MA - MERISTEM Therapeutics and SBH Sciences have entered an agreement
to co-develop recombinant proteins produced in genetically engineered
tobacco for research and development and diagnostic applications.
The first proteins selected for development are human proteins from
the growth factor and hormone families. Through the combined expertise of
MERISTEM and SBH the companies will strive to provide a large variety of
human proteins to Research and Development organizations. Meristem's
experience and know-how in plant-based stable expression of proteins
combined with SBH's customized purification technology will ensure speed up
of production and superior quality of proteins. Proteins expressed in
Meristem's system are free of pathogens transmissible to humans.

About MERISTEM Therapeutics

MERISTEM Therapeutics ("MERISTEM") of Clermont-Ferrand, France is a
private, venture-capital backed Biotechnology Company that has developed
advanced manufacturing capabilities for the production of recombinant
proteins in plants. Meristem's transgenic plant technology competes with
established methods of manufacturing biopharmaceuticals and is considered a
cost-effective alternative for proteins difficult to express in other
systems.

Expression technologies using non-food plants grown in a contained
environment is the latest advancement for MERISTEM. This technology is being
utilized for applications in both animal and human health. Key advantages
are the safety of a confined and controlled environment without sacrificing
the capability to scale-up production quickly and cost-effectively.

www.meristem-therapeutics.com

About SBH Sciences

SBH Sciences (Natick, MA.) provides cell culture based services to the
Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical industry and academic researchers. In its
tenth year of operation, SBH Sciences is making significant advances in
proprietary cell culture technology, specifically in mammalian and insect
cell culture, optimizing in-vitro diagnostic methods, as well as customizing
the production and purification of proteins.

SBH Sciences excels in the development and validation of cell-based
bioassays for biologically active cytokines and currently has the most
comprehensive assay library worldwide. Assays consist of over 200 different
cytokines, cytokine receptors and anti-cytokines, with assay endpoints
including proliferation, neutralization, cytotoxicity, complement dependent
cytotoxicity, agonistic and antagonistic activities. They specialize in
cytokine and protein profiling as well as immunological based assays.


[www2.marketwire.com]