Dr. Jane Willoughby Joins Protein Polymer Technologies as Director of Business Development

    SAN FRANCISCO, April 24, 1997 -- Protein Polymer Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: PPTI) announced today that Jane Willoughby, Ph.D., has joined the Company as Director of Business Development.
    Dr. Willoughby was previously General Manager and Project Consultant for the Advanced Tissue Sciences-Smith and Nephew joint venture set up to develop tissue engineered cartilage implants.  During this time she played an instrumental role shaping components of the IDE submitted in December 1996. Prior to the joint venture, Dr. Willoughby held the position of Head of Biological Sciences at the central research facility for Smith & Nephew plc in York, England.  She received her Ph.D. in Biochemistry from London University.
    "Jane Willoughby brings nine years of experience in the healthcare industry specializing in woundcare and orthopedics.  Her more recent involvement in tissue engineering within the biotechnology industry will prove to be very valuable to PPTI's anticipated growth," said J. Thomas Parmeter, President and Chief Executive Officer of Protein Polymer Technologies. "Additionally, her experience in joint venture management will assist us in advancing partnership opportunities, as well."
    Protein Polymer Technologies has developed a proprietary protein-based biotechnology platform, that enables the creation of biomaterials which target multiple applications in biomedical and specialty use markets.  The different classes of biocompatible polymers developed by PPTI have been genetically engineered to enable cell growth, promote the regeneration of tissue, bond to synthetic surfaces and resorb into tissue at controlled rates.  These features of PPTI's protein polymers can be applied to a wide variety of commercial applications.