American BioMed Signs Distribution Agreements With Professional Hospital Supply and Clinical Technology.

THE WOODLANDS, Texas--(BW HealthWire)--Nov. 17, 1997--American BioMed, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: ABMI), a manufacturer of minimally invasive medical devices for the treatment of cardiovascular disease, today announced it has signed distribution agreements with Professional Hospital Supply (PHS) and Clinical Technology, Inc. for its 100% silicone-based balloon catheter product line.

PHS of Temecula, Calif., one of the largest independent medical product distributors serving the U.S. market, will concentrate its sales efforts in California, Nevada and Arizona. Sales of the company's products will be supported by PHS' 40-person salesforce through three distribution centers located in both Northern and Southern California, as well as their newest facility in Phoenix.

Clinical Technology of Broadview Heights, Ohio, an established leader in cardiovascular and anesthesia product promotion and distribution, will focus its sales efforts in the Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana markets. To support their preliminary promotional and distribution efforts, both PHS and Clinical Technology have placed initial stocking orders with American BioMed. These orders have been filled, and initial payment will be recorded in the fourth quarter of 1997.

Commenting on the announcement, Steven B. Rash, president and chief executive officer, stated, "Both PHS and Clinical Technology have well-established relationships with medical communities in key regions throughout the U.S. We believe these agreements represent an immediate opportunity to increase the sales of American BioMed's products, as well as to create increased customer demand in these important markets. These agreements reflect the company's ongoing commitment to develop strategic partnerships with key distributors to broaden the market penetration for our unique product offering."

The company has nine FDA-cleared balloon catheters, six of which are currently marketed worldwide. The 100%-silicone design of these catheters is resistant to environmental factors, unaffected by body temperature and more bio-compatible than latex balloons or polyvinyl chloride tubing. The patented one-piece balloon design eliminates glue and ties, providing superior smoothness and preventing the possibility of balloon dislodgement. Allergy to latex has been increasingly recognized as a cause of life-threatening intraoperative anaphylaxis (a systemic reaction). Frequent use of latex in patients or by healthcare workers can result in sensitization that may place some individuals at risk for life-threatening allergic reactions. The 100%-silicone design of the company's catheters negates the potential risk of intraoperative anaphylaxis.

American BioMed, Inc. utilizes state-of-the-art technology to develop, manufacture and market minimally invasive medical, surgical and diagnostic devices for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. The company's products include: 100% silicone-based catheters, through its Cathlab subsidiary; the Evert-O-CathT, a toposcopic catheter for site-specific drug delivery and fluid removal; the OmniCathr, an atherectomy catheter designed to remove athersclerotic plaque from obstructed blood vessels throughout the body; the OmniStentT, which uses stent technology for angioplasty and atherectomy procedures; and the OmniFilter, which is used to prevent blood clots from reaching various organs of the body. The company has over 25 patents covering its product portfolio, which address a worldwide market estimated at over $10 billion annually.

"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: The statements which are not historical facts contained in this release are forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the results of research and development efforts, the results of pre-clinical and clinical testing, the effect of regulation by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other agencies, the impact of competitive products, product development, commercialization and technological difficulties, the results of financing efforts, the effect of the Company's accounting policies, and other risks detailed in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

CONTACT: American BioMed, Inc.

Steven B. Rash

President and Chief Executive Officer

[phone]

or

Lippert/Heilshorn & Assoc.,Inc.

Investor Relations:

Bruce Voss ([e-mail])

Sue Yeoh ([e-mail])

[phone]