FORT COLLINS, Colo., Nov. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Heska Corporation
(Nasdaq: HSKA) today announced a collaboration with CollaGenex
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: CGPI) in which Heska has acquired rights to
develop certain of CollaGenex proprietary matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors
for companion animal health applications.  These compounds may be useful for
the prevention and treatment of tissue destruction and disease progression in
a variety of inflammatory and degenerative diseases, including osteoarthritis,
cancer and periodontal disease. It is hoped that this collaboration will
result in one or more commercial products, following development and
regulatory approval.
    "The collaboration with CollaGenex provides Heska with access to a number
of proprietary compounds that have demonstrated efficacy in inhibiting a
number of matrix metalloproteinases. These anti-collagenase compounds, which
will be manufactured using known processes, have a good safety profile.  We
are focusing our most extensive development efforts in the area of
osteoarthritis, a market with annual market potential of approximately
$50 million in companion animal health.  Other indications where these
compounds may have application are cancer, periodontal disease and
complications associated with aging," said Fred M. Schwarzer, Chief Executive
Officer of Heska.
    "We believe these compounds have great promise for animal health, as well
as human health,"  said Brian M. Gallagher, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of
CollaGenex.  "One attractive feature of this collaboration is that Heska will
be developing a great deal of preclinical data that will be useful for
CollaGenex as we pursue the human applications of this technology. We are very
impressed with Heska's research and development capabilities and are very
pleased to have them as our partner in the companion animal health market.
With the shorter regulatory period in animal health, we expect to generate a
return on these compounds sooner than in the human market."
    Dr. Robert Grieve, Chief Scientific Officer at Heska, explained that
"while these protease inhibitors are development-stage compounds, the
advantages of this class of compounds have already been demonstrated in a
canine model of osteoarthritis.  Research has revealed that these compounds
appear to have an excellent efficacy and safety profile."
    Heska discovers, develops, manufactures, and markets companion animal
health products, primarily for dogs, cats and horses.  Heska has a large and
sophisticated scientific effort devoted to applying biotechnology to the large
and growing companion animal health market.  Heska also offers diagnostic
laboratory services in the U.S. and the United Kingdom to veterinarians and
operates USDA and FDA licensed facilities which manufacture vaccine,
pharmaceutical, and allergy immunotherapy products.  The company's strategy is
to become the companion animal health care company of choice for veterinarians
by enabling them to comprehensively manage diseases using a broad line of
diagnostic, vaccine and therapeutic products and services.  For additional
information on Heska and its products, visit the Company's Web site at
http://www.heska.com.
    With the exception of historical matters, this press release contains
forward-looking information about Heska's products and markets.  Such
forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and
other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements of
Heska to be materially different from any future results, performance or
achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  Heska's
achievement of these results may be affected by many factors, including among
others, the following:  delays in integration of any acquired businesses or
technologies; delays in future product development; failure to receive or
delays in receiving regulatory approvals; lack of enforceability of patents
and proprietary rights; quality of management; competition; changes in
business strategy or development plans; inability to manufacture product at
currently projected costs and the risks set forth in Heska's filings with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
    For more information on Heska Corporation via fax at no cost, dial
800-PRO-INFO. (908-544-2850 outside the U.S.) ticker symbol: HSKA.

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