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                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.3

                       HORIZON PHARMACEUTICAL CORPORATION
                    UNDER 1997 NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION PLAN

                       NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

         Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Plan shall
have the same defined meanings in this Option Agreement.

Optionee's Name and Address:

-----------------------------

-----------------------------

-----------------------------

         You have been granted an option to purchase Common Stock of the
Company, subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Option
Agreement, as follows:

                  Date of Grant
                                                      --------------------
                  Vesting Commencement Date
                                                      --------------------

                  Exercise Price per Share
                                                      --------------------

                  Total Number of Shares
                                                      --------------------

         VESTING SCHEDULE:

         This Option may be exercised, in whole or in part, in accordance with
the following schedule:

         25% of the Shares subject to the Option shall vest twelve (12) months
after the Vesting Commencement Date; 25% of the Shares subject to the Option
shall vest twenty-four (24) months after the Vesting Commencement Date; 25% of
the Shares subject to the Option shall vest thirty-six (36) months after the
Vesting Commencement Date; and the remaining 25% of the Shares subject to the
Option shall vest forty-eight (48) months after the Vesting Commencement Date.

         In the event of the first purchase of shares of Common Stock of the
Company pursuant to a tender or exchange offer for at least a majority of the
Company's outstanding shares of Common Stock by any person other than the
majority shareholder(s) at the effective date of the Plan, any vesting period
shall end and any unvested Options shall become immediately exercisable;
provided, however, that if such purchase constitutes a Reorganization of the
Company, the provisions of Section 12(c) of the Plan shall control.

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         1.       Grant of Option. The Plan Administrator of the Company hereby
grants to the Optionee named in the Notice of Grant attached as Part I of this
Agreement (the "Optionee"), an option (the "Option") to purchase the number of
Shares, as set forth in the Notice of Grant, at the exercise price per share set
forth above (the "Exercise Price"), subject to the terms and conditions of the
Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference. Subject to Section 14(c) of the
Plan, in the event of a conflict between the terms and conditions of the Plan
and the terms and conditions of this Option Agreement, the terms and conditions
of the Plan shall prevail.

         Your Option is not intended to be an "incentive stock option" within
the meaning of Section 422 of the Code.

         2.       Exercise of Option.

                  (a)      Right to Exercise. This Option is exercisable during
its term in accordance with the Vesting Schedule set out in the Notice of Grant
and the applicable provisions of the Plan and this Option Agreement. In the
event of the Optionee's death, Disability or other termination of the Optionee's
employment, the exercisability of the Option is governed by the applicable
provisions of the Plan and this Option Agreement. Reference is made to Section 5
below. (b) Notice of Intent to Exercise. Prior to exercising this Option or any
portion thereof, Optionee shall notify the Company that the Optionee is
considering exercising the Option, and the Company shall provide Optionee with
copies of information regarding the Company for evaluating the investment in the
Shares. If any of the information to be so disclosed is confidential, the
Company shall first require Optionee to execute a confidentiality or trade
secret agreement in form acceptable to the Company. In addition, the Company
will provide to Optionee such other non-confidential information regarding the
Company which Optionee shall reasonably request for evaluating the investment in
the Shares.

                  (b)      Notice of Intent to Exercise. Prior to exercising
this Option or any portion thereof, Optionee shall notify the Company that the
Optionee is considering exercising the Option, and the Company shall provide
Optionee with copies of information regarding the Company for evaluating the
investment in the Shares. If any of the information to be so disclosed is
confidential, the Company shall first require Optionee to execute a
confidentiality or trade secret agreement in form acceptable to the Company. In
addition, the Company will provide to Optionee such other non-confidential
information regarding the Company which Optionee shall reasonably request for
evaluating the investment in the Shares.

                  (c)      Method of Exercise. Following compliance with Section
2(b) above, an Option or any portion thereof is exercisable by delivery of an
exercise notice, in the form attached as EXHIBIT A (the "Exercise Notice"),
which shall state the election to exercise the Option, the number of Shares in
respect of which the Option is being exercised (the "Exercised Shares"'), and
such other representations and agreements as may be required by the Company
pursuant to the provisions of the Plan. The Exercise Notice shall be signed by
the Optionee and shall be delivered in person or by certified mail to the
Secretary of the Company. The Exercise Notice shall be accompanied by payment of
the Exercise Price as to the Exercised Shares. This Option shall be deemed to be
exercised upon receipt by the Company of such fully executed Exercise Notice
accompanied by such aggregate Exercise Price.

                  No Shares shall be issued pursuant to the exercise of this
Option unless such issuance and exercise complies with all relevant provisions
of law and the requirements of any stock exchange or quotation service upon
which the Shares are then listed. Assuming such compliance, for income tax
purposes the Exercised Shares shall be considered transferred to the Optionee on
the date the Option is exercised with respect to such Exercised Shares.

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         3.       Method of Payment. Payment of the aggregate Exercise Price
shall be by any of the following, or a combination thereof, at the election of
the Optionee:

                  (a)      cash;

                  (b)      check;

                  (c)      other Shares, with the certificate(s) therefor
registered in the Optionee's name, which (A) in the case of an Optionee who is a
Section 16 Insider, have been owned by the Optionee for more than six (6) months
on the date of surrender, and (B) have a Fair Market Value on the date of
surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Shares as to which said
Option shall be exercised;

                  (d)      delivery of a properly executed exercise notice
together with such other documentation as the Administrator and the broker, if
applicable, shall require to effect an exercise of the Option and delivery to
the Company of the sale or loan proceeds required to pay the exercise price;

                  (e)      a reduction in the amount of any Company liability to
the Optionee, including any liability attributable to the Optionee's
participation in any Company-sponsored deferred compensation program or
arrangement;

                  (f)      a written instruction by the Optionee to the Company
to withhold from the Shares otherwise issuable upon the exercise of the Option
that number of Shares having a Fair Market Value as of the date of exercise
equal to the cash exercise price of the Shares being purchased; provided,
however, that in the case of an Optionee who is a Section 16 Insider, such
written instruction is received either (A) within ten (10) business days
beginning on the third (3rd) business day following release of the Company's
quarterly or annual summary of earnings and ending on the twelfth (12th)
business day following such day or (B) at least six (6) months prior to the date
of exercise of such Option;

                  (g)      any combination of the foregoing methods of payment;
or

                  (h)      such other consideration and method of payment for
the issuance of Shares to the extend permitted by Applicable Laws.

         4.       Non-Transferability of Option. This Option may not be sold,
pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred, or disposed of in any manner
otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be
exercised during the lifetime of the Optionee only by the Optionee. The terms of
the Plan and this Option Agreement shall be binding upon the executors,
administrators, heirs, successors and assigns of the Optionee.

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         5.       Term of Option. The vested portion of this Option may be
exercised in whole or in part through the 10th anniversary of the date hereof;
provided, however, that the term of this Option shall earlier expire as follows:

                  (a)      For Employees (as defined in the Plan), the term of
this Option shall expire on the 60th day following termination of employment,
except that if employment terminates as a result of the Optionee's disability or
death, then the Option shall expire on the first anniversary of the date of such
disability or death in accordance with Sections 10(c) and 10(d) of the Plan.

                  (b)      For non-employee Directors or Independent Contractors
(as defined in the Plan), the Option shall expire on the 60th day following the
termination of Optionee's service as a non-employee Director or Independent
Contractor, as the case may be.

         6.       Tax Consequences. The Optionee may have tax consequences
relating to the Option. Reference is made to EXHIBIT B attached.

         7.       Securities Laws Restrictions and Other Restrictions on
Transfer of Option Shares. You represent that when you exercise your Option you
shall be purchasing Option Shares for your own account and not on behalf of
others. You understand and acknowledge that federal and state securities laws
govern and restrict your right to offer, sell or otherwise dispose of any Option
Shares unless your offer, sale or other disposition thereof is registered under
the Securities Act and state securities laws, or in the opinion of the Company's
counsel, such offer, sale or other disposition is exempt from registration or
qualification thereunder. You agree that you shall not offer, sell or otherwise
dispose of any Option Shares in any manner which would: (i) require the Company
to file any registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(or any similar filing under state law) or to amend or supplement any such
filing or (ii) violate or cause the Company to violate the Securities Act, the
rules and regulations promulgated thereunder or any other state or federal law.
You further understand that the certificates for any Option Shares you purchase
shall bear such legends as the Company deems necessary or desirable in
connection with the Securities Act or other rules, regulations or laws.

         8.       Rights of Participants. If you are an Employee of the Company,
nothing in this Agreement shall interfere with or limit in any way the right of
the Company to terminate your employment at any time (with or without Cause),
nor confer upon you any right to continue in the employ of the Company for any
period of time or to continue your present (or any other) rate of compensation,
and in the event of your termination of employment (including, but not limited
to, termination by the Company without Cause) any portion of your Option that
was not previously vested and exercisable shall be forfeited. With respect to
all Optionees, nothing in this Agreement shall confer upon you any right to be
selected again as a Plan participant, and nothing in the Plan or this Agreement
shall provide for any adjustment to the number of Option Shares subject to your
Option upon the occurrence of subsequent events except as provided in Section 9
below.

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         9.       Adjustments. In the event of a reorganization,
recapitalization, stock dividend or stock split, or combination or other change
in the shares of Common Stock, the Board or the Administrator may, in order to
prevent the dilution or enlargement of rights under your Option, make such
adjustments in the number of type of shares authorized by the Plan, the number
of type of shares covered by your Option and the Exercise Price specified herein
as may be determined to be appropriate and equitable. Reference is made to
Section 12 of the Plan which more specifically describes adjustments upon the
occurrence of certain events.

         10.      Withholding of Taxes. The Company shall be entitled, if
necessary or desirable, to withhold from you from any amounts due and payable by
the Company to you (or secure payment from you in lieu of withholding) the
amount of any withholding or other tax due from the Company with respect to any
Option Shares issuable under the Plan, and the Company may defer such issuance
unless indemnified by you to its satisfaction. Reference is made to Section 20
of the Plan which more specifically describes the terms and conditions of tax
withholding.

         11.      Restrictive Legend.

                  (a)      Legend. The certificates representing the Option
Shares shall bear substantially the following legend, in addition to any other
legends as may be required by law:

                  "THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN
REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE "ACT"), OR UNDER
ANY STATE SECURITIES LAWS AND MAY NOT BE SOLD OR TRANSFERRED IN THE ABSENCE OF
AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE ACT AND APPLICABLE STATE
SECURITIES LAWS OR AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION THEREUNDER.

                  THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE ALSO
SUBJECT TO CERTAIN OTHER AGREEMENTS (WHICH MAY INCLUDE ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS
ON TRANSFER AND CERTAIN REPURCHASE OPTIONS) SET FORTH IN AN OPTION AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND THE INITIAL HOLDER OF THIS OPTION, A COPY OF WHICH MAY
BE OBTAINED BY THE HOLDER HEREOF AT THE COMPANY'S PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS
WITHOUT CHARGE."

                  (b)      Opinion of Counsel. You may not sell, transfer or
dispose of any Option Shares (except pursuant to an effective registration
statement under the Securities Act) without first delivering to the Company an
opinion of counsel reasonably acceptable in form and substance to the Company
that registration under the Securities Act or any applicable state securities
law is not required in connection with such transfer.

                  (c)      Holdback. You agree not to effect any public sale or
distribution of any equity securities of the Company, or any securities
convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for such securities, during the
seven (7) days prior to and the one hundred eighty (180) days after the
effectiveness of any primary or secondary registration of the Company's Common
Stock, except as part of such registration if otherwise permitted.

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                  (d)      Removal of Restrictive Legend. Whenever the
restrictions imposed by this Section on Shares issued pursuant to an Option
granted hereunder shall terminate, as provided above, any holder of the Shares
as to which such restrictions apply shall be entitled to receive promptly from
the Company, without expense, a new certificate, not bearing the restrictive
legends which would otherwise be applicable. 12. Restrictions on Transfer.

         12.      Restrictions on Transfer.

                  (a)      Transfer of Option Shares. No sale, pledge or other
transfer of any interest in any Option Shares shall be made except pursuant to a
Public Sale or pursuant to the Plan and the foregoing provisions of this Option
Agreement ("Exempt Transfers"), and except pursuant to this Section. For
purposes hereof, "Public Sale" means any sale of Option Shares to the public
pursuant to an offering registered under the Securities Act or to the public
through a broker, dealer or market maker pursuant to the provisions of Rule 144
adopted under the Securities Act.

                  At least thirty (30) days prior to making any transfer other
than an Exempt Transfer, you shall deliver a written notice (the "Sale Notice")
to the Company. The Sale Notice shall disclose in reasonable detail the identity
of the prospective transferee(s) and the terms and conditions of the proposed
transfer. No such transfer shall be consummated until thirty (30) days after the
Sale Notice has been delivered to the Company, unless the parties to the
transfer have been finally determined pursuant to this Section prior to the
expiration of such thirty (30) day period. (The date of the first to occur of
such events is referred to herein as the "Authorization Date").

                  (b)      First Refusal Rights. The Company may elect to
purchase all or any portion of the Option Shares to be transferred by the holder
thereof upon the same terms and conditions as those set forth in the Sale Notice
by delivering a written notice of such election to the holder within twenty (20)
days after the receipt of the Sale Notice by the Company. The Company shall have
up to thirty (30) days to consummate the purchase and sale of Option Shares. If
the Company has not elected to purchase all of the Option Shares specified in
the Sale Notice, the holder of the Option Shares may transfer the remaining
Option Shares specified in the Sale Notice at a price and on terms no more
favorable to the transferee(s) thereof than specified in the Sale Notice during
the sixty (60) day period immediately following the Authorization Date. Any
Option Shares not transferred within such 60-day period shall be subject to the
provisions of this subsection (b) of this Section upon subsequent transfer.

                  (c)      Certain Permitted Transfers. The restrictions
contained in this Section shall not apply with respect to transfers of Option
Shares (i) pursuant to applicable laws of descent and distribution or (ii) among
the Optionee's Family Group (hereinafter defined); provided that the
restrictions contained in this Section shall continue to be applicable to the
Option Shares after any such transfer and the transferees of such Option Shares
have agreed in writing to be bound by the provisions of the Plan and Option
Agreement. For purposes hereof, "Family Group" means the Optionee's spouse and
descendants (by birth or adoption).

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         13.      Entire Agreement. The Plan, a copy of which is attached hereto
as EXHIBIT C, is incorporated herein by reference. The Plan and this Option
Agreement constitute the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the
subject matter hereof and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and
agreements of the Company and the Optionee with respect to the subject matter
hereof, and may not be modified adversely to the Optionee's interest except by
means of a writing signed by the Company and the Optionee.

         By your signature and the signature of the Company's representative
below, you and the Company agree that this Option is granted under and governed
by the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Option Agreement. The Optionee
has reviewed the Plan and this Option Agreement in their entirety, has had an
opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Option
Agreement and fully understands all provisions of the Plan and Option Agreement.
Optionee hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions
or interpretations of the Administrator upon any questions relating to the Plan
and Option Agreement. The Optionee further agrees to notify the Company upon any
change in the residence address indicated below.

OPTIONEE:                           HORIZON PHARMACEUTICAL CORPORATION

                                    By:
----------------------                 --------------------------
Signature
                                    Title:
----------------------                    -----------------------
Print Name

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                                    EXHIBIT A

                       HORIZON PHARMACEUTICAL CORPORATION
                      1997 NON-QUALIFIED STOCK OPTION PLAN

                                 EXERCISE NOTICE

Horizon Pharmaceutical Corporation
660 Hembree Parkway
Suite 106
Roswell, Georgia 30076
Attention:  Secretary

         1.       Exercise of Option. Effective as of today, _____________,
______, the undersigned ("Purchaser") hereby elects to purchase _____________
shares (the "Shares") of the Common Stock of Horizon Pharmaceutical Corporation
(the "Company") under and pursuant to the 1997 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan
(the "Plan") and the Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement dated _____________,
______, (the "Option Agreement"). The purchase price for the Shares shall be as
set forth in the Option Agreement.

         2.       Delivery of Payment. Purchaser herewith delivers to the
Company the full purchase price for the Shares.

         3.       Representations of Purchaser. Purchaser acknowledges that
Purchaser has received, read and understood the Plan, the Option Agreement and
other information provided by the Company to the Purchaser for the purpose of
evaluating the investment in the Shares of the Company and agrees to abide by
and be bound by their terms and conditions, as applicable.

         4.       Rights as Shareholder. Until the issuance (as evidenced by the
appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer
agent of the Company) of the stock certificate evidencing such Shares, no right
to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a shareholder shall exist
with respect to the Optioned Stock, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option.
A share certificate for the number of Shares so acquired shall be issued to the
Optionee as soon as practicable after exercise of the Option. No adjustment will
be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the
date the stock certificate is issued, except as provided in Section 12 of the
Plan.

         5.       Tax Consultation. Purchaser understands that Purchaser may
suffer adverse tax consequences as a result of Purchaser's purchase or
disposition of the Shares and has read and understands EXHIBIT B to the Option
Agreement. Purchaser represents that Purchaser has consulted with any tax
consultants Purchaser deems advisable in connection with the purchase or
disposition of the Shares and that Purchaser is not relying on the Company for
any tax advice.

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         6.       Entire Agreement. The Plan and Option Agreement are
incorporated herein by reference. This Agreement, the Plan and the Option
Agreement constitute the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the
subject matter hereof and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and
agreements of the Company and Purchaser with respect to the subject matter
hereof, and may not be modified adversely to the Purchaser's interest except by
means of a writing signed by the Company and Purchaser.

Submitted by:                                 Accepted by:

PURCHASER:                                    HORIZON PHARMACEUTICAL CORPORATION

                                              By:
-----------------------------                     ----------------------------
Signature
                                                  Title:
-----------------------------                           ----------------------
Print Name

Residence Address:

---------------------------

---------------------------

---------------------------

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                                    EXHIBIT B

                    Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations
              Relating to Nonqualified Stock Options under the Plan

         The following discussion addresses certain federal income tax
consequences to recipients of options under the Plan.

NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTIONS

         Nonqualified Stock Options granted under the Plan cannot qualify as
Incentive Stock Options pursuant to Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended (the "Code").

         GRANT OF NQSO. Under current interpretations of the Code, the grant of
a Nonqualified Stock Option to an optionee will not result in the recognition of
any taxable income to the optionee because a Nonqualified Stock Option does not
have a readily ascertainable fair market value on the date it is granted.

         EXERCISE OF NQSO. Upon exercise of the Nonqualified Stock Option, the
optionee will generally recognize ordinary income equal to the excess of the
fair market value of the shares received upon exercise of the Nonqualified Stock
Option (the "NQSO Shares") over the exercise price.

         However, taxation will be deferred after exercise of the Nonqualified
Stock Option (i) if the NQSO Shares are subject to restrictions imposed in the
stock option agreement which could result in a substantial risk of their
forfeiture or (ii) if the optionee is subject to the "short-swing profit"
forfeiture provisions of Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(if the company is a public company), unless the optionee makes an election
pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Code (an "83(b) Election"), within 30 days of
receipt of the NQSO Shares to be taxed on the date of receipt of the NQSO
Shares. If NQSO Shares are subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture and no
83(b) Election is made, the optionee will recognize ordinary income when the
NQSO Shares are no longer subject to such restrictions or the optionee is no
longer subject to Section 16(b) liability in an amount equal to the excess of
the value of the NQSO Shares at such time over the exercise price.

         TAX BASIS IN SHARES. The optionee's tax basis for the NQSO Shares will
be equal to the exercise price paid by the optionee plus the amount includible
in the optionee's ordinary income from such exercise.

         SALE OF NQSO SHARES. The optionee's holding period for the NQSO Shares
for determining long, mid or short-term gains or losses on the subsequent sale
of the NQSO Shares will commence on the date on which the NQSO Shares are
acquired.

GENERAL

         The discussion set forth above is intended only as a summary and does
not purport to be a complete enumeration or analysis of all potential tax
effects relevant to recipients of Options under the Plan. It is strongly
recommended that all award recipients consult their own tax advisors concerning
the federal, state and local income and other tax considerations relating to
such awards and rights thereunder. In particular, it is recommended that each
award recipient consult his or her own tax advisor as to the alternative minimum
tax consequences of an award, the special tax considerations for an award
recipient who is subject to Section 16(b), of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 (if the Company is a public company), whether it would be beneficial to
make a Section 83(b) Election, and as to any state tax consequences relating to
grants under the Plan.

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                                    EXHIBIT C

                       HORIZON PHARMACEUTICAL CORPORATION
                      1997 NON-QUALIFIED STOCK OPTION PLAN

                  As Amended by Board of Director resolutions
       adopted on December 4, 1997, December 7, 1998, and March 17, 1999

1.       Purposes of the Plan: The purposes of this Stock Plan are:

         *        to attract and retain the best available personnel for
                  positions of substantial responsibility,
         *        to provide additional incentive to Eligible Participants, and
         *        to promote the success of the Company's business.

2.       Definitions. As used herein, the following definitions shall apply:

         (a)      "Administrator" means the Board or any of its Committees as
shall be administering the Plan, in accordance with Section 4 of the Plan.

         (b)      "Applicable Laws" means the legal requirements relating to the
administration of stock option plans under state corporate and securities laws
and the Code.

         (c)      "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

         (d)      "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

         (e)      "Committee" means a Committee appointed by the Board in
accordance with Section 4 of the Plan.

         (f)      "Common Stock" means the Common Stock of the Company.

         (g)      "Company" means Horizon Pharmaceutical Corporation, a Delaware
corporation.

         (h)      "Continuous Status as an Employee" means that the employment
relationship with the Company, any Parent, or Subsidiary, is not interrupted or
terminated. Continuous Status as an Employee shall not be considered interrupted
in the case of (i) any leave of absence approved by the Company or (ii)
transfers between locations of the Company or between the Company, any Parent,
any Subsidiary, or any successor. A leave of absence approved by the Company
shall include sick leave, military leave, or any other personal leave approved
by an authorized representative of the Company.

         (i)      "Director" means a member of the Board.

         (j)      "Disability" means total and permanent disability as defined
in the Company's long-term disability plan or, in the event the Company does not
have a long-term disability plan, as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code.

         (k)      "Eligible Participant" means any Employee, Director (Employee
or non-employee), or Independent Contractor. If and to the extent any state
and/or federal securities laws, rules or regulations limit the eligible
participants to Employees of the Company or otherwise limits the eligible
participants, then the Eligible Participants in such jurisdiction shall be so
limited under this Plan.

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         (l)      "Employee" means any person employed by the Company or any
Parent or Subsidiary of the Company. Each Officer is an Employee. A Director is
not necessarily an Employee; serving as a Director (including receiving a
director's fee from the Company) does not by itself constitute "employment" by
the Company.

         (m)      "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.

         (n)      "Fair Market Value" means, as of any date, the value of Common
Stock determined as follows:

                  (i)      If the Common Stock is fisted on any established
stock exchange or a national market system, including without limitation the
Nasdaq National Market of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
Automated Quotation ("NASDAQ") System, the Fair Market Value of a Share of
Common Stock shall be the closing sales price for such stock (or the closing
bid, if no sales were reported) as quoted on such system or exchange (or the
exchange with the greatest volume of trading in Common Stock) on the last market
trading day prior to the day of determination, as reported in The Wall Street
Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable;

                  (ii)     If the Common Stock is quoted on the NASDAQ System
(but not on the Nasdaq National Market thereof) or is regularly quoted by a
recognized securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, the Fair
Market Value of a Share of Common Stock shall be the mean between the high bid
and low asked prices for the Common Stock on the last market trading day prior
to the day of determination, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such
other source as the Administrator deems reliable;

                  (iii)    In the absence of an established market for the
Common Stock, the Fair Market Value shall be determined in good faith by the
Administrator.

         (o)      "Independent Contractor" means any person who is an advisor or
consultant to the Company, but who is not an Employee.

         (p)      "Notice of Grant" means a written notice evidencing certain
terms and conditions of an individual Option grant. The Notice of Grant is part
of the Option Agreement.

         (q)      "Officer" means a person who is an officer of the Company
within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder.

         (r)      "Option" means a stock option granted pursuant to the Plan.

         (s)      "Option Agreement" means a written agreement between the
Company and an Optionee evidencing the terms and conditions of an individual
Option grant. The Option Agreement is subject to the terms and conditions of the
Plan.

         (t)      "Option Exchange Program" means a program whereby outstanding
options are surrendered in exchange for options with a lower exercise price.

         (u)      "Optioned Stock" or "Option Shares" means the Common Stock
subject to an Option.

         (v)      "Optionee" means an Eligible Participant who holds an
outstanding Option.

         (w)      "Parent" means a `parent corporation', whether now or
hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code.

         (x)      "Plan" means this 1997 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan.

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         (y)      "Rule 16b-3" means Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act or any
successor to Rule 16b-3, as in effect when discretion is being exercised with
respect to the Plan.

         (z)      "Section 16 Insider" means an insider who is subject to
Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

         (aa)     "Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

         (bb)     "Share" means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in
accordance with Section 12 of the Plan.

         (cc)     "Subsidiary" means a `subsidiary corporation', whether now or
hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code.

3.       Stock Subject to the Plan. Subject to the provisions of Section 12 of
the Plan, the maximum aggregate number of Shares which may be optioned and sold
under the Plan is 4,000,000 Shares. The Shares may be authorized, but unissued,
or reacquired Common Stock.

         If an Option expires or becomes unexcerisable without having been
exercised in full, or is surrendered pursuant to an Option Exchange Program, the
unpurchased Shares which were subject thereto shall become available for future
grant or sale under the Plan (unless the Plan has terminated); provided,
however, that Shares that have actually been issued under the Plan shall not be
returned to the Plan and shall not become available for future distribution
under the Plan.

4.       Administration of the Plan.

         (a)      Procedure.

                  (i)      Multiple Administrative Bodies. If permitted by Rule
16b-3, if applicable, the Plan may be administered by different bodies with
respect to Directors, non-Employee Directors, Officers who are not Directors,
Employees who are neither Directors nor Officers, and Independent Contractors.

                  (ii)     Administration with Respect to Directors and Officers
Subject to Section 16(b). With respect to Option grants made to Employees who
are also Officers or Directors subject to Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, the
Plan shall be administered by (A) the Board, if the Board may administer the
Plan in compliance with the rules governing a plan intended to qualify as a
discretionary plan under Rule 16b-3, or (B) a committee designated by the Board
to administer the Plan, which committee shall be constituted to comply with the
rules governing a plan intended to qualify as a discretionary plan under Rule
16b-3. Once appointed, such Committee shall continue to serve in its designated
capacity until otherwise directed by the Board. From time to time the Board may
increase the size of the Committee and appoint additional members, remove
members (with or without cause) and substitute new members, fill vacancies
(however caused), and remove all members of the Committee and thereafter
directly administer the Plan, all to the extent permitted by the rules governing
a plan intended to qualify as a discretionary plan under Rule 16b-3.

                  (iii)    Administration with Respect to Directors and Officers
Not Subject to Section 16(b) and with Respect to Other Persons. With respect to
Option grants made to Directors and Officers not subject to Section 16(b),
Employees who are neither Directors nor Officers of the Company, and Independent
Contractors, the Plan shall be administered by (A) the Board or (B) a committee
designated by the Board, which committee shall be constituted to satisfy
Applicable Laws. Once appointed, such Committee shall serve in its designated
capacity until otherwise directed by the Board. The Board may increase the size
of the Committee and appoint additional members, remove members (with or without
cause) and substitute new members, fill vacancies (however caused), and remove
all members of the Committee and thereafter directly administer the Plan, all to
the extent permitted by Applicable Laws.

                                       13
<PAGE>   14

         (b)      Powers of the Administrator. Subject to the provisions of the
Plan, and in the case of a Committee, subject to the specific duties delegated
by the Board to such Committee, the Administrator shall have authority, in its
discretion:

                  (i)      to determine the Fair Market Value of the Common
Stock, in accordance with Section 2(m) of the Plan;

                  (ii)     to select the Eligible Participants to whom Options
may be granted hereunder;

                  (iii)    to determine whether and to what extent Options are
granted hereunder;

                  (iv)     to determine the number of shares of Common Stock to
be covered by each Option granted hereunder;

                  (v)      to approve forms of agreement for use under the Plan;

                  (vi)     to determine the terms and conditions, not
inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, of any award granted hereunder. Such
terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, the exercise price, the
time or times when Options may be exercised (which may be based on performance
criteria), any vesting acceleration or waiver of forfeiture restrictions, any
right to repurchase Option Shares by the Company, and any restriction or
limitation regarding any Option or the shares of Common Stock relating thereto,
based in each case on such factors as the Administrator, in its sole discretion,
shall determine;

                  (vii)    to reduce the exercise price of any Option to the
then current Fair Market Value if the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock
covered by such Option shall have declined since the date the Option was
granted;

                  (viii)   to construe and interpret the terms of the Plan and
awards granted pursuant to the Plan;

                  (ix)     to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations
relating to the Plan, including rules and regulations relating to sub-plans
established for the purpose of qualifying for preferred tax treatment under
foreign tax laws;

                  (x)      to modify or amend each Option (subject to Section
14(c) of the Plan), including the discretionary authority to extend the
post-termination exercisability period of Options longer than is otherwise
provided for in the Plan;

                  (xi)     to authorize any person to execute on behalf of the
Company any instrument required to effect the grant of an Option previously
granted by the Administrator;

                  (xii)    to institute an Option Exchange Program;

                  (xiii)   to determine the terms and restrictions applicable to
Options; and

                  (xiv)    to make all other determinations deemed necessary or
advisable for administering the Plan.

         (c)      Effect of Administrator's Decision. The Administrator's
decisions, determinations and interpretations shall be final and binding on all
Optionees and any other holders of Options.

5.       Eligibility. Options may be granted to Eligible Participants. Employees
must also meet the eligibility requirements set forth in Section 21 of the Plan.
If otherwise eligible, an Eligible Participant who has been granted an Option
may be granted additional Options.

                                       14
<PAGE>   15

6.       Limitations.

         (a)      Each Option shall be designated in the Notice of Grant.

         (b)      Neither the Plan nor any Option shall confer upon an Optionee
who is an Employee any right with respect to continuing such Optionee's
employment with the Company, nor shall they interfere in any way with such
Optionee's right or the Company's right to terminate such employment at any
time, with or without cause.

         (c)      The following limitations shall apply to grants of Options to
Eligible Participants:

                  (i)      The foregoing limitations shall be adjusted
proportionately in connection with any change in the Company's capitalization as
described in Section 12.

                  (ii)     If an Option is canceled in the same fiscal year of
the Company in which it was granted (other than in connection with a transaction
described in Section 12), the canceled Option will be counted against the limit
set forth in Section 6(c)(i). For this purpose, if the exercise price of an
Option is reduced, the transaction will be treated as a cancellation of the
Option and the grant of a new Option.

7.       Term of Plan. Subject to Section 18 of the Plan, the Plan shall become
effective upon the earlier to occur of its adoption by the Board or its approval
by the shareholders of the Company as described in Section 18 of the Plan. It
shall continue in effect for a term of ten (10) years unless terminated earlier
under Section 14 of the Plan.

8.       Term of Option. The term of each Option shall be stated in the Notice
of Grant.

9.       Option Exercise Price and Consideration.

         (a)      Exercise Price. The per share exercise price for the Shares to
be issued pursuant to exercise of an Option shall be determined by the
Administrator.

         (b)      Waiting Period and Exercise Dates. At the time an Option is
granted, the Administrator shall fix the period within which the Option may be
exercised and shall determine any conditions which must be satisfied before the
Option may be exercised. In so doing, the Administrator may specify that an
Option may not be exercised until the completion of a service period.

         (c)      Form of Consideration. The Administrator shall determine the
acceptable form of consideration for exercising an Option, including the method
of payment. Such consideration may consist entirely of.

                  (i)      cash;

                  (ii)     check;

                  (iii)    other Shares, with the certificate(s) therefor
registered in the Optionee's name, which (A) in the case of an Optionee who is a
Section 16 Insider, have been owned by the Optionee for more than six (6) months
on the date of surrender, and (B) have a Fair Market Value on the date of
surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Shares as to which said
Option shall be exercised;

                  (iv)     delivery of a properly executed exercise notice
together with such other documentation as the Administrator and the broker, if
applicable, shall require to effect an exercise of the Option and delivery to
the Company of the sale or loan proceeds required to pay the exercise price;

                  (v)      a reduction in the amount of any Company liability to
the Optionee, including any liability attributable to the Optionee's
participation in any Company-sponsored deferred compensation program or
arrangement;

                                       15
<PAGE>   16

                  (vi)     a written instruction by the Optionee to the Company
to withhold from the Shares otherwise issuable upon the exercise of the Option
that number of Shares having a Fair Market Value as of the date of exercise
equal to the cash exercise price of the Shares being purchased; provided,
however, that in the case of an Optionee who is a Section 16 Insider, such
written instruction is received either (A) within ten (10) business days
beginning on the third (3rd) business day following release of the Company's
quarterly or annual summary of earnings and ending on the twelfth (12th)
business day following such day or (B) at least six (6) months prior to the date
of exercise of such Option;

                  (vii)    any combination of the foregoing methods of payment;
or

                  (viii)   such other consideration and method of payment for
the issuance of Shares to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws.

10.      Exercise of Option.

         (a)      Procedure for Exercise; Rights as a Shareholder. Any Option
granted hereunder shall be exercisable according to the terms of the Plan and at
such times and under such conditions as determined by the Administrator and set
forth in the Option Agreement.

         An Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share.

         An Option shall be deemed exercised when the Company receives: (i)
written notice of exercise (in accordance with the Option Agreement) from the
person entitled to exercise the Option, and (ii) full payment for the Shares
with respect to which the Option is exercised. Full payment may consist of any
consideration and method of payment authorized by the Administrator and
permitted by the Option Agreement and the Plan. Shares issued upon exercise of
an Option shall be issued in the name of the Optionee. Until the stock
certificate evidencing such Shares is issued (as evidenced by the appropriate
entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the
Company), no rights to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a
shareholder shall exist with respect to the Optioned Stock, notwithstanding the
exercise of the Option. The Company shall issue (or cause to be issued) such
stock certificate promptly after the Option is exercised. No adjustment will be
made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the
date the stock certificate is issued, except as provided in Section 12 of the
Plan.

         Exercising an Option in any manner shall decrease the number of Shares
thereafter available, both for purposes of the Plan and for sale under the
Option, by the number of Shares as to which the Option is exercised.

         (b)      Termination of Employment.

         The following provisions of this subsection (b) apply only to Optionees
who are Employees on the date of an Option grant. Unless otherwise specified by
the Administrator in writing at or subsequent to the grant, upon termination of
employment for any reason other than upon the Optionee's Disability, death or
retirement at or after age 65, the Option shall terminate and the Optionee's
right to exercise any Option shall end immediately upon the termination of
employment. For purposes of this Section 10(b), "termination of employment"
shall be deemed to have occurred at the close of business on the last day on
which the Optionee is carried as an active employee on the records of the
Company.

         If the Optionee is given the right in writing to exercise such option
for a specified period of time following termination of employment, the Optionee
may exercise such Option, but only within such period of time as is specified in
such writing, and only to the extent that the Optionee was entitled to exercise
it at the date of termination of employment (but in no event later than the
expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Notice of Grant). If,
at the date of termination of employment, the Optionee is not entitled to
exercise the entire Option, the Shares covered by the unexercisable portion of
the Option shall revert to the Plan. If, after termination

                                       16
<PAGE>   17

of employment, the Optionee does not exercise the Option within the time
specified, the Option shall terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option
shall revert to the Plan.

         (c)      Disability of Optionee. The following provisions of this
subsection (c) apply only to Optionees who are Employees on the date of an
Option grant. In the event that an Optionee's Continuous Status as an Employee
terminates as a result of the Optionee's Disability, the Optionee may exercise
the Option at any time within twelve (12) months from the date of such
termination, but only to the extent that the Optionee was entitled to exercise
it at the date of such termination (but in no event later than the expiration of
the term of such Option as set forth in the Notice of Grant). If, at the date of
termination, the Optionee is not entitled to exercise the entire Option, the
Shares covered by the unexercisable portion of the Option shall revert to the
Plan. If, after termination, the Optionee does not exercise the Option within
the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate, and the Shares covered by
such Option shall revert to the Plan.

         (d)      Death Of Optionee. In the event of death of an Optionee, the
Option may be exercised at any time within twelve (12) months following the date
of death (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option
as set forth in the Notice of Grant), by the Optionee's estate or by a person
who acquired the right to exercise the Option by bequest or inheritance, but
only the extent that the Optionee was entitled to exercise the Option at the
date of death. If, at the time of death, the Optionee was not entitled to
exercise the entire Option, the Shares covered by the unexercisable portion of
the Option shall immediately revert to the Plan. If, after death, the Optionee's
estate or a person who acquired the right to exercise the Option by bequest or
inheritance does not exercise the Option within the time specified herein, the
Option shall terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option shall revert to
the Plan.

         (e)      Rule 16b-3. Options granted to Section 16 Insiders must comply
with the applicable provisions of Rule 16b-3 and shall contain such additional
conditions or restrictions as may be required thereunder to qualify for the
maximum exemption from Section 16 of the Exchange Act with respect to Plan
transactions.

         (f)      Retirement At or After Age 65. The following provisions of
this subsection (f) apply only to Optionees who are Employees on the date of an
Option grant. Upon retirement from the Company at or after age 65, the Option
may be exercised by the retired Employee at any time during the Option's term as
set forth in the Notice of Grant. In the event of the death of such retired
Employee prior to the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the
Notice of Grant, the provisions of Paragraph (d) of this Section 10 shall apply.

11.      Non-Transferability of Options. An Option may not be sold, pledged,
assigned, hypothecated, transferred, or disposed of in any manner other than by
will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be exercised, during the
lifetime of the Optionee, only by the Optionee.

12.      Adjustments upon Changes in Capitalization, Dissolution, Merger or
Asset Sale.

         (a)      Changes in Capitalization. Subject to any required action by
the shareholders of the Company, the number of shares of Common Stock covered by
each outstanding Option, and the number of shares of Common Stock which have
been authorized for issuance under the Plan but as to which no Options have yet
been granted or which have been returned to the Plan upon cancellation or
expiration of an Option, as well as the price per share of Common Stock covered
by each such outstanding Option, shall be proportionately adjusted for any
increase or decrease in the number of issued shares of Common Stock resulting
from a stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, combination or
reclassification of the Common Stock, or any other increase or decrease in the
number of issued shares of Common Stock effected without receipt of
consideration by the Company; provided, however, that conversion of any
convertible securities of the Company shall not be deemed to have been "effected
without receipt of consideration." Such adjustment shall be made by the Board,
whose determination in that respect shall be final, binding and conclusive.
Except as expressly provided herein, no issuance by the Company of shares of
stock of any class, or securities convertible into shares of stock of any class,
shall affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to,
the number or price of shares of Common Stock subject to an Option.

                                       17
<PAGE>   18

         (b)      Dissolution or Liquidation. In the event of the proposed
dissolution or liquidation of the Company, to the extent that an Option has not
been previously exercised, it will terminate immediately prior to the
consummation of such proposed action. The Board may, in the exercise of its sole
discretion in such instances, declare that any Option shall terminate as of a
date fixed by the Board and give each Optionee the right to exercise the Option
as to all or any part of the Optioned Stock, including Shares as to which the
Option would not otherwise be exercisable.

         (c)      Merger, Reorganization Asset Sale. For purposes of this
Section 12, "Reorganization of the Company" shall mean a merger of the Company
with or into another corporation, a reorganization or consolidation in which the
Company is not the surviving or acquiring company, a sale of securities of the
Company whereby the Company becomes a wholly-owned subsidiary of another
company, or the sale of substantially all of the assets of the Company. In the
event of a Reorganization of the Company, each outstanding Option may be assumed
or an equivalent option or right may be substituted by the successor corporation
or a Parent of the successor corporation. For purposes of this paragraph, the
term "successor corporation" shall include the acquiring company, the purchaser
of substantially all of the assets of the Company, and any successor company in
a merger, reorganization or consolidation, as the case may be. In the event each
outstanding Option is not so assumed or any equivalent option or right not so
substituted, then (i) any vesting period shall end and any unvested Options
shall become immediately exercisable, and (ii) the Administrator shall notify
the Optionee that the Option shall be fully exercisable to the extent not
exercised for a period of twenty (20) days from the date such notice is given,
and the Option will terminate upon the expiration of such period. For the
purposes of this paragraph, the Option shall be considered assumed it following
the Reorganization of the Company, the option confers the right to purchase, for
each Share of Optioned Stock subject to the Option immediately prior to the
Reorganization of the Company, the consideration (whether stock, cash or other
securities or property) received in the Reorganization of the Company by holders
of Common Stock for each Share held on the effective date of the transaction
(and if holders were offered a choice of consideration, the type of
consideration chosen by the holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares);
provided, however, that if such consideration received in the Reorganization of
the Company was not solely common stock of the successor corporation or its
Parent, the Administrator may, with the consent of the successor corporation,
provide for the consideration to be received upon the exercise of the Option,
for each Share of Optioned Stock subject to the Option, to be solely common
stock of the successor corporation or its Parent equal in fair market value to
the per share consideration received by holders of Common Stock in the
Reorganization of the Company.

13.      Date of Grant. The date of grant of an Option shall be, for all
purposes, the date on which the Administrator makes the determination granting
such Option, or such other later date as is determined by the Administrator.
Notice of the determination shall be provided to each Optionee within a
reasonable time after the date of such grant.

14.      Amendment and Termination of the Plan.

         (a)      Amendment and Termination. The Board may at any time amend,
alter, suspend or terminate the Plan, except the following amendments shall
require majority shareholder approval:

                  (i)      increase in the total number of shares subject to the
Plan, except under Section 12 of the Plan relating to Adjustments; or

                  (ii)     change in the term of the Plan set forth in Section 7
hereof

         (b)      Shareholder Approval. The Company shall obtain shareholder
approval of any Plan amendment to the extent necessary and desirable to comply
with Rule 16b-3 (or any successor rule or statute or other applicable law, rule
or regulation, including the requirements of any exchange or quotation system on
which the Common Stock is fisted or quoted). Such shareholder approval, if
required, shall be obtained in such a manner and to such a degree as is required
by the applicable law, rule or regulation.

                                       18
<PAGE>   19

         (c)      Effect of Amendment or Termination. No amendment, alteration,
suspension or termination of the Plan shall impair the rights of any Optionee,
unless mutually agreed otherwise between the Optionee and the Administrator,
which agreement must be in writing and signed by the Optionee and the Company.

15.      Conditions upon Issuance of Shares.

         (a)      Legal Compliance. Shares shall not be issued pursuant to the
exercise of an Option unless the exercise of such Option and the issuance and
delivery of such Shares shall comply with all relevant provisions of law,
including, without limitation, the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the
Exchange Act, the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, Applicable Laws,
and the requirements of any stock exchange or quotation system upon which the
Shares may then be listed or quoted, and shall be further subject to the
approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such compliance.

         (b)      Investment Representations. As a condition to the exercise of
an Option, the Company may require the person exercising such Option to
represent and warrant at the time of any such exercise that the Shares are being
purchased only for investment and without any present intention to sell or
distribute such Shares if, in the opinion of counsel for the company, such a
representation is required.

         (c)      Restrictions. Restrictions may be imposed on Shares issued
pursuant to an Option and a legend may be stamped or otherwise imprinted on the
Share certificates.

         (d)      Other Conditions. If the Company determines that listing,
registration or qualification of Shares (or attempt to obtain an exemption
therefrom) of any regulatory body is necessary or desirable, the Option may not
be exercised in whole or in part until such listing, registration,
qualification, consent or approval is effected free of any conditions not
acceptable to the Company.

16.      Liability of Company.

         (a)      Inability to Obtain Authority. The inability of the Company to
obtain authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction, which authority
is deemed by the Company's counsel to be necessary to the lawful issuance and
sale of any Shares hereunder, shall relieve the Company of any liability in
respect of the failure to issue or sell such Shares as to which such requisite
authority shall not have been obtained.

         (b)      Grants Exceeding Allotted Shares. If the Optioned Stock
covered by an Option exceeds, as of the date of grant, the number of Shares
which may be issued under the Plan without additional shareholder approval, such
Option shall be void with respect to such excess Optioned Stock, unless
shareholder approval of an amendment sufficiently increasing the number of
Shares subject to the Plan is timely obtained in accordance with Section 14 of
the Plan.

17.      Reservation of Shares. The Company, during the term of this Plan, will
at all times reserve and keep available such number of Shares as shall be
sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the Plan.

18.      Shareholder Approval. Continuance of the Plan shall be subject to
approval by the shareholders of the Company within twelve (12) months before or
after the date the Plan is adopted. Such shareholder approval shall be obtained
in the manner and to the degree required under applicable Federal and state law.
An Option shall not be exercisable in whole or in part prior to the date of
approval of the Plan by the shareholders of the Company.

19.      Exchange Act. At the time of adoption of the Plan, it is not
anticipated that the Company will be subject to the Exchange Act, but provisions
relating to the Exchange Act are included herein to be applicable at such time,
if any, as the Company becomes subject to the Exchange Act.

20.      Taxes Withheld. At the time of the exercise of any Option, the Company
may require, as a condition of the exercise of such Option, the Optionee to pay
the Company an amount equal to the amount of the tax the Company may be required
to (A) withhold to obtain a deduction for federal and state income tax purposes
as a result of the

                                       19
<PAGE>   20

exercise of such Option by the Optionee or to comply with Applicable Laws, or
(B) collect from the Optionee and pay to the applicable taxing authorities. An
Optionee may, with the approval of the Administrator, make an election to
satisfy the tax withholding obligation by either (1) tendering to the Company
shares of Common Stock owned by the Optionee, with the certificates therefor
registered in the Optionee's name, having a Fair Market Value equal to the tax
withholding obligation, and, in the case of an Optionee who is a Section 16
Insider, which have been owned by the Optionee for more than six (6) months on
the date of surrender; or (2) instructing the Company to withhold from the
Shares otherwise issuable upon the exercise of the Option that number of shares
having a Fair Market Value equal to the tax withholding obligation; provided,
however, that in the case of an Optionee who is a Section 16 Insider, such
instruction is in writing and is received either (A) within ten (10) business
days beginning on the third (3rd) business day following release of the
Company's quarterly or annual summary of earnings and ending on the twelfth
(12th) business day following such day or (B) at least six (6) months prior to
the date of exercise of such Option. The value of the shares of Common Stock to
be delivered or withheld shall be based on the Fair Market Value of the shares
of Common Stock on the date of exercise.

21.      Eligibility for Consideration. Only the following Employees shall be
eligible to be considered to receive grant(s) of Options under the Plan:

         (a)      Employees who were in the employment of the Company before
January 1, 1996 and who have Continuous Status as an Employee as of the date of
grant.

         (b)      Employees who are employed by the Company on or after January
1, 1996, upon expiration of twelve (12) months' employment with the Company, and
who have Continuous Status as an Employee as of the date of grant.

22.      Determinations of Administrator or Board. All determinations of the
Administrator and the Board in connection with the Plan or Options hereunder
shall be evidenced by minutes or other written documentation setting forth such
determinations.

23.      Documentation with Respect to Options. Each Option granted hereunder
shall be evidenced by a written Stock Option Agreement dated as of the date of
grant and executed by the Company and the Optionee, in such form as the
Administrator shall approve from time to time.

24.      Temporary or Permanent Suspension of Grant of Options. The
Administrator in its discretion may decide not to grant any Options at any time
or from time to time.

25.      No Right to Continued Employment. Nothing in the Plan or in any Option
granted hereunder or in any Stock Option Agreement relating thereto shall confer
upon any Employee the right to continue in the employ of the Company.

26.      Other Plans. The adoption of the Plan shall not affect any other stock
option, stock purchase, incentive or other compensation plans in effect for the
Company, nor shall the Plan preclude the Company from establishing any other
plans or forms of incentive or other compensation for Employees.

27.      Miscellaneous.

         (a)      Whenever used herein, nouns in the singular shall include the
plural, and pronouns shall include the masculine and feminine gender as the
meaning shall require.

         (b)      Headings of Sections and Paragraphs hereof are inserted for
convenience of reference only and do not constitute a part of the Plan.

         (c)      All notices to be given pursuant to the terms of the Plan
shall be in writing. Notices required or permitted to be given under the Plan by
the Administrator or the Company under Sections 12 or 27 of the Plan shall be
deemed to have been given on the date which is five (5) days following deposit
of same in the U.S. mail, registered or certified mail or Express Mail, postage
prepaid, or with a nationally or internationally recognized

                                       20
<PAGE>   21

courier service, prepaid, for no more than five (5)-day delivery, addressed to
the addressee at the last address shown on the records of the Company.

                                  [END OF PLAN]

                                       21<PAGE>   1

                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.4

                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

         THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into as of the 1st day of January,
2000, by and between HORIZON PHARMACEUTICALS, INC., a Delaware corporation (the
"Company") and _______________________ ("Executive").

                              W I T N E S S E T H:

         WHEREAS, the Company desires to employ the Executive, and the Executive
desires to accept such employment, upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set
forth;

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants and mutual agreements
set forth herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto do hereby agree
as follows:

         1.       Employment. Throughout the Term (as defined in Section 2
                  below), the Company shall employ Executive as provided herein,
                  and Executive hereby accepts such employment. In accepting
                  such employment, Executive states that, to the best of his
                  knowledge, he is not now, and by accepting such employment,
                  will not be, under any restrictions in the performance of the
                  duties contemplated under this Agreement as a result of the
                  provisions of any prior employment agreement or non-compete or
                  similar agreement to which Executive is or was a party.

         2.       Term of Employment. The term of Executive's employment by the
                  Company hereunder shall commence on January 1, 2000 (the
                  "Effective Date") and shall continue thereafter unless sooner
                  terminated as a result of Executive's death or in accordance
                  with the provisions of Section 7 below (the "Term").

         3.       Duties. Throughout the Term, and except as otherwise expressly
                  provided herein, Executive shall be employed by the Company as
                  the ___________________ of the Company. In such capacity,
                  Executive shall devote his full time to the performance of his
                  duties as _________________ of the Company in accordance with
                  the Company's By-laws, this Agreement and the directions of
                  the Company's Board of Directors. Without limiting the
                  generality of the foregoing, throughout the Term Executive
                  shall faithfully perform his duties as _________________ at
                  all times so as to promote the best interests of the Company.

         4.       Compensation.

                  (a)      Salary. For any and all services performed by
                           Executive under this Agreement during the Term, in
                           whatever capacity, the Company shall pay

                                      -1-
<PAGE>   2

                           to Executive an annual salary of ________________
                           dollars ($___________) per year (the "Salary") less
                           any and all applicable federal, state and local
                           payroll and withholding taxes. The Salary shall be
                           paid in the same increments as the Company's normal
                           payroll, but no less frequent than bi-monthly and
                           prorated, however, for any period of less than a full
                           month. The Salary will be reviewed annually by the
                           Compensation Committee of the Board and a
                           determination shall be made at that time as to the
                           appropriateness of an increase, if any, thereto.

                  b.       Bonus. In addition to the Salary, Executive shall be
                           eligible to receive from the Company an incentive
                           compensation bonus (the "Bonus") based on a
                           percentage of his Salary. The Bonus, if any, shall be
                           determined based on the achievement by the Company
                           and/or Executive of certain specific strategic plans
                           and goals (the "Performance Goals") during the
                           preceding calendar year (the "Measurement Period") as
                           shall be determined by the Board in consultation with
                           the Executive. The initial Performance Goals will be
                           established by the Board within ____ (__) days of
                           Executive's employment hereunder. Thereafter, the
                           Performance Goals for each Measurement Period shall
                           be established as promptly as possible in each such
                           Measurement Period. Following each Measurement
                           Period, the Compensation Committee of the Board shall
                           review the Performance Goals for the prior
                           Measurement Period in light of the Company's and/or
                           Executive's actual performance during such
                           Measurement Period as reflected on the Company's
                           audited financial statements. Achievement of various
                           levels of the Performance Goals shall result in the
                           following payments as a percentage of Salary:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    <S>                        <C>
                                    Level of Achievement       Bonus as Percent of Salary
                                    --------------------       --------------------------
                                    <S>                        <C>
                                    Below Threshold                      __%
                                    Threshold Goal                       __%
                                    Target Goal                          __%
                                    Stretch Goal                         __%
</TABLE>

                                    Payment of each year's Bonus, if any, shall
                           be made within thirty (30) days after the Company's
                           and/or Executive's performance for the Measurement
                           Period is established by the Compensation Committee
                           on the basis of the Company's audited financial
                           statements. In addition, and at its sole discretion,
                           the Board may award additional compensation to
                           Executive based on Executive's contributions to the
                           Company.

5.       Benefits and Other Rights. In consideration for Executive's performance
         under this Agreement, the Company shall provide to Executive the
         following benefits:

         (a)      The Company will provide Executive with cash advances for or
                  reimbursement of all reasonable out-of-pocket business
                  expenses incurred

                                      -2-
<PAGE>   3

                  by Executive in connection with his employment hereunder. Such
                  reimbursement, however, is conditioned upon Executive adhering
                  to any and all reasonable policies established by Company from
                  time to time with respect to such reimbursements or advances,
                  including, but not limited to, a requirement that Executive
                  submit supporting evidence of any such expenses to the
                  Company.

         (b)      The Company will provide Executive and his family with group
                  medical coverage under the terms of the Company's health
                  insurance plan, but subject to completion of normal waiting
                  periods. During any such waiting period, or in the event that
                  at the date of this Agreement the Company's group medical
                  coverage is not yet in effect, then, in either case, Company
                  will pay, or reimburse Executive for, the cost of COBRA
                  coverage for Executive and his family under his prior health
                  plan.

         (c)      During the Term the Executive shall be entitled to ____ (__)
                  weeks paid vacation, it being understood and agreed that
                  unused vacation shall not be carried over from one year to the
                  next.

6.       Options. The Company may, at its sole discretion, grant to the
         Executive options pursuant to the Company's 1997 Non Qualified Stock
         Option Plan (the "Option Plan"). In the event that options are granted
         the Executive pursuant to the Option Plan, the Company agrees that such
         options shall provide that upon a "Change of Control" (as herein
         defined) all such options shall become fully vested and immediately
         exercisable. For purposes of this Agreement, a Change of Control shall
         mean the occurrence of any of the following events: (a) a merger,
         consolidation or reorganization of the Company in which the Company
         does not survive as an independent entity; (b) a sale of all or
         substantially all of the assets of the Company; (c) the first purchase
         of shares of common stock of the Company pursuant to a tender or
         exchange offer for more than a majority of the Company's outstanding
         shares of common stock by any person other than John N. Kapoor or an
         entity affiliated with or controlled by John N. Kapoor; or (d) any
         change of control of a nature that, if the Company were a publicly
         owned company, would, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, be
         required to be reported under the federal securities laws; provided
         that such a change of control shall be deemed to have occurred if (i)
         any person, other than John N. Kapoor or an entity affiliated with or
         controlled by John N. Kapoor, is or becomes the beneficial owner,
         directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing at
         least a majority of the combined voting power of the Company's then
         outstanding securities; or (ii) during any period of two consecutive
         years, individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the
         Board of Directors of the Company cease for any reason to constitute a
         majority thereof unless the election of any director, who was not a
         director at the beginning of the period, was approved by a vote of at
         least 80% of the directors then still in office who were directors at
         the beginning of the period.

                                      -3-
<PAGE>   4

7.       Termination of the Term.

         (a)      The Company shall have the right to terminate the Term under
                  the following circumstances:

                  (i)      Executive shall die; or

                  (ii)     With or without Cause, effective upon written notice
                           to Executive by the Company.

         (b)      This Agreement may be terminated by the Executive at any time
                  upon sixty (60) days prior written notice to the Company.

         (c)      For purposes of this Agreement, "Cause" shall mean:

                  (i)      Executive shall be charged with the commission of a
                           felony or a crime involving dishonesty, fraud or
                           moral turpitude;

                  (ii)     Executive has engaged in acts of fraud, embezzlement,
                           theft or other dishonest acts against the Company;

                  (iii)    Executive commits an act which negatively impacts the
                           Company or its employees including, but not limited
                           to, engaging in competition with the Company,
                           disclosing confidential information or engaging in
                           sexual harassment, discrimination or other human
                           rights-type violations;

                  (iv)     Executive's gross neglect or willful misconduct in
                           the discharge of his duties and responsibilities; or

                  (v)      Executive's repeated refusal to follow the lawful
                           direction of the Board of Directors or supervising
                           officers.

8.       Effect of Expiration or Termination of the Term. Promptly following the
         termination of the Term, and except as otherwise expressly agreed to by
         the Company in writing, Executive shall

         (a)      immediately resign from any and all other positions or
                  committees which Executive holds or is a member of with the
                  Company or any subsidiary of the Company including, but not
                  limited to, as a director of the Company or any subsidiary of
                  the Company.

         (b)      provide the Company with all reasonable assistance necessary
                  to permit the Company to continue its business operations
                  without interruption and

                                      -4-
<PAGE>   5

                  in a manner consistent with reasonable business practices;
                  provided, however, that such transition period shall not
                  exceed thirty (30) days after termination nor require more
                  than twenty (20) hours of Executive's time per week and
                  Executive shall be promptly reimbursed for all out of pocket
                  expenses.

         (c)      deliver to the Company possession of any and all property
                  owned or leased by the Company which may then be in
                  Executive's possession or under his control, including,
                  without limitation, any and all such keys, credit cards,
                  automobiles, equipment, supplies, books, records, files,
                  computer equipment, computer software and other such tangible
                  and intangible property of any description whatsoever. If,
                  following the expiration or termination of the Term, Executive
                  shall receive any mail addressed to the Company, then
                  Executive shall immediately deliver such mail, unopened and in
                  its original envelope or package, to the Company; and

         (d)      Other than as provided in this Section 8, upon a termination
                  of employment all other benefits and/or entitlements to
                  participate in programs or benefits, if any, will cease as of
                  the effective date, except medical insurance coverage that may
                  be continued at Executive's own expense as provided by
                  applicable law or written Company policy.

         (e)      Upon termination of Executive pursuant to ss.7(a)(ii) without
                  Cause, the Company shall (i) provide Executive with Salary
                  continuance, subject to ss.8(g), for ______ (___) months (a
                  "Salary Continuance"), plus (ii) a lump sum payment equal to
                  (______)% of the Bonus, if any, paid to Executive for the
                  immediately preceding calendar year, plus (iii) provide _____
                  (___) months of COBRA coverage for Executive which shall be
                  substantially equivalent to that provided by the Company prior
                  to termination, plus (iv) provide _______ (___) months of car
                  allowance at __________ dollars ($__________) per month,
                  pursuant to return of existing company vehicle at time of
                  termination, plus (v) all of Executive's then unvested options
                  previously issued pursuant to the Company Option Plan shall
                  immediately vest and be exercisable as herein provided.

         (f)      Upon termination of Executive pursuant to ss. 7(a)(i), ss.
                  7(a)(ii) with Cause or ss. 7(b), the Company shall pay
                  Executive or Executive's estate all Salary accrued but unpaid
                  as of the date of such termination.

         (g)      In the extent that Executive shall be entitled to receive a
                  Salary Continuance and COBRA benefit pursuant to ss.8(e), such
                  Salary Continuance and COBRA benefit shall continue only until
                  such time as Executive shall have accepted another full-time
                  position. In addition, in the event that Executive shall
                  perform consulting or other services for

                                      -5-
<PAGE>   6

                  which he shall receive compensation, all compensation shall be
                  reported to the Company and shall be offset against any
                  remaining Salary Continuance payments. Failure of Executive to
                  promptly report the receipt of any compensation from a third
                  party or the acceptance of a new position shall entitle the
                  Company to terminate all remaining Salary Continuance and
                  COBRA benefits and to seek restitution for any payments made
                  to Executive subsequent to such job acceptance or compensation
                  receipt;

         (h)      Upon the expiration or termination of this Agreement for any
                  reason, Executive, or Executive's estate, will have a period
                  of 120 days from the date of such expiration or termination in
                  which to exercise any vested option.

         (i)      Any dollar amounts which are to be paid at the time of
                  termination under this Section 8, other than Salary
                  Continuance and COBRA payments, shall be paid within thirty
                  (30) days after the date of termination. Any Salary
                  Continuance or COBRA payments shall be made in accordance with
                  the usual payroll practice which were applicable prior to
                  termination. Any and all payments made pursuant to this
                  Agreement shall be net of any and all applicable federal,
                  state and local payroll and withholding taxes.

9.       Restrictive Covenants for Executive. Executive hereby covenants and
         agrees with the Company that for so long as Executive is employed by
         the Company and for a period (the "Restricted Period") of thirty-six
         (36) months thereafter, Executive shall not, without the prior written
         consent of the Company, which consent shall be within the sole and
         exclusive discretion of the Company, either directly or indirectly, on
         his own account or as an executive, consultant, agent, partner, joint
         venturer, owner, officer, director or shareholder of any other person,
         firm, corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other
         entity, or in any other capacity, in any way:

         (a)      Carry on, be engaged in or have any financial interest in any
                  business which is in competition with the business of the
                  Company. For purposes of this Section 9, a business shall be
                  deemed to be in competition with the Company if it involves
                  research and development work involving products which were,
                  at the time of termination, being marketed by the Company or
                  which at such time were under study by the Company and
                  expected to be marketed within six (6) months of the date of
                  termination. Nothing in this Section 9 shall be construed so
                  as to preclude Executive from investing in any publicly held
                  company, provided Executive's beneficial ownership of any
                  class of such company's securities does not exceed 5% of the
                  outstanding securities of such class;

         (b)      solicit any current supplier, customer or client of the
                  Company or any affiliate of the Company or anyone who was a
                  supplier, customer or client

                                      -6-
<PAGE>   7

                  at any time during the twelve (12) month period immediately
                  preceding termination, excluding customers such as
                  wholesalers, managed care agencies, shippers, commercial and
                  investment banks, IR/PR agencies, scientific and computer
                  consultants, lawyers and manufacturers; as long as
                  manufacturers have extra capacity, provided, however, that
                  where minimum alternative allocation sources would not be
                  available, requests for exceptions to this restriction will be
                  determined by the Company on a case by case basis; or

         (c)      solicit, employ or engage any person who was an employee of
                  the Company or any affiliate of the Company at any time during
                  the twelve (12) month period immediately preceding
                  termination.

10.      Confidentiality. The Executive acknowledges that during the period of
         his employment by the Company, and in his performance of services
         hereunder, he will be placed in a relationship of trust and confidence
         regarding the Company and its affairs. In the course of and due to that
         relationship he will have contact with the Company's customers,
         suppliers, affiliates, and distributors and their personnel. In the
         course of the aforesaid relationship, he will have access to and will
         acquire confidential information relating to the business and
         operations of the Company, including, without limitation, information
         relating to processes, plans and methods of operation of the Company.
         The Executive acknowledges that any such information that is not a
         trade secret, nonetheless constitutes confidential information as
         between himself and the Company, that the disclosure thereof (or of any
         information which he knows relates to confidential, trade, or other
         secret aspects of the Company's business) would cause substantial loss
         to the goodwill of the Company, and will continue to be made known to
         Executive only because of the position of trust and confidence which he
         will continue to occupy hereunder. In view of the foregoing, and in
         consideration of the covenants and premises of this Agreement, the
         Executive agrees that he will not, at any time during the term of his
         employment, and for a period of twelve (12) months thereafter, disclose
         to any person, firm or company any trade secrets or confidential
         information or such ideas which he may have acquired or developed or
         may acquire or develop relating to the business of the Company while
         serving the Company.

11.      Remedies.

         (a)      The covenants of Executive set forth in Sections 9 and 10 are
                  separate and independent covenants for which valuable
                  consideration has been paid, the receipt, adequacy and
                  sufficiency of which are acknowledged by Executive, and have
                  also been made by Executive to induce the Company to enter
                  into this Agreement. Each of the aforesaid covenants may be
                  availed of, or relied upon, by the Company in any court of
                  competent jurisdiction, and shall form the basis of injunctive
                  relief and damages

                                      -7-
<PAGE>   8

                  including expenses of litigation (including, but not limited
                  to, reasonable attorneys fees upon trial and appeal) suffered
                  by the Company arising out of any breach of the aforesaid
                  covenants by Executive. The covenants of Executive set forth
                  in this Section 11 are cumulative to each other and to all
                  other covenants of Executive in favor of the Company contained
                  in this Agreement and shall survive the termination of this
                  Agreement for the purposes intended.

         (b)      Each of the covenants contained in Sections 9 and 10 above
                  shall be construed as agreements which are independent of any
                  other provision of this Agreement, and the existence of any
                  claim or cause of action by any party hereto against any other
                  party hereto, of whatever nature, shall not constitute a
                  defense to the enforcement of such covenants. If any of such
                  covenants shall be deemed unenforceable by virtue of its scope
                  in terms of geographical area, length of time or otherwise,
                  but may be made enforceable by the imposition of limitations
                  thereon, Executive agrees that the same shall be enforceable
                  to the fullest extent permissible under the laws and public
                  policies of the jurisdiction in which enforcement is sought.
                  The parties hereto hereby authorize any court of competent
                  jurisdiction to modify or reduce the scope of such covenants
                  to the extent necessary to make such covenants enforceable.

         (c)      In the event that Executive believes that the Company is in
                  violation of a material obligation owed to Executive under
                  this Agreement, and the Executive has given notice of such
                  violation to the Company requesting that the Company cure such
                  violation, and within twenty (20) business days the Company
                  has not undertaken steps to cure such violation or to provide
                  information to Executive demonstrating that the Company is not
                  in violation of the Agreement, and as a result of such failure
                  to cure or dispute such violation, the Executive terminates
                  the Agreement in accordance with Section 7(b), Executive shall
                  not be barred from seeking employment with a competitor
                  notwithstanding the restriction of Section 8(a); provided,
                  however, that all other restrictions contained in this
                  Agreement, including, but not limited to, the covenants in
                  Section 8(b) and in Section 9, shall remain in full force and
                  effect.

12.      Enforcement Costs. If any legal action or other proceeding is brought
         for the enforcement of this Agreement, or because of an alleged
         dispute, breach, default or misrepresentation in connection with any
         provisions of this Agreement, the successful or prevailing party or
         parties shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorney's fees, court
         costs and all expenses even if not taxable as court costs (including,
         without limitation, all such fees, costs and expenses incident to
         appeal and other post-judgment proceedings), incurred in that action or
         proceeding, in addition to any other relief to which such party or
         parties may be entitled. Attorney's fees shall include, without
         limitation, paralegal fees, investigative fees,

                                      -8-
<PAGE>   9

         administrative costs, sales and use taxes and all other charges billed
         by the attorney to the prevailing party.

13.      Notices. Any and all notices necessary or desirable to be served
         hereunder shall be in writing and shall be

         (a)      personally delivered, or

         (b)      sent by certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt
                  requested, or guaranteed overnight delivery by a nationally
                  recognized express delivery company, in each case addressed to
                  the intended recipient at the address set forth below.

         (c)      For notices sent to the Company:

                                            Horizon Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
                                            660 Hembree Parkway, Suite 106
                                            Roswell, Georgia 30076

                                            Telephone No.: (770) 442-9707
                                            Facsimile No.: (770) 442-9594

         (d)      For notices sent to Executive:

                           ------------------------

                           ------------------------

                           ------------------------

         Either party hereto may amend the addresses for notices to such party
         hereunder by delivery of a written notice thereof served upon the other
         party hereto as provided herein. Any notice sent by certified mail as
         provided above shall be deemed delivered on the third (3rd) business
         day next following the postmark date which it bears.

14.      Entire Agreement. This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement of the
         parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof, and all prior
         negotiations, agreements and understandings are merged herein. This
         Agreement may not be modified or revised except pursuant to a written
         instrument signed by the party against whom enforcement is sought.

15.      Severability. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision
         hereof shall not affect the enforceability of any other provision
         hereof, and except as otherwise provided in Section 11 above, any such
         invalid or unenforceable provision shall be severed from this
         Agreement.

                                      -9-
<PAGE>   10

16.      Waiver. Failure to insist upon strict compliance with any of the terms
         or conditions hereof shall not be deemed a waiver or such term or
         condition, and the waiver or relinquishment of any right or remedy
         hereunder at any one or more times shall not be deemed a waiver or
         relinquishment of such right or remedy at any other time or times.

17.      Governing Law. This Agreement and the rights and obligations of the
         parties hereto shall be governed by and construed in accordance with
         the laws of the State of Illinois, without regard to its conflicts of
         laws provisions. Each party hereto hereby (a) agrees that any
         litigation which may be initiated with respect to this Agreement or to
         enforce rights granted hereunder shall be initiated in a court located
         in Cook County, -Illinois and (b) consents to personal jurisdiction of
         such courts for such purpose.

18.      Benefit and Assignability. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of
         and be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns. The
         rights and obligations of Executive hereunder are personal to him, and
         are not subject to voluntary or involuntary alienation, transfer,
         delegation or assignment.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Employment
Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

                                    HORIZON PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

                                    By:
                                           -----------------------------------
                                    Name:
                                           -----------------------------------
                                    Title:
                                           -----------------------------------

                                    EXECUTIVE:

                                    ------------------------------------------

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