View:
Download DOC
Download PDF
Download XLS
Prepared by MERRILL CORPORATION
QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 15, 2002

Registration No. 333-71936

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

Post Effective Amendment No. 1
to
FORM S-8
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

INHALE THERAPEUTIC SYSTEMS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware   94-3134940
(State of incorporation)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

150 Industrial Road
San Carlos, CA 94070
(Address of principal executive offices)

2000 NON-OFFICER EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
(Full title of the plans)

Ajit S. Gill
Chief Executive Officer and President
Inhale Therapeutic Systems, Inc.
150 Industrial Road
San Carlos, CA 94070
(650) 631-3100
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

Copies to:

Mark P. Tanoury, Esq.
John M. Geschke, Esq.
Cooley Godward LLP
Five Palo Alto Square
3000 El Camino Real
Palo Alto, California 94306
(650) 843-5000


EXPLANATORY NOTE

        On October 19, 2001, Inhale Therapeutic Systems, Inc. (the "Registrant") registered on a Form S-8 Registration Statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Registration Number 333-71936 (the "Registration Statement"), 1,900,000 shares of the Registrant's Common Stock, $0.0001 par value, pursuant to the Registrant's 2000 Non-Officer Equity Incentive Plan. This Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement is filed solely to amend Exhibit 99.1 and to add Exhibits 99.2 - 99.5 not previously filed with respect to such Registration Statement.


EXHIBITS

Exhibit
Number
    
   Description
3.1   (1 ) Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant.

3.2
 
(1
)
Bylaws of the Registrant.

3.3
 
(2
)
Certificate of Amendment of the Amended Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant.

3.4
 
(11
)
Certificate of Designation of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock of the Registrant.

3.5
 
(12
)
Certificate of Designation of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock of the Registrant.

4.1
 
 
 
Reference is made to Exhibits 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4 and 3.5.

4.2
 
(3
)
Restated Investor Rights Agreement, dated April 29, 1993, as amended October 29, 1993, by and among the Registrant and certain other persons named therein.

4.3
 
(4
)
Stock Purchase Agreement, dated January 18, 1995, by and between the Registrant and Pfizer Inc.

4.4
 
(5
)
Form of Purchase Agreement, dated January 28, 1997, by and between the Registrant and the individual Purchasers.

4.5
 
(6
)
Stock Purchase Agreement, dated December 8, 1998, by and between the Registrant and Capital Research and Management Company.

4.6
 
(7
)
Purchase Agreement, dated October 6, 1999, by and among the Registrant and Lehman Brothers Inc., Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray Inc.

4.7
 
(7
)
Resale Registration Rights Agreement, dated October 13, 1999, by and among the Registrant and Lehman Brothers Inc., Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray Inc.

4.8
 
(7
)
Indenture, dated October 13, 1999, by and between the Registrant as Issuer and Chase Manhattan Bank and Trust Company, National Association as Trustee.

4.9
 
(7
)
Form of the Registrant Registration Rights Agreement, dated January 25, 2000, by and between the Registrant and Selling Shareholder.

4.10
 
(8
)
Purchase Agreement, dated February 2, 2000, by and among the Registrant and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Lehman Brothers Inc. and U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray Inc.

4.11
 
(8
)
Resale Registration Rights Agreement, dated February 8, 2000, by and among the Registrant and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Lehman Brothers Inc. and U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray Inc.

4.12
 
(8
)
Indenture, dated February 8, 2000, by and between the Registrant as Issuer and Chase Manhattan Bank and Trust Company, National Association as Trustee.

4.13
 
(2
)
Specimen common stock certificate of the Registrant.

4.14
 
(9
)
Specimen warrants to purchase shares of common stock of the Registrant.

4.15
 
(10
)
Purchase Agreement, dated October 11, 2000, by and among the Registrant and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Lehman Brothers Inc. and U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray Inc.

4.16
 
(10
)
Resale Registration Rights Agreement, dated October 17, 2000, by and among the Registrant and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Lehman Brothers Inc. and U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray Inc.

4.17
 
(10
)
Indenture, dated October 17, 2000, by and between the Registrant as Issuer and Chase Manhattan Bank and Trust Company, National Association as Trustee.

4.18
 
(11
)
Rights Agreement, dated June 1, 2001, by and between the Registrant and Mellon Investor Services LLC.

4.19
 
(11
)
Form of Right Certificate of the Registrant.

4.20
 
(12
)
Stock Purchase Agreement, dated January 7, 2002, by and between the Registrant and Enzon, Inc.

4.21
 
(13
)
Inhale Therapeutic Systems, Inc. 401(k) Retirement Plan.

4.22
 
(13
)
Non-Standardized Adoption Agreement No. 001 for use with Inhale Therapeutic Systems, Inc. 401(k) Retirement Plan.

5.1
 
(14
)
Opinion of Cooley Godward LLP.

23.1
 
(15
)
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors.

23.2
 
(15
)
Consent of Independent Auditors.

23.3
 
(14
)
Consent of Cooley Godward LLP. Reference is made to Exhibit 5.1.

24.1
 
(14
)
Power of Attorney. Reference is made to Signature Page.

99.1
 
(15
)
2000 Non-Officer Equity Incentive Plan, as amended.

99.2
 
(15
)
2000 Non-Officer Equity Incentive Plan Stock Option Agreement with respect to approved stock options.

99.3
 
(15
)
2000 Non-Officer Equity Incentive Plan Stock Option Grant Notice with respect to approved stock options.

99.4
 
(15
)
2000 Non-Officer Equity Incentive Plan Stock Option Agreement with respect to unapproved stock options.

99.5
 
(15
)
2000 Non-Officer Equity Incentive Plan Stock Option Grant Notice with respect to unapproved stock options.
(1)
Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1998.

(2)
Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2000.

(3)
Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 33-75942), as amended.

(4)
Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 33-89502), as amended.
(5)
Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-20787).

(6)
Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-68897), as amended.

(7)
Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-94161), as amended.

(8)
Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999.

(9)
Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2000.

(10)
Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-53678), filed on January 12, 2001.

(11)
Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on June 4, 2001.

(12)
Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on January 8, 2002.

(13)
Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-76638), filed on January 11, 2002.

(14)
Previously filed.

(15)
Filed herewith.


SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-8, as amended, and has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment to Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of San Carlos, County of San Mateo, State of California on January 15, 2002.

    By:   /s/  BRIGID A. MAKES       
Brigid A. Makes
 Chief Financial Officer and Vice President
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:

SIGNATURE
   TITLE
   DATE

 
 
 
 
 
*
Ajit S. Gill		   President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer)   January 15, 2002

*
Robert B. Chess
 
Chairman of the Board
 
January 15, 2002

/s/  BRIGID A. MAKES       
Brigid A. Makes
 
Chief Financial Officer and Vice President (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 
January 15, 2002

*
John S. Patton
 
Vice President and Director
 
January 15, 2002

*
James B. Glavin
 
Director
 
January 15, 2002

*
Melvin Perelman
 
Director
 
January 15, 2002

*
Irvin Lerner
 
Director
 
January 15, 2002

*
Roy A. Whitfield
 
Director
 
January 15, 2002

    
Chris Kuebler
 
Director
 
 

*By:
 
/s/  BRIGID A. MAKES       
 
 
 
 
   
Brigid A. Makes
 As Attorney-in-Fact.		        


EXHIBITS

Exhibit
Number
    
   Description
3.1   (1)   Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant.

3.2
 
(1)
 
Bylaws of the Registrant.

3.3
 
(2)
 
Certificate of Amendment of the Amended Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant.

3.4
 
(11)
 
Certificate of Designation of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock of the Registrant.

3.5
 
(12)
 
Certificate of Designation of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock of the Registrant.

4.1
 
 
 
Reference is made to Exhibits 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4 and 3.5.

4.2
 
(3)
 
Restated Investor Rights Agreement, dated April 29, 1993, as amended October 29, 1993, by and among the Registrant and certain other persons named therein.

4.3
 
(4)
 
Stock Purchase Agreement, dated January 18, 1995, by and between the Registrant and Pfizer Inc.

4.4
 
(5)
 
Form of Purchase Agreement, dated January 28, 1997, by and between the Registrant and the individual Purchasers.

4.5
 
(6)
 
Stock Purchase Agreement, dated December 8, 1998, by and between the Registrant and Capital Research and Management Company.

4.6
 
(7)
 
Purchase Agreement, dated October 6, 1999, by and among the Registrant and Lehman Brothers Inc., Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray Inc.

4.7
 
(7)
 
Resale Registration Rights Agreement, dated October 13, 1999, by and among the Registrant and Lehman Brothers Inc., Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray Inc.

4.8
 
(7)
 
Indenture, dated October 13, 1999, by and between the Registrant as Issuer and Chase Manhattan Bank and Trust Company, National Association as Trustee.

4.9
 
(7)
 
Form of the Registrant Registration Rights Agreement, dated January 25, 2000, by and between the Registrant and Selling Shareholder.

4.10
 
(8)
 
Purchase Agreement, dated February 2, 2000, by and among the Registrant and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Lehman Brothers Inc. and U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray Inc.

4.11
 
(8)
 
Resale Registration Rights Agreement, dated February 8, 2000, by and among the Registrant and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Lehman Brothers Inc. and U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray Inc.

4.12
 
(8)
 
Indenture, dated February 8, 2000, by and between the Registrant as Issuer and Chase Manhattan Bank and Trust Company, National Association as Trustee.

4.13
 
(2)
 
Specimen common stock certificate of the Registrant.

4.14
 
(9)
 
Specimen warrants to purchase shares of common stock of the Registrant.

4.15
 
(10)
 
Purchase Agreement, dated October 11, 2000, by and among the Registrant and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Lehman Brothers Inc. and U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray Inc.

4.16
 
(10)
 
Resale Registration Rights Agreement, dated October 17, 2000, by and among the Registrant and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Lehman Brothers Inc. and U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray Inc.

4.17
 
(10)
 
Indenture, dated October 17, 2000, by and between the Registrant as Issuer and Chase Manhattan Bank and Trust Company, National Association as Trustee.

4.18
 
(11)
 
Rights Agreement, dated June 1, 2001, by and between the Registrant and Mellon Investor Services LLC.

4.19
 
(11)
 
Form of Right Certificate of the Registrant.

4.20
 
(12)
 
Stock Purchase Agreement, dated January 7, 2002, by and between the Registrant and Enzon, Inc.

4.21
 
(13)
 
Inhale Therapeutic Systems, Inc. 401(k) Retirement Plan.

4.22
 
(13)
 
Non-Standardized Adoption Agreement No. 001 for use with Inhale Therapeutic Systems, Inc. 401(k) Retirement Plan.

5.1
 
(14)
 
Opinion of Cooley Godward LLP.

23.1
 
(15)
 
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors.

23.2
 
(15)
 
Consent of Independent Auditors.

23.3
 
(14)
 
Consent of Cooley Godward LLP. Reference is made to Exhibit 5.1.

24.1
 
(14)
 
Power of Attorney. Reference is made to Signature Page.

99.1
 
(15)
 
2000 Non-Officer Equity Incentive Plan, as amended.

99.2
 
(15)
 
2000 Non-Officer Equity Incentive Plan Stock Option Agreement with respect to approved stock options.

99.3
 
(15)
 
2000 Non-Officer Equity Incentive Plan Stock Option Grant Notice with respect to approved stock options.

99.4
 
(15)
 
2000 Non-Officer Equity Incentive Plan Stock Option Agreement with respect to unapproved stock options.

99.5
 
(15)
 
2000 Non-Officer Equity Incentive Plan Stock Option Grant Notice with respect to unapproved stock options.
(1)
Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1998.

(2)
Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2000.

(3)
Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 33-75942), as amended.

(4)
Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 33-89502), as amended.

(5)
Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-20787).

(6)
Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-68897), as amended.
(7)
Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-94161), as amended.

(8)
Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999.

(9)
Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2000.

(10)
Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-53678), filed on January 12, 2001.

(11)
Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on June 4, 2001.

(12)
Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on January 8, 2002.

(13)
Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-76638), filed on January 11, 2002.

(14)
Previously filed.

(15)
Filed herewith.


QuickLinks

EXPLANATORY NOTE
EXHIBITS
SIGNATURES
EXHIBITS
Prepared by MERRILL CORPORATION
QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document


Exhibit 23.1


CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-71936) pertaining to the 2000 Non-Officer Equity Incentive Plan of Inhale Therapeutic Systems, Inc. and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated January 23, 2001, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Inhale Therapeutic Systems, Inc. included in its Amended Annual Report (Amendment No. 2 to Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2000, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and of our report dated January 5, 2001, with respect to the financial statements of Bradford Particle Design, plc included in Amendment No. 1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Inhale Therapeutic Systems, Inc., filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Palo Alto, California
January 8, 2002



QuickLinks

CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Prepared by MERRILL CORPORATION
QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document


Exhibit 23.2

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

    We consent to the reference to our firm in the Registration Statement (Post Effective Amendment No. 1 to Form S-8) of Inhale Therapeutic Systems, Inc. for the registration of 1,900,000 shares of its common stock and to the incorporation by reference therein, of our report dated February 7, 2001, with respect to the financial statements of Shearwater Polymers, Inc. for the year ended June 30, 2000 included in the Inhale Therapeutic Systems, Inc. Current Report on Form 8-K Amendment No. 2, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Birmingham, Alabama
January 10, 2002



QuickLinks

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Prepared by MERRILL CORPORATION
QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document

Exhibit 99.1


INHALE THERAPEUTIC SYSTEMS, INC.

2000 NON-OFFICER EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

Adopted August 18, 1998
Amended February 23, 1999
Amended December 14, 1999
Amended and Restated June 6, 2000
Adjusted for 2-for-1 Stock Split on August 22, 2000
Amended August 22, 2000
Amended January 16, 2001
Amended April 25, 2001
Amended June 28, 2001
Amended September 6, 2001
Stockholder Approval Not Required
Termination Date: None

1.  PURPOSES.

    (a) Amendment and Restatement.  The 1998 Non-Officer Equity Incentive Plan initially was adopted on August 18, 1998 (the "1998 Plan"). The 1998 Plan hereby is amended and restated in its entirety, effective upon adoption by the Board, and renamed the "2000 Non-Officer Equity Incentive Plan." The terms of the Plan shall apply to all Stock Awards granted pursuant to the Initial Plan.

    (b) Eligible Stock Award Recipients.  The persons eligible to receive Stock Awards are the Employees and Consultants of the Company and its Affiliates who are neither Officers nor Directors.

    (c) Available Stock Awards.  The purpose of the Plan is to provide a means by which eligible recipients of Stock Awards may be given an opportunity to benefit from increases in value of the Common Stock through the granting of the following Stock Awards: (i) Nonstatutory Stock Options, (ii) stock bonuses and (iii) rights to acquire restricted stock.

    (d) General Purpose.  The Company, by means of the Plan, seeks to retain the services of the group of persons eligible to receive Stock Awards, to secure and retain the services of new members of this group and to provide incentives for such persons to exert maximum efforts for the success of the Company and its Affiliates.

2.  DEFINITIONS.

    (a) "Affiliate"  means any parent corporation or subsidiary corporation of the Company, whether now or hereafter existing, as those terms are defined in Sections 424(e) and (f), respectively, of the Code.

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

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

    (d) "Committee"  means a Committee appointed by the Board in accordance with subsection 3(c).

    (e) "Common Stock"  means the common stock of the Company.

    (f) "Company"  means Inhale Therapeutic Systems, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

    (g) "Consultant"  means any person, including an advisor, (i) engaged by the Company or an Affiliate to render consulting or advisory services and who is compensated for such services or (ii) who

is a member of the Board of Directors of an Affiliate. However, the term "Consultant" shall not include Directors of the Company

    (h) "Continuous Service"  means that the Participant's service with the Company or an Affiliate, whether as an Employee or Consultant, is not interrupted or terminated. The Participant's Continuous Service shall not be deemed to have terminated merely because of a change in the capacity in which the Participant renders service to the Company or an Affiliate as an Employee, Consultant or Director or a change in the entity for which the Participant renders such service, provided that there is no interruption or termination of the Participant's Continuous Service. For example, a change in status from an Employee of the Company to a Consultant of an Affiliate or a Director of the Company will not constitute an interruption of Continuous Service. The Board or the chief executive officer of the Company, in that party's sole discretion, may determine whether Continuous Service shall be considered interrupted in the case of any leave of absence approved by that party, including sick leave, military leave or any other personal leave.

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

    (j) "Disability"  means the permanent and total disability of a person within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code.

    (k) "Employee"  means any person employed by the Company or an Affiliate. Mere service as a Director or payment of a director's fee by the Company or an Affiliate shall not be sufficient to constitute "employment" by the Company or an Affiliate.

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

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

    (n) "Nonstatutory Stock Option"  means an option not intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

    (o) "Officer"  means (i) a person who is an officer of the Company within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder and (ii) any other person designated by the Company as an officer.

    (p) "Option"  means a Nonstatutory Stock Option granted pursuant to the Plan.

    (q) "Option Agreement"  means a written agreement between the Company and an Optionholder evidencing the terms and conditions of an individual Option grant. Each Option Agreement shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.

    (r) "Optionholder"  means a person to whom an Option is granted pursuant to the Plan or, if applicable, such other person who holds an outstanding Option.

2

    (s) "Participant"  means a person to whom a Stock Award is granted pursuant to the Plan or, if applicable, such other person who holds an outstanding Stock Award.

    (t) "Plan"  means this Inhale Therapeutic Systems, Inc. 2000 Non-Officer Equity Incentive Plan.

    (u) "Rule 16b-3"  means Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act or any successor to Rule 16b-3, as in effect from time to time.

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

    (w) "Stock Award"  means any right granted under the Plan, including an Option, a stock bonus and a right to acquire restricted stock.

    (x) "Stock Award Agreement"  means a written agreement between the Company and a holder of a Stock Award evidencing the terms and conditions of an individual Stock Award grant. Each Stock Award Agreement shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.

3.  ADMINISTRATION.

    (a) Administration by Board.  The Board will administer the Plan unless and until the Board delegates administration to a Committee, as provided in subsection 3(c).

    (b) Powers of Board.  The Board shall have the power, subject to, and within the limitations of, the express provisions of the Plan:

    (c) Delegation to Committee.  The Board may delegate administration of the Plan to a Committee or Committees of one (1) or more members of the Board, and the term "Committee" shall apply to any person or 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 (and references in this Plan to the Board shall thereafter be to the Committee or subcommittee), subject, however, to such resolutions, not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan, as may be adopted from time to time by the Board. The Board may abolish the Committee at any time and revest in the Board the administration of the Plan.

3

    (d) Effect of Board's Decision.  All determinations, interpretations and constructions made by the Board in good faith shall not be subject to review by any person and shall be final, binding and conclusive on all persons.

4.  SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN.

    (a) Share Reserve.  Subject to the provisions of Section 11 relating to adjustments upon changes in stock, the stock that may be issued pursuant to Stock Awards shall not exceed in the aggregate eleven million two hundred fifty thousand (11,250,000)(1) shares of Common Stock.

(1)
The 3,525,000 shares in the share reserve automatically were adjusted to 7,050,000 shares pursuant to the 2-for-1 stock split on August 22, 2000. The Board of Directors amended the Plan on August 22, 2000 and increased this number by 1,500,000 shares (post stock split) to a total of 8,550,000 shares. The Board of Directors amended the plan on January 16, 2001 and increased this number by 800,000 shares to a total of 9,350,000 shares. The Board of Directors amended the Plan on June 28, 2001 and increased this number by 900,000 to a total of 10,250,000 shares. The Board of Directors amended the Plan on September 6, 2001 and increased this number by 1,000,000 to a total of 11,250,000 shares.

    (b) Reversion of Shares to the Share Reserve.  If any Stock Award shall for any reason expire or otherwise terminate, in whole or in part, without having been exercised in full (or vested in the case of Restricted Stock), the stock not acquired under such Stock Award shall revert to and again become available for issuance under the Plan. If any Common Stock acquired pursuant to a Stock Award shall for any reason be reacquired by the Company, the stock shall revert to and again become available for reissuance under the Plan.

    (c) Source of Shares.  The stock subject to the Plan may be unissued shares or reacquired shares, bought on the market or otherwise.

5.  ELIGIBILITY.

    (a) Eligibility.  Stock Awards may be granted only to Employees and Consultants who are neither Officers nor Directors.

    (b) Consultants.  A Consultant shall not be eligible for the grant of a Stock Award if, at the time of grant, a Form S-8 Registration Statement under the Securities Act ("Form S-8") is not available to register either the offer or the sale of the Company's securities to such Consultant because of the nature of the services that the Consultant is providing to the Company, or because the Consultant is not a natural person, or as otherwise provided by the rules governing the use of Form S-8, unless the Company determines both (i) that such grant (A) shall be registered in another manner under the Securities Act (e.g., on a Form S-3 Registration Statement) or (B) does not require registration under the Securities Act in order to comply with the requirements of the Securities Act, if applicable, and (ii) that such grant complies with the securities laws of all other relevant jurisdictions.(2)

(2)
Form S-8 generally is available to consultants and advisors only if (i) they are natural persons; (ii) they provide bona fide services to the issuer, its parents, its majority-owned subsidiaries or majority-owned subsidiaries of the issuers's parent; and (iii) the services are not in connection with the offer or sale of securities in a capital-raising transaction, and do not directly or indirectly promote or maintain a market for the issuer's securities.

4

6.  OPTION PROVISIONS.

    Each Option shall be in such form and shall contain such terms and conditions as the Board shall deem appropriate. The provisions of separate Options need not be identical, but each Option shall include (through incorporation of provisions hereof by reference in the Option or otherwise) the substance of each of the following provisions:

    (a) Exercise Price.  The Board shall determine the exercise price of each Option.

    (b) Consideration.  

    (c) Transferability.  An Option shall be transferable to the extent provided in the Option Agreement. If the Option does not provide for transferability, then the Option shall not be transferable except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution and shall be exercisable during the lifetime of the Optionholder only by the Optionholder. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this subsection 6(c), the Optionholder may, by delivering written notice to the Company, in a form satisfactory to the Company, designate a third party who, in the event of the death of the Optionholder, shall thereafter be entitled to exercise the Option.

    (d) Vesting Generally.  The total number of shares of Common Stock subject to an Option may, but need not, vest and therefore become exercisable in periodic installments that may, but need not, be equal. The Option may be subject to such other terms and conditions on the time or times when it may be exercised (which may be based on performance or other criteria) as the Board may deem appropriate. The vesting provisions of individual Options may vary. The provisions of this subsection 6(d) are subject to any Option provisions governing the minimum number of shares as to which an Option may be exercised.

    (e) Termination of Continuous Service.  In the event an Optionholder's Continuous Service terminates (other than upon the Optionholder's death or Disability), the Optionholder may exercise his or her Option (to the extent that the Optionholder was entitled to exercise it as of the date of termination) but only within such period of time ending on the earlier of (i) the date three (3) months following the termination of the Optionholder's Continuous Service (or such longer or shorter period specified in the Option Agreement), or (ii) the expiration of the term of the Option as set forth in the Option Agreement. If, after termination, the Optionholder does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified in the Option Agreement, the Option shall terminate.

5

    (f) Extension of Termination Date.  An Optionholder's Option Agreement may also provide that if the exercise of the Option following the termination of the Optionholder's Continuous Service (other than upon the Optionholder's death or Disability) would be prohibited at any time solely because the issuance of shares would violate the registration requirements under the Securities Act, then the Option shall terminate on the earlier of (i) the expiration of the term of the Option set forth in subsection 6(a) or (ii) the expiration of three months (or such longer or shorter period specified in the Option Agreement) after the termination of the Optionholder's Continuous Service during which the exercise of the Option would not be in violation of such registration requirements.

    (g) Disability of Optionholder.  In the event an Optionholder's Continuous Service terminates as a result of the Optionholder's Disability, the Optionholder may exercise his or her Option (to the extent that the Optionholder was entitled to exercise it as of the date of termination), but only within such period of time ending on the earlier of (i) the date twelve (12) months following such termination (or such longer or shorter period specified in the Option Agreement) or (ii) the expiration of the term of the Option as set forth in the Option Agreement. If, after termination, the Optionholder does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate.

    (h) Death of Optionholder.  In the event an Optionholder's Continuous Service terminates as a result of the Optionholder's death, then, subject to any restrictions in the Option Agreement, the Option shall become fully vested and exercisable as of the date of termination. In the event (i) an Optionholder's Continuous Service terminates as a result of the Optionholder's death or (ii) the Optionholder dies within the period (if any) specified in the Option Agreement after the termination of the Optionholder's Continuous Service for a reason other than death, then the Option may be exercised (to the extent the Optionholder was entitled to exercise the Option as of the date of death) by the Optionholder's estate, by a person who acquired the right to exercise the Option by bequest or inheritance or by a person designated to exercise the Option upon the Optionholder's death pursuant to subsection 6(c), but only within the period ending on the earlier of (1) the date eighteen (18) months following the date of death (or such longer or shorter period specified in the Option Agreement) or (2) the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Option Agreement. If, after death, the Option is not exercised within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate.

    (i) Early Exercise.  The Option may, but need not, include a provision whereby the Optionholder may elect at any time before the Optionholder's Continuous Service terminates to exercise the Option as to any part or all of the shares subject to the Option prior to the full vesting of the Option. Any unvested shares so purchased may be subject to an unvested share repurchase option in favor of the Company or to any other restriction the Board determines to be appropriate.

7.  PROVISIONS OF STOCK AWARDS OTHER THAN OPTIONS.

    (a) Stock Bonus Awards.  Each stock bonus agreement shall be in such form and shall contain such terms and conditions as the Board shall deem appropriate. The terms and conditions of stock bonus agreements may change from time to time, and the terms and conditions of separate stock bonus agreements need not be identical, but each stock bonus agreement shall include (through incorporation of provisions hereof by reference in the agreement or otherwise) the substance of each of the following provisions:

6

    (b) Restricted Stock Awards.  Each restricted stock purchase agreement shall be in such form and shall contain such terms and conditions as the Board shall deem appropriate. The terms and conditions of the restricted stock purchase agreements may change from time to time, and the terms and conditions of separate restricted stock purchase agreements need not be identical, but each restricted stock purchase agreement shall include (through incorporation of provisions hereof by reference in the agreement or otherwise) the substance of each of the following provisions:

8.  COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY.

    (a) Availability of Shares.  During the terms of the Stock Awards, the Company shall keep available at all times the number of shares of Common Stock required to satisfy such Stock Awards.

7

    (b) Securities Law Compliance.  The Company shall seek to obtain from each regulatory commission or agency having jurisdiction over the Plan such authority as may be required to grant Stock Awards and to issue and sell shares of Common Stock upon exercise of the Stock Awards; provided, however, that this undertaking shall not require the Company to register under the Securities Act the Plan, any Stock Award or any stock issued or issuable pursuant to any such Stock Award. If, after reasonable efforts, the Company is unable to obtain from any such regulatory commission or agency the authority that counsel for the Company deems necessary for the lawful issuance and sale of stock under the Plan, the Company shall be relieved from any liability for failure to issue and sell stock upon exercise of such Stock Awards unless and until such authority is obtained.

9.  USE OF PROCEEDS FROM STOCK.

    Proceeds from the sale of stock pursuant to Stock Awards shall constitute general funds of the Company.

10. MISCELLANEOUS.

    (a) Acceleration of Exercisability and Vesting.  The Board shall have the power to accelerate the time at which a Stock Award may first be exercised or the time during which a Stock Award or any part thereof will vest in accordance with the Plan, notwithstanding the provisions in the Stock Award stating the time at which it may first be exercised or the time during which it will vest.

    (b) Stockholder Rights.  No Participant shall be deemed to be the holder of, or to have any of the rights of a holder with respect to, any shares subject to such Stock Award unless and until such Participant has satisfied all requirements for exercise of the Stock Award pursuant to its terms.

    (c) No Employment or other Service Rights.  Nothing in the Plan or any instrument executed or Stock Award granted pursuant thereto shall confer upon any Participant or other holder of Stock Awards any right to continue to serve the Company or an Affiliate in the capacity in effect at the time the Stock Award was granted or shall affect the right of the Company or an Affiliate to terminate (i) the employment of an Employee with or without notice and with or without cause or (ii) the service of a Consultant pursuant to the terms of such Consultant's agreement with the Company or an Affiliate.

    (d) Investment Assurances.  The Company may require a Participant, as a condition of exercising or acquiring stock under any Stock Award, (i) to give written assurances satisfactory to the Company as to the Participant's knowledge and experience in financial and business matters and/or to employ a purchaser representative reasonably satisfactory to the Company who is knowledgeable and experienced in financial and business matters and that he or she is capable of evaluating, alone or together with the purchaser representative, the merits and risks of exercising the Stock Award; and (ii) to give written assurances satisfactory to the Company stating that the Participant is acquiring the stock subject to the Stock Award for the Participant's own account and not with any present intention of selling or otherwise distributing the stock. The foregoing requirements, and any assurances given pursuant to such requirements, shall be inoperative if (1) the issuance of the shares upon the exercise or acquisition of stock under the Stock Award has been registered under a then currently effective registration statement under the Securities Act or (2) as to any particular requirement, a determination is made by counsel for the Company that such requirement need not be met in the circumstances under the then applicable securities laws. The Company may, upon advice of counsel to the Company, place legends on stock certificates issued under the Plan as such counsel deems necessary or appropriate in order to comply with applicable securities laws, including, but not limited to, legends restricting the transfer of the stock.

8

    (e) Withholding Obligations.  To the extent provided by the terms of a Stock Award Agreement, the Participant may satisfy any federal, state or local tax withholding obligation relating to the exercise or acquisition of stock under a Stock Award by any of the following means (in addition to the Company's right to withhold from any compensation paid to the Participant by the Company) or by a combination of such means: (i) tendering a cash payment; (ii) authorizing the Company to withhold shares from the shares of the Common Stock otherwise issuable to the Participant as a result of the exercise or acquisition of stock under the Stock Award, provided, however, that no shares of Common Stock are withheld with a value exceeding the minimum amount of tax required to be withheld by law; or (iii) delivering to the Company owned and unencumbered shares of the Common Stock.

11. ADJUSTMENTS UPON CHANGES IN STOCK.

    (a) Capitalization Adjustments.  If any change is made in the stock subject to the Plan, or subject to any Stock Award, without the receipt of consideration by the Company (through merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization, reincorporation, stock dividend, dividend in property other than cash, stock split, liquidating dividend, combination of shares, exchange of shares, change in corporate structure or other transaction not involving the receipt of consideration by the Company), the Plan will be appropriately adjusted in the class(es) and maximum number of securities subject to the Plan pursuant to subsection 4(a), and the outstanding Stock Awards will be appropriately adjusted in the class(es) and number of securities and price per share of stock subject to such outstanding Stock Awards. Such adjustments shall be made by the Board, the determination of which shall be final, binding and conclusive. (The conversion of any convertible securities of the Company shall not be treated as a transaction "without receipt of consideration" by the Company.)

    (b) Dissolution or Liquidation.  In the event of a dissolution or liquidation of the Company, then such Stock Awards shall be terminated if not exercised (if applicable) prior to such event.

    (c) Corporate Transaction.  In the event of (1) a sale, lease or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, (2) a merger or consolidation in which the Company is not the surviving corporation or (3) a reverse merger in which the Company is the surviving corporation but the shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately preceding the merger are converted by virtue of the merger into other property, whether in the form of securities, cash or otherwise (a "Corporate Transaction"), then any surviving corporation or acquiring corporation shall assume any Stock Awards outstanding under the Plan or shall substitute similar stock awards (including an award to acquire the same consideration paid to the stockholders in the Corporate Transaction) for those outstanding under the Plan. In the event any surviving corporation or acquiring corporation refuses to assume such Stock Awards or to substitute similar stock awards for those outstanding under the Plan, then with respect to Stock Awards held by Participants whose Continuous Service has not terminated, the vesting of such Stock Awards (and, if applicable, the time during which such Stock Awards may be exercised) shall be accelerated in full, and the Stock Awards shall terminate if not exercised (if applicable) at or prior to such Corporate Transaction. With respect to any other Stock Awards outstanding under the Plan, such Stock Awards shall terminate if not exercised (if applicable) prior to such Corporate Transaction.

    (d) Securities Acquisition.  In the event of an acquisition by any person, entity or group within the meaning of Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Exchange Act, or any comparable successor provisions (excluding any employee benefit plan, or related trust, sponsored or maintained by the Company or an Affiliate) of the beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act, or comparable successor rule) of securities of the Company representing at least fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power entitled to vote in the election of Directors and provided that such acquisition is not a result of, and does not constitute, a Corporate Transaction described in subsection 11(c) hereof, then with respect to Stock Awards held by Participants whose Continuous

9

Service has not terminated, the vesting of such Stock Awards (and, if applicable, the time during which such Stock Awards may be exercised) shall be accelerated in full.

12. AMENDMENT OF THE PLAN AND STOCK AWARDS.

    (a) Amendment of Plan.  The Board at any time, and from time to time, may amend the Plan; provided however, that the rights under any Stock Award shall not be impaired by any amendment of the Plan unless (i) the Company requests the consent of the Participant and (ii) the Participant consents in writing.

    (b) Amendment of Stock Awards.  The Board at any time, and from time to time, may amend the terms of any one or more Stock Awards; provided, however, that the rights under any Stock Award shall not be impaired by any such amendment unless (i) the Company requests the consent of the Participant and (ii) the Participant consents in writing.

13. TERMINATION OR SUSPENSION OF THE PLAN.

    (a) Plan Term.  The Board may suspend or terminate the Plan at any time. No Stock Awards may be granted under the Plan while the Plan is suspended or after it is terminated.

    (b) No Impairment of Rights.  Rights and obligations under any Stock Award granted while the Plan is in effect shall not be impaired by suspension or termination of the Plan, except with the written consent of the Participant.

14. EFFECTIVE DATE OF PLAN.

    The Plan shall become effective upon adoption by the Board.

15. CHOICE OF LAW.

    The law of the State of Delaware shall govern all questions concerning the construction, validity and interpretation of this Plan, without regard to such state's conflict of laws rules.

10

Inhale Therapeutic Systems, Inc. 2000 Non-Officer Equity Incentive Plan ("the Plan")

    This section of the Plan will be known as the Approved Section of the Inhale Therapeutic Systems, Inc. 2000 Non-Officer Equity Incentive Plan (the "Approved Section"). The Approved Section has been adopted by way of amendment to the Plan for the sole purpose of providing for the grant of options to United Kingdom-based employees of Inhale Therapeutic System, Inc. and its Subsidiaries and to directors of the Subsidiaries under Section 6 of the Plan where the Committee wishes to grant the employees of Inhale Therapeutic Systems, Inc. and its Subsidiaries and to directors of the Subsidiaries options under a plan approved by the Board of the Inland Revenue under Schedule 9 of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988 in addition to or as an alternative to the grant of Options and other Stock Awards under the Plan. The Approved Section shall only be used in connection with option grants to United Kingdom-based employees of Inhale Therapeutic Systems, Inc. and its Subsidiaries and United Kingdom-based directors of the Subsidiaries. All other Stock Awards made under the Plan shall be governed by the Plan without reference to the Approved Section.

    For the purposes of the Approved Section, the Sections set forth in the Plan shall apply subject to the amendments provided for below and any provision in the Plan that is inconsistent with the following provisions shall not form part of the Approved Section. Any Approved Option (as defined below) granted under the Approved Section shall be governed by the Plan subject to the amendments provided for below:

1.  DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

"the Adoption Date" means the date on which the Approved Section is approved by the Inland Revenue;

"the Appropriate Period" has the same meaning as in paragraph 15(2) of Schedule 9 to the Taxes Act;

"Approved Option" means an Option to acquire Section Shares which is granted under Section 6 and satisfies the conditions of the Approved section;

"Approved Section" means the Approved Section of the Inhale Therapeutic Systems, Inc. 200 Non-Officer Equity Incentive Plan constituted and governed by the Plan subject to the amendments set out herein;

"Associated Company" has the same meaning as in Section 187(2) of the Taxes Act;

"the Company" means Inhale Therapeutic Systems, Inc., a Delaware corporation with business address 150 Industrial Road, San Carlos, California 94070-6256;

"Control" has the same meaning as in section 840 of the Taxes Act and "controlled" shall be construed accordingly;

"Date of Grant" means the date on which an Approved Option is, was, or is to be granted under the Approved Section;

"Eligible Employee" means a person who is at the relevant Date of Grant:

11

"Full-Time Director" means a director of a Subsidiary whose terms of office or employment require such director to work for at least twenty-five hours per week (excluding meal breaks);

"Qualifying Employee" means an employee of the Company or a Subsidiary who is not a director of the Company or Subsidiary;

"Qualifying Employment" means office or employment either as a Full-Time Director or as a Qualifying Employee as the case may be;

"Section Shares" means Shares which satisfy the conditions specified in Paragraphs 10 to 14 of Schedule 9 to the Taxes Act (fully paid up, unrestricted, ordinary share capital) to be acquired by a Participant on the exercise by such participant of an Approved Option which Shares shall as to voting, dividend, transfer and other rights including those arising in the liquidation of the Company rank pari passu in all respects and as to one class with the Shares of the Company in issue at that time;

"Subsidiary" means a body corporate of which the Company is for the time being to be taken to have Control and which is a subsidiary of the Company within section 736 of the Companies Act 1985;

"Subsisting Option" means an Approved Option which has neither lapsed nor been exercised;

"Taxes Act" means the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988;

2.  ELIGIBILITY

3.  OPTION PROVISIONS

    Section 6 of the Plan shall apply provided that the grant of each Approved Option shall comply with the following conditions:

12


shall not exceed £30,000 (or such other amount as may be prescribed by Paragraph 28 of Schedule 9 to the Taxes Act from time to time).

For the purposes of this paragraph "market value" shall be calculated in accordance with Paragraph 28 of Schedule 9 to the Taxes Act at the respective Dates of Grant.

4.  TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT

13

5.  PROVISIONS OF THE PLAN NOT TO APPLY TO APPROVED OPTIONS

6.  NO OBLIGATION TO EMPLOY

    Section 10 paragraph (c) (No Employment or other Service Rights) of the Plan shall apply subject to the following further condition for the purposes of the Approved Section:

7.  WITHHOLDING OBLIGATIONS

    The following provision shall be substituted for Section 10 paragraph (e) (Withholding Obligations) of the Plan for the purposes of the Approve Section:

8.  ADJUSTMENT UPON CHANGES IN STOCK

14



    The new Option shall for all other purposes of the Scheme be treated as having been acquired at the same time as the old Option in respect of which it is granted.

9.  AMENDMENT OF THE PLAN AND STOCK AWARDS

    Section 12 of the Plan shall operate for the purposes of the Approved Section of the Plan subject to the following condition:

15

10. CHOICE OF LAW

16



QuickLinks

INHALE THERAPEUTIC SYSTEMS, INC. 2000 NON-OFFICER EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
Prepared by MERRILL CORPORATION
QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document

Exhibit 99.2


APPROVED SECTION OF THE INHALE THERAPEUTIC SYSTEMS, INC.
2000 NON-OFFICER EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT(1)
(NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTION)

    Pursuant to the Nonstatutory Stock Option Notice ("Option Notice") and this Stock Option Agreement, Inhale Therapeutic Systems, Inc. (the "Company") has granted you an option under the Approved Section of its 2000 Non-Officer Equity Incentive Plan (the "Plan") to purchase the number of shares of the Company's Common Stock indicated in the Option Notice at the exercise price indicated in the Option Notice. Defined terms not explicitly defined in this Stock Option Agreement but defined in the Plan shall have the same definitions as in the Plan.

(1)
In the event of any conflict, the rules of the Plan and Schedule 9 of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988 shall take precedence over the terms of this document. Any references to taxation consequenses are for guidence only.

    The details of your options are as follows:




QuickLinks

APPROVED SECTION OF THE INHALE THERAPEUTIC SYSTEMS, INC. 2000 NON-OFFICER EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT(1) (NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTION)
Prepared by MERRILL CORPORATION
QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document

Exhibit 99.3

THE APPROVED SECTION OF THE INHALE THERAPEUTIC SYSTEMS, INC.
2000 NON-OFFICER EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
STOCK OPTION GRANT NOTICE(2)

    Inhale Therapeutic Systems, Inc. (the "Company"), pursuant to the Approved Section of its 2000 Non-Officer Equity Incentive Plan (the "Plan"), hereby grants to Optionholder an option to purchase the number of shares of the Company's Common Stock set forth below. This option is subject to all of the terms and conditions as set forth herein and in the Stock Option Agreement, the Plan and the Notice of Exercise, all of which are attached hereto and incorporated herein in their entirety.

(2)
In the event of any conflict, the rules of the Plan and Schedule 9 or the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988 shall take precedence over the terms of this document. Any references to taxation consequences are for guidance only.

Optionholder:    
   
Date of Grant:    
   
Vesting Commencement Date:    
   
Number of Shares Subject to Option:    
   
Exercise Price Per Share:    
   
Expiration Date:    
   

Type of Grant:
 
Nonstatutory Stock Option (Approved)

Exercise Schedule:
 
/ / Same as Vesting Schedule

Vesting Schedule:
 
       of the shares vest one year after the Vesting Commencement Date.
       of the shares vest monthly thereafter over the next ___ years.

    The Option is exercisable in accordance with the terms of the Plan rules. If there is to be no charge to income tax on the exercise of the Option then, in addition to complying with the rules of the Plan, the exercises must be:

    Additional Terms/Acknowledgements:  The undersigned Optionholder acknowledges receipt of, and understands and agrees to, this Grant Notice, the Stock Option Agreement and the Plan. Optionholder further acknowledges that as of the Date of Grant, this Grant Notice, the Stock Option Agreement and the Plan set forth the entire understanding between Optionholder and the Company regarding the acquisition of stock in the Company and supersede all prior oral and written agreements

on that subject with the exception of (i) options previously granted and delivered to Optionholder under the Plan, and (ii) the following agreements only:

OTHER AGREEMENTS:    
   
   
INHALE THERAPEUTIC SYSTEMS, INC.   OPTIONHOLDER:

Signed as a Deed by:
 
 
 
 
       
 
        Signature       Signature

Title:
 
 
 
 
 
Date:
 
 
   
     
Date:                
   
       

    ATTACHMENTS:  Stock Option Agreement, 2000 Non-Officer Equity Incentive Plan and Notice of Exercise



QuickLinks

THE APPROVED SECTION OF THE INHALE THERAPEUTIC SYSTEMS, INC. 2000 NON-OFFICER EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN STOCK OPTION GRANT NOTICE(2)
Prepared by MERRILL CORPORATION
QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document


Exhibit 99.4

INHALE THERAPEUTIC SYSTEMS, INC.
2000 NON-OFFICER EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
(NONSTATUTORY (UNAPPROVED) STOCK OPTION)

    Pursuant to the Nonstatutory Stock Option Notice ("Option Notice") and this Stock Option Agreement, Inhale Therapeutic Systems, Inc. (the "Company") has granted you an option under its 2000 Non-Officer Equity Incentive Plan (the "Plan") to purchase the number of shares of the Company's Common Stock indicated in the Option Notice at the exercise price indicated in the Option Notice. Defined terms not explicitly defined in this Stock Option Agreement but defined in the Plan shall have the same definitions as in the Plan.

    The details of your option are as follows:

    1.  VESTING.  Subject to the limitations contained herein, your option will vest as provided in the Option Notice, provided that vesting will cease upon the termination of your Continuous Service.

    2.  NUMBER OF SHARES AND EXERCISE PRICE.  The number of shares subject to your option and your exercise price per share referenced in the Option Notice may be adjusted from time to time for capitalization adjustments, as provided in the Plan.

    3.  EXERCISE PRIOR TO VESTING ("EARLY EXERCISE").  If approved in advance by the Board of Directors, and subject to the provisions of this option, you may elect at any time that is both (i) during the period of your Continuous Service and (ii) during the term of your option, to exercise all or part of your option, including the nonvested portion of your option; provided, however, that.

    4.  METHOD OF PAYMENT.  Payment of the exercise price is due in full upon exercise of all or any part of your option. You may elect to make payment of the exercise price in one or more of the following forms

1

    5.  SECURITIES LAW COMPLIANCE.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, your option may not be exercised unless the shares issuable upon exercise of your option are then registered under the Securities Act or, if such shares are not then so registered, the Company has determined that such exercise and issuance would be exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. The exercise of your option must also comply with other applicable laws and regulations governing the option, and the option may not be exercised if the Company determines that the exercise would not be in material compliance with such laws and regulations.

    6.  TERM.  The term of your option commences on the Grant Date and expires upon the earliest of the following:

    7.  EXERCISE  

    8.  TRANSFERABILITY.  Your option is not transferable, except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and is exercisable during your life only by you. Notwithstanding the foregoing, by delivering written notice to the Company, in a form satisfactory to the Company, you may designate a third party who, in the event of your death, shall thereafter be entitled to exercise your option.

    9.  OPTION NOT A SERVICE CONTRACT.  Your option is not an employment or service contract, and nothing in your option shall be deemed to create in any way whatsoever any obligation on your part to continue in the employ of the Company or an Affiliate, or of the Company or an Affiliate to continue your employment. In addition, nothing in your option shall obligate the Company or an Affiliate, their respective shareholders, Boards of Directors, Officers or Employees to continue any

2

relationship that you might have as a Consultant for the Company or an Affiliate. Your option is a matter entirely separate from, and shall not affect, your pension rights and terms of employment and, in particular (but without prejudice to the foregoing), if you shall cease for any reason (including your wrongful dismissal) to be employed by or hold office with the Company or an Affiliate you shall not be entitled by way of compensation for loss or otherwise howsoever, to any sum or benefit to compensate you for the loss of any right or benefit under the Plan.

    10.  WITHHOLDING OBLIGATIONS.  

    11.  NOTICES.  Any notices provided for in your option or the Plan shall be given in writing and shall be deemed effectively given upon receipt.

    12.  GOVERNING PLAN DOCUMENT.  Your option is subject to all the provisions of the Plan, the provisions of which are hereby made a part of your option, and is further subject to all interpretations, amendments, rules and regulations which may from time to time be promulgated and adopted pursuant to the Plan provided that the terms of this agreement shall be governed by the law of England and Wales except that any matters relating to the internal governance of the Company shall be governed by Delaware law. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of your option and those of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan shall control.

3



QuickLinks

INHALE THERAPEUTIC SYSTEMS, INC. 2000 NON-OFFICER EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
Prepared by MERRILL CORPORATION
QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document


Exhibit 99.5

INHALE THERAPEUTIC SYSTEMS, INC.
STOCK OPTION GRANT NOTICE
(2000 Non-Officer Equity Incentive Plan)

    Inhale Therapeutic Systems, Inc. (the "Company"), pursuant to its 2000 Non-Officer Equity Incentive Plan (the "Plan"), hereby grants to Optionholder an option to purchase the number of shares of the Company's Common Stock set forth below. This option is subject to all of the terms and conditions as set forth herein and in the Stock Option Agreement, the Election to Transfer Liability to Employer's National Insurance, the Plan and the Notice of Exercise, all of which are attached hereto and incorporated herein in their entirety.

Optionholder:     
Date of Grant:     
Vesting Commencement Date:     
Number of Shares Subject to Option:     
Exercise Price Per Share:     
Expiration Date:     
(NB must be tenth anniversary of grant or before)
Type of Grant:   Nonstatutory Stock Option (Unapproved)

Exercise Schedule:
 
/ / Same as Vesting Schedule
 
/ / Early Exercise Permitted

Vesting Schedule:
 
___ of the shares vest one year after the Vesting Commencement Date.
___ of the shares vest monthly thereafter over the next ___ years.

Payment:
 
By one or a combination of the following items (described in the Stock Option Agreement):

 
 
By cash or check
Pursuant to a Regulation T Program if the Shares are publicly traded
By delivery of already-owned shares if the Shares are publicly traded

Additional Terms/Acknowledgements: The undersigned Optionholder acknowledges receipt of, and understands and agrees to, this Grant Notice, the Stock Option Agreement, the Election to Transfer Liability to Employer's National Insurance and the Plan. Optionholder further acknowledges that as of the Dare of Grant this Grant Notice, the Stock Option Agreement and the Plan set forth the entire understanding between Optionholder and the Company regarding the acquisition of stock in the Company and supersede all prior oral and written agreements on that subject with the exception of (i) options previously granted and delivered to Optionholder under the Plan and (ii) the following agreements only:

OTHER AGREEMENTS:     
  

INHALE THERAPEUTIC SYSTEMS, INC.
 
OPTIONHOLDER:

By:
 
  
Signature
 
  
Signature

Title:
 
  
 
Date:
 
  

Date:
 
  
 
 
 
 
Attachments:   Stock Option Agreement, Election to Transfer Liability to Employer's National Insurance, 2000 Non-Officer Equity Incentive Plan and Notice of Exercise


QuickLinks

INHALE THERAPEUTIC SYSTEMS, INC. STOCK OPTION GRANT NOTICE (2000 Non-Officer Equity Incentive Plan)