PROTEIN POLYMER TECHNOLOGIES GRANTED 2 U.S. PATENTS  IN AREAS OF COMMERCIAL FOCUS

Proprietary Core Technology Now Covered By 24 U.S. Patents

SAN DIEGO, October 1, 2002 -- Protein Polymer Technologies, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: PPTI), today announced that it had been granted its 23rd and 24th patents by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

“Synthetic Proteins for In Vivo Drug Delivery and Tissue Augmentation” (U.S. 6,380,154) covers use of the Company’s unique self-assembling hydrogels for altering the physical dimensions of body tissues. Currently in clinical testing to treat female stress urinary incontinence, and also in clinical testing to improve the appearance of the skin, the products based on this technology are injected as liquids which then transform into elastic gels that provide additional bulk to the tissues. “Sealing or Filling Tissue Defects using Polyfunctional Crosslinking Agents and Protein Polymers” (U.S. 6,423,333) covers use of the Company’s chemically cross-linked adhesives to fill and seal tissue defects where greater mechanical strength is required. Products based on this technology are being developed for clinical use to repair degenerated Spinal discs in partnership with Spinal Wave, Inc.

PPTI has pioneered the development of a new polymer chemistry using recombinant DNA technology that enables the design, production and formulation of new protein-based materials for a variety of uses in the field of bioactive devices. PPTI’s patent portfolio, comprising in addition 4 pending U.S. patents, 11 issued and 15 pending foreign patents, provides the Company with broad coverage of its core protein polymer technology including:

  • Protein and DNA compositions of matter based broadly on repetitive amino acid sequences (protein polymers).
  • Methods for preparing synthetic repetitive DNA (genes that direct the production of the proteins in host microorganisms).
  • Protein and DNA compositions of matter specifically based on silk, elastin, and collagen repeat units, representing major structural protein designs found in nature.
  • Protein polymers that combine structural properties with biological and chemical activities, often unique to natural proteins.

Protein Polymer Technologies, Inc. (PPTI) is a San Diego–based company focused on developing bioactive products to improve medical and surgical outcomes. From its inception in 1988, PPTI has been a pioneer in protein polymer design and synthesis, developing an extensive portfolio of proprietary biomaterials. These genetically engineered biomaterials are high molecular weight proteins, processed into products with physical and biological characteristics tailored to specific clinical performance requirements. Additional products targeted for development include tissue adhesives and sealants for general surgical use, scaffolds for wound healing and tissue engineering, and depots for local drug delivery.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements that are based on management's expectations. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed here; further, the Company is not obligated to comment specifically on those differences. Risks associated with the Company's activities include raising adequate capital to continue operations, scientific and product development uncertainties, competitive products and approaches, continuing collaborative partnership interest and funding, regulatory testing and approvals, and manufacturing scale-up. The reader is encouraged to refer to the Company's Annual Report Form 10-KSB, and recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, copies of which are available from the Company, to further ascertain the risks associated with the above statements.

CONTACTS:

J. Thomas Parmeter
President

Janis Y. Neves
Director of Finance & Administration

(858) 558-6064         info@ppti.com