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| |  Core Technology in Infectious Diseases Strengthened TARRYTOWN, N.Y., Oct. 21, 1996 -- Applied Microbiology Inc. (Nasdaq:AMBI) announced that four patents relating to lanthocins, the class of antimicrobial peptide agents central to AMBI's pharmaceutical development programs, were issued recently in the U.S., Europe and Japan; three of the four patents were issued to AMBI and the fourth was issued to the University of Maryland and licensed to AMBI on an exclusive basis. In addition, the Company received a notice of allowance for a fifth patent from the Japanese Patent Office. AMBI is developing lanthocins as oral and injectable pharmaceutical products for serious bacterial diseases, including ulcers, colon infections, and hospital-acquired infections. These new patents significantly enhance AMBI's proprietary position and bring to 97 the number of issued lanthocin patents on a worldwide basis. The best characterized and most extensively studied lanthocin is nisin, AMBI's lead compound. The Company has demonstrated in laboratory and animal trials that nisin and other lanthocins can kill a wide range of antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens. What makes lanthocins so unique is their unusual ability to kill a wide range of bacteria on contact, which is why they have been referred to as "peptide bullets." Due to their mechanism of action, lanthocins are less likely than other antimicrobial agents to be affected by bacterial resistance. The U.S. patents include the first composition of matter patent (No. 5,516,682) issued on a genetically engineered recombinant variant of a lanthocin; as well as a patent (No. 5,559,096) on pharmaceutical compositions of nisin useful for the treatment of gastric disorders associated with Helicobacter pylori, the causative agent of over 90% of gastric ulcer disease. The European patents are for the use of lanthocins against Helicobacter pylori (No. 0 589 893) and lanthocins (No. 0 545 911) that are enhanced with surfactants for use as anti-bacterial agents. The notice of allowance for the patent to be issued in Japan broadly covers lanthocin-containing compositions enhanced with chelators and surfactants and their use for killing both gram positive and gram negative bacteria. Solomon L. Mowshowitz, Ph.D., Vice President Research and Development of AMBI said, "The Company is using lanthocins to develop treatments for serious bacterial infections that are becoming increasingly resistant to many currently used antibiotic agents. AMBI is at the forefront of lanthocin drug development technology and the receipt of these patents strengthens our position in this area." Applied Microbiology Inc. (AMBI) discovers, develops and commercializes dietary supplements and pharmaceuticals; current products and product candidates are in the areas of hypertension and infectious disease.
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