SAN DIEGO, Oct. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Protein Polymer Technologies,
Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: PPTI), today announced the amendment of its
worldwide exclusive license agreement with
Genencor International, Inc. (Nasdaq: GCOR) enabling Genencor to potentially
develop personal care products in addition to the previously granted rights
for industrial products. As a result of the agreement amendment, Genencor can
use PPTI's proprietary protein polymer design and production technology, in
combination with Genencor's extensive gene expression, protein design, and
large-scale manufacturing technology, to design and develop new products with
improved performance properties for hair care, skin care and other personal
care applications. PPTI continues to retain all rights to its technology for
use in the development and commercialization of medical products.
Genencor International is a world leader in the development and
manufacture of industrial enzymes and other biotechnology products. Protein
Polymer Technologies, whose internal product focus is primarily medical, holds
the fundamental patents on the design and development of de novo proteins that
in form are highly repetitive polymers with predictable physical and
biological properties. The option for personal care product applications
granted to Genencor requires initiation of specific product development
programs in order to retain their rights. Benchmark payments associated with
various product development objectives and royalties on the sale of products
developed under the agreement are maintained, except that there is no limit to
benchmark payments resulting from personal care products.
"We believe the opportunities in the personal care products market are a
better strategic fit with Genencor's capabilities, analagous to the industrial
market areas we previously licensed to Genencor," said J. Thomas Parmeter,
PPTI'S President and Chief Executive Officer. "As a result, we expect PPTI
and its stockholders to benefit from this transaction."
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,
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. 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-four
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 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 2001 Annual
Report and 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.
SOURCE Protein Polymer Technologies, Inc.
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CONTACT: J. Thomas Parmeter, President, or John Flowers, Vice President, Planning and Operations, both of Protein Polymer Technologies, Inc., +1-858-558-6064, info@ppti.com
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