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                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.13

                                 SANTARUS, INC.

                          EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN

      Santarus, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "COMPANY"), hereby adopts the
Santarus, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "PLAN"), effective as of the
Effective Date (as defined herein).

      1.    Purpose. The purposes of the Plan are as follows:

            (a)   To assist employees of the Company and its Designated
Subsidiaries (as defined below) in acquiring a stock ownership interest in the
Company pursuant to a plan which is intended to qualify as an "employee stock
purchase plan" within the meaning of Section 423(b) of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as amended.

            (b)   To help employees provide for their future security and to
encourage them to remain in the employment of the Company and its Designated
Subsidiaries.

      2.    Definitions.

            (a)   "ADMINISTRATOR" shall mean the administrator of the Plan, as
determined pursuant to Section 14 hereof.

            (b)   "BOARD" shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.

            (c)   "CODE" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended.

            (d)   "COMMITTEE" shall mean the committee appointed to administer
the Plan pursuant to Section 14 hereof.

            (e)   "COMMON STOCK" shall mean the common stock of the Company.

            (f)   "COMPANY" shall mean Santarus, Inc., a Delaware corporation,
and any successor by merger, consolidation or otherwise.

            (g)   "COMPENSATION" shall mean all base straight time gross
earnings and commissions, exclusive of payments for overtime, shift premium,
incentive compensation, incentive payments, bonuses, expense reimbursements,
fringe benefits and other compensation.

            (h)   "DESIGNATED SUBSIDIARY" shall mean any Subsidiary which has
been designated by the Administrator from time to time in its sole discretion as
eligible to participate in the Plan. The Administrator may designate, or
terminate the designation of, a subsidiary as a Designated Subsidiary without
the approval of the stockholders of the Company.

            (i)   "EFFECTIVE DATE" shall mean the date on which the Company's
Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with respect to the Company's initial
public offering becomes effective.
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            (j)   "ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEE" shall mean an Employee of the Company or a
Designated Subsidiary: (i) who does not, immediately after the Option is
granted, own stock possessing five percent (5%) or more of the total combined
voting power or value of all classes of stock of the Company, a Parent or a
Subsidiary (as determined under Section 423(b)(3) of the Code); (ii) whose
customary employment is for more than twenty (20) hours per week; and (iii)
whose customary employment is for more than five (5) months in any calendar
year. For purposes of clause (i), the rules of Section 424(d) of the Code with
regard to the attribution of stock ownership shall apply in determining the
stock ownership of an individual, and stock which an employee may purchase under
outstanding options shall be treated as stock owned by the employee. For
purposes of the Plan, the employment relationship shall be treated as continuing
intact while the individual is on sick leave or other leave of absence approved
by the Company or Designated Subsidiary and meeting the requirements of Treasury
Regulation Section 1.421-7(h)(2). Where the period of leave exceeds ninety (90)
days and the individual's right to reemployment is not guaranteed either by
statute or by contract, the employment relationship shall be deemed to have
terminated on the ninety-first (91st) day of such leave.

            (k)   "EMPLOYEE" shall mean any person who renders services to the
Company or a Subsidiary in the status of an employee within the meaning of Code
Section 3401(c). "Employee" shall not include any director of the Company or a
Subsidiary who does not render services to the Company or a Subsidiary in the
status of an employee within the meaning of Code Section 3401(c).

            (l)   "ENROLLMENT DATE" shall mean the first Trading Day of each
Offering Period. The Enrollment Date for the first Offering Period under the
Plan shall be the Effective Date.

            (m)   "EXERCISE DATE" shall mean the last Trading Day of each
Purchase Period.

            (n)   "FAIR MARKET VALUE" shall mean, as of any date, the value of
Common Stock determined as follows:

                  (i)   If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock
exchange or a national market system, including without limitation the Nasdaq
National Market or The Nasdaq SmallCap Market of The Nasdaq Stock Market, its
Fair Market Value shall be the closing sales price for such stock (or the
closing bid, if no sales were reported) as quoted on such exchange or system for
the last market trading day prior to the date of determination, as reported in
The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems
reliable;

                  (ii)  If the Common Stock is regularly quoted by a recognized
securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, its Fair Market Value
shall be the mean of the closing bid and asked prices for the Common Stock on
the date prior to the date 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 thereof shall be determined in good faith by the
Administrator; or

                  (iv)  For purposes of the first Offering Period under the
Plan, the Fair Market Value on the Enrollment Date shall be the initial price to
the public as set forth in the

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final prospectus included within the registration statement on Form S-1 filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the initial public offering of
the Company's Common Stock (the "Registration Statement").

            (o)   "OFFERING PERIOD" shall mean subject to Section 24, each
twenty-four (24) month period commencing on any December 1 or June 1 and
terminating on the last Trading Day in the periods ending twenty-four (24)
months later, except for the first Offering Period under the Plan, which shall
commence on the Effective Date and end on November 30, 2005. The duration and
timing of Offering Periods may be changed pursuant to Section 4 of this Plan.

            (p)   "PARENT" means any corporation, other than the Company, in an
unbroken chain of corporations ending with the Company if, at the time of the
determination, each of the corporations other than the Company owns stock
possessing 50% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of
stock in one of the other corporations in such chain.

            (q)   "PLAN" shall mean this Santarus, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase
Plan.

            (r)   "PURCHASE PERIOD" shall mean the approximately six (6) month
period commencing after one Exercise Date and ending with the next Exercise
Date, except that the first Purchase Period of any Offering Period shall
commence on the Enrollment Date and end with the next Exercise Date.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the first Purchase Period with respect to the
initial Offering Period under the Plan shall end on the last Trading Day on or
before the next occurring December 1 following the Effective Date and such
period may be more or less than six-months in duration.

            (s)   "PURCHASE PRICE" shall mean 85% of the Fair Market Value of a
share of Common Stock on the Enrollment Date or on the Exercise Date, whichever
is lower; provided, however, that the Purchase Price may be adjusted by the
Administrator pursuant to Section 20; provided, further, that the Purchase Price
shall not be less than the par value of a share of Common Stock.

            (t)   "SUBSIDIARY" shall mean any corporation, other than the
Company, in an unbroken chain of corporations beginning with the Company if, at
the time of the determination, each of the corporations other than the last
corporation in an unbroken chain owns stock possessing 50% or more of the total
combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations
in such chain.

            (u)   "TRADING DAY" shall mean a day on which national stock
exchanges and the Nasdaq System are open for trading.

      3.    Eligibility.

            (a)   Any Eligible Employee who shall be employed by the Company or
a Designated Subsidiary on a given Enrollment Date for an Offering Period shall
be eligible to participate in the Plan during such Offering Period, subject to
the requirements of Section 5 and the limitations imposed by Section 423(b) of
the Code.

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            (b)   Each person who, during the course of an Offering Period,
first becomes an Eligible Employee subsequent to the Enrollment Date will be
eligible to become a participant in the Plan on the first day of the first
Purchase Period following the day on which such person becomes an Eligible
Employee, subject to the requirements of Section 5 and the limitations imposed
by Section 423(b) of the Code.

            (c)   No Eligible Employee shall be granted an option under the Plan
which permits his rights to purchase stock under the Plan, and to purchase stock
under all other employee stock purchase plans of the Company, any Parent or any
Subsidiary subject to the Section 423, to accrue at a rate which exceeds $25,000
of fair market value of such stock (determined at the time the option is
granted) for each calendar year in which the option is outstanding at any time.
For purpose of the limitation imposed by this subsection, the right to purchase
stock under an option accrues when the option (or any portion thereof) first
becomes exercisable during the calendar year, the right to purchase stock under
an option accrues at the rate provided in the option, but in no case may such
rate exceed $25,000 of fair market value of such stock (determined at the time
such option is granted) for any one calendar year, and a right to purchase stock
which has accrued under an option may not be carried over to any option. This
limitation shall be applied in accordance with Section 423(b)(8) of the Code and
the Treasury Regulations thereunder.

      4.    Offering Periods. Subject to Section 24, the Plan shall be
implemented by consecutive, overlapping Offering Periods which shall continue
until the Plan expires or is terminated in accordance with Section 20 hereof.
The Administrator shall have the power to change the duration of Offering
Periods (including the commencement dates thereof) with respect to future
offerings without stockholder approval if such change is announced at least five
(5) days prior to the scheduled beginning of the first Offering Period to be
affected thereafter.

      5.    Participation.

            (a)   Each Eligible Employee who is employed by the Company or a
Designated Subsidiary on the calendar day immediately preceding the Effective
Date shall automatically become a participant in the Plan with respect to the
first Offering Period. Each such participant shall be granted an option to
purchase shares of Common Stock and shall be enrolled in such first Offering
Period to the extent of twenty percent (20%) of his or her Compensation for the
pay days during the first Offering Period (or, if less, the maximum amount of
contributions permitted to be made by such participant for such Offering Period
by payroll deduction under the terms of this Plan). Participants wishing to
purchase shares of Common Stock during the first Offering Period shall do so by
making a lump sum cash payment to the Company not later than ten (10) calendar
days before each Exercise Date of such Offering Period, and each such payment
may be made in an amount not exceeding twenty percent (20%) of such
participant's Compensation for the pay days occurring during such Offering
Period and occurring prior to such lump sum payment; provided, however, that
such participant shall not be required to make such lump sum cash payments, or
exercise all or any portion of such option to purchase shares of Common Stock by
making such lump sum payments. Following the Effective Date, each such
participant may, during the period designated from time to time by the
Administrator for such purpose, elect to make such contributions (or a lesser
amount of contributions) for the first Offering Period by payroll deductions in
accordance with Section 6, in

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lieu of making contributions in such lump sum cash payments under this
subsection (a), or may elect to make no contributions for such Offering Period;
provided, however, that, to make contributions by payroll deductions, such
participant must complete the form of subscription agreement provided by the
Company for the first Offering Period under this Plan. If (i) during such
Offering Period, such a participant elects to make contributions by payroll
deduction, or elects to make no contributions for such Offering Period, or (ii)
on or prior to the tenth (10th) calendar day before the last Exercise Date of
such Offering Period, such a participant fails to make any lump sum cash
payment, such participant shall be deemed to have elected not to make
contributions by lump sum payment with respect to such first Offering Period.
Except as described in subsection (e) below, a participant may not make
contributions by lump sum payment for any Offering Period other than the first
Offering Period.

            (b)   Following the first Offering Period, an Eligible Employee may
become a participant in the Plan by completing a subscription agreement
authorizing payroll deductions in the form of Exhibit A to this Plan and filing
it with the Company's payroll office fifteen (15) days (or such shorter or
longer period as may be determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion)
prior to the applicable Enrollment Date.

            (c)   Each person who, during the course of an Offering Period,
first becomes an Eligible Employee subsequent to the Enrollment Date will be
eligible to become a participant in the Plan on the first day of the first
Purchase Period following the day on which such person becomes an Eligible
Employee. Such person may become a participant in the Plan by completing a
subscription agreement authorizing payroll deductions in the form of Exhibit A
to this Plan and filing it with the Company's payroll office fifteen (15) days
(or such shorter or longer period as may be determined by the Administrator, in
its sole discretion) prior to the first day of any Purchase Period during the
Offering Period in which such person becomes an Eligible Employee. The rights
granted to such participant shall have the same characteristics as any rights
originally granted during that Offering Period except that the first day of the
Purchase Period in which such person initially participates in the Plan shall be
the "Enrollment Date" for all purposes for such person, including determination
of the Purchase Price.

            (d)   Except as provided in subsection (a), payroll deductions for a
participant shall commence on the first payroll following the Enrollment Date
and shall end on the last payroll in the Offering Period to which such
authorization is applicable, unless sooner terminated by the participant as
provided in Section 10 hereof.

            (e)   During a leave of absence approved by the Company or a
Subsidiary and meeting the requirements of Treasury Regulation Section
1.421-7(h)(2), a participant may continue to participate in the Plan by making
cash payments to the Company on each pay day equal to the amount of the
participant's payroll deductions under the Plan for the pay day immediately
preceding the first day of such participant's leave of absence. If a leave of
absence is unapproved or fails to meet the requirements of Treasury Regulation
Section 1.421-7(h)(2), the participant will cease automatically to participate
in the Plan. In such event, the company will automatically cease to deduct the
participant's payroll under the Plan. The Company will pay to the participant
his or her total payroll deductions for the Purchase Period, in cash in one lump
sum (without interest), as soon as practicable after the participant ceases to
participate in the Plan.

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            (f)   A participant's completion of a subscription agreement will
enroll such participant in the Plan for each successive Purchase Period and each
subsequent Offering Period on the terms contained therein until the participant
either submits a new subscription agreement, withdraws from participation under
the Plan as provided in Section 10 hereof or otherwise becomes ineligible to
participate in the Plan.

      6.    Payroll Deductions.

            (a)   At the time a participant files his or her subscription
agreement, he or she shall elect to have payroll deductions made on each pay day
during the Offering Period in an amount from one percent (1%) to twenty percent
(20%) of the Compensation which he or she receives on each pay day during the
Offering Period.

            (b)   All payroll deductions made for a participant shall be
credited to his or her account under the Plan and shall be withheld in whole
percentages only. Except as described in Section 5(a) hereof, a participant may
not make any additional payments into such account.

            (c)   A participant may discontinue his or her participation in the
Plan as provided in Section 10 hereof, or may increase or decrease the rate of
his or her payroll deductions during the Offering Period by completing or filing
with the Company a new subscription agreement authorizing a change in payroll
deduction rate. The Administrator may, in its discretion, limit the number of
participation rate changes during any Offering Period. The change in rate shall
be effective with the first full payroll period following five (5) business days
after the Company's receipt of the new subscription agreement (or such shorter
or longer period as may be determined by the Administrator, in its sole
discretion).

            (d)   Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent necessary to
comply with Section 423(b)(8) of the Code and Section 3(c) hereof, a
participant's payroll deductions may be decreased to zero percent (0%) at any
time during a Purchase Period.

            (e)   At the time the option is exercised, in whole or in part, or
at the time some or all of the Company's Common Stock issued under the Plan is
disposed of, the participant must make adequate provision for the Company's
federal, state, or other tax withholding obligations, if any, which arise upon
the exercise of the option or the disposition of the Common Stock. At any time,
the Company may, but shall not be obligated to, withhold from the participant's
compensation the amount necessary for the Company to meet applicable withholding
obligations, including any withholding required to make available to the Company
any tax deductions or benefits attributable to sale or early disposition of
Common Stock by the Employee.

      7.    Grant of Option. On the Enrollment Date of each Offering Period,
each Eligible Employee participating in such Offering Period shall be granted an
option to purchase on each Exercise Date during such Offering Period (at the
applicable Purchase Price) up to a number of shares of the Company's Common
Stock determined by dividing such participant's payroll deductions accumulated
prior to such Exercise Date and retained in the participant's account as of the
Exercise Date by the applicable Purchase Price; provided, however, that in no
event shall a participant be permitted to purchase during each Offering Period
more than 20,000 shares of the

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Company's Common Stock (subject to any adjustment pursuant to Section 19) and
during each Purchase Period more than 5,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock
(subject to any adjustment pursuant to Section 19); and provided, further, that
such purchase shall be subject to the limitations set forth in Sections 3(c) and
13 hereof. The Administrator may, for future Offering Periods, increase or
decrease, in its absolute discretion, the maximum number of shares of the
Company's Common Stock a participant may purchase during each Purchase Period
and Offering Period. Exercise of the option shall occur as provided in Section 8
hereof, unless the participant has withdrawn pursuant to Section 10 hereof or
otherwise becomes ineligible to participate in the Plan. The option shall expire
on the last day of the Offering Period.

      8.    Exercise of Option.

            (a)   Unless a participant withdraws from the Plan as provided in
Section 10 hereof or otherwise becomes ineligible to participate in the Plan,
his or her option for the purchase of shares shall be exercised automatically on
the Exercise Date, and the maximum number of full shares subject to the option
shall be purchased for such participant at the applicable Purchase Price with
the accumulated payroll deductions in his or her account. No fractional shares
shall be purchased; any payroll deductions accumulated in a participant's
account which are not sufficient to purchase a full share shall be retained in
the participant's account for the subsequent Purchase Period or Offering Period.
During a participant's lifetime, a participant's option to purchase shares
hereunder is exercisable only by him or her.

            (b)   If the Administrator determines that, on a given Exercise
Date, the number of shares with respect to which options are to be exercised may
exceed (i) the number of shares of Common Stock that were available for sale
under the Plan on the Enrollment Date of the applicable Offering Period, or (ii)
the number of shares available for sale under the Plan on such Exercise Date,
the Administrator may in its sole discretion (x) provide that the Company shall
make a pro rata allocation of the shares of Common Stock available for purchase
on such Enrollment Date or Exercise Date, as applicable, in as uniform a manner
as shall be practicable and as it shall determine in its sole discretion to be
equitable among all participants exercising options to purchase Common Stock on
such Exercise Date, and continue all Offering Periods then in effect, or (y)
provide that the Company shall make a pro rata allocation of the shares
available for purchase on such Enrollment Date or Exercise Date, as applicable,
in as uniform a manner as shall be practicable and as it shall determine in its
sole discretion to be equitable among all participants exercising options to
purchase Common Stock on such Exercise Date, and terminate any or all Offering
Periods then in effect pursuant to Section 20 hereof. The Company may make pro
rata allocation of the shares available on the Enrollment Date of any applicable
Offering Period pursuant to the preceding sentence, notwithstanding any
authorization of additional shares for issuance under the Plan by the Company's
stockholders subsequent to such Enrollment Date. The balance of the amount
credited to the account of each participant which has not been applied to the
purchase of shares of stock shall be paid to such participant in one lump sum in
cash as soon as reasonably practicable after the Exercise Date, without any
interest thereon.

      9.    Deposit of Shares. As promptly as practicable after each Exercise
Date on which a purchase of shares occurs, the Company may arrange for the
deposit, into each participant's

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account with any broker designated by the Company to administer this Plan, of
the number of shares purchased upon exercise of his or her option.

      10.   Withdrawal.

            (a)   A participant may withdraw all but not less than all of the
payroll deductions credited to his or her account and not yet used to exercise
his or her option under the Plan at any time by giving written notice to the
Company in the form of Exhibit A to this Plan. All of the participant's payroll
deductions credited to his or her account during the Offering Period shall be
paid to such participant as soon as reasonably practicable after receipt of
notice of withdrawal and such participant's option for the Offering Period shall
be automatically terminated, and no further payroll deductions for the purchase
of shares shall be made for such Offering Period. If a participant withdraws
from an Offering Period, payroll deductions shall not resume at the beginning of
the succeeding Offering Period unless the participant delivers to the Company a
new subscription agreement.

            (b)   A participant's withdrawal from an Offering Period shall not
have any effect upon his or her eligibility to participate in any similar plan
which may hereafter be adopted by the Company or in succeeding Offering Periods
which commence after the termination of the Offering Period from which the
participant withdraws.

      11.   Termination of Employment. Upon a participant's ceasing to be an
Eligible Employee, for any reason, he or she shall be deemed to have elected to
withdraw from the Plan and the payroll deductions credited to such participant's
account during the Offering Period shall be paid to such participant or, in the
case of his or her death, to the person or persons entitled thereto under
Section 15 hereof, as soon as reasonably practicable and such participant's
option for the Offering Period shall be automatically terminated.

      12.   Interest. No interest shall accrue on the payroll deductions or lump
sum contributions of a participant in the Plan.

      13.   Shares Subject to Plan.

            (a)   Subject to adjustment upon changes in capitalization of the
Company as provided in Section 19 hereof, the maximum number of shares of the
Company's Common Stock which shall be made available for sale under the Plan
shall be 400,000 shares. In addition to the foregoing, subject to Section 19
hereof, commencing on the first day of the Company's 2005 fiscal year and on the
first day of each fiscal year thereafter during the term of the Plan, the number
of shares of the Company's Common Stock which shall be made available for sale
under the Plan shall be increased by that number of shares of the Company's
Common Stock equal to the least of (i) one percent (1%) of the Company's
outstanding shares on such date or (ii) a lesser amount determined by the Board.
If any right granted under the Plan shall for any reason terminate without
having been exercised, the Common Stock not purchased under such right shall
again become available for issuance under the Plan. The stock subject to the
Plan may be unissued shares or reacquired shares, bought on the market or
otherwise.

            (b)   With respect to shares of stock subject to an option granted
under the Plan, a participant shall not be deemed to be a stockholder of the
Company, and the participant shall

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not have any of the rights or privileges of a stockholder, until such shares
have been issued to the participant or his or her nominee following exercise of
the participant's option. No adjustments shall be made for dividends (ordinary
or extraordinary, whether in cash securities, or other property) or distribution
or other rights for which the record date occurs prior to the date of such
issuance, except as otherwise expressly provided herein.

      14.   Administration.

            (a)   The Plan shall be administered by the Board unless and until
the Board delegates administration to a Committee as set forth below. The Board
may delegate administration of the Plan to a Committee comprised of two or more
members of the Board, each of whom is a "non-employee director" within the
meaning of Rule 16b-3 which has been adopted by the Securities and Exchange
Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and which is
otherwise constituted to comply with applicable law, and the term "Committee"
shall apply to any persons to whom such authority has been delegated. If
administration is delegated to a Committee, the Committee shall have, in
connection with the administration of the Plan, the powers theretofore possessed
by the Board, including the power to delegate to a subcommittee any of the
administrative powers the Committee is authorized to exercise, subject, however,
to such resolutions, not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan, as may be
adopted from time to time by the Board. Each member of the Committee shall serve
for a term commencing on a date specified by the Board and continuing until the
member dies or resigns or is removed from office by the Board. References in
this Plan to the "Administrator" shall mean the Board unless administration is
delegated to a Committee or subcommittee, in which case references in this Plan
to the Administrator shall thereafter be to the Committee or subcommittee.

            (b)   It shall be the duty of the Administrator to conduct the
general administration of the Plan in accordance with the provisions of the
Plan. The Administrator shall have the power to interpret the Plan and the terms
of the options and to adopt such rules for the administration, interpretation,
and application of the Plan as are consistent therewith and to interpret, amend
or revoke any such rules. The Administrator at its option may utilize the
services of an agent to assist in the administration of the Plan including
establishing and maintaining an individual securities account under the Plan for
each participant. In its absolute discretion, the Board may at any time and from
time to time exercise any and all rights and duties of the Administrator under
the Plan.

            (c)   All expenses and liabilities incurred by the Administrator in
connection with the administration of the Plan shall be borne by the Company.
The Administrator may, with the approval of the Board, employ attorneys,
consultants, accountants, appraisers, brokers or other persons. The
Administrator, the Company and its officers and directors shall be entitled to
rely upon the advice, opinions or valuations of any such persons. All actions
taken and all interpretations and determinations made by the Administrator in
good faith shall be final and binding upon all participants, the Company and all
other interested persons. No member of the Board shall be personally liable for
any action, determination or interpretation made in good faith with respect to
the Plan or the options, and all members of the Board shall be fully protected
by the Company in respect to any such action, determination, or interpretation.

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      15.   Designation of Beneficiary.

            (a)   A participant may file a written designation of a beneficiary
who is to receive any shares and cash, if any, from the participant's account
under the Plan in the event of such participant's death subsequent to an
Exercise Date on which the option is exercised but prior to delivery to such
participant of such shares and cash. In addition, a participant may file a
written designation of a beneficiary who is to receive any cash from the
participant's account under the Plan in the event of such participant's death
prior to exercise of the option. If a participant is married and the designated
beneficiary is not the spouse, spousal consent shall be required for such
designation to be effective.

            (b)   Such designation of beneficiary may be changed by the
participant at any time by written notice to the Company. In the event of the
death of a participant and in the absence of a beneficiary validly designated
under the Plan who is living at the time of such participant's death, the
Company shall deliver such shares and/or cash to the executor or administrator
of the estate of the participant, or if no such executor or administrator has
been appointed (to the knowledge of the Company), the Company, in its
discretion, may deliver such shares and/or cash to the spouse or to any one or
more dependents or relatives of the participant, or if no spouse, dependent or
relative is known to the Company, then to such other person as the Company may
designate.

      16.   Transferability. Neither payroll deductions credited to a
participant's account nor any rights with regard to the exercise of an option or
to receive shares under the Plan may be assigned, transferred, pledged or
otherwise disposed of in any way (other than by will, the laws of descent and
distribution or as provided in Section 15 hereof) by the participant. Any such
attempt at assignment, transfer, pledge or other disposition shall be without
effect, except that the Company may treat such act as an election to withdraw
funds from an Offering Period in accordance with Section 10 hereof.

      17.   Use of Funds. All payroll deductions received or held by the Company
under the Plan may be used by the Company for any corporate purpose, and the
Company shall not be obligated to segregate such payroll deductions.

      18.   Reports. Individual accounts shall be maintained for each
participant in the Plan. Statements of account shall be given to participating
Employees at least annually, which statements shall set forth the amounts of
payroll deductions, the Purchase Price, the number of shares purchased and the
remaining cash balance, if any.

      19.   Adjustments. Upon Changes in Capitalization, Dissolution,
Liquidation, Merger or Asset Sale.

            (a)   Changes in Capitalization. Subject to any required action by
the stockholders of the Company, the number of shares of Common Stock which have
been authorized for issuance under the Plan but not yet placed under option, the
maximum number of shares each participant may purchase each Purchase Period
(pursuant to Section 7), as well as the price per share and the number of shares
of Common Stock covered by each option under the Plan which has not yet been
exercised shall be proportionately adjusted for any increase or

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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 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 Administrator, 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.

            (b)   Dissolution or Liquidation. In the event of the proposed
dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the Offering Period then in progress
shall be shortened by setting a new Exercise Date (the "New Exercise Date"), and
shall terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed
dissolution or liquidation, unless provided otherwise by the Administrator. The
New Exercise Date shall be before the date of the Company's proposed dissolution
or liquidation. The Administrator shall notify each participant in writing, at
least ten (10) business days prior to the New Exercise Date, that the Exercise
Date for the participant's option has been changed to the New Exercise Date and
that the participant's option shall be exercised automatically on the New
Exercise Date, unless prior to such date the participant has withdrawn from the
Offering Period as provided in Section 10 hereof.

            (c)   Merger or Asset Sale. In the event of a proposed sale of all
or substantially all of the assets of the Company, or the merger of the Company
with or into another corporation, each outstanding option shall be assumed or an
equivalent option substituted by the successor corporation or a Parent or
Subsidiary of the successor corporation. In the event that the successor
corporation refuses to assume or substitute for the option, any Purchase Periods
then in progress shall be shortened by setting a New Exercise Date and any
Offering Periods then in progress shall end on the New Exercise Date. The New
Exercise Date shall be before the date of the Company's proposed sale or merger.
The Administrator shall notify each participant in writing, at least ten (10)
business days prior to the New Exercise Date, that the Exercise Date for the
participant's option has been changed to the New Exercise Date and that the
participant's option shall be exercised automatically on the New Exercise Date,
unless prior to such date the participant has withdrawn from the Offering Period
as provided in Section 10 hereof.

      20.   Amendment or Termination.

            (a)   The Board may at any time and for any reason terminate or
amend the Plan. Except as provided in Section 19 hereof, no such termination can
affect options previously granted, provided that an Offering Period may be
terminated by the Board if the Board determines that the termination of the
Offering Period or the Plan is in the best interests of the Company and its
stockholders. Except as provided in Section 19 and this Section 20 hereof, no
amendment may make any change in any option theretofore granted which adversely
affects the rights of any participant without the consent of such participant.
To the extent necessary to comply with Section 423 of the Code (or any successor
rule or provision or any other applicable law, regulation or stock exchange
rule), the Company shall obtain stockholder approval in such a manner and to
such a degree as required.

                                       11
<PAGE>
            (b)   Without stockholder consent and without regard to whether any
participant rights may be considered to have been "adversely affected," the
Administrator shall be entitled to change the Offering Periods, limit the
frequency and/or number of changes in the amount withheld during an Offering
Period, establish the exchange ratio applicable to amounts withheld in a
currency other than U.S. dollars, permit payroll withholding in excess of the
amount designated by a participant in order to adjust for delays or mistakes in
the Company's processing of properly completed withholding elections, establish
reasonable waiting and adjustment periods and/or accounting and crediting
procedures to ensure that amounts applied toward the purchase of Common Stock
for each participant properly correspond with amounts withheld from the
participant's Compensation, and establish such other limitations or procedures
as the Administrator determines in its sole discretion advisable which are
consistent with the Plan.

            (c)   In the event the Board determines that the ongoing operation
of the Plan may result in unfavorable financial accounting consequences, the
Board may, in its discretion and, to the extent necessary or desirable, modify
or amend the Plan to reduce or eliminate such accounting consequence including,
but not limited to:

                  (i)   altering the Purchase Price for any Offering Period
including an Offering Period underway at the time of the change in Purchase
Price;

                 (ii)   shortening any Offering Period so that the Offering
Period ends on a new Exercise Date, including an Offering Period underway at the
time of the Administrator action; and

                (iii)   allocating shares.

      Such modifications or amendments shall not require stockholder approval or
the consent of any Plan participants.

      21.   Notices. All notices or other communications by a participant to the
Company under or in connection with the Plan shall be deemed to have been duly
given when received in the form specified by the Company at the location, or by
the person, designated by the Company for the receipt thereof.

      22.   Conditions To Issuance of Shares. The Company shall not be required
to issue or deliver any certificate or certificates for shares of Stock
purchased upon the exercise of options prior to fulfillment of all the following
conditions:

            (a)   The admission of such shares to listing on all stock
exchanges, if any, on which is then listed; and

            (b)   The completion of any registration or other qualification of
such shares under any state or federal law or under the rulings or regulations
of the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other governmental regulatory
body, which the Administrator shall, in its absolute discretion, deem necessary
or advisable; and

                                       12
<PAGE>
            (c)   The obtaining of any approval or other clearance from any
state or federal governmental agency which the Administrator shall, in its
absolute discretion, determine to be necessary or advisable; and

            (d)   The payment to the Company of all amounts which it is required
to withhold under federal, state or local law upon exercise of the option; and

            (e)   The lapse of such reasonable period of time following the
exercise of the Option as the Administrator may from time to time establish for
reasons of administrative convenience.

      23.   Term of Plan. The Plan shall become effective on the Effective Date.
Subject to approval by the stockholders of the Company in accordance with this
Section, the Plan shall be in effect until the tenth (10th) anniversary of the
date of the initial adoption of the Plan by the Board, unless sooner terminated
under Section 20 hereof. The Plan shall be submitted for the approval of the
Company's stockholders within twelve (12) months after the date of the initial
adoption of the Plan by the Board.

      24.   Automatic Transfer to Low Price Offering Period. To the extent
permitted by any applicable laws, regulations, or stock exchange rules, if the
Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on any Exercise Date in an Offering Period
is lower than the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the Enrollment Date
of such Offering Period, then (i) a new twenty-four (24) month Offering Period
will automatically begin on the first trading day following that Exercise Date,
and (II) all participants in such Offering Period shall be automatically
withdrawn from such Offering Period immediately after the exercise of their
option on such Exercise Date and automatically re-enrolled in the immediately
following Offering Period as of the first day thereof.

      25.   Equal Rights and Privileges. All Eligible Employees of the Company
(or of any Designated Subsidiary) will have equal rights and privileges under
this Plan so that this Plan qualifies as an "employee stock purchase plan"
within the meaning of Section 423 of the Code or applicable Treasury regulations
thereunder. Any provision of this Plan that is inconsistent with Section 423 or
applicable Treasury regulations will, without further act or amendment by the
Company, the Board or the Administrator, be reformed to comply with the equal
rights and privileges requirement of Section 423 or applicable Treasury
regulations.

      26.   No Employment Rights. Nothing in the Plan shall be construed to give
any person (including any Eligible Employee or participant) the right to remain
in the employ of the Company, a Parent or a Subsidiary or to affect the right of
the Company, any Parent or any Subsidiary to terminate the employment of any
person (including any Eligible Employee or participant) at any time, with or
without cause.

      27.   Notice of Disposition of Shares. Each participant shall give prompt
notice to the Company of any disposition or other transfer of any shares of
stock purchased upon exercise of an option if such disposition or transfer is
made: (a) within two (2) years from the Enrollment Date of the Offering Period
in which the shares were purchased or (b) within one (1) year after the Exercise
Date on which such shares were purchased. Such notice shall specify the date of

                                       13
<PAGE>
such disposition or other transfer and the amount realized, in cash, other
property, assumption of indebtedness or other consideration, by the participant
in such disposition or other transfer.

      28.   Governing Law. The validity and enforceability of this Plan shall be
governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware
without regard to otherwise governing principles of conflicts of law.

                                       14<PAGE>
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.14

                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

      THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is entered into by and
between Santarus, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and Gerald T.
Proehl ("Executive"), and shall be effective as of the date on which the
Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with respect to the Company's
initial public offering becomes effective (the "Effective Date").

      WHEREAS, the Company desires to employ Executive, and Executive desires to
be employed by the Company, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth
herein; and

      NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises herein contained,
the parties agree as follows:

      1. Definitions. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have
the following meanings:

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

            (b) Bonus. "Bonus" means an amount equal to the average of the
bonuses awarded to Executive for each of the three (3) fiscal years prior to the
date of termination, or such lesser number of years as may be applicable if
Executive has not been employed for three (3) full years on the date of
termination. For purposes of determining Executive's "Bonus," to the extent
Executive received no bonus in a year due to a failure to meet the applicable
performance objectives, such year will still be taken into account (using zero
(0) as the applicable bonus) in determining Executive's "Bonus" for purposes of
Section 4. If any portion of the bonuses awarded to Executive consisted of
securities or other property, the fair market value thereof shall be determined
in good faith by the Board.

            (c) Cause. "Cause" means any of the following:

                  (i) the commission of an act of fraud, embezzlement or
dishonesty by Executive that has a material adverse impact on the Company or any
successor or affiliate thereof;

                  (ii) a conviction of, or plea of "guilty" or "no contest" to,
a felony by Executive;

                  (iii) any unauthorized use or disclosure by Executive of
confidential information or trade secrets of the Company or any successor or
affiliate thereof that has a material adverse impact on any such entity;

                  (iv) Executive's gross negligence, insubordination or material
violation of any duty of loyalty to the Company or any other material misconduct
on the part of Executive;
<PAGE>
                  (v) Executive's ongoing and repeated failure or refusal to
perform or neglect of Executive's duties as required by this Agreement, which
failure, refusal or neglect continues for fifteen (15) days following
Executive's receipt of written notice from the Board stating with specificity
the nature of such failure, refusal or neglect; or

                  (vi) Executive's breach of any material provision of this
Agreement;

provided, however, that prior to the determination that "Cause" under this
Section 1(c) has occurred, the Company shall (w) provide to Executive in
writing, in reasonable detail, the reasons for the determination that such
"Cause" exists, (x) other than with respect to clause (v) above which specifies
the applicable period of time for Executive to remedy his or her breach, afford
Executive a reasonable opportunity to remedy any such breach, (y) provide the
Executive an opportunity to be heard prior to the final decision to terminate
the Executive's employment hereunder for such "Cause" and (z) make any decision
that such "Cause" exists in good faith.

            The foregoing definition shall not in any way preclude or restrict
the right of the Company or any successor or affiliate thereof to discharge or
dismiss Executive for any other acts or omissions, but such other acts or
omissions shall not be deemed, for purposes of this Agreement, to constitute
grounds for termination for Cause.

            (d) Change of Control. "Change of Control" means and includes each
of the following:

                  (i) the acquisition, directly or indirectly, by any "person"
or "group" (as those terms are defined in Sections 3(a)(9), 13(d) and 14(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and the
rules thereunder) of "beneficial ownership" (as determined pursuant to Rule
13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of securities entitled to vote generally in the
election of directors ("voting securities") of the Company that represent fifty
percent (50%) or more of the combined voting power of the Company's then
outstanding voting securities, other than:

                        (A) an acquisition by a trustee or other fiduciary
      holding securities under any employee benefit plan (or related trust)
      sponsored or maintained by the Company or any person controlled by the
      Company or by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or
      maintained by the Company or any person controlled by the Company, or

                        (B) an acquisition of voting securities by the Company
      or a corporation owned, directly or indirectly by the stockholders of the
      Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the
      stock of the Company;

            Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following event shall not
constitute an "acquisition" by any person or group for purposes of this Section
1(d): an acquisition of the Company's securities by the Company that causes the
Company's voting securities beneficially owned by a person or group to represent
fifty percent (50%) or more of the combined voting power of the Company's then
outstanding voting securities; provided, however, that if a person or group
shall become the beneficial owner of fifty percent (50%) or more of the combined

                                       2
<PAGE>
voting power of the Company's then outstanding voting securities by reason of
share acquisitions by the Company as described above and shall, after such share
acquisitions by the Company, become the beneficial owner of any additional
voting securities of the Company, then such acquisition shall constitute a
Change of Control; or

                  (ii) during any period of two (2) consecutive years,
individuals who, at the beginning of such period, constitute the Board together
with any new director(s) (other than a director designated by a person who shall
have entered into an agreement with the Company to effect a transaction
described in clauses (i) or (iii) of this Section 1(d)) whose election by the
Board or nomination for election by the Company's stockholders was approved by a
vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the directors then still in office who
either were directors at the beginning of the two (2) year period or whose
election or nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any
reason to constitute a majority thereof; or

                  (iii) the consummation by the Company (whether directly
involving the Company or indirectly involving the Company through one or more
intermediaries) of (x) a merger, consolidation, reorganization, or business
combination or (y) a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of
the Company's assets or (z) the acquisition of assets or stock of another
entity, in each case other than a transaction:

                        (A) which results in the Company's voting securities
      outstanding immediately before the transaction continuing to represent
      (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting
      securities of the Company or the person that, as a result of the
      transaction, controls, directly or indirectly, the Company or owns,
      directly or indirectly, all or substantially all of the Company's assets
      or otherwise succeeds to the business of the Company (the Company or such
      person, the "Successor Entity") directly or indirectly, at least a
      majority of the combined voting power of the Successor Entity's
      outstanding voting securities immediately after the transaction, and

                        (B) after which no person or group beneficially owns
      voting securities representing fifty percent (50%) or more of the combined
      voting power of the Successor Entity; provided, however, that no person or
      group shall be treated for purposes of this clause (B) as beneficially
      owning fifty percent (50%) or more of combined voting power of the
      Successor Entity solely as a result of the voting power held in the
      Company prior to the consummation of the transaction; or

                  (iv) the Company's stockholders approve a liquidation or
dissolution of the Company.

            (e) Good Reason. "Good Reason" means Executive's voluntary
resignation following any one or more of the following that is effected without
Executive's written consent:

                  (i) the relocation of the office of Executive more than fifty
(50) miles from Executive's principal place of employment as of the Effective
Date or to a location outside of San Diego County;

                                       3
<PAGE>
                  (ii) a change in Executive's position that materially reduces
his or her duties or responsibilities;

                  (iii) a reduction in Executive's base salary or target bonus
as an employee of the Company, other than pursuant to a Company-wide reduction
of base salaries and target bonuses for employees of the Company generally; or

                  (iv) the Company's breach of any material provision of this
Agreement; provided, that Executive shall (w) provide to the Company in writing,
in reasonable detail, notice of such breach and (x) afford the Company a
reasonable opportunity to remedy any such breach.

            (f) Permanent Disability. Executive's "Permanent Disability" shall
be deemed to have occurred if Executive shall become physically or mentally
incapacitated or disabled or otherwise unable fully to discharge his or her
duties hereunder for a period of ninety (90) consecutive calendar days or for
one hundred twenty (120) calendar days in any one hundred eighty (180)
calendar-day period. The existence of Executive's Permanent Disability shall be
determined by the Company on the advice of a physician chosen by the Company and
the Company reserves the right to have the Executive examined by a physician
chosen by the Company at the Company's expense.

            (g) Stock Awards. "Stock Awards" means all stock options, restricted
stock and such other awards granted pursuant to the Company's stock option and
equity incentive award plans or agreements and any shares of stock issued upon
exercise thereof.

      2. Services to Be Rendered.

            (a) Duties and Responsibilities. Executive shall serve as President
and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. In the performance of such duties,
Executive shall report directly to the Board and shall be subject to the
direction of the Board and to such limits upon Executive's authority as the
Board may from time to time impose. Executive hereby consents to serve as an
officer and/or director of the Company or any subsidiary or affiliate thereof
without any additional salary or compensation, if so requested by the Board.
Executive shall be employed by the Company on a full time basis. Executive's
primary place of work shall be the Company's facility in San Diego, California,
or such other location within San Diego County as may be designated by the Board
from time to time. Executive shall also render services at such other places
within or outside the United States as the Board may direct from time to time,
however, Executive's primary place of work shall not be relocated more than
fifty (50) miles from his or her primary place of work as of the Effective Date
or outside San Diego County without Executive's prior consent. Executive shall
be subject to and comply with the policies and procedures generally applicable
to senior executives of the Company to the extent the same are not inconsistent
with any term of this Agreement.

            (b) Exclusive Services. Executive shall at all times faithfully,
industriously and to the best of his or her ability, experience and talent
perform to the satisfaction of the Board all of the duties that may be assigned
to Executive hereunder and shall devote substantially all of his or her
productive time and efforts to the performance of such duties. Subject to the
terms of the Employee Confidentiality and Invention Assignment Agreement

                                       4
<PAGE>
referred to in Section 5(b), this shall not preclude Executive from devoting
time to personal and family investments or serving on community and civic
boards, or participating in industry associations, or serving as a non-employee
director on one (1) corporate board, provided such activities do not interfere
with his or her duties to the Company, as determined in good faith by the Board.
Executive agrees that he or she will not join any other boards, other than
community and civic boards (which do not interfere with his or her duties to the
Company), without the prior approval of the Board.

      3. Compensation and Benefits. The Company shall pay or provide, as the
case may be, to the Executive the compensation and other benefits and rights set
forth in this Section 3.

            (a) Base Salary. The Company shall pay to Executive a base salary of
$340,000 per year, payable in accordance with the Company's usual pay practices
(and in any event no less frequently than monthly). Executive's base salary
shall be subject to review annually by and at the sole discretion of the
Compensation Committee of the Board.

            (b) Bonus. Executive shall participate in any Management Incentive
Compensation Plan adopted by the Company or in such other bonus plan as the
Board may approve for the senior executives of the Company.

            (c) Benefits. Executive shall be entitled to participate in benefits
under the Company's benefit plans and arrangements, including, without
limitation, any employee benefit plan or arrangement made available in the
future by the Company to its senior executives, subject to and on a basis
consistent with the terms, conditions and overall administration of such plans
and arrangements. The Company shall have the right to amend or delete any such
benefit plan or arrangement made available by the Company to its senior
executives and not otherwise specifically provided for herein.

            (d) Expenses. The Company shall reimburse Executive for reasonable
out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the performance of his or her
duties hereunder, subject to (i) such policies as the Company may from time to
time establish, and (ii) Executive furnishing the Company with evidence in the
form of receipts satisfactory to the Company substantiating the claimed
expenditures.

            (e) Paid Time Off. Executive shall be entitled to such periods of
paid time off ("PTO") each year as provided under the Company's PTO policy and
as otherwise provided for senior executive officers, but in no event shall
Executive be entitled to less than four (4) weeks of PTO.

            (f) Equity Plans. Executive shall be entitled to participate in any
equity or other employee benefit plan that is generally available to senior
executive officers, as distinguished from general management, of the Company.
Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, Executive's participation in and
benefits under any such plan shall be on the terms and subject to the conditions
specified in the governing document of the particular plan.

            (g) Acceleration Upon a Change of Control. Subject to any additional
acceleration of exercisability described in Sections 4(b), (c) and (d) below, in
connection with a

                                       5
<PAGE>
Change of Control (as defined in Section 1 above), the vesting and
exercisability of fifty percent (50%) of Executive's outstanding Stock Awards
shall be automatically accelerated. The foregoing provision is hereby deemed to
be a part of each such Stock Award and to supersede any less favorable provision
in any agreement or plan regarding such Stock Award.

      4. Termination and Severance. Executive shall be entitled to receive
benefits upon termination of employment only as set forth in this Section 4:

            (a) At-Will Employment; Termination. The Company and Executive
acknowledge that Executive's employment is and shall continue to be at-will, as
defined under applicable law, and that Executive's employment with the Company
may be terminated by either party at any time for any or no reason, with or
without notice. If Executive's employment terminates for any reason, Executive
shall not be entitled to any payments, benefits, damages, award or compensation
other than as provided in this Agreement. Executive's employment under this
Agreement shall be terminated immediately on the death of Executive.

            (b) Termination by Death. If Executive's employment is terminated by
death, Executive's estate shall be entitled to receive (i) Executive's fully
earned but unpaid base salary, through the date of death at the rate then in
effect, plus all other amounts to which Executive is entitled under any
compensation plan or practice of the Company at the time of Executive's death,
(ii) Executive's annual base salary as in effect immediately prior to the date
of death, payable over the twelve (12) month period commencing on the date of
death in equal monthly installments, (iii) an amount equal to Executive's Bonus
for the year in which Executive's death occurs, payable over the twelve (12)
month period commencing on the date of death in equal monthly installments, and
(iv) for the period beginning on the date of death and ending on the date which
is twelve (12) full months following the date of death, the Company shall pay
for and provide Executive's dependents with healthcare and life insurance
benefits coverage to the extent such dependents were receiving such benefits
prior to the date of Executive's death, including, if necessary, paying the
costs associated with continuation coverage pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus
Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended ("COBRA"). In addition, if
Executive's employment is terminated by death, the vesting and/or exercisability
of Executive's outstanding Stock Awards shall be automatically accelerated on
the date of death as to the number of shares that would vest over the twelve
(12) months following Executive's death under the applicable vesting schedules
had Executive remained continuously employed by the Company during such period.
Except as otherwise provided above with respect to accelerated vesting, if
Executive's employment is terminated by death, the provisions of the award
agreements governing Executive's Stock Awards regarding the exercisability of
such Stock Awards following Executive's death shall apply.

            (c) Termination for Permanent Disability. If Executive's employment
is terminated by the Company for Permanent Disability, Executive shall be
entitled to receive (i) Executive's fully earned but unpaid base salary, through
the date of termination at the rate then in effect, plus all other amounts to
which Executive is entitled under any compensation plan or practice of the
Company at the time such payments are due, (ii) Executive's annual base salary
as in effect immediately prior to the date of termination, payable over the
twelve (12) month period commencing on the date of termination in equal monthly
installments, (iii) an amount equal to

                                       6
<PAGE>
Executive's Bonus for the year in which the date of termination occurs, payable
over the twelve (12) month period commencing on the date of termination in equal
monthly installments, and (iv) for the period beginning on the date of
termination and ending on the date which is twelve (12) full months following
the date of termination (or, if earlier, the date on which Executive accepts
employment with another employer that provides comparable benefits in terms of
cost and scope of coverage), the Company shall pay for and provide Executive and
his or her dependents with healthcare and life insurance benefits which are
substantially the same as the benefits provided to Executive immediately prior
to the date of termination, including, if necessary, paying the costs associated
with continuation coverage pursuant to COBRA. In addition, if Executive's
employment is terminated by the Company for Permanent Disability, the vesting
and/or exercisability of Executive's outstanding Stock Awards shall be
automatically accelerated on the date of termination as to the number of shares
that would vest over the twelve (12) months following Executive's date of
termination under the applicable vesting schedules had Executive remained
continuously employed by the Company during such period. Except as otherwise
provided above with respect to accelerated vesting, if Executive's employment is
terminated by Permanent Disability, the provisions of the award agreements
governing Executive's Stock Awards regarding the exercisability of such Stock
Awards following Executive's disability shall apply.

            (d) Termination without Cause or for Good Reason.

                  (i) Termination Apart From Change of Control. If Executive's
employment is terminated by the Company without Cause or by Executive for Good
Reason more than three (3) months prior to a Change of Control or more than
twelve (12) months following a Change of Control, Executive shall be entitled to
receive, in lieu of any severance benefits to which Executive may otherwise be
entitled under any severance plan or program of the Company, the benefits
provided below:

                        (A) the Company shall pay to Executive his or her fully
      earned but unpaid base salary, when due, through the date of termination
      at the rate then in effect, plus all other amounts to which Executive is
      entitled under any compensation plan or practice of the Company at the
      time of termination;

                        (B) Executive shall be entitled to receive severance pay
      in an amount equal to the sum of:

                              (1) Executive's base salary as in effect
            immediately prior to the date of termination for the twelve (12)
            month period following the date of termination, payable over the
            twelve (12) month period commencing on the date of termination in
            equal monthly installments, plus

                              (2) an amount equal to Executive's Bonus for the
            year in which the date of termination occurs, payable over the
            twelve (12) month period commencing on the date of termination in
            equal monthly installments;

                                       7
<PAGE>
                        (C) The vesting and/or exercisability of each of
      Executive's outstanding Stock Awards shall be automatically accelerated on
      the date of termination as to the number of Stock Awards that would vest
      over the twelve (12) month period following the date of termination had
      Executive remained continuously employed by the Company during such
      period;

                        (D) for the period beginning on the date of termination
      and ending on the date which is twelve (12) full months following the date
      of termination (or, if earlier, the date on which Executive accepts
      employment with another employer that provides comparable benefits in
      terms of cost and scope of coverage), the Company shall pay for and
      provide Executive and his or her dependents with healthcare and life
      insurance benefits which are substantially the same as the benefits
      provided to Executive immediately prior to the date of termination,
      including, if necessary, paying the costs associated with continuation
      coverage pursuant to COBRA; and

                        (E) Executive shall be entitled to executive-level
      outplacement services at the Company's expense, not to exceed $15,000.
      Such services shall be provided by a firm selected by Executive from a
      list compiled by the Company.

                  (ii) Termination In Connection With Change of Control. If
Executive's employment is terminated by the Company without Cause or by
Executive for Good Reason within three (3) months prior to or twelve (12) months
following a Change of Control, Executive shall be entitled to receive, in lieu
of any severance benefits to which Executive may otherwise be entitled under any
severance plan or program of the Company, the benefits provided below:

                        (A) the Company shall pay to Executive his or her fully
      earned but unpaid base salary, when due, through the date of termination
      at the rate then in effect, plus all other amounts to which Executive is
      entitled under any compensation plan or practice of the Company at the
      time of termination;

                        (B) Executive shall be entitled to receive severance pay
      in an amount equal to the sum of:

                              (1) Executive's base salary as in effect
            immediately prior to date of termination for the eighteen (18) month
            period following the date of termination, payable, at Executive's
            option, either over the eighteen (18) month period commencing on the
            date of termination in equal monthly installments or in a lump sum
            within thirty (30) days following the consummation of the Change of
            Control, plus

                              (2) an amount equal to Executive's Bonus for the
            year in which the date of termination occurs, payable, at
            Executive's option, either over the eighteen (18) month period
            commencing on the date of termination in equal monthly installments
            or in a lump sum within thirty (30) days following the consummation
            of the Change of Control;

                                       8
<PAGE>
                        (C) The vesting and/or exercisability of all of
      Executive's outstanding unvested Stock Awards shall be automatically
      accelerated on the date of termination;

                        (D) for the period beginning on the date of termination
      and ending on the date which is eighteen (18) full months following the
      date of termination (or, if earlier, the date on which Executive accepts
      employment with another employer that provides comparable benefits in
      terms of cost and scope of coverage), the Company shall pay for and
      provide Executive and his or her dependents with healthcare and life
      insurance benefits which are substantially the same as the benefits
      provided to Executive immediately prior to the date of termination,
      including, if necessary, paying the costs associated with continuation
      coverage pursuant to COBRA;

                        (E) Executive shall be entitled to executive-level
      outplacement services at the Company's expense, not to exceed $15,000.
      Such services shall be provided by a firm selected by Executive from a
      list compiled by the Company; and

                        (F) The payments and benefits provided for in this
      Section 4(d)(ii) shall only be payable in the event Executive's employment
      is terminated by the Company without Cause or by Executive for Good Reason
      within three (3) months prior to or twelve (12) months following a Change
      of Control. If Executive's employment is terminated by the Company without
      Cause or by Executive for Good Reason prior to a Change of Control and
      such Change of Control is not consummated within three (3) months
      following such termination, then Executive shall receive the payments and
      benefits described in Section 4(d)(i) and shall not be eligible to receive
      any of the payments and benefits described in this Section 4(d)(ii).

            (e) Termination for Cause or Voluntary Resignation Without Good
Reason. If Executive's employment is terminated by the Company for Cause or by
Executive without Good Reason (other than as a result of Executive's death or
Permanent Disability), the Company shall not have any other or further
obligations to Executive under this Agreement (including any financial
obligations) except that Executive shall be entitled to receive (i) Executive's
fully earned but unpaid base salary, through the date of termination at the rate
then in effect, and (ii) all other amounts or benefits to which Executive is
entitled under any compensation, retirement or benefit plan or practice of the
Company at the time of termination in accordance with the terms of such plans or
practices, including, without limitation, any continuation of benefits required
by COBRA or applicable law. In addition, if Executive's employment is terminated
by the Company for Cause or by Executive without Good Reason (other than as a
result of Executive's death or Permanent Disability), all vesting of Executive's
unvested Stock Awards previously granted to him or her by the Company shall
cease and none of such unvested Stock Awards shall be exercisable following the
date of such termination. The foregoing shall be in addition to, and not in lieu
of, any and all other rights and remedies which may be available to the Company
under the circumstances, whether at law or in equity.

            (f) Release. As a condition to the Executive's receipt of any
post-termination benefits described in this Agreement, Executive shall execute a
Release (the

                                       9
<PAGE>
"Release") in a form reasonably acceptable to the Company. Such Release shall
specifically relate to all of Executive's rights and claims in existence at the
time of such execution, including any claims related to Executive's employment
by the Company and his or her termination of employment, and shall exclude any
continuing obligations the Company may have to Executive following the date of
termination under this Agreement or any other agreement providing for
obligations to survive Executive's termination of employment.

            (g) Exclusive Remedy. Except as otherwise expressly required by law
(e.g., COBRA) or as specifically provided herein, all of the Executive's rights
to salary, severance, benefits, bonuses and other amounts hereunder (if any)
accruing after the termination of Executive's employment shall cease upon such
termination. In the event of a termination of Executive's employment with the
Company, the Executive's sole remedy shall be to receive the payments and
benefits described in this Section 4. In addition, Executive acknowledges and
agrees that he or she is not entitled to any reimbursement by the Company for
any taxes payable by Executive as a result of the payments and benefits received
by Executive pursuant to this Section 4, including, without limitation, any
excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended.

            (h) No Mitigation. Executive shall not be required to mitigate the
amount of any payment provided for in this Section 4 by seeking other employment
or otherwise, nor shall the amount of any payment or benefit provided for in
this Section 4 be reduced by any compensation earned by Executive as the result
of employment by another employer or self-employment or by retirement benefits;
provided, however, that loans, advances or other amounts owed by Executive to
the Company may be offset by the Company against amounts payable to Executive
under this Section 4; provided, further, that, as provided in Sections 4(c) or
(d), Executive's right to continued healthcare and life insurance benefits
following his or her termination of employment will terminate on the date on
which he or she accepts employment with another employer that provides
comparable benefits in terms of cost and scope of coverage.

            (i) Return of the Company's Property. If Executive's employment is
terminated for any reason, the Company shall have the right, at its option, to
require Executive to vacate his or her offices prior to or on the effective date
of termination and to cease all activities on the Company's behalf. Upon the
termination of his or her employment in any manner, as a condition to the
Executive's receipt of any post-termination benefits described in this
Agreement, Executive shall immediately surrender to the Company all lists, books
and records of, or in connection with, the Company's business, and all other
property belonging to the Company, it being distinctly understood that all such
lists, books and records, and other documents, are the property of the Company.
Executive shall deliver to the Company a signed statement certifying compliance
with this Section 4(i) prior to the receipt of any post-termination benefits
described in this Agreement.

            (j) Waiver of the Company's Liability. Executive recognizes that his
or her employment is subject to termination with or without Cause for any reason
and therefore Executive agrees that Executive shall hold the Company harmless
from and against any and all liabilities, losses, damages, costs and expenses,
including but not limited to, court costs and reasonable attorneys' fees, which
Executive may incur as a result of the termination of

                                       10
<PAGE>
Executive's employment. Executive further agrees that Executive shall bring no
claim or cause of action against the Company for damages or injunctive relieve
based on a wrongful termination of employment. Executive agrees that the sole
liability of the Company to Executive upon termination of this Agreement shall
be that determined by this Section 4. In the event this covenant is more
restrictive than permitted by laws of the jurisdiction in which the Company
seeks enforcement thereof, this covenant shall be limited to the extent
permitted by law.

      5. Certain Covenants.

            (a) Noncompetition. Except as may otherwise be approved by the
Board, during the term of Executive's employment, Executive shall not have any
ownership interest (of record or beneficial) in, or have any interest as an
employee, salesman, consultant, officer or director in, or otherwise aid or
assist in any manner, any firm, corporation, partnership, proprietorship or
other business that engages in any county, city or part thereof in the United
States and/or any foreign country in a business which competes directly or
indirectly (as determined by the Board) with the Company's business in such
county, city or part thereof, so long as the Company, or any successor in
interest of the Company to the business and goodwill of the Company, remains
engaged in such business in such county, city or part thereof or continues to
solicit customers or potential customers therein; provided, however, that
Executive may own, directly or indirectly, solely as an investment, securities
of any entity which are traded on any national securities exchange if Executive
(x) is not a controlling person of, or a member of a group which controls, such
entity; or (y) does not, directly or indirectly, own one percent (1%) or more of
any class of securities of any such entity.

            (b) Confidential Information. Executive and the Company have entered
into the Company's standard employee confidentiality and invention assignment
agreement (the "Employee Confidentiality and Invention Assignment Agreement").
Executive agrees to perform each and every obligation of Executive therein
contained.

            (c) Solicitation of Employees. Executive shall not during the term
of Executive's employment and for the applicable severance period for which
Executive receives severance benefits following any termination hereof pursuant
to Section 4(c) or (d) above (regardless of whether Executive elects payment of
severance amounts payable thereunder in a lump sum) (the "Restricted Period"),
directly or indirectly, solicit or encourage to leave the employment of the
Company or any of its affiliates, any employee of the Company or any of its
affiliates.

            (d) Rights and Remedies Upon Breach. If Executive breaches or
threatens to commit a breach of any of the provisions of this Section 5 (the
"Restrictive Covenants"), the Company shall have the following rights and
remedies, each of which rights and remedies shall be independent of the other
and severally enforceable, and all of which rights and remedies shall be in
addition to, and not in lieu of, any other rights and remedies available to the
Company under law or in equity:

                  (i) Specific Performance. The right and remedy to have the
Restrictive Covenants specifically enforced by any court having equity
jurisdiction, all without

                                       11
<PAGE>
the need to post a bond or any other security or to prove any amount of actual
damage or that money damages would not provide an adequate remedy, it being
acknowledged and agreed that any such breach or threatened breach will cause
irreparable injury to the Company and that money damages will not provide
adequate remedy to the Company; and

                  (ii) Accounting and Indemnification. The right and remedy to
require Executive (i) to account for and pay over to the Company all
compensation, profits, monies, accruals, increments or other benefits derived or
received by Executive or any associated party deriving such benefits as a result
of any such breach of the Restrictive Covenants; and (ii) to indemnify the
Company against any other losses, damages (including special and consequential
damages), costs and expenses, including actual attorneys' fees and court costs,
which may be incurred by them and which result from or arise out of any such
breach or threatened breach of the Restrictive Covenants.

            (e) Severability of Covenants/Blue Pencilling. If any court
determines that any of the Restrictive Covenants, or any part thereof, is
invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of the Restrictive Covenants shall not
thereby be affected and shall be given full effect, without regard to the
invalid portions. If any court determines that any of the Restrictive Covenants,
or any part thereof, are unenforceable because of the duration of such provision
or the area covered thereby, such court shall have the power to reduce the
duration or area of such provision and, in its reduced form, such provision
shall then be enforceable and shall be enforced. Executive hereby waives any and
all right to attack the validity of the Restrictive Covenants on the grounds of
the breadth of their geographic scope or the length of their term.

            (f) Enforceability in Jurisdictions. The Company and Executive
intend to and do hereby confer jurisdiction to enforce the Restrictive Covenants
upon the courts of any jurisdiction within the geographical scope of such
covenants. If the courts of any one or more of such jurisdictions hold the
Restrictive Covenants wholly unenforceable by reason of the breadth of such
scope or otherwise, it is the intention of the Company and Executive that such
determination not bar or in any way affect the right of the Company to the
relief provided above in the courts of any other jurisdiction within the
geographical scope of such covenants, as to breaches of such covenants in such
other respective jurisdictions, such covenants as they relate to each
jurisdiction being, for this purpose, severable into diverse and independent
covenants.

            (g) Definitions. For purposes of this Section 5, the term "Company"
means not only Santarus, Inc., but also any company, partnership or entity
which, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by or is under common
control with Santarus, Inc.

      6. Insurance. The Company shall have the right to take out life, health,
accident, "key-man" or other insurance covering Executive, in the name of the
Company and at the Company's expense in any amount deemed appropriate by the
Company. Executive shall assist the Company in obtaining such insurance,
including, without limitation, submitting to any required examinations and
providing information and data required by insurance companies.

      7. Arbitration. Except as provided in Section 5, any claim or controversy
arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be settled by arbitration in
San Diego, California, in

                                       12
<PAGE>
accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration
Association, and judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered
in any court having jurisdiction. Each party shall select one arbitrator and the
two arbitrators so chosen will select a third arbitrator who shall act as the
sole arbitrator of any dispute. Each party shall pay the fees of its own
attorneys, the expenses of its witnesses and all other expenses connected with
presenting its case; however, Executive and the Company agree that, except as
may be prohibited by law, the arbitrator may, in his or her discretion, award
reasonable attorneys' fees to the prevailing party. Other costs of the
arbitration, including the cost of any record or transcripts of the arbitration,
administrative fees, the fee of the sole arbitrator, and all other fees and
costs, shall be borne by the Company.

      8. General Relationship. Executive shall be considered an employee of the
Company within the meaning of all federal, state and local laws and regulations
including, but not limited to, laws and regulations governing unemployment
insurance, workers' compensation, industrial accident, labor and taxes.

      9. Miscellaneous.

            (a) Modification; Prior Claims. This Agreement sets forth the entire
understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof,
supersedes all existing agreements between them concerning such subject matter,
and may be modified only by a written instrument duly executed by each party.

            (b) Assignment; Assumption by Successor. The rights of the Company
under this Agreement may, without the consent of Executive, be assigned by the
Company, in its sole and unfettered discretion, to any person, firm, corporation
or other business entity which at any time, whether by purchase, merger or
otherwise, directly or indirectly, acquires all or substantially all of the
assets or business of the Company. The Company will require any successor
(whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger or otherwise) to all or
substantially all of the business or assets of the Company expressly to assume
and to agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent
that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken
place; provided, however, that no such assumption shall relieve the Company of
its obligations hereunder. As used in this Agreement, the "Company" shall mean
the Company as hereinbefore defined and any successor to its business and/or
assets as aforesaid which assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement by
operation of law or otherwise.

            (c) Survival. The covenants, agreements, representations and
warranties contained in or made in Sections 4, 5, 7 and 9 of this Agreement
shall survive any termination of Executive's employment.

            (d) Third-Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement does not create, and
shall not be construed as creating, any rights enforceable by any person not a
party to this Agreement.

            (e) Waiver. The failure of either party hereto at any time to
enforce performance by the other party of any provision of this Agreement shall
in no way affect such party's rights thereafter to enforce the same, nor shall
the waiver by either party of any breach

                                       13
<PAGE>
of any provision hereof be deemed to be a waiver by such party of any other
breach of the same or any other provision hereof.

            (f)   Section Headings.  The headings of the several sections in
this Agreement are inserted solely for the convenience of the parties and are
not a part of and are not intended to govern, limit or aid in the
construction of any term or provision hereof.

            (g) Notices. All notices, requests and other communications
hereunder shall be in writing and shall be delivered by courier or other means
of personal service (including by means of a nationally recognized courier
service or professional messenger service), or sent by telex or telecopy or
mailed first class, postage prepaid, by certified mail, return receipt
requested, in all cases, addressed to:

            If to the Company or the Board:

            Santarus, Inc.
            10590 West Ocean Air Drive
            Suite 200
            San Diego, CA 92130
            Attention:  Legal Affairs Department

            If to Executive:

            Gerald T. Proehl
            9316 Fostoria Court
            San Diego, CA 92127

All notices, requests and other communications shall be deemed given on the date
of actual receipt or delivery as evidenced by written receipt, acknowledgement
or other evidence of actual receipt or delivery to the address. In case of
service by telecopy, a copy of such notice shall be personally delivered or sent
by registered or certified mail, in the manner set forth above, within three
business days thereafter. Any party hereto may from time to time by notice in
writing served as set forth above designate a different address or a different
or additional person to which all such notices or communications thereafter are
to be given.

            (h) Severability. All Sections, clauses and covenants contained in
this Agreement are severable, and in the event any of them shall be held to be
invalid by any court, this Agreement shall be interpreted as if such invalid
Sections, clauses or covenants were not contained herein.

            (i) Governing Law and Venue. This Agreement is to be governed by and
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California applicable to
contracts made and to be performed wholly within such State, and without regard
to the conflicts of laws principles thereof. Except as provided in Sections 5
and 7, any suit brought hereon shall be brought in the state or federal courts
sitting in San Diego, California, the parties hereto hereby waiving any claim or
defense that such forum is not convenient or proper. Each party hereby agrees
that any such court shall have in personam jurisdiction over it and consents to
service of process in any manner authorized by California law.

                                       14
<PAGE>
            (j) Non-transferability of Interest. None of the rights of Executive
to receive any form of compensation payable pursuant to this Agreement shall be
assignable or transferable except through a testamentary disposition or by the
laws of descent and distribution upon the death of Executive. Any attempted
assignment, transfer, conveyance, or other disposition (other than as aforesaid)
of any interest in the rights of Executive to receive any form of compensation
to be made by the Company pursuant to this Agreement shall be void.

            (k) Gender. Where the context so requires, the use of the masculine
gender shall include the feminine and/or neuter genders and the singular shall
include the plural, and vice versa, and the word "person" shall include any
corporation, firm, partnership or other form of association.

            (l) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which
together shall constitute one and the same Agreement.

            (m) Acceleration of Stock Awards. For purposes of this Agreement, to
the extent the vesting and/or exercisability of any of Executive's outstanding
Stock Awards and/or the lapsing of any restrictions with respect to Stock Awards
that Executive holds shall be accelerated pursuant to this Agreement, if any
Stock Award had previously been partially exercised such that an unexercised
portion of the Stock Award still remains outstanding as of the date of such
acceleration, the vesting acceleration provisions of this Agreement shall be
applied to the total number of shares subject to such Award that consist of (i)
then unvested exercised shares that were previously acquired upon the partial
exercise of such Stock Award, plus (ii) the remaining unexercised portion of the
Stock Award. The acceleration of vesting shall be first applied toward the
unvested previously exercised shares such that no unexercised shares shall vest
on an accelerated basis in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement
unless and until all of the unvested exercised shares subject to such Stock
Award have first vested. In addition, the acceleration of vesting shall be
applied to each Stock Award individually.

            (n) Construction. The language in all parts of this Agreement shall
in all cases be construed simply, according to its fair meaning, and not
strictly for or against any of the parties hereto. Without limitation, there
shall be no presumption against any party on the ground that such party was
responsible for drafting this Agreement or any part thereof.

            (o) Withholding and other Deductions. All compensation payable to
Executive hereunder shall be subject to such deductions as the Company is from
time to time required to make pursuant to law, governmental regulation or order.

                            (Signature Page Follows)

                                       15
<PAGE>
      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the
date first set forth above.

                                    SANTARUS, INC.

                                    By:    /s/ Debra P. Crawford
                                          --------------------------------------
                                          Debra P. Crawford
                                          Senior Vice President, Chief Financial
                                          Officer, Treasurer and Secretary

                                     /s/ Gerald T. Proehl
                                    --------------------------------------------
                                    Gerald T. Proehl

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