VITEX receives FDA approval to add label claim for testing for hepatitis A
                                    virus

    MELVILLE, NY, June 29 /PRNewswire/ --  V.I. Technologies, Inc.
(Nasdaq: VITX) announced today that it has received FDA approval to add final
product testing of hepatitis A virus (HAV) to PLAS+SD's label claim.  In
addition to the viral inactivation of life threatening viruses such as HIV and
hepatitis C, PLAS+SD is now screened for hepatitis A virus.  VITEX believes
that PLAS+SD is the first virally inactivated plasma for transfusion able to
claim testing for hepatitis A virus as part of the routine manufacturing
process.
    VITEX has been screening for hepatitis A on an experimental basis using
the highly sensitive PCR technique since initiating manufacturing of PLAS+SD
in 1998.  The centralized, pharmaceutical manufacturing process used to
manufacture PLAS+SD makes safety enhancements such as routine HAV screening
practical and cost effective.
    John Barr, VITEX President and CEO commented, "We are extremely pleased to
receive this approval.  This product enhancement is another in a series of
firsts for the company. We were the first to manufacture a virally inactivated
plasma in the U.S. and now are the first to add routine screening for HAV.
The PLAS+SD product platform will allow VITEX to continue to enhance the
safety profile of the product both rapidly and efficiently."
    For example, VITEX continues to work on a process to screen untreated
plasma for parvovirus B19 prior to commencing the manufacturing process.  This
screening will use an experimental, highly sensitive PCR technology.  As the
Company completes formal validation of the technique, it intends to apply to
the FDA for a parvovirus B19 label claim based on PCR screening.
    VITEX is a leading developer and manufacturer of a broad portfolio of
blood products that utilize its patented viral inactivation technologies to
achieve the greatest possible safety in blood products.  The technologies are
tailored for all blood component applications and other blood-derived
products, including plasma, plasma derivatives, red blood cells and platelets.
The first of VITEX's virally-inactivated products, PLAS+SD, is the first FDA
approved method for viral inactivation of plasma.
    Central to VITEX's strategy are collaborations to accelerate the
commercialization of its products.  These include agreements with Bayer
Corporation to supply plasma fractions, the American National Red Cross to
distribute PLAS+SD, United States Surgical Corporation for the development and
distribution of fibrin sealant and Pall Corporation for the development and
distribution of systems for the viral inactivation of red blood cells and
platelets.
    Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters
discussed are forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor
provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  These
statements involve risks and uncertainties, such as quarterly fluctuations in
operating results, the timely availability of new products, market acceptance
of the company's products, the impacts of competitive products and pricing,
government regulation of the company's products and other risks and
uncertainties set forth in the company's filings with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.  These risks and uncertainties could cause actual results
to differ materially from any forward-looking statements made herein.

Link to this page: