Navigant Biotechnologies Awarded USD 2 M Department of Defense Research Funding

Navigant Biotechnologies Awarded $2M Department of Defense Research Funding Funding will enable Navigant to develop military applications for its emerging riboflavin-based pathogen reduction technology, improving the safety of blood supply for U.S. Troops. Lakewood, CO - October 21, 2003 - Navigant Biotechnologies, Inc. today announced that it was awarded $2 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Defense to develop and test military applications for the company's emerging Mirasol(TM) Pathogen Reduction Technology (PRT). Mirasol PRT is a proprietary technology that uses riboflavin and light to remove pathogens from collected blood, improving the safety of transfused blood. Navigant Biotechnologies was selected to develop a transportable pathogen reduction and blood safety system, applicable in both battlefield and non-battlefield environments. According to Defense Appropriations documents, medical research officials within the Department of Defense have identified riboflavin-based pathogen reduction technology as a critical priority for the U.S. Armed Forces' collected blood processing. The research will be conducted collaboratively between Navigant and the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research in Silver Spring, Maryland. The $2M funding, a line-item appropriation in the Department of Defense's fiscal 2004 budget, will be used to test Mirasol PRT's ability to inactivate pathogens identified by the FDA as threats to the worldwide blood supply. These pathogens include viruses such as HIV and West Nile, parasites such as malaria, and bacteria - all identified as hazards in current and potential war zones. In addition to posing a threat to soldiers in the region, these pathogens are also a potential danger to the U.S. civilian population when soldiers end active duty. "I am pleased that Congress saw fit to fund this important program," United States Congressman Bob Beauprez (R-Colorado) said. "The Transportable Pathogen Reduction and Blood Safety System being developed for the Army by Navigant Biotechnologies removes pathogens from blood supplies, making transfusions safer for our troops on the battlefield and our communities threatened by blood-borne pathogens, such as HIV, Hepatitis C, and the West Nile Virus." "Our company's goal is to lead the global market in the reduction of pathogens in blood using simple, effective and natural technology," said Teresa Ayers, Navigant Biotechnologies President and CEO. "Congressman Bob Beauprez's support, as well as that of others in the Colorado Congressional delegation, was integral in helping us secure this grant. We are pleased and honored to be selected by the Department of Defense to spearhead this important and long-term research program. It's one more step toward our goal." Navigant Biotechnologies' innovative Mirasol PRT uses light and riboflavin to alter the nucleic acids of pathogens in donated blood components, rendering them inactive. It is the first technology to show indications of working in all three major blood components: platelets, plasma and red blood cells. The Mirasol PRT approach offers several benefits including: · A natural compound - considered essential for human health, riboflavin is non-toxic, non-mutagenic and ingested in normal diets. · Simple - the process currently does not require removal of residual riboflavin or photoproducts. · Cost effective - because it is an inherently simple process, overhead costs are minimized. Navigant Biotechnologies recently completed work with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Ft. Collins, Colorado, demonstrating effective inactivation of West Nile Virus in all three blood components using Mirasol PRT. Navigant's research scientists also believe the technology could have significant implications in adjacent fields such as cell therapies and the plasma fractionation industry. About Navigant Biotechnologies, Inc. Navigant Biotechnologies, Inc. is developing emerging Pathogen Reduction Technology (PRT) - using naturally occurring substances - to improve the safety of transfused blood. Founded in 2002, Navigant Biotechnologies, a wholly owned subsidiary of Gambro, Inc., is currently testing its patented Mirasol(TM) Pathogen Reduction Technology (PRT) to measure inactivation of viruses, bacteria, parasites, and white blood cells in blood components used in transfusions. Navigant Biotechnologies started as a research and development project within Gambro subsidiary, Gambro BCT, one of the world's leading providers of blood collection technology. The market for effective pathogen reduction technology extends well beyond blood, and the desire to capitalize on this market potential prompted the decision to establish Navigant Biotechnologies as a separate corporate entity. Navigant will continue its partnership with Gambro BCT into the future with Gambro BCT taking on the role of worldwide distributor for the platelet product. Gambro BCT and Navigant combined have approximately 950 employees located in the Lakewood, CO facilities. For further information on Navigant Biotechnologies, please visit the website: www.navigantbiotech.com or contact: Jon Weston, Director, Global Marketing, Navigant Biotechnologies, Inc., tel. +1 303-232-6800, jon.weston@navigantbiotech.com Teresa Ayers, President and CEO, Navigant Biotechnologies, Inc., tel +1 303-232-6800, teresa.ayers@navigantbiotech.com ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net The following files are available for download: http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2003/10/21/20031021BIT00210/wkr0001.doc http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2003/10/21/20031021BIT00210/wkr0002.pdf