EAGAN, MN – May 5, 2004 – Biopolymer Engineering, Inc. has selected the E.T. Horn Company as the master distributor of its patented yeast beta 1,3/1,6 glucan specialty ingredient products in the U.S. food, nutritional supplement and cosmetic markets. In addition, E.T. Horn will manage the company’s other U.S. distribution relationships.

Biopolymer Engineering’s yeast beta glucan products support a healthy immune system, as evidence by the results of numerous clinical and preclinical studies. The company’s products, marketed under the brands WGP^® Beta Glucan and BetaRight^® Beta Glucan, prime innate immune cells called neutrophils to identify and kill a wide range of foreign challenges.*

The E.T. Horn Company, through its Nutraceutical, Personal Care, and Food Ingredients Groups, is a leading ingredient supplier to the dietary supplement, nutraceutical, functional food ingredients, and personal care markets in the Western United States. Experienced account managers and warehouses located in the large metropolitan areas enable E.T. Horn to provide customers the highest quality support and service. In the Midwestern region of the United States, Biopolymer Engineering’s products are to be distributed by the Charles Bowman Company (www.charlesbowman.com). The Atlantic region will be serviced by a combination of direct sales by Biopolymer Engineering and assistance from E.T. Horn and Charles Bowman.

“We believe there is tremendous potential for immune-enhancing ingredients that are backed by strong science,” said Richard Mueller, president and CEO of Biopolymer Engineering. “That potential can be realized with a strong partner such as E.T. Horn.”

"The combination of our knowledgeable customer service reps, our technically advanced sales experts, and Biopolymer Engineering’s outstanding products makes the customer the true winner,” said Kevin Salerno, president of E.T. Horn’s Nutraceuticals Group.

About E.T. Horn Company
The E.T. Horn Company is one of the West's largest distributors of raw materials and chemicals for use in coatings, building materials, elastomers, lubrication, nutrition, personal care, and food products. Founded in 1961, the company has focused on providing formulation solutions, superior customer service and technical expertise in distributing products from only the finest manufacturers. For additional information contact the company at 800-442-HORN or visit www.ethorn.com.

About Biopolymer Engineering, Inc.
Biopolymer Engineering, Inc. is a biotechnology company that is pioneering carbohydrate solutions to improve human health. Based in Eagan, Minnesota, the company has more than 40 US patents and patents pending, with additional filings in more than 20 countries that protect its yeast beta glucan products and compounds. Biopolymer Engineering is developing beta glucan applications for pharmaceuticals, nutritional supplements, functional foods, cosmetics and animal feed and nutrition. Website: www.biopolymer.com.

In Europe and Japan, Biopolymer Engineering has an exclusive partnership with DKSH, a leading International Marketing and Services Group (www.dksh.com), to introduce WGP Beta Glucan and BetaRight Beta Glucans. The services of DKSH include marketing, sales, project management, distribution, research and development and registration options.

Contact:
David Walsh
Biopolymer Engineering, Inc.
651-256-4606