KREATECH and Qbiogene Extend License & Product Supply Agreement

Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and Strasbourg, France, August 6, 2002 – KREATECH Biotechnology B.V., focused on the development and production of innovative diagnostic and life science products, has extended its existing License & Product Supply agreement with Qbiogene S.A., a provider of reagents and systems for the genomics research market. The extension of the prior agreement involves joint research and development activities and a substantial expansion of Qbiogene's product portfolio based on KREATECH's ULS^® labelling technology aimed at analysis tools for molecular cytogenetics. This agreement will strengthen the collaboration between KREATECH and Qbiogene, which will result in significant contributions to cancer genetics research.

The collaboration between KREATECH and Qbiogene started at the end of 2000. The first agreement encompassed a license to Qbiogene to market and sell kits for FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridisation) analysis that contain ULS^®-labelled DNA probes produced by KREATECH. The success of this first agreement has fuelled a closer collaboration between the two companies, resulting in an expansion of the agreement. A considerable number of new ULS^®-labelled DNA probes will be provided by KREATECH, enabling Qbiogene to further extend its product range. In addition, the two companies will engage in joint research activities aimed at developing new tools for research in molecular cytogenetics. Finally, to underline the strategic alliance, both parties have signed an OEM agreement for the distribution of KREATECH's ULYSIS^® labelling kits by Qbiogene.

KREATECH's Universal Linkage System (ULS^®) is a novel non-enzymatic labelling technology that is applicable for a wide variety of biomolecules and labelling agents. In addition to its application in in situ hybridisation products, ULS^® is applied in direct RNA labelling and is under development for use in protein labelling and biosensors. "We are very pleased that our successful co-operation with Qbiogene has been extended. Qbiogene has an excellent position in the molecular cytogenetics market, which will significantly increase the exposure of our proprietary ULS-technology" according to Alexander Altink, KREATECH's Chief Executive Officer, "We are convinced that this collaboration will put ULS on the fast track to become the labelling technology of choice for customised labelling of DNA probes for in situ diagnostic applications."

Understanding the molecular basis of cancer development is a very important and growing research area. The market for innovative molecular cytogenetics research tools continues to expand. “The collaboration with KREATECH ensures that we will be able to offer an extensive range of analysis tools that are based on state-of-the-art technology, thereby further strengthening our molecular cytogenetics market position", said Michael Vetter, Business Director Molecular Cytogenetics at Qbiogene.

About KREATECH Biotechnology B.V.

KREATECH Biotechnology B.V., a private company founded in 1990, focuses on the creation, development, production and marketing of innovative diagnostic and life science products. The company positions itself as a strategic partner for life sciences, diagnostic and pharmaceutical companies. KREATECH's proprietary Universal Linkage System (ULS^®) offers a reliable, robust and easy to use non-enzymatic technology that can be applied to a broad range of biomolecules and labelling agents. KREATECH is committed to achieve and maintain the highest standards in production and Quality Control as well as in the relationships with our customers and partners. The company's quality policies are demonstrated by the implementation of ISO 9001 (1998) and GMP guidelines. More information on KREATECH can be accessed at www.kreatech.com

About Qbiogene S.A.

Qbiogene S.A., a wholly owned subsidiary of Qbiogene Inc., Montreal, Canada, manufactures and markets over 5000 reagents and systems for the genomics research market.

The Molecular Cytogenetics Business unit is the continuation of the Oncor product line, the original founder of commercial FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridisation) probes in the 1980`s. The collaboration with KREATECH is leading Qbiogene to a new level by introducing new unique probes and technology by using ULS for large-scale production of FISH probes. Some of the new probes are the result of recent research based on genomic microarray testing. Qbiogene expects significant growth from this area as FISH is used as an important complement for genomic microarray techniques.

More information on Qbiogene can be found at www.qbiogene.com