Filed by newsfilecorp.com Anavex announces director resignation Hoboken, NJ

Anavex announces director resignation

Hoboken, NJ September 16, 2011 -- Anavex Life Sciences

Corp. ( Anavex ) reports that Dr. Cameron Durrant has resigned as Director and

Executive Chairman of the Board effective immediately. Anavex s Board of

Directors would like to thank Dr. Durrant for his contributions to the company

and wish him well in his future endeavors.

About Anavex Life Sciences Corp.

Anavex Life Sciences

Corp. (www.anavex.com) is a specialty pharmaceutical company engaged in the

discovery and development of novel drug candidates for the treatment of

neurological diseases and cancer. The Anavex proprietary SIGMACEPTOR Discovery

Platform involves the rational design of drug compounds targeted to specific

receptors involved in the modulation of multiple cellular biochemical signaling

The SIGMACEPTOR -N program involves the development of novel

drug candidates that target neurological and neurodegenerative diseases

(Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, depression, pain). The company's lead drug

candidates exhibit high affinity for sigma receptors, which have been

extensively documented as potentially valuable drug targets and have

demonstrated anti-amnesic and neuroprotective properties. A portfolio of back-up

compounds to ANAVEX 2-73 are also in development.

Anavex is a publicly traded company under the symbol AVXL.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this press release that are not strictly

historical in nature are forward-looking statements. These statements are only

predictions based on current information and expectations and involve a number

of risks and uncertainties. Actual events or results may differ materially from

those projected in any of such statements due to various factors, including the

risks and uncertainties inherent in drug discovery and development, which

include, without limitation, the potential failure of development candidates to

advance through preclinical studies or demonstrate safety and efficacy in

clinical testing and the ability to pass clinical trials so as to move on to the

next phase, our ability to retain key employees and our ability to finance

development or satisfy the rigorous regulatory requirements for new drugs.

Competitors may develop better or cheaper alternatives to our products. Readers

are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements,

which speak only as of the date hereof. All forward-looking statements are

qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement and Anavex Life

Sciences Corp. undertakes no obligation to revise or update this press release

to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.