EAGAN, MN – October 23, 2002 – Edward Erickson, Ph.D., a former senior 3M Company pharmaceutical executive, has joined Biopolymer Engineering to help lead the development of pharmaceutical applications for the company’s patented complex carbohydrates.

As Senior Pharmaceutical Executive, Dr. Erickson will provide oversight and guidance for the identification of clinical applications, research and development, and regulatory compliance. The company’s primary focus is the development of its beta 1,3 glucan technologies as treatments for select cancers and myelosuppression, the destruction of white blood cells following radiation or chemotherapy. Dr. Erickson will report to President and CEO Richard Mueller.

“In reviewing recent data, I became excited about Biopolymer Engineering’s opportunity with beta 1,3 glucans in combination with existing and emerging cancer therapies,” said Dr. Erickson. “It’s great to be part of the Biopolymer Engineering team and to contribute to the development and commercialization of this opportunity.”

 “Ed is a strong addition to Biopolymer Engineering,” said Daniel Conners, company founder and chairman. “His expertise in pharmaceutical development will play a critical role in our ability to develop and license key beta glucan technologies to drug companies.”

Dr. Erickson retired from 3M in 2001 after a distinguished 33-year career in which he held a number of positions focused on pharmaceutical research and development and business development. Most recently, he was Vice President/General Manager, Drug Delivery Systems Division, with responsibility for establishing this global division as a distinct, sustainable business unit while also fully leveraging the resources of the sister division focused on ethical pharmaceuticals. 3M Drug Delivery Systems is one of the largest drug delivery companies with products focused on inhalation and transdermal drug delivery.

Before that, Dr. Erickson was Vice President/General Manager of 3M’s Medical-Surgical Division, with global responsibility for a medical supply/device business, including surgical drapes, sterilization products, stethoscopes, metal implants, power instruments, and casting products. In addition, Dr. Erickson held numerous research and development positions at 3M and Riker Laboratories, which 3M later acquired, during which he made direct contributions to the successful development and commercialization of both new molecule and drug delivery products.

 “Throughout my career, I’ve focused on aligning technology and business direction with market opportunities to achieve commercial success,” said Dr. Erickson. “I look forward to the opportunities and challenges at Biopolymer Engineering.”

He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Biopolymer Engineering, Inc. is a leading biotechnology company in the field of natural complex carbohydrates or biopolymers. The company is developing carbohydrate-based products for a wide range of therapeutic, consumer and industrial applications. Founded in 1997 and based in Eagan, Minnesota, the company has built a strong technology platform of patented and proprietary intellectual property relating to its carbohydrate-based products.

For more information, contact:

David Walsh
Biopolymer Engineering, Inc.
651-675-0300
dwalsh@biopolymer.com