Albany Molecular Research, Inc. Announces Retirement of Chester J. Opalka.

Business Editors

ALBANY, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 27, 2000

Albany Molecular Research, Inc. (Nasdaq-AMRI) today announced the retirement of Chester J. Opalka from the position of vice president, laboratory operations, effective September 30, 2000.

Mr. Opalka is a founder and principal stockholder of Albany Molecular Research, Inc.

"Chet Opalka played an important and significant role in the establishment and early growth of AMRI," said Thomas E. D'Ambra, Ph.D., chairman and chief executive officer of Albany Molecular Research, Inc. "He is a talented scientist, and his contributions have helped us to grow from just a few chemists in the beginning to over 300 employees today. He has been an important contributor throughout his tenure and will be greatly missed."

Mr. Opalka received his Bachelor of Science in chemistry from Niagara University in 1970, and subsequently served for more than twenty years as a research chemist at the Sterling-Winthrop Research Institute in East Greenbush, New York. While at Sterling, he developed and contributed his talents in both the Medicinal Chemistry and Chemical Development Departments. He worked briefly in the chemistry department of Coromed, Inc. in 1991 before teaming up with Dr. D'Ambra as a founder of Albany Molecular Research, Inc.

While at the Sterling-Winthrop Research Institute, Mr. Opalka co-discovered a lead compound--amrinone. Amrinone ultimately became the marketed drug Inocor, which is currently used to treat congestive heart failure. During the drug's development, he worked as part of an interdisciplinary group of biologists, pharmacologists, pharmacists and toxicologists to guide amrinone through the drug development process.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed experiencing the wide variety of activities involved in the pharmaceutical discovery and development process. I think this is one of the most dynamic, challenging and multifaceted research areas in which a chemist might be associated," says Mr. Opalka. "Since the founding of Albany Molecular Research, I've had the opportunity to learn from and share what I've learned with some of the brightest chemists in the industry who have joined our staff. Being involved as a mentor and observing the development of the careers of these individuals has been truly rewarding."

Mr. Opalka holds 27 United States patents, as well as a number of foreign patents, and is an author on several scientific publications. He will remain in his current position until September 30, 2000 and continue to serve on AMRI's Board of Directors after his retirement.