Protein Polymer Technologies to Present at Rodman & Renshaw Techvest Healthcare Conference on October 22, 2003

San Diego, CA, October 17, 2003 – Protein Polymer Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: PPTI.OB), today announced that Company President and CEO, J. Thomas Parmeter, will present at the Rodman & Renshaw Techvest Healthcare Conference on Wednesday, October 22, 2003, at 4:00 p.m. ET. The investor conference is being held at The Boston Marriott Long Wharf Hotel from October 21-23, 2003.

Contacts:

J. Thomas Parmeter, Ph.D. President, Chief Executive Officer Protein Polymer Technologies (858) 558-6064

Jill Meleski Assistant Vice President The Ruth Group (646) 536-7032

About Protein Polymer Technologies

Protein Polymer Technologies, Inc., is a San Diego-based company focused on developing bioactive devices to improve medical and surgical outcomes. From its inception in 1988, PPTI has been a pioneer in protein design and synthesis, creating an extensive portfolio of proprietary biomaterials for use in the development of bioactive devices. These genetically engineered biomaterials are high molecular weight proteins, processed into products with physical and biological characteristics tailored to specific clinical performance requirements. Targeted products include urethral bulking agents for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence, dermal augmentation products for cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, surgical adhesives and sealants, scaffolds for wound healing and tissue engineering, and depots for local drug delivery. To date, PPTI has been issued twenty-five U.S. Patents on its core technology with corresponding issued and pending patents in key international markets.

Safe Harbor

This press release contains forward-looking statements that are based on management’s views and 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 2002 Annual Report Form 10-KSB, and other 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.