EAGAN, Minn. — February 11, 2002 - Fredrick Zinos has joined Biopolymer Engineering, Inc. as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for its consumer products division.

In this role, Mr. Zinos is responsible for all of the company's dietary supplements and over-the-counter (OTC) products sold through grocery, drug, mass merchandizer, specialty and military stores, as well as through the Internet.

“Fred's combination of nutraceutical and pharmaceutical experience is a strong fit with our businesses,” said Richard G. Mueller, President and CEO of Biopolymer Engineering, a leading biotechnology company in the field of complex carbohydrates. “He's a real professional with nearly 30 years of experience working with brokers and buyers on a wide range of supplements and OTC drugs.”

Biopolymer Engineering markets glucosamine and beta glucan capsules and creams under the brand Life Source Basics. The company has more than 200 U.S. and international patents and proprietary manufacturing processes that enable it to deliver a consistent, high quality product.

Before joining Biopolymer Engineering, Mr. Zinos headed brand development for NutriPharmaceutical Inc., a manufacturer of dietary supplements and related OTC products. Previously he held sales and marketing positions with Nova Pharmaceutical Inc., a marketer of dietary supplements to a wide range of retail outlets.

Biopolymer Engineering, Inc. is a privately held, international biotechnology company 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 supported by more than 200 U.S. and international patents covering its carbohydrate-based products.