Document:

<PAGE>

                                                                   Exhibit 10.24

                       CYPRESS BIOSCIENCE, INC. LETTERHEAD

February 1, 2002

Fresenius HemoCare GmbH
Adsorber Technology Division
Frankfurther Str. 6-8
D-66606 St. Wendel
Germany
Attn:    Mr. Yorck Schmidt

Fresenius HemoCare, Inc.
6675 185/th/ Avenue NE, Suite 100
Redmond, WA  98052
Attn: Linxian Wu

Re:  Amended and Restated License Agreement

Dear Mr. Schmidt Mr. Wu:

This letter agreement (the "Letter Amendment") serves to amend certain
provisions of the Amended and Restated License Agreement (the "Original
Agreement") dated January 19, 2001 among Cypress Bioscience, Inc., a Delaware
corporation (the "Licensor"), Fresenius Hemocare, Inc., a Delaware corporation
(the "Licensee"), and Fresenius Hemocare Gmbh, a company organized under the
laws of the Federal Republic of Germany ("Fresenius GmbH"). Licensor, Licensee
and Fresenius GmbH (collectively referred to herein as the "Parties") agree to
amend and restate the provisions in the Original Agreement as described below.
All other provisions in the Original Agreement shall remain in full force and
effect.

        (1)      The definition of "License Fee Period" shall now read "License
                 Fee Period" means the seven (7) Contract Year period commencing
                 as of the Effective Date.

        (2)      Section 10.2(b) shall now read, "Notwithstanding Section
                 10.2(a), the License Fee shall be deemed to cover all royalties
                 with respect to Unit Sales of the Product during the License
                 Fee Period, and Licensor shall not be entitled to any
                 additional royalties during such License Fee Period,
                 notwithstanding the Final Payment (as defined in Section
                 10.3(a) below)."

        (3)      Section 10.2(c) shall now read, "Licensor shall not be entitled
                 to any royalties or payments with respect to sales of
                 Alternative Products during the License Fee Period."

        (4)      Section 10.3(a) shall now read, "Licensor shall be entitled to
                 one final payment in US dollars (the "Final Payment"), due
                 within ninety (90) days of end of the License Fee Period,
                 calculated as follows:

<PAGE>

                 (i)    If aggregate Unit Sales of the Product over the License
Fee Period are less than 35,000 Units, then no Final Payment shall be due
Licensor.

                 (ii)   If aggregate Unit Sales of the Product over the License
Fee Period are greater than 35,000 Units but less than 50,000 Units, then the
Final Payment due Licensor shall be US$1,000,000.

                 (iii)  If aggregate Unit Sales of the Product over the License
Fee Period are greater than 50,000 Units, then the Final Payment due Licensor
shall be US$2,000,000.

                 Upon receipt by Licensor in full of the Final Payment, Licensor
shall have no right to future revenues or royalties resulting from Unit Sales of
the Product thereafter. The Final Payment, if any such payment is due to
Licensor pursuant to Sections 10.3(a)(i) or 10.3(a)(ii), shall be payable on
January 30, 2008."

        (5)      Sections 10.5(b), 10.5(c) and 10.5(d) shall be deleted.

        (6)      Section 12.2(a) shall now read "Licensee shall provide
                 quarterly statements to Licensor on the 30/th/ day following
                 the conclusion of each calendar quarter during the term of this
                 Agreement. Each such statement shall present, for the quarter
                 to which such statement relates, total Unit Sales by territory
                 for such quarter."

        (7)      Section 16.3(a)(vii) shall now read, "Licensee and Fresenius
                 GmbH shall not be entitled to any refund or repayment of any
                 portion of the License Fee or the Final Payment, if any, under
                 any circumstances."

In addition, in connection with the execution of this Letter Amendment, Licensor
agrees to reimburse Licensee and Fresenius GmbH for legal fees incurred in
connection with the negotiation and execution of this Letter Amendment;
provided, however, that such fees shall not exceed US$5,000.

Sincerely,

CYPRESS BIOSCIENCE, INC.

/s/ John Bonfiglio
----------------------------------
Dr. John Bonfiglio
Chief Operating Officer and
Executive Vice President

<PAGE>

Acknowledged and Agreed to by:

FRESENIUS HEMOCARE GmbH

By: /s/ Yorck Schmidt
   ---------------------------------
Name:   Dr. York Schmidt
        ----------------------------
Its:    President and CFO
        ----------------------------

By: /s/ Wolfgang Hockh
   ---------------------------------
Name:   Dr. Wolfgang Hockh
        ----------------------------
Its:    Vice President
        ----------------------------

FRESENIUS HEMOCARE, INC.

By: /s/ Linxian Wu
    --------------------------------
     Linxian Wu
     President

cc:      Robert Grauman, Esq, O'Melveny & Myers
         Roland Kirsten, Fresenius Aktiengesellschaft
         Dr. Jay Kranzler, Cypress Bioscience, Inc.
         Fred Muto, Esq, Cooley Godward LLP
         Denise Woolard, Esq, Cooley Godward LLP
         Dan Kleeburg, Ernst & Young<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.25
                            CYPRESS BIOSCIENCE, INC.

                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

                                                                           February 28,     December 31,
                                                                              2002 (1)         2001
                                                                           -------------    -------------
                                                                            (UNAUDITED)
                                                                           (PRO FORMA)
<S>                                                                        <C>              <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
 Cash and cash equivalents                                                 $  19,815,708    $   5,867,083
 Restricted cash                                                                 462,088          605,240
 Prepaid expenses                                                                474,353           61,244
 Debt acquisition cost - current                                                   2,556            6,992
                                                                           -------------    -------------
   Total current assets                                                       20,754,705        6,540,559

Property and equipment, net                                                      116,188          126,980
Other assets                                                                      41,853           17,569
                                                                           -------------    -------------
   Total assets                                                            $  20,912,746    $   6,685,108
                                                                           =============    =============
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Current liabilities:
 Accounts payable                                                          $     975,980    $     646,745
 Accrued compensation                                                             95,674           86,146
 Accrued liabilities                                                             636,810          965,530
 Current portion of long-term obligations                                        280,222          555,630
 Deferred revenue                                                                      -        6,400,000
                                                                           -------------    -------------
   Total current liabilities                                                   1,988,686        8,654,051

Stockholders' equity (deficit):
 Common  stock, $.02 par value; authorized 75,000,000 shares; issued and
    outstanding, 13,220,688 and , 6,349,221 shares at
    January 31, 2002 and December 31, 2001, respectively                         264,414          126,984
 Additional paid-in capital                                                  117,047,317      101,580,267
 Shareholder receivable                                                         (189,973)        (189,973)
 Accumulated deficit                                                         (98,197,698)    (103,486,221)
                                                                           -------------    -------------
   Total stockholders' equity (deficit)                                       18,924,060       (1,968,943)
                                                                           -------------    -------------
                                                                           $  20,912,746    $   6,685,108
                                                                           =============    =============

</TABLE>

(1) Note: On March 25, 2002, the shareholders of the Company approved the
issuance and sale of up to 6,882,591 of the Company's stock and warrants in a
private investment transaction. The Pro Forma Balance Sheet reflects an
adjustment to reflect the issuance of the shares and the private investment as
if the transaction had been effective and executed on February 28, 2002.<PAGE>

                                                                  Exhibit 10.2.1
                                                                  --------------

                   EMPLOYMENT SEPARATION/CONSULTING AGREEMENT
                   ------------------------------------------
                               AND GENERAL RELEASE
                               -------------------

     THIS EMPLOYMENT SEPARATION/CONSULTING AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE
(hereinafter "AGREEMENT") is made and entered into by and between Kenneth M.
Cohen (hereinafter "COHEN") and Synbiotics Corporation (hereinafter "SYNBIOTICS"
or the "Company"), effective as of April 2, 2001, and inures to the benefit of
each of SYNBIOTICS' current, former and future parents, subsidiaries, related
entities, employee benefit plans and their fiduciaries, predecessors,
successors, officers, directors, shareholders, agents, employees and assigns.

                                    RECITALS
                                    --------

     A.  COHEN has been through April 2, 2001 SYNBIOTICS' President and Chief
Executive Officer and a member of SYNBIOTICS' Board of Directors.

     B.  Notwithstanding and in addition to any other written resignations, by
executing this AGREEMENT, COHEN resigns from his employment with and from all
his positions as a director, officer and employee of SYNBIOTICS and its
subsidiary Synbiotics Europe SAS effective April 2, 2001.

     C.  As of April 2, 2001, COHEN held options under SYNBIOTICS' 1995 Stock
Option/ Stock Issuance Plan (the "Plan") to purchase shares of SYNBIOTICS'
common stock (the "Options"). As of April 2, 2001, COHEN had acquired vested
interests in 266,875 of such Options (the "Vested Options"), and had not yet
acquired vested rights in 133,125 of such Options (the "Unvested Options").

     D.  SYNBIOTICS wishes to retain COHEN as a consultant to the Company
beginning April 4, 2001, and COHEN wishes to provide personal services to the
Company in return for certain compensation and benefits, as more specifically
identified herein.

     THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants contained
herein, it is hereby agreed by and between COHEN, on the one hand, and
SYNBIOTICS, on the other, as follows:

     1.  Incorporation of Recitals. The Recitals and identification of the
         -------------------------
parties to, and beneficiaries of, this AGREEMENT are incorporated by reference
as though fully set forth herein.

     2.  Compensation for Employment. SYNBIOTICS agrees to pay to COHEN all of
         ---------------------------
his wages (other than his accrued and unused vacation time) accrued through
April 2, 2001 by no later April 4, 2001. The parties agree that this amount is
$2,243.68, before applicable tax withholding. SYNBIOTICS agrees to pay COHEN all
of his accrued and unused vacation time through April 2, 2001, which the parties
agree amounts to 299.98 hours, at $140.23 per hour, as follows:

<PAGE>

         $12,153.33 (before applicable withholding) on April 16, 2001;

         $12,153.33 (before applicable withholding) on May 1, 2001; and

         $17,759.54 (before applicable withholding) on May 16, 2001.

         Except as expressly provided in this Section 2, COHEN hereby waives and
renounces any and all other amounts which are or may become due to him under
SYNBIOTICS' Management Retention Plan, as amended, or any other "stay bonus"
plan, and under his Employee Agreement dated May 7, 1996 (including the
severance provisions thereof), and under any other written or oral compensation
arrangement.

         COHEN acknowledges that effective upon his employment termination he
will be unable to continue his participation in SYNBIOTICS' 401(k) plan, Section
125 cafeteria plan, or, except as allowed by COBRA, any other SYNBIOTICS
perquisite, employee benefit plan or fringe benefit plan.

         The parties acknowledge and agree that upon execution and delivery of
this AGREEMENT all of the Unvested Options shall terminate immediately and never
vest. The parties further agree that the Vested Options shall remain exercisable
only for so long after the April 2, 2001 cessation of service as is provided for
by the terms of the Vested Options documentation (i.e., 30 days).

         3.   COBRA Benefits. COHEN acknowledges that he has been provided with
              --------------
forms by which he may maintain his and his eligible dependents' participation in
SYNBIOTICS' group medical and dental insurance plans pursuant to the terms of
the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act ("COBRA"). SYNBIOTICS agrees
that if COHEN timely elects to continue his and his eligible dependents'
participation in the Company's group medical and dental insurance plans pursuant
to COBRA, the Company will pay the employer portion of the COBRA premiums
therefor on behalf of COHEN and his eligible dependents, until April 2, 2002.
Nothing herein shall limit the right of SYNBIOTICS to change the provider and/or
the terms of its group medical and/or dental insurance plan at any time
hereafter.

         4.   No Employment Agreement. The parties acknowledge and agree that
              -----------------------
this AGREEMENT is not an employment agreement, that the employment relationship
between the parties has terminated, and that all prior agreements concerning
employment and/or consultancy, whether oral or written, are superseded by this
AGREEMENT.

         5.   Consulting Agreement.
              --------------------

              5.1   Term. Subject to its rights to terminate this AGREEMENT
                    ----
earlier pursuant to the termination provisions contained in Section 8 hereof,
SYNBIOTICS agrees that commencing upon April 4, 2001, and continuing through
March 15, 2002, it shall retain COHEN as an independent contractor consultant
(the "Consulting Period"). COHEN agrees to assist SYNBIOTICS as an independent
contractor consultant during the Consulting Period.

                                        2

<PAGE>

              5.2   Compensation. During the Consulting Period, SYNBIOTICS shall
                    ------------
pay to COHEN for his consulting services the gross sum of $1 for the period from
April 4, 2001 through May 16, 2001, and thereafter at the rate of $24,961.76 per
full month for the remaining duration of the Consulting Period. The consulting
fee shall be due and payable to COHEN in arrears semimonthly.

              5.3   Duties. During the Consulting Period, COHEN agrees to make
                    ------
himself available to provide oral or written advice and input on SYNBIOTICS
business matters, as may be requested of him from time to time by the President
and Chief Executive Officer and/or the Company's Board of Directors. COHEN shall
report only to the President and Chief Executive Officer and/or the Chair of the
Company's Board of Directors, and shall communicate only with such persons,
unless specifically directed otherwise by the President/CEO and/or Chair. COHEN
shall comply with all applicable laws in the course of his work. All works of
authorship made by COHEN in the course of his duties shall be "works made for
hire." COHEN agrees that SYNBIOTICS shall own the copyright on such works of
authorship with no license back to COHEN, and that SYNBIOTICS shall own the
patent rights on all inventions made by COHEN in the course of his duties (again
with no license back to COHEN). COHEN shall provide all reasonable assistance to
SYNBIOTICS in evidencing and prosecuting SYNBIOTICS' copyright and patent rights
in such works of authorship and inventions.

              5.4   Time Commitment. During the Consulting Period, COHEN shall
                    ---------------
make himself available to SYNBIOTICS to perform consulting duties on a
reasonable, part-time, as-needed basis as requested by the Company. SYNBIOTICS
agrees to provide COHEN with reasonable advance notice of its need for his
services. COHEN agrees to provide the Company with at least one week's advance
notice of any vacation or other planned absence in which COHEN will be
unavailable to render consulting services for the Company. SYNBIOTICS and COHEN
shall use reasonable efforts to coordinate any scheduling conflicts between
COHEN's other activities and engagements and the services to be performed by
COHEN for SYNBIOTICS.

              5.5   Independent Contractor. COHEN acknowledges that he is an
                    ----------------------
independent contractor, is not an agent or employee of the Company, is not
entitled to any Company employment rights or benefits and is not authorized to
act on behalf of the Company. COHEN shall be solely responsible for any and all
tax obligations of COHEN, including but not limited to, all city, state and
federal income taxes, social security withholding tax and other self employment
tax incurred by COHEN, and for providing workers' compensation insurance. In the
event that any taxing authority seeks to collect taxes, interest and/or
penalties from SYNBIOTICS on the consulting compensation paid to COHEN under
this AGREEMENT, COHEN will hold SYNBIOTICS harmless from any and all claims for
such taxes, interest and/or penalties and will indemnify SYNBIOTICS against any
such claims. SYNBIOTICS shall not dictate the work hours of COHEN during the
term of this AGREEMENT. The parties hereby acknowledge and agree that SYNBIOTICS
shall have no right to control the manner, means, or method by which COHEN
performs the services called for by this AGREEMENT. Rather, SYNBIOTICS shall be
entitled only to direct COHEN with respect to the elements of services to be
performed by COHEN and the results to be derived by SYNBIOTICS, to inform COHEN
as to where and when such services shall be performed, to limit and identify the
persons at SYNBIOTICS with whom COHEN may communicate, and to review and assess
the

                                        3

<PAGE>

performance of such services by COHEN for the purposes of assuring that such
services have been performed and confirming that such results were satisfactory.
SYNBIOTICS shall be entitled to exercise broad general power of supervision and
control over the results of work performed by COHEN to ensure satisfactory
performance, including the right to inspect, the right to stop work, the right
to make suggestions or recommendations as to the details of the work, and the
right to propose modifications to the work.

              5.6   No Agency Relationship. Nothing herein shall be deemed to
                    ----------------------
create an agency relationship between the parties hereto. COHEN understands and
agrees that, except as specifically and in writing directed to do so by the
President and Chief Executive Officer and/or the Company's Board of Directors,
he is not authorized to bind or to act on behalf of SYNBIOTICS, and he agrees
not to purport otherwise.

              5.7   Business Expenses. It is expressly understood and agreed
                    -----------------
that during the Consulting Period, COHEN shall not incur any business expenses
without the prior approval of the President and Chief Executive Officer and/or
the Board of Directors of the Company. To the extent such business expenses have
been approved in advance, SYNBIOTICS shall reimburse COHEN for reasonable
business expenses incurred by him as a necessary consequence of his performance
of his consulting duties on SYNBIOTICS' behalf. COHEN shall submit written
requests for reimbursement of said business expenses, together with supporting
receipts, on or before the last day of each month of the Consulting Period.
Reimbursement of COHEN's business expenses shall be paid in the time and manner
which are consistent with the Company's policy concerning employee/consultant
business expenses.

              5.8   Outside Activities. Except as prohibited by the provisions
                    ------------------
of Section 7, below, it is expressly understood and agreed that during the
Consulting Period, COHEN may accept other employment. COHEN may also engage in
civic and not-for-profit activities, except as limited by the provisions of
Section 7.

        6.    Proprietary Information Obligations
              -----------------------------------

              6.1   Agreement. COHEN acknowledges that he is a party to and
                    ---------
bound by the terms and conditions of that certain confidentiality Agreement by
and between SYNBIOTICS and him dated May 17, 1996 (the "Proprietary Information
Agreement").

              6.2   Remedies. COHEN understands that his duties under the
                    --------
Proprietary Information Agreement survive the termination of his employment with
SYNBIOTICS and continue to remain in effect during his consultancy to the
Company, and will survive the expiration or termination of this AGREEMENT. COHEN
acknowledges that a remedy at law for any breach or threatened breach by him of
the provisions of the Proprietary Information Agreement would be inadequate, and
he therefore agrees that the Company shall be entitled to injunctive relief in
case of any such breach or threatened breach.

        7.    Trade Secrets and Confidential Information/Non-Competition.
              ----------------------------------------------------------

              7.1   Valuable Confidential Information. COHEN acknowledges that
                    ---------------------------------
SYNBIOTICS has invested substantial time, money and resources in the development
and retention of its inventions, confidential information (including trade
secrets), customers, accounts

                                        4

<PAGE>

and business partners, and further acknowledges that during the course of his
employment with the Company COHEN had access to the Company's inventions and
confidential information (including trade secrets), and was introduced to
existing and prospective customers, accounts and business partners of the
Company. The parties acknowledge that in connection with COHEN's provision of
consulting services to SYNBIOTICS, he may continue to have access to the
Company's inventions and confidential information (including trade secrets).
COHEN acknowledges and agrees that any and all "goodwill" associated with any
existing or prospective customer, account or business partner belongs
exclusively to SYNBIOTICS, including, but not limited to, any goodwill created
as a result of direct or indirect contacts or relationships between COHEN and
any existing or prospective customers, accounts or business partners.

              7.2   No Competition During Consulting Period. During the
                    ---------------------------------------
Consulting Period, COHEN agrees that he will not, directly or indirectly,
whether as an officer, director, stockholder, partner, proprietor, associate,
representative, consultant, or in any capacity whatsoever engage in, become
financially interested in, be employed by, provide services to, or have any
business connection with, any other person, corporation, firm, partnership or
other entity whatsoever which competes directly or indirectly with the Company
throughout the world, in any line of business now engaged in (or planned to be
engaged in) by the Company. COHEN agrees that if he is proposing an affiliation
of any sort with any other person, corporation, firm, partnership or other
entity which might reasonably be considered to compete with SYNBIOTICS, he shall
notify SYNBIOTICS in writing so that a determination may be made as to whether
such person, corporation, firm, partnership or other entity competes directly or
indirectly with SYNBIOTICS. Any such determination will be made by the Board of
Directors of SYNBIOTICS in good faith. However, notwithstanding anything above
to the contrary, COHEN may own, as a passive investor, securities of any
publicly traded competitor corporation, so long as his direct holdings in any
one such corporation shall not in the aggregate constitute more than 1% of the
voting stock of such corporation.

              7.3   Non-Solicitation. During the Consulting Period, COHEN agrees
                    ----------------
not to interfere with the business of the Company by soliciting, inducing, or
otherwise causing (i) any employee or consultant of the Company to terminate his
or her employment or engagement with the Company, or to reduce his or her time
commitment or scope of services provided to the Company, or (ii) any customer or
client of the Company to purchase or obtain the products or services of any firm
or business organization which competes with the Company. The foregoing
restrictions shall apply to COHEN regardless of whether he is acting directly or
indirectly, alone or in concert with others. COHEN understands and agrees that
he cannot and will not do indirectly that which he cannot do directly.

              7.4   Non-Competitive Board Service. During the Consulting Period,
                    -----------------------------
COHEN may serve as a member of the board of directors of any other unaffiliated
company that is not in competition with SYNBIOTICS, provided that such service
does not interfere with the performance of his duties or responsibilities under
this or any other agreement between him and SYNBIOTICS. COHEN's service as a
member of the board of directors of any other company which might reasonably be
considered to compete with SYNBIOTICS shall be subject in every case to the
approval of the Board of Directors of SYNBIOTICS, which approval shall not be
unreasonably withheld.

                                        5

<PAGE>

          7.5 Savings Clause. If any restriction set forth above within this
              --------------
section is held to be unreasonable, then COHEN agrees, and hereby submits, to
the reduction and limitation of such prohibition to such area or period as shall
be deemed reasonable. COHEN agrees that during the Consulting Period, he will
not engage in any employment, business, or activity that is in any way
competitive with the business or proposed business of the Company, and he will
not assist any other person or organization in competing with SYNBIOTICS or in
preparing to engage in competition with the business or proposed business of
SYNBIOTICS.

          7.6 Injunctive Relief. COHEN expressly agrees that the covenants set
              -----------------
forth in this Section 7 are reasonable and necessary to protect the Company and
its legitimate business interests, and to prevent the unauthorized dissemination
of confidential information to competitors of the Company. COHEN also agrees
that the Company will be irreparably harmed and that damages alone cannot
adequately compensate the Company if there is a violation of the provisions of
this Section 7 by COHEN, and that injunctive relief against COHEN is essential
for the protection of the Company. Therefore, in the event of any such breach,
it is agreed that, in addition to any other remedies available, SYNBIOTICS shall
be entitled as a matter of right to injunctive relief in any court of competent
jurisdiction, plus attorneys' fees actually incurred for the securing of such
relief.

     8.   Termination Provisions. In the event that SYNBIOTICS terminates
          ----------------------
COHEN's services for cause, as defined hereafter, COHEN's consulting
compensation shall cease immediately. A termination by SYNBIOTICS "for cause"
shall mean a termination based on the Board's good faith and reasonable belief
that one or more of the following has occurred:

              (i)   COHEN's indictment for or conviction of any felony or of any
crime involving dishonesty or moral turpitude.

              (ii)  COHEN's participation in any fraud against SYNBIOTICS or its
investors.

              (iii) COHEN's breach of any obligations or duties owed to the
Company, whether arising under this AGREEMENT or any other binding agreement,
including but not limited to the Proprietary Information Agreement. If COHEN's
breach is curable, it is agreed that the Company will provide COHEN with written
notice of said breach, and seven (7) business days within which to cure said
breach.

              (iv)  COHEN's unauthorized disclosure or use of Company
proprietary or confidential information. It is expressly understood and agreed
by the parties that an unauthorized disclosure or use of Company proprietary or
confidential information shall not be considered a "curable breach", as
described in subsection (iii) above.

              (v)   COHEN's violation of any of the non-competition provisions
of this AGREEMENT. It is expressly understood and agreed by the parties that any
violation of the non-competition provisions of this AGREEMENT shall not be
considered a "curable breach", as described in subsection (iii) above.

              (vi)  COHEN's failure to make himself available at the Company's
reasonable request to provide consulting services hereunder.

                                        6

<PAGE>

              (vii) COHEN's intentional, reckless or grossly negligent action
materially detrimental to the best interest of SYNBIOTICS.

      9.  General Release.
          ---------------

          9.1 General Release. COHEN for himself, and his relatives, heirs,
              ---------------
executors, administrators, assigns and successors, fully and forever releases
and discharges SYNBIOTICS and each of its current, former and future parents,
subsidiaries, related entities, employee benefit plans and its and their
fiduciaries, predecessors, successors, officers, directors, shareholders,
agents, employees and assigns (collectively, "Releasees"), with respect to any
and all claims, liabilities, causes of action, suits, debts, contracts,
agreements, promises, demands, losses, settlements, diminutions in value,
judgments, damages, penalties, costs and expenses (including, without
limitation, attorneys' fees) of every nature, kind and description, in law,
equity or otherwise (collectively, "Claims"), which have arisen, occurred or
existed at any time before the signing of this AGREEMENT, including, without
limitation, any and all Claims arising out of or relating to COHEN's employment
with SYNBIOTICS or the cessation of that employment or his Employment Agreement;
provided, however, that COHEN's Vested Options (as amended by Section 2), Claims
under his Indemnification Agreement and the Proprietary Information Agreement,
and enforcement of this AGREEMENT are not released.

          9.2 Knowing Waiver of Employment Related Claims. COHEN understands and
              -------------------------------------------
agrees that, without limitation, he is waiving and releasing any and all rights
he may have had, now has, or in the future may have, to pursue against any of
the Releasees any and all remedies available to him under any employment-related
Claims and causes of action, including without limitation, claims of wrongful
discharge, breach of contract, breach of the covenant of good faith and fair
dealing, fraud, violation of public policy, defamation, discrimination, personal
injury, physical injury, emotional distress, claims under Title VII of the Civil
Rights Act of 1964, as amended, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the
Americans With Disabilities Act, the Federal Rehabilitation Act, the Family and
Medical Leave Act, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, the
California Family Rights Act, the Equal Pay Act of 1963, the provisions of the
California Labor Code and any other federal, state or local laws and regulations
relating to employment, conditions of employment (including wage and hour laws)
and/or employment discrimination.

          9.3 Waiver of Civil Code (S). 1542. COHEN expressly waives any and all
              -----------------------------
rights and benefits conferred upon him by Section 1542 of the Civil Code of the
State of California, which states as follows, and under all federal, state
and/or common-law statutes or principles of similar effect:

              "A general release does not extend to claims which the creditor
          does not know or suspect to exist in his favor at the time of
          executing the release, which if known by him must have materially
          affected his settlement with the debtor."

COHEN expressly agrees and understands that the release given by him pursuant to
this AGREEMENT applies to all unknown, unsuspected and unanticipated Claims
which COHEN may have against SYNBIOTICS or any of the other Releasees.

                                        7

<PAGE>

         9.4 No Prior Assignments. COHEN represents and warrants that there has
             --------------------
been no assignment or other transfer of any interest in any Claim which COHEN
may have against SYNBIOTICS or any of the other Releasees, or any of them, and
COHEN agrees to defend, indemnify and hold SYNBIOTICS and the other Releasees,
and each of them, harmless from any liability, claims, demands, damages,
settlements, judgments, penalties, costs, expenses and attorneys' fees incurred
by SYNBIOTICS or any of the other Releasees, or any of them, as a result of any
person asserting any such assignment or transfer. It is the intention of the
parties that this indemnity does not require payment as a condition precedent to
recovery by SYNBIOTICS and the other Releasees under the indemnity, and that
this indemnity shall be payable as incurred and on demand.

         9.5 Denial of Liability and Obligation. This AGREEMENT is not intended
             ----------------------------------
to and shall not constitute any admission or concession of any kind by
SYNBIOTICS or any other person as to the existence of any liability or
obligation to COHEN under any Claim. SYNBIOTICS and the other Releasees
specifically deny the existence of any such liability or obligation to COHEN.

     10. Promise to Refrain from Suit or Administrative Action. COHEN promises
         -----------------------------------------------------
and agrees that he will never sue SYNBIOTICS or any of the other Releasees, or
otherwise institute or participate in any legal or administrative proceedings
against SYNBIOTICS or any of the other Releasees (or aid anyone else to do so),
with respect to any Claim covered by the release provisions of this AGREEMENT.
COHEN agrees that if COHEN violates this Section 10 in any manner or in any
manner asserts again SYNBIOTICS or any of the other Releasees, or any of them,
any of the Claims released hereunder, then COHEN will pay to SYNBIOTICS and the
other Releasees, and each of them, in addition to any other damages caused to
SYNBIOTICS and the other Releasees thereby, all attorneys' fees incurred by
SYNBIOTICS and the other Releasees in defending or otherwise responding to said
Claim.

     11. Full Defense. It is specifically understood and agreed that this
         ------------
AGREEMENT may be pleaded as a full and complete defense to and may be used as
the basis for an injunction against any action, arbitration, suit, or other
proceeding which may be instituted, prosecuted or attempted in breach of this
AGREEMENT.

     12. Assumption of Risk as to Facts. The parties both understand that if the
         ------------------------------
facts with respect to which they are executing this AGREEMENT are later found to
be other than or different from the facts both or either of them now believe to
be true, they expressly accept and assume the risk of such possible difference
in fact and agree that this AGREEMENT shall remain effective despite any
difference of fact.

     13. No Outside Representations. No representation, warranty, condition,
         --------------------------
promise, understanding or agreement of any kind with respect to the subject
matter hereof has been made by either party or by anyone else, nor shall any
such be relied upon by either party, except those contained herein. There were
no inducements to enter into this AGREEMENT, except for what is expressly set
forth in this AGREEMENT.

     14. Severability of Release Provisions. All provisions contained herein are
         ----------------------------------
severable and in the event that any of them shall be held to be to any extent
invalid or otherwise

                                        8

<PAGE>

unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, such provision shall be
construed as if it were written so as to effectuate to the greatest possible
extent the parties' expressed intent; and in every case the remainder of this
AGREEMENT shall not be affected thereby and shall remain valid and enforceable,
as if such affected provision were not contained herein.

     15. Integrated Agreement. The parties acknowledge and agree that no
         --------------------
promises or representations were made to them concerning the subject matter of
this AGREEMENT which do not appear written herein and that this AGREEMENT
contains the entire agreement of the parties on the subject matter hereof and
supersedes any and all prior or contemporaneous oral and written negotiations,
agreements, promises, commitments and understandings; provided, that the
Proprietary Information Agreement and the Indemnification Agreement are in no
way superseded. The parties further acknowledge and agree that parol evidence
shall not be required to interpret the intent of the parties.

     16. Voluntary Execution. The parties hereby acknowledge that they have read
         -------------------
and understand this AGREEMENT and that they sign this AGREEMENT voluntarily and
without coercion.

     17. Waiver, Amendment and Modification of AGREEMENT. The parties agree that
         -----------------------------------------------
no waiver, amendment or modification of any of the terms of this AGREEMENT shall
be effective unless in writing and signed by all parties affected by the waiver,
amendment or modification. No waiver of any term, condition or default of any
term of this AGREEMENT shall operate or be construed as a waiver of any
preceding or succeeding breach of the same or any other term or provision, or a
waiver of any contemporaneous breach of any other term or provision, or a
continuing waiver of the same or any other term or provision. No failure or
delay by a party in exercising any right, power, or privilege hereunder or other
conduct by a party shall operate as a waiver thereof, in the particular case or
in any past or future case, and no single or partial exercise thereof shall
preclude the full exercise or further exercise of any right, power, or
privilege. No action taken pursuant to this AGREEMENT shall be deemed to
constitute a waiver by the party taking such action of compliance with any
representations, warranties, covenants or agreements contained herein.

     18. Representation by Counsel. The parties acknowledge that they have the
         -------------------------
right to have been represented in by counsel of their own choosing, and that
they have entered into this AGREEMENT voluntarily, without coercion, and based
upon their own judgment and not in reliance upon any representations or promises
made by the other party or parties or any undersigned attorneys, other than
those contained within this AGREEMENT. The parties further agree that if any of
the facts or matters upon which they now rely in making this AGREEMENT hereafter
prove to be otherwise, this AGREEMENT will nonetheless remain in full force and
effect. COHEN acknowledges that Brobeck, Phleger & Harrison LLP, SYNBIOTICS'
lawyers, has represented SYNBIOTICS only and has not represented or advised him
in connection with this AGREEMENT.

     19. California Law. The parties agree that this AGREEMENT and its terms
         --------------
shall be construed under California law.

                                        9

<PAGE>

     20. Agreement to Arbitrate Claims Arising from AGREEMENT. The parties agree
         ----------------------------------------------------
that with the exception of disputes and claims identified below, if any dispute
arises concerning interpretation and/or enforcement of the terms of this
AGREEMENT, said dispute shall be resolved by binding arbitration conducted
before a single arbitrator in San Diego, California in accordance with the
American Arbitration Association's National Rules for the Resolution of
Employment Disputes, effective June 1, 1997 and in accordance with the
guidelines delineated by the California Supreme Court in Armendariz v.
                                                         ------------
Foundation Health Psychcare Services, Inc. (2000). Notwithstanding this
-----------------------------------------
agreement to arbitrate, neither party shall be precluded from seeking injunctive
relief in a judicial forum.

     21. Drafting. The parties agree that this AGREEMENT shall be construed
         --------
without regard to the drafter of the same and shall be construed as though each
party to this AGREEMENT participated equally in the preparation and drafting of
this AGREEMENT.

     22. Counterparts. This AGREEMENT may be signed in counterparts and said
         ------------
counterparts shall be treated as though signed as one document.

     23. Return of Company Property. COHEN has returned to SYNBIOTICS his
         --------------------------
Company credit card. It is understood and agreed that COHEN shall return all
other property in his possession which belongs to or was leased to SYNBIOTICS
(or leased to him on SYNBIOTICS' account) immediately upon demand therefor.
COHEN specifically promises and agrees that he shall not retain copies of any
company documents or files.

     24. Period to Consider Terms of AGREEMENT. COHEN acknowledges that this
         -------------------------------------
AGREEMENT was first presented to him on March 30, 2001, that the terms of this
AGREEMENT have been negotiated by both parties, and that he is entitled to have
21 days' time in which to consider the AGREEMENT. COHEN acknowledges that he
understands that he has the right to obtain the advice and counsel from the
legal representative of his choice, and that he executes this AGREEMENT having
had sufficient time within which to consider its terms. COHEN represents that if
he executes this AGREEMENT before 21 days have elapsed, he does so voluntarily,
and that he voluntarily waives any remaining consideration period.

     25. Revocation of AGREEMENT. COHEN understands that after executing this
         -----------------------
AGREEMENT, he has the right to revoke it within seven (7) days after his
execution of it. COHEN understands that this AGREEMENT will not become effective
and enforceable unless the seven day revocation period passes and COHEN does not
revoke the AGREEMENT in writing. COHEN understands that this AGREEMENT may not
be revoked after the seven day revocation period has passed. COHEN understands
that any revocation of this AGREEMENT

                                       10

<PAGE>

must be made in writing and delivered to SYNBIOTICS within the seven day period,
and that if he does so revoke the AGREEMENT, he shall not be entitled to receive
any of the benefits described herein.

     26. Effective Date. This AGREEMENT shall become effective (as of April 2,
         --------------
2001) on the eighth (8th) day after execution by COHEN, so long as COHEN has not
revoked it within the time and in the manner specified in Section 25 of this
AGREEMENT.

Dated: April 2, 2001                          /s/ Kenneth M. Cohen
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              KENNETH M. COHEN

                                              SYNBIOTICS CORPORATION

Dated: April 2, 2001                          By /s/ Paul A. Rosinack
                                                 -------------------------------
                                                 Paul A. Rosinack
                                                 President

                                       11

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