QBIOGENE ANNOUNCES STRATEGIC LICENSING AGREEMENT WITH GLAXO WELLCOME

August 9, 2000 -- Qbiogene, a global leader in the development of research technology, has signed an agreement with Glaxo Wellcome Inc. that will enhance the development of new tools used in genomics research. Under the terms of this agreement, Qbiogene will develop a Glaxo Wellcome technology that may help accelerate the discovery of new drug targets and gene therapies to treat disease.

This proprietary technology, called the Admid System, was initially developed by Glaxo Wellcome to generate recombinant adenoviruses. Scientists use recombinant adenoviruses to deliver genetic materials into cells in order to study how specific genes function. Qbiogene will expand the use of this technology by supplying the reagents in convenient kits and in further developing the technology.

"Qbiogene is very happy to be able to develop the Admid technology for the broad research market," said Garth Cumberlidge, president and chief executive officer, Qbiogene. "In doing so we add a third distinctive adenovirus production technology to the company's already well established AdenoQuest™ System and AdEasy™ System."

Glaxo Wellcome's system is simple and efficient means of generating adenovirus. "Glaxo Wellcome has received numerous requests for the Admid technology from both academic and industrial institutions following the recent publication of the new technology in BioTechniques," said Cynthia Richards, Research Investigator, Glaxo Wellcome. "We hope that this agreement will benefit the entire research community and foster further improvements to the technology."

Qbiogene is a global biotechnology company manufacturing leading edge research tools and cGMP-grade nucleic acids and proteins for basic, applied and clinical research in functional genomics, gene therapy and gene delivery. Qbiogene, operates in both the U.S. and Europe through direct operations and a highly specialized network of key distributors. For information on Qbiogene, dial 1-800-424-6101 or visit their website at http://www.qbiogene.com.

Glaxo Wellcome Inc., based in Research Triangle Park, N.C., is one of the nation's leading research-based pharmaceutical firms. A subsidiary of London-based Glaxo Wellcome plc, the company is committed to fighting disease by bringing innovative medicines and services to patients and to the healthcare providers who serve them. For more information on Glaxo Wellcome Inc. dial 1-888-TALK2GW or visit the company's website at http://www.glaxowellcome.com.

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