Biotec Pharmacon ASA (OSL:BIOTEC) Started Cod-UNG Deliveries To Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics

Biotec Pharmacon ASA (OSL:BIOTEC) (Oslo/Tromsø, 17 December 2008) Biotec Pharmacon ASA has started deliveries of Cod-UNG enzyme to Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, who will use the enzyme in a new diagnostic product for quantification of HIV-1 (Link: Siemens Introduces Next-Generation Molecular Diagnostics Technology for HIV-1 Viral Load Test).

Since the first PCR-based diagnostic kits were introduced more than 10 years ago, PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) has become a well-established method for analysis of genetic material. The method can be used to reveal genes for hereditary disease, to prove the relation of organisms, and to measure infections caused by for example virus.

kPCR (kinetic PCR; one step real time PCR) is a further development of this method, which, as a diagnostic tool, has been on the market for just about a year. The high sensitivity of kPCR makes it possible to quantify virus levels in a fast and accurate manner. In the treatment of HIV/AIDS patients, the diagnostic test will be used in the follow-up of patients to adjust medication, which is an area requiring a high level of accuracy. Biotec Pharmacon's Cod-UNG enzyme is being used in PCR to avoid false positive results, which may be caused by contamination from previous analysis samples, and Cod-UNG thus contributes to secure the quality of the PCR-results.

Cod-UNG is originally a marine enzyme which is being produced with recombinant techniques at Biotec Pharmacon. The hallmark of the enzyme is high activity at low temperatures, and the enzyme is easily inactivated by heating. Both qualities bring about significant practical advantages in the laboratory.

Biotec Pharmacon's marine enzyme revenue totaled NOK 12 million in 2007, the bulk of which was sales of SAP (Shrimp Alkaline Phosphatase). Biotec Pharmacon estimates that Cod-UNG revenue may reach the SAP revenue level within 2-3 years, as a result of increased use of kPCR for diagnostic and research purposes. The market for molecular biology is relatively young, characterized by a high level of innovation, and predicted to see a strong development and growth over the coming years.

For further information, please contact:

CEO Lars Viksmoen, mobile +47 40 62 08 70 CFO Jørn Lunde, mobile +47 90 73 34 86

Use of UNG in kinetic PCR (kPCR) Real-time PCR, also known as kinetic PCR, qPCR, qRT-PCR and RT-qPCR, is quantitative PCR method for the detection and determination of copy number of DNA or RNA. The high sensitivity of real-time PCR makes it prone to false positive results, and contamination of samples with PCR-product generated by previous reactions, "carry over contamination", is considered to be the major source of false positive results. Cod UNG eliminates contaminating DNA from the sample, and is then quickly deactivated by heating, avoiding interfering with the following reverse transcription of RNA to DNA. Other UNG enzymes on the market are either not active enough to remove all traces of carryover contamination, or not heat-labile enough to be used in RT-PCR without affecting the sensitivity of the reaction.

About Cod UNG "Cod Uracil-DNA glycosylase" (Cod UNG) is isolated from cod (Gadus morhua) and is being recombinantly produced by Biotec Pharmacon ASA. Cod UNG is active at 25°C, and is quickly and irreversibly inactivated at 50°C, and is especially suitable for contamination control in kinetic PCR and it is the only UNG which can completely remove contaminating DNA in kinetic RT-PCR without affecting sensitivity of the reaction.

About Biotec Pharmacon The biopharmaceutical company Biotec Pharmacon develops pharmaceutical products for treatment of immune related diseases. The company has developed the bioactive substance SBG, which releases mechanisms which strengthen the immune defense ability to destroy cancer cells, heal wounds and fight infections. In addition, Biotec Pharmacon produces and markets non-pharmaceutical health and diagnostic products. Biotec Pharmacon has an extensive collaboration with renowned institutions like Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York. Biotec Pharmacon currently has in excess of 50 employees and offices in Tromsø, Oslo and in Long Beach, California. Further information can be found on www.biotec.no.

This announcement was originally distributed by Hugin. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Biotec Pharmacon ASA

http://www.biotec.no

ISIN: NO0010014632

Stock Identifier: XOSL.BIOTEC