an increase in fiscal 
1998 in its selling, general, and administrative expenses, both in total and 
as a percentage of revenues, as compared to fiscal 1997.

Interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 1998 was $16.9 
million, an increase of $5.5 million, or 48%, as compared to the same period 
in 1997. The increase is due to higher balances of cash and short-term 
investments during the nine months ended September 30, 1998 resulting 
primarily from the investment of the net proceeds of the Notes offering in 
the third quarter of 1997 (see "Liquidity and Capital Resources" below).


                                         11
<PAGE>

Interest Expense for the nine months ended September 30, 1998 was $9.2 million,
an increase of $6.6 million, or 262%, as compared to the same period in 1997.
The increase is due to interest expense on the Notes (see "Liquidity and
Capital Resources" below).

The Company records interim provisions for income taxes based on the estimated
effective combined tax rate to be applicable for the fiscal year. This estimate
is reevaluated by management each quarter based on forecasts of income before
income taxes for the year as well as anticipated adjustments from statutory
federal and state tax rates. The Company's effective tax rate for the nine
months ended September 30, 1998 was 34%, compared to 36% for the same period in
1997. This reduction is due primarily to an increase in 1998 in income earned at
foreign subsidiaries which is taxed at lower rates.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments decreased by $16.8 million to
$368.4 million at September 30, 1998 from $385.2 million at December 31, 1997.
The decrease is due primarily to cash used for the purchase of Myambutol in
August 1998 and for capital expenditures, offset by cash generated by
operations. Working capital decreased by $42.9 million to $349.9 million at
September 30, 1998 from $392.9 million at December 31, 1997.

On October 12, 1998, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to 
repurchase up to $50 million of the Company's common stock. Any repurchases 
made under the program are expected to be funded from existing cash and 
short-term investments.

In the third quarter of 1997, the Company issued $287.5 million principal amount
of 3 1/2% Convertible Subordinated Notes ("Notes") due July 15, 2002 with
interest payable semiannually. Proceeds from the offering of the Notes are
expected to be used for general corporate purposes, including (i) to acquire,
in-license, co-promote, develop and commercialize pharmaceuticals targeted at
the Company's physician base or in areas related or otherwise complementary to
its existing business; (ii) to fund Spiros development programs; and (iii) for
working capital and facilities expansion. The Notes are convertible, at the
option of the holder, into shares of Dura's Common Stock at any time prior to
maturity or redemption at a conversion price of $50.635 per share.

In addition to the Notes, as of September 30, 1998, the Company had 
outstanding an aggregate of $16.4 million in current and other long-term 
obligations, of which $2.9 million is to be paid during the next 12 months. 
Also as of September 30, 1998, future contingent obligations existed relating 
to product acquisitions. Payments totaling approximately $50 million are 
contingent upon the levels of future sales of certain products, and 
approximately $80 million are contingent upon the continued absence of 
competing formulations of certain products as defined in the respective 
agreements. Such contingent obligations are payable through 2004, including 
approximately $30 million due within the next 12 months.

                                         12
<PAGE>

The Company has entered into a loan agreement which provides for the borrowing
of up to $50 million, subject to maintaining certain financial ratios, through 
May 1, 1999. As of September 30, 1998, no borrowings were or have been 
outstanding under this agreement.

The Company anticipates that its existing capital resources, together with cash
expected to be generated from operations and available bank borrowings, will be
sufficient to finance its operations and working capital through at least the
next 12 months. Significant additional resources, however, may be required in
connection with product or company acquisitions or in-licensing opportunities.
There can be no assurance that such additional resources will be available to
the Company when needed or on terms acceptable to the Company. At present, the
Company is actively pursuing the acquisition of rights to products and/or
companies which may require the use of substantial capital resources; however
there are no present agreements or commitments with respect to such
acquisitions.

YEAR 2000

The Company utilizes computer systems throughout its business to carry out
its day-to-day operations. Beginning in 1997, the Company implemented a 
program to ensure that its operations would not be adversely impacted by an 
inability of its computer operating systems to process data having dates on or 
after January 1, 2000 ("Year 2000"). The program includes an assessment of 
the Company's information technology ("IT") systems as well as technology 
systems embedded in the Company's facilities and equipment ("Non-IT").

The first phase in the Company's Year 2000 program was to identify the IT and 
Non-IT systems with Year 2000 exposure. This phase was completed during 1998. 
Substantially all the hardware and software comprising the Company's IT 
systems were replaced in 1997 with systems that are Year 2000 compliant. 
Accordingly, no further evaluation or testing of these systems is required. 
The Company is currently evaluating its Non-IT systems to assess whether they 
are Year 2000 compliant or, if not, whether the systems will be impacted by 
the change in year. The Company will not be able to assess what, if any, 
remediation to its Non-IT systems will be necessary until the evaluation 
phase is complete.

The Company has contacted its significant suppliers, customers, and key 
business partners to determine the extent to which the Company's business may 
be affected in the event these parties fail to address their Year 2000 
issues. The Company intends to monitor the progress made by these parties and 
to include in its remediation and contingency plan steps to address any risks 
arising from their failure to adequately prepare for the Year 2000. In 
addition, the Company will test key interfacing data systems with its 
business partners to ensure that all measures taken to become Year 2000 
compliant are effective.

The Company will develop a contingency plan to address any Year 2000 
exposures from internal and third-party systems that may not be adequately 
remediated or replaced. While it is difficult to identify all potential Year 
2000 exposures, the greatest risks to the Company are an inability to receive 
and process orders from its customers or for its vendors to supply product 
inventory. If necessary, the Company's contingency plan will include steps to 
address these risks such as identification of alternative suppliers, stocking 
of inventory supply, and developing back-up systems to process sales orders.

Management expects to complete its Year 2000 evaluation, testing and 
contingency planning by June 30, 1999. The Company estimates that the 
aggregate costs of its Year 2000 program will be less than $1 million, 
including costs incurred to date. This estimate excludes the cost of the IT 
systems implemented in 1997 as the implementation was not in response to the 
Year 2000 issue. The majority of these costs are not expected to be 
incremental expenses but rather an allocation of existing resources. The 
estimated impact, cost, and timing of the Company's Year 2000 program are 
based on management's best estimate using information currently 
available. However, there can be no guarantee that these estimates will be 
achieved and actual results could differ materially from those plans.

RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. The Company cautions readers that the statements in
this Quarterly Report that are not descriptions of historical facts may be
forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual
results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number
of factors, including those identified below.

REDUCTION IN GROSS MARGINS. There is no proprietary protection for most of the
products sold by Dura and substitutes for such products are sold by other
pharmaceutical companies. The average selling prices for many of the Company's
products may decline over time due to competitive and reimbursement pressures.
While Dura will seek to mitigate the effect of this decline in average selling
prices, there can be no assurance that Dura will be successful in these efforts.

                                         13
<PAGE>

THIRD-PARTY REIMBURSEMENT; PRICING PRESSURES. The Company's commercial success
will depend in part on the availability of adequate reimbursement from
third-party healthcare payors, such as government and private health insurers
and managed care organizations. Third-party payors are increasingly challenging
the pricing of medical products and services. There can be no assurance that
reimbursement will be available to enable the Company to achieve market
acceptance of its products or to maintain price levels sufficient to realize an
appropriate return on the Company's investment in product acquisition,
in-licensing and development. The market for the Company's products may be
limited by actions of third-party payors. For example, many managed healthcare
organizations are now controlling the pharmaceuticals that are on their
formulary lists. The resulting competition among pharmaceutical companies to
place their products on these formulary lists has created a trend of downward
pricing pressure in the industry. In addition, many managed care organizations
are pursuing various ways to reduce pharmaceutical costs and are considering
formulary contracts primarily with those pharmaceutical companies that can offer
a full line of products for a given therapy sector or disease state. There can
be no assurance that the Company's products will be included on the formulary
lists of managed care organizations or that downward pricing pressure in the
industry generally will not negatively impact the Company's operations.

DEPENDENCE ON ACQUISITION OF RIGHTS TO PHARMACEUTICALS. Dura's strategy for 
growth is dependent, in part, upon acquiring, in-licensing and co-promoting 
pharmaceuticals to targeted physicians. Other companies, including those with 
substantially greater resources, are competing with Dura for the rights to 
such products. There can be no assurance that Dura will be able to acquire, 
in-license or co-promote additional pharmaceuticals on acceptable terms, if 
at all. The failure to acquire, in-license, co-promote, develop or market 
commercially successful pharmaceuticals would have a material adverse effect 
on the Company's operations. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that 
Dura, once it has obtained rights to a pharmaceutical and committed to 
payment terms, will be able to generate sales sufficient to create a profit 
or otherwise avoid a loss on such product.

DEVELOPMENT RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH SPIROS. Spiros will require significant 
additional development efforts. There can be no assurance that development of 
Spiros will be completed successfully, that Spiros will not encounter 
problems in clinical trials that will cause the delay or suspension of such 
trials, that current or future testing will show any Spiros product to be 
safe or efficacious or that any Spiros product will receive regulatory 
approval in a timely manner, if at all. In addition, regulatory approvals 
will have to be obtained for each drug to be delivered through the use of 
Spiros prior to commercialization. Moreover, even if Spiros does receive 
regulatory approval, there can be no assurance that Spiros will be 
commercially successful, have all of the patent and other protections 
necessary to prevent competitors from producing similar products and not 
infringe on patent or other proprietary rights of third parties. On November 
4, 1998, Dura and Spiros Corp. II announced the receipt of a complete 
response letter from the FDA (the "FDA Letter") relating to the Albuterol 
Spiros-TM- NDA filed by Dura on behalf of Spiros Corp. II in November 1997. 
The FDA Letter indicated that the NDA was not approvable until and unless 
certain deficiencies are addressed, and raised issues including but not 
limited to chemistry, manufacturing and control, and electromechanical 
properties and reliability of the inhaler. 


                                         14
<PAGE>

The FDA has indicated that an additional clinical trial or trials will be 
necessary to address the issues raised in the FDA Letter. Such trial or 
trials may be costly and time-consuming. There can be no assurance that such 
trial or trials will be successful, and/or that regulatory approval of the 
Albuterol Spiros-TM- product will be obtained. In any event, conduct of such 
additional trials would result in a substantial delay in the marketing 
approval and launch, if any, of the Albuterol Spiros-TM-product (see 
"Government Regulation; No Assurance of FDA Approval" below). The failure of 
any Spiros product to receive timely regulatory approval and achieve 
commercial success would have a material adverse effect on the Company's 
operations.

CUSTOMER CONCENTRATION; CONSOLIDATION OF DISTRIBUTION NETWORK. The distribution
network for pharmaceutical products is largely controlled by a few large
wholesale distributors, and, in recent years, the number of independent and
small chain drug stores has decreased. Further consolidation among, or any
financial difficulties of, distributors or retailers could result in the
combination or elimination of warehouses thereby stimulating product returns to
the Company. Further consolidation or financial difficulties could also cause
customers to reduce their inventory levels or otherwise reduce purchases of the
Company's products which could result in a material adverse effect on the
Company's operations.

Dura's principal customers are wholesale drug distributors and major drug store
chains. For the nine months ended September 30, 1998, one wholesale customer
(McKesson Corporation) accounted for 13% of sales. For the same period in 1997,
three wholesale customers (McKesson Corporation, Cardinal Health, Inc., and
AmeriSource Health Corporation) individually accounted for 11%, 11%, and 10% of
sales, respectively.

SEASONALITY AND FLUCTUATING QUARTERLY RESULTS. Historically, as a result of
the winter cold and flu season, industry-wide demand for respiratory products
has been stronger in the first and fourth quarters than in the second and
third quarters of the year. In addition, variations in the timing and
severity of the winter cold and flu season have influenced Dura's results of
operations in the past. While the growth and productivity of Dura's sales
force and the introduction by Dura of new products have historically
mitigated the impact of seasonality on Dura's results of operations, recent
product acquisitions by Dura, especially Ceclor-Registered Trademark- CD, which
is used to treat respiratory infections, increase the impact of seasonality
on Dura's results of operations. No assurances can be given that Dura's 
results of operations will not be materially adversely affected by the 
seasonality of product sales.

COMPETITION. Many companies, including large pharmaceutical firms with financial
and marketing resources and development capabilities substantially greater than
those of Dura, are engaged in developing, marketing and selling products that
compete with those offered or planned to be offered by Dura. The selling prices
of such products typically decline as competition increases. Further, other
products now in use or under development by others may be more effective than
Dura's current or future products. The industry is characterized by rapid
technological change, and competitors may develop their products more rapidly
than Dura. Competitors may also be able to complete the regulatory process
sooner, and therefore, may begin to market their products in advance of Dura's
products. Dura believes that competition among both prescription pharmaceuticals
and pulmonary drug delivery systems aimed at the 

                                         15
<PAGE>

respiratory infection, allergy, cough and cold, and asthma and chronic 
obstructive pulmonary disease markets will be based on, among other things, 
product efficacy, safety, reliability, availability and price.

There are at least 25 other companies in the U.S. that are currently engaged 
in developing, marketing and selling respiratory pharmaceuticals. 
Additionally, there are at least 10 companies currently involved in the 
development, marketing or sales of dry powder pulmonary drug delivery 
systems. There are two types of dry powder inhalers ("DPIs") currently in 
commercial use worldwide, individual dose and multiple dose. Individual dose 
DPIs currently marketed in the U.S. include the Rotohaler-TM- (developed and 
marketed by Glaxo Wellcome ("Glaxo")) and the Spinhaler-Registered Trademark- 
(developed and marketed by Fisons Limited).  The Turbuhaler-Registered 
Trademark- (developed and marketed by Astra Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("Astra")),
a multiple dose DPI, is the leading DPI in worldwide sales. In June 1997, the
FDA approved the first Turbuhaler product, the Pulmicort Turbuhaler, for
marketing in the U.S., which Astra launched in early 1998. The FDA has also
approved two multiple dose DPIs developed by Glaxo, the Flovent-Registered
Trademark-Rotadisk-Registered Trademark-and the Serevent-Registered 
Trademark-Diskus-Registered Trademark-, both launched in early 1998.

DEPENDENCE ON THIRD PARTIES. Dura's strategy for development and
commercialization of certain of its products, including Spiros, is dependent
upon entering into various arrangements with corporate partners, licensors and
others and upon the subsequent success of these partners, licensors and others
in performing their obligations. There can be no assurance that Dura will be
able to negotiate acceptable arrangements in the future or that such
arrangements or its existing arrangements will be successful. In addition,
partners, licensors and others may pursue alternative technologies or develop
alternative compounds or drug delivery systems either on their own or in
collaboration with others, including Dura's competitors. Dura's partners and
licensors also have the ability to terminate the contracts in certain
circumstances with limited prior notice. Dura has limited experience
manufacturing products for commercial purposes and currently does not have the
capability to manufacture its pharmaceutical products and therefore is dependent
on contract manufacturers for the production of such products for development
and commercial purposes. The manufacture of Dura's products is subject to cGMP
regulations prescribed by the FDA. Dura relies on a single manufacturer for each
of its products. There can be no assurance that Dura will be able to continue to
obtain adequate supplies of such products in a timely fashion at acceptable
quality and prices. Also, there can be no assurance that Dura will be able to
enter into agreements for the manufacture of future products, including Spiros
products, with manufacturers whose facilities and procedures comply with cGMP
and other regulatory requirements. In the event that Dura is unable to obtain or
retain third-party manufacturing, it may not be able to commercialize its
products as planned. Dura's current dependence upon others for the manufacture
of its products may adversely affect future profit margins on the sale of those
products and Dura's ability to develop and deliver products on a timely and
competitive basis.

LIMITED MANUFACTURING EXPERIENCE. Dura's principal manufacturing facility is
intended to be used to formulate, mill, blend and manufacture drugs to be used
with Spiros, pending regulatory approval. Equipment purchases and validation are
currently scheduled into 1999. Dura's manufacturing facility must be registered
with and licensed by various regulatory authorities and 

                                         16
<PAGE>

must comply with current cGMP requirements prescribed by the FDA and the 
State of California. Dura will need to significantly scale up its current 
manufacturing operations and comply with cGMPs and other regulations 
prescribed by various regulatory agencies in the U.S. and other countries to 
achieve the prescribed quality and required levels of production of such 
products to obtain marketing approval. Any failure or significant delay in 
the validation of or obtaining a satisfactory regulatory inspection of the 
new facility, failure to successfully scale up or failure to maintain 
necessary regulatory approvals for such facilities could have a material 
adverse effect on the ability of Dura to manufacture products in connection 
with Spiros. Dura intends to utilize third parties to produce components of 
and assemble the Spiros aerosol generator. Such third parties have only 
produced limited quantities of components and assembled limited numbers of 
generators and will be required to significantly scale up their activities 
and to produce components on a timely and consistent basis and which meet 
applicable specifications. There can be no assurance that such third parties 
will be successful in attaining acceptable service levels or meeting cGMP 
requirements. Any failure or delay in the scale up or supply or meeting cGMP 
requirements associated with aerosol generator manufacturing would have a 
material adverse effect on the ability of Dura to commercialize Spiros 
products.

MANAGING GROWTH OF BUSINESS. Dura has experienced significant growth primarily
as a result of the acquisition and in-licensing of additional respiratory
pharmaceutical products. Due to Dura's emphasis on acquiring and in-licensing
respiratory pharmaceutical products, Dura anticipates that the integration of
its acquired products, as well as any future acquisitions, will require
significant management attention and expansion of its sales force. On February
22, 1998, the Company announced that it planned to begin expanding its field
sales force immediately from approximately 270 representatives to approximately
450 representatives by the end of 1998. The rapid expansion of the Company's
sales force has resulted in an increase in fiscal 1998 in its selling, general
and administrative expenses, both in total and as a percentage of revenues, as
compared to fiscal 1997.

UNCERTAINTY OF PROFITABILITY; NEED FOR ADDITIONAL FUNDS. Dura has experienced
significant operating losses in the past, and at September 30, 1998, Dura's
accumulated deficit was $145.9 million. The acquisition and in-licensing of
products, the expansion and maintenance of Dura's sales force in response to
acquisition, in-licensing, and enhanced promotion of products, the upgrade and
expansion of its facilities, continued pricing pressure on its pharmaceutical
products, or the exercise of the Stock Purchase Option or Product Options
(defined below) will require the commitment of substantial capital resources and
may also result in significant impairment of profits, or losses. Depending upon,
among other things, the acquisition and in-licensing opportunities available,
Dura may need to raise additional funds for these purposes. Adequate funds for
these purposes may not be available when needed or on terms acceptable to Dura.
Insufficient funds may require Dura to delay, scale back or suspend some or all
of its product acquisition, in-licensing and promotional programs, the upgrade
and expansion of its facilities, or the potential exercise of the Stock Purchase
Option and/or the Product Options. Dura anticipates that its existing capital
resources, together with cash expected to be generated from operations and
available bank borrowings, should be sufficient to finance its current
operations and working capital requirements through at least the next 12 months.

                                         17
<PAGE>

EFFECT OF EXERCISE OF THE STOCK PURCHASE OPTION AND THE PRODUCT OPTIONS;
DILUTION. Dura has a purchase option with respect to the outstanding shares of
callable common stock of Spiros Corp. II which expires on December 31, 2002
("Stock Purchase Option"). If Dura exercises the Stock Purchase Option, it will
be required to make a substantial cash payment or to issue shares of Dura Common
Stock, or both. A payment in cash would reduce Dura's capital resources. A
payment in shares of Dura Common Stock would result in a decrease in the
percentage ownership of Dura's shareholders at that time. If Dura determines to
exercise the Stock Purchase Option, it will likely require Dura to record a
significant charge to earnings and may have an adverse impact on future
operating results. If Dura does not exercise the Stock Purchase Option prior to
its expiration, Dura's rights in and to Spiros with respect to certain compounds
will terminate.

As part of Dura's contractual relationship with Spiros Corp. II, Dura received
options to purchase certain rights to the use of Spiros with albuterol and with
an additional product other than albuterol ("Product Options"). If Dura
exercises either of the Product Options, it will be required to make a
significant cash payment which could have an adverse effect on its capital
resources. Dura may not have sufficient capital resources to exercise the
Product Options, which may result in Dura's loss of valuable rights.

GOVERNMENT REGULATION; NO ASSURANCE OF FDA APPROVAL. Development, testing, 
manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceutical products, including drug 
delivery systems, are subject to extensive regulation by numerous 
governmental authorities in the U.S. and other countries. The process of 
obtaining FDA approval of pharmaceutical products and drug delivery systems 
is costly and time consuming. Any new pharmaceutical product must undergo 
rigorous preclinical and clinical testing and an extensive regulatory 
approval process mandated by the FDA. Such regulatory review includes the 
determination of manufacturing capability and product performance. Marketing 
of drug delivery systems also requires FDA approval, which can be costly and 
time consuming to obtain. A separate regulatory approval will need to be 
obtained for each Spiros drug delivery system. There can be no assurance that 
the products currently in development by Dura or in collaboration with third 
parties, or those products acquired or in-licensed will be approved by the 
FDA. In addition, there can be no assurance that all necessary approvals will 
be granted for future products or that FDA review or actions will not involve 
delays caused by the FDA's request for additional information or testing that 
could adversely affect the time to market and sale of the products. On 
November 4, 1998, Dura and Spiros Corp. II announced the receipt of a 
complete response letter from the FDA (the "FDA Letter") relating to the 
Albuterol Spiros-TM- NDA filed by Dura on behalf of Spiros Corp. II in 
November 1997. The FDA Letter indicated that the NDA was not approvable until 
and unless certain deficiencies are addressed, and raised issues including 
but not limited to chemistry, manufacturing and control, and 
electromechanical properties and reliability of the inhaler. The FDA has 
indicated that an additional clinical trial or trials will be necessary to 
address the issues raised in the FDA Letter. Such trial or trials may be 
costly and time-consuming. There can be no assurance that such trial or 
trials will be successful, and/or that regulatory approval of the Albuterol 
Spiros-TM-product will be obtained. In any event, conduct of such additional 
trials would result in a substantial delay in the marketing approval and 
launch, if any, of the Albuterol Spiros-TM- product (see "Development Risk 
Associated with Spiros" above).  For both currently marketed products and 
future products of

                                         18
<PAGE>

Dura, failure to comply with applicable regulatory requirements can, among 
other things, result in the suspension of regulatory approval, as well as 
possible civil and criminal sanctions.

The FDA is continuing an evaluation of the effectiveness of all drug products
containing ingredients marketed prior to 1962 (the year of enactment of the
"Drug Amendments of 1962" to the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act) as part of
its DESI program and will determine which drugs are considered "new drugs"
requiring approval through an NDA for marketing. A Policy Guide (CPG 440.100)
issued by the FDA indicates that the FDA will implement procedures to determine
whether the new drug provisions are applicable to existing products. This Policy
Guide requires that products covered by paragraph B not be similar or related to
any drug included in the DESI program or have a different formulation or
conditions for use than products marketed before November 13, 1984. If a final
determination is made that a particular drug required an approved NDA, such
approval will be required for marketing to continue. If such a determination is
made, the FDA might impose various requirements; for example, it might require
that the current product be the subject of an approved NDA, that the product be
reformulated and an NDA approval be obtained, that the product must be sold on
an over-the-counter basis rather than as a prescription drug or that the
products must be removed from the market. Dura believes that twenty-one of its
prescription pharmaceutical products may be covered by paragraph B of the Policy
Guide or may be DESI-related. Also, Dura is not aware of evidence to
substantiate that three of its products have the same formulation or conditions
for use as products marketed before November 13, 1984. There can be no assurance
as to which regulatory course the FDA will follow, if any, with respect to many
of Dura's pharmaceutical products or whether Dura will be able to obtain any
approvals that the FDA may deem necessary. If any negative actions are taken by
the FDA, such actions could have a material adverse effect on the business of
Dura. Dura's Health Script Pharmacy Services, Inc. ("Health Script") subsidiary
is subject to regulation by state regulatory authorities, principally state
boards of pharmacy. In addition, Health Script is subject to regulation by other
state and federal agencies with respect to reimbursement for prescription drug
benefits provided to individuals covered primarily by publicly funded programs.

PATENTS AND PROPRIETARY RIGHTS. Dura's success will depend in part on its
ability to obtain patents on current or future products or formulations, defend
its patents, maintain trade secrets and operate without infringing upon the
proprietary rights of others both in the U.S. and abroad. However, only five of
the pharmaceuticals currently marketed by Dura are covered by patents. Dura also
has licenses or license rights to certain other U.S. and foreign patent and
patent applications. There can be no assurance that patents, U.S. or foreign,
will be obtained, or that, if issued or licensed to Dura, they will be
enforceable or will provide substantial protection from competition or be of
commercial benefit to Dura or that Dura will possess the financial resources
necessary to enforce or defend any of its patent rights. Federal court decisions
establishing legal standards for determining the validity and scope of patents
in the field are in transition. There can be no assurance that the historical
legal standards surrounding questions of validity and scope will continue to be
applied or that current defenses as to issued patents in the field will offer
protection in the future. The commercial success of Dura will also depend upon
avoiding the infringement of patents issued to competitors and upon maintaining
the technology licenses upon which certain of Dura's current products are, or
any future products under development might be, 

                                         19
<PAGE>

based. Litigation, which could result in substantial cost to Dura, may be 
necessary to enforce Dura's patent and license rights or to determine the 
scope and validity of proprietary rights of third parties. If any of Dura's 
products are found to infringe upon patents or other rights owned by third 
parties, Dura could be required to obtain a license to continue to 
manufacture or market such products. There can be no assurance that licenses 
to such patent rights would be made available to Dura on commercially 
reasonable terms, if at all. If Dura does not obtain such licenses, it could 
encounter delays in marketing affected products while it attempts to design 
around such patents or it could find that the development, manufacture or 
sale of products requiring such licenses is not possible. Dura currently has 
certain licenses from third parties and in the future may require additional 
licenses from other parties to develop, manufacture and market commercially 
viable products effectively. There can be no assurance that such licenses 
will be obtainable on commercially reasonable terms, if at all, or that the 
patents underlying such licenses will be valid and enforceable.

PRODUCT LIABILITY AND RECALL. Dura faces an inherent business risk of exposure
to product liability claims in the event that the use of its technologies or
products is alleged to have resulted in adverse effects. Such risks will exist
even with respect to those products that receive regulatory approval for
commercial sale. While Dura has taken, and will continue to take, what it
believes are appropriate precautions, there can be no assurance that it will
avoid significant product liability exposure. Dura currently has product
liability insurance; however, there can be no assurance that the level or
breadth of any insurance coverage will be sufficient to fully cover potential
claims. There can be no assurance that adequate insurance coverage will be
available in the future at acceptable costs, if at all, or that a product
liability claim or recall would not materially and adversely affect the
Company's operations.

ATTRACTION AND RETENTION OF KEY PERSONNEL. The Company is highly dependent on
the principal members of its management staff, the loss of whose services might
impede the achievement of corporate objectives. Although the Company believes
that it is adequately staffed in key positions and that it will be successful in
retaining skilled and experienced management, operational and scientific
personnel, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to attract
and retain such personnel on acceptable terms. The loss of the services of key
scientific, technical and management personnel could have a material adverse
effect on the Company, especially in light of the Company's recent significant
growth.

TERMINATION OF MERGER AGREEMENT WITH SCANDIPHARM, INC. On December 1, 1997, the
Company terminated a merger agreement with Scandipharm entered into on October
20, 1997. On January 16, 1998, Scandipharm filed suit against the Company for
breach of contract. On January 19, 1998, the Company filed suit against
Scandipharm seeking a declaratory judgment that Dura's termination of the merger
agreement did not breach the agreement, and for damages against Scandipharm. The
Company believes that it had the right to terminate the merger agreement, that
Scandipharm's claims in its lawsuit and its claims for damages are without
merit, and that the outcome of this matter will not have a material adverse
effect on the Company's operations.

CHANGE IN CONTROL. Certain provisions of Dura's charter documents and terms
relating to the acceleration of the exercisability of certain warrants and
options in the event of a change in 

                                         20
<PAGE>

control may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in 
control of Dura, thereby possibly depriving shareholders of receiving a 
premium for their shares of the Dura Common Stock. In addition, upon a Change 
in Control (as defined), Dura will be required to offer to purchase for cash 
all of the outstanding Notes at a purchase price of 100% of the principal 
amount thereof, plus accrued but unpaid interest through the Change in 
Control Purchase Date (as defined). The Change in Control purchase features 
of the Notes may in certain circumstances have an anti-takeover effect. If a 
Change in Control were to occur, there can be no assurance that Dura would 
have sufficient funds to pay the Change in Control Purchase Price (as 
defined) for all Notes tendered by the holders thereof and to repay other 
indebtedness that may become due as a result of any Change in Control.

In May 1998, the Company adopted a Shareholder Rights Plan in which Preferred
Stock purchase rights ("Rights") were distributed as a dividend at the rate of
one Right for each share of Common Stock held as of the close of business on
June 5, 1998. Each Right entitles shareholders to buy, upon certain events, one
one-thousandth of a share of a new series of junior participating Preferred
Stock of the Company at an exercise price of $175.00. The Rights are designed to
guard against partial tender offers and other abusive tactics that might be used
in an attempt to gain control of the Company or to deprive shareholders of their
interest in the long-term value of the Company. The Rights are exercisable only
if a person or group acquires 15% or more of the Company's Common Stock or
announces a tender offer of which the consummation would result in ownership by
a person or group of 15% or more of the Company's Common Stock. The Rights are
redeemable for one cent per Right at the option of the Board of Directors prior
to this event occurring. The Rights expire on June 5, 2008.

VOLATILITY OF DURA STOCK PRICE. The market prices for securities of emerging
companies, including Dura, have historically been highly volatile. Future
announcements concerning Dura or its competitors may have a significant impact
on the market price of the Dura Common Stock. Such announcements might include
financial results, the results of testing, regulatory developments,
technological innovations, new commercial products, changes to government
regulations, government decisions on commercialization of products, developments
concerning proprietary rights, litigation or public concern as to safety of
Dura's products.

ABSENCE OF DIVIDENDS. The Company has never paid any cash dividends on its
Common Stock. In accordance with a bank loan agreement, Dura is prohibited from
paying cash dividends without prior bank approval. Dura currently anticipates
that it will retain all available funds for use in its business and does not
expect to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future.

YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE CONSIDERATIONS. 

The Company utilizes computer systems throughout its business to carry out 
its day-to-day operations. Beginning in 1997, the Company implemented a 
program to ensure that its operations would not be adversely impacted by an 
inability of its computer operating systems to process data having dates on or 
after January 1, 2000 ("Year 2000"). The program includes an assessment of 
the Company's information technology ("IT") systems as well as technology 
systems embedded in the Company's facilities and equipment ("Non-IT").

The first phase in the Company's Year 2000 program was to identify the IT and 
Non-IT systems with Year 2000 exposure. This phase was completed during 1998. 
Substantially all the hardware and software comprising the Company's IT 
systems were replaced in 1997 with systems that are Year 2000 compliant. 
Accordingly, no further evaluation or testing of these systems is required. 
The Company is currently evaluating its Non-IT systems to assess whether they 
are Year 2000 compliant or, if not, whether the systems will be impacted by 
the change in year. The Company will not be able to assess what, if any, 
remediation to its Non-IT systems will be necessary until the evaluation 
phase is complete.

                                         21
<PAGE>


The Company has contacted its significant suppliers, customers, and key 
business partners to determine the extent to which the Company's business may 
be affected in the event these parties fail to address their Year 2000 
issues. The Company intends to monitor the progress made by these parties and 
to include in its remediation and contingency plan steps to address any risks 
arising from their failure to adequately prepare for the Year 2000. In 
addition, the Company will test key interfacing data systems with its 
business partners to ensure that all measures taken to become Year 2000 
compliant are effective.

The Company will develop a contingency plan to address any Year 2000 
exposures from internal and third-party systems that may not be adequately 
remediated or replaced. While it is difficult to identify all potential Year 
2000 exposures, the greatest risks to the Company are an inability to receive 
and process orders from its customers or for its vendors to supply product 
inventory. If necessary, the Company's contingency plan will include steps to 
address these risks such as identification of alternative suppliers, stocking 
of inventory supply, and developing back-up systems to process sales orders.

Management expects to complete its Year 2000 evaluation, testing and 
contingency planning by June 30, 1999. The Company estimates that the 
aggregate costs of its Year 2000 program will be less than $1 million, 
including costs incurred to date. This estimate excludes the cost of the IT 
systems implemented in 1997 as the implementation was not in response to the 
Year 2000 issue. The majority of these costs are not expected to be 
incremental expenses but rather an allocation of existing resources. The 
estimated impact, cost, and timing of the Company's Year 2000 program are 
based on management's best estimate using information currently 
available. However, there can be no guarantee that these estimates will be 
achieved and actual results could differ materially from those plans.

ITEM 3.           QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

None.













                                         22
<PAGE>

                          PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 6.       EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a)  Exhibits

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Exhibit No.   Description
-----------   -------------
<S>           <C>
(1)   3.1     Certificate of Incorporation

(2)   3.2     Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation,
              effective May 21, 1998

(2)   3.3     Certificate of Designation of Series A Junior Participating 
              Preferred Stock

(1)   3.4     Bylaws

     10.1     Amendment No. 5 to Business Loan Agreement dated October 12, 1998
              between the Company and Bank of America National Trust and Savings
              Association

     10.2     Amendment No. 6 to Business Loan Agreement dated November 13, 1998
              between the Company and Bank of America National Trust and Savings
              Association

     10.3     Employment letter agreement dated July 1, 1998 between the
              Company and Robert S. Whitehead

     10.4     Notice of Grant of Stock Option dated July 10, 1998  between the
              Company and Robert S. Whitehead

       11     Statements re Computations of Net Income Per Share

       27     Financial Data Schedule

</TABLE>

(1)      Incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter
         ended June 30, 1997.

(2)      Incorporated by reference to the Company's Registration Statement on
         Form 8-A filed on May 22, 1998.

(b)  Reports on Form 8-K 

     None.


                                         23

<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

                                          DURA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

DATE  NOVEMBER 13, 1998                   /S/ MICHAEL T. BORER
-----------------------                   --------------------
                                          MICHAEL T. BORER
                                          SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF
                                          FINANCIAL OFFICER
                                          (Principal Financial and Accounting
                                          Officer)





                                         24

<PAGE>
                                     EXHIBIT INDEX
                                         TO
                                      FORM 10-Q

                              DURA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Exhibit No.   Description
----------    -------------
<S>           <C>
(1)   3.1     Certificate of Incorporation

(2)   3.2     Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation,
              effective May 21, 1998

(2)   3.3     Certificate of Designation of Series A Junior Participating 
              Preferred Stock

(1)   3.4     Bylaws

     10.1     Amendment No. 5 to Business Loan Agreement dated October 12, 1998
              between the Company and Bank of America National Trust and Savings
              Association

     10.2     Amendment No. 6 to Business Loan Agreement dated November 13, 1998
              between the Company and Bank of America National Trust and Savings
              Association

     10.3     Employment letter agreement dated July 1, 1998 between the
              Company and Robert S. Whitehead

     10.4     Notice of Grant of Stock Option dated July 10, 1998  between the
              Company and Robert S. Whitehead

       11     Statements re Computations of Net Income Per Share

       27     Financial Data Schedule

</TABLE>

(1)      Incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter
         ended June 30, 1997.

(2)      Incorporated by reference to the Company's Registration Statement on
         Form 8-A filed on May 22, 1998.