SAN DIEGO, March 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Protein Polymer Technologies,
Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: PPTI), announced today the successful development of
a new surgical sealant designed to prevent air and fluid leaks following lung,
gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular surgery.  Following the completion of
required preclinical testing, the Company intends to seek approval for an
Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) with the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration in order to conduct clinical trials in humans.
    Air and fluid leaks following surgery are a common source of complications
often leading to further surgery.  PPTI's surgical sealant is applied
following closure of tissues with sutures or staples.  Using a simple
dual-syringe applicator, the sealant is sprayed over the surgical incision.
In less than a minute, a tough yet flexible barrier -- strongly adherent to
the tissue being repaired -- is formed.  As the tissue heals, the sealant
gradually resorbs.  Ease of use, strength, flexibility, and resorption are the
key product features required for the targeted applications.
    "The performance demonstrated with this new product is an exciting
milestone in the continuing commercial development of our core tissue adhesive
technology," said Donald S. Kaplan, Ph.D, President and Chief Operating
Officer.  "The properties requirements are in many ways different from those
of the spinal disc repair product we have been working with Spine Wave to
develop.  The accomplishments of our product development team clearly
demonstrate the breadth of capabilities of this technology.  We are eager to
move this new product candidate into the clinic."

    Protein Polymer Technologies, Inc., is a San Diego-based company focused
on developing products 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-six U.S. Patents on its core
technology with corresponding issued and pending patents in key international
markets.

    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 clinical 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 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-KSB, the
Company's quarterly reports on Form 10QSB for the periods ended March 31,
2004, June 30, 2004 and September 30, 2004, 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.

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