San Diego, CA - July 13, 2004 - NanoBioNexus, a newly formed organization that showcases nanotechnology for the life sciences, today announced its founding sponsor - Morrison & Foerster LLP. A team of seasoned scientists and business professionals manages NanoBioNexus, a non-profit business, networking and partnering forum. Also announced is the debut issue of NanoBio TodayTM, a unique report available online for scientists, venture capitalists, technologists and business professionals.

"Our goal with NanoBioNexus is to demystify the convergence of nanotechnology and biotechnology," said Adriana Vela, NanoBioNexus founder and chair. "I deeply appreciate the support of Morrison & Foerster's commitment to this goal. Together, we want to help answer the questions - 'Why is it important to pay attention to this aspect of nanotechnology?' and 'What does this mean to me as an individual, a scientist, an entrepreneur, or an investor?'"

The most dynamic area of science and technology domains, nanotechnology brings together the disciplines of physical sciences, molecular engineering, biology, biotech, and medicine. San Diego's concentration of biotech, pharmaceuticals, research institutions and entrepreneurial spirit make it a prime region for leading edge life sciences. With significant public and private investment pouring into San Diego for nanotech research, there is a growing need for a forum that fosters education and partnering.

"We look forward to working closely with the NanoBioNexus team in growing its new organization and exploring the possibilities of this emerging area," said Philip Reilly, J.D., Ph.D., Co-chair of Morrison & Foerster's nanotechnology patent practice. "The time is ripe for an organization like NanoBioNexus to fill a need that is not being met today."

In addition to general administrative and legal support, Morrison & Foerster provides a legal and scientific perspective to the organization in its role as Advisory Board member. Dr. Reilly will represent Morrison & Foerster on the newly formed Advisory Board. As a partner, Morrison & Foerster's global presence extends the reach of NanoBioNexus beyond California.

The Advisory Board includes nanotechnology thought leaders and power brokers who stand behind NanoBioNexus' outreach to the San Diego nanobio community and beyond. In addition to Dr. Reilly, the Advisory Board members are Sangeeta Bhatia, M.D., Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Bioengineering, University of California at San Diego (UCSD); Michael Sailor, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, UCSD; and Greg Arnold, Partner, Carmel Canyon Partners, LLC. Also supporting the organization is a group of key alliance partners - NanoSciences, Inc., San Diego Regional Technology Alliance and Molecular Alliance LLP.

"I am pleased to support an organization such as NanoBioNexus because of its strong educational focus and dedicated interest in bridging the information gap between the scientific research community and the business community," said Dr. Sangeeta Bhatia, Associate Professor, Bioengineering Cancer Genetics Program and Principal Investigator, Microscale Tissue Engineering Laboratory.
NanoBio Today is the first publication from NanoBioNexus to its constituents, bringing an important competitive advantage to subscribers. This report tracks development trends in the commercialization of nanobiotechnology in the San Diego and Southern California regions, the latest on the academic front, the government picture, and industries impacted by nanotechnology, while providing human interest stories and general education. A free trial subscription is available to first-time readers. Future offerings from NanoBioNexus will include a list of monthly programs starting in September 2004.

For more information, contact: Adriana Vela, Founder, 858/312-1678, adriana@nanobionexus.org or Melanie Rice, Media Relations, 650/400-3853, p_r@nanobionexus.org.

About NanoBioNexus

NanoBioNexus is the only San Diego organization exclusively dedicated to facilitating education, partnering and investment opportunities for nanobiotechnology. Led by a seasoned team of scientists and business professionals, NanoBioNexus will offer affordable education and networking in an open and congenial environment. Its monthly events serve as a catalyst for forming relationships and exchanging ideas among scientists, entrepreneurs, technology experts and venture capitalists meeting in a small, personal setting. NanoBioNexus also publishes NanoBio Today, keeping subscribers in the San Diego area and beyond up-to-date on the latest developments in nanobio business opportunities and technology.

For more information about NanoBioNexus, NanoBio Today and upcoming events check the website at www.nanobionexus.org or send an inquiry to admin@nanobionexus.org.

About Morrison & Foerster LLP

Morrison & Foerster LLP is one of the world's largest law firms with more than 950 lawyers in 19 offices worldwide. The Firm's Life Sciences Group includes 180 lawyers in offices around the world, serving clients in areas such as corporate formation, venture capital and public finance, mergers and acquisitions, patent prosecution and litigation and technology transactions. Morrison & Foerster has one of the nation's premier biotechnology and life sciences patent practices and represents a diverse group of participants in the biotechnology, medical technology, pharmaceutical, and health care industries. The Firm's involvement in biotechnology spans a broad range of subspecialties, including genomics, proteomics, nanotechnology, combinatorial chemistry, protein chemistry, immunology, drug design, bioinformatics, developmental biology, and drug delivery.