Fast and Economical Production of Surface-modified Nano- and Microstructures as well as Improved Drug Delivery International Patents Granted to Capsulution NanoScience AG

Claimed in the first patent, EP 1 305 109 B1, is the fast and efficient modification of hydrophilic nano- and microstructures with a polyelectrolyte multilayer in a process much like the proprietary Layer-by-Layer technology (LBL-Technology®). The procedure is characterized by destabilizing the preformed polyelectrolyte complex to transform it into a state ready for wetting the present large template surface resulting in a polyelectrolyte capsule and/or self-organizing precipitate structures. Depending on individual requirements it is most appropriate for the addition of up to three surface properties like surface functional groups, magnetism or fluorescence. By a low number of ensuing separation and transforming steps the system can be stabilized and used on fine and specialist chemical products as well as pharmaceutics.

The second patent granted, CA 2.041.093, covers the formation of polyelectrolyte complex nano- and microparticles containing an active substance (drug) by co-precipitation. The particles created this way are biocompatible and offer an interesting range of release kinetics. The resulting drug complexes can be made from a variety of biocompatible materials or polyelectrolytes and possess a range of advantageous physical-chemical properties.

Dr. Andreas Voigt, Chief Scientific Officer of Capsulution NanoScience AG, commented on the recently granted patents: "After the patent grant in Europe, the US and Japan, we also succeeded in the protection of the development of advanced drug delivery systems based on Capsulution's proprietary technologies in the most important segments of the pharmaceutical market thus securing the company a sustainable competitive advantage."

Positive Half-Year Results Following Significant Rise in Turnover

Berlin (July 29, 2004) - During the first half of the business year 2004 the Berlin-based technology company Capsulution NanoScience AG achieved a significant 130% rise in turnover compared to the same period last year. This time the EBIT of the first 6 months of the year was slightly positive compared with a loss of 0.6 million euros during the first half of 2003.

Alexander Herrmann, CFO of Capsulution, commented: "We are very delighted about the fact that our company, as one of very few in the area of nanotechnology, was able to generate a positive result over the past 12 months."

Despite the encouraging figures the first half of 2004 proceeded slightly below expectations. Capsulution plans to improve the result during the coming 6 months even further. A major contribution to that will come from the recently acquired renowned partners and customers for whom Capsulution is currently developing innovative nano-products.

Herrmann adds: "Our company too feels the enormous competitive pressure that our clients are up against, which often forces them to reduce costs. For those clients however that continue build on innovative product ideas we can offer just the right technology solutions. This is the mission we are continuing to adhere to in the future. To achieve this Capsulution uses proprietary resources to develop new building blocks to tap into new areas of application. We are confident that during the second half of 2004 we will be able to convince new industry partners of the usefulness and versatility of our nanotechnology approach. Of course we also continue to offer interested financiers the opportunity to invest in the successful progression of our technology development and to participate in the rapid increase of our company value."

Further information:

Capsulution NanoScience AG
Alexander Herrmann (CFO)
Volmerstr. 7b
D- 12489 Berlin, Germany
Tel.: +49-(0)30-63923627
Fax.: +49-(0)30-63923601
Web: www.capsulution.com
eMail: alexander.herrmann@capsulution.com