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Chromatin, Inc., announced a joint program with the University of Illinois
at Urbana-Champaign to accelerate the development of mini-chromosome
technology for the efficient and effective delivery of multiple traits in
corn, February 2005.

"This corn program will dramatically accelerate Chromatin's mini-chromosome
technology through the impact of world-class corn researchers, state of the
art facilities, and a supportive community," said Mich Hein, president and
CEO of Chromatin. "The Urbana-Champaign site will provide depth and
flexibility for the company's ongoing internal program as well as
collaborative programs with industry and academia."

Chromatin began leasing space at the EnterpriseWorks incubator on the campus
of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign on February 1. The company
will be accessing both laboratory and greenhouse space.

As part of its relationship with the university, Chromatin has entered into
a Collaborative Research Agreement with Stephen Moose, University of
Illinois assistant professor of maize functional genomics/genetics. The
partnership will leverage Moose's expertise in corn breeding and genetics
and the application of Chromatin's mini-chromosome technology for the
development of improved agronomic and performance characteristics in corn.

"Mini-chromosome technology represents an innovative and elegant approach to
the challenge of identifying important genes, developing new products, and
accelerating the breeding of new lines to benefit growers, processors and
consumers. I look forward to collaborating with Chromatin and its team and
to contributing to this exciting effort," said Moose.

Chromatin has constructed numerous corn mini-chromosomes and studied their
performance in cell culture and plant systems. The program at UIUC is part
of the company's effort to move its corn mini-chromosomes into evaluation
for commercial development.

"The collaboration between Chromatin and the University of Illinois is
strong and will continue to prosper. The university is excited to further
the research interests of our faculty and staff, to advance the educational
needs of our students, and to address challenges of commercial interest to
one of the state's largest economic sectors: agriculture," said Charles
Zukoski, vice chancellor for research at the University of Illinois at
Urbana-Champaign. "The opportunity to attract Chromatin to Champaign Urbana
is made possible by state and university commitments to building incubator
space, facilitating faculty-corporate interactions and establishing and
sustaining a research park. We look forward to collaborating with Chromatin
as it advances this important technology for agriculture."

Illinois farmers produce 16% of the nation's corn crop. And corn is the most
important field crop in the U.S. in terms of volume and cash receipts with a
total projected production of 9.4 billion bushels in 1999 and a value of
approximately $17.9 billion. It is estimated that in 2003, roughly 40
percent of planted acres in the seven key corn states utilized genetically
modified corn.

"Chromatin's commitment of additional resources for the development of their
corn program certainly mirrors our own belief that mini-chromosomes will
bring great value to corn growers," said Nathan Danielson, director of
business development, National Corn Growers Association.

Last October, Chromatin announced that it successfully raised $7.3 million
in a Series B round of financing. Investors include the National Corn
Growers Association, IllinoisVENTURES, Unilever Technology Ventures, Burrill
& Company, Venture Investors and Foragen. IllinoisVENTURES invests in early
stage companies through its Illinois Emerging Technologies Fund, a venture
fund focusing on university-derived technologies, particularly those
developed at the University of Illinois.

"The collaboration with Urbana-Champaign marks another important milestone
for the company as it continues to devote its resources to creation of value
in commercial crops," said Robert Shapiro, an investor in Chromatin and
former chairman of Monsanto Co.

About Chromatin

Chromatin, Inc., develops and markets novel proprietary technology that
enables entire chromosomes to be designed and incorporated into plant cells.
These engineered chromosomes make it possible for the first time to
simultaneously introduce multiple genes into a plant cell while maintaining
precise control of gene expression. Chromatin is employing these new genetic
tools to design and market products that confer commercially valuable traits
in plants, including improved nutritional and health characteristics, and
can be used for industrial, agricultural and pharmaceutical product
development. For more information, go to www.chromatininc.com

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