American Biogenetic Sciences, Inc. Obtains Key US Patent for Novel Compounds with the Potential to Treat Neurodegenerative Disorders.

COPIAGUE, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 3, 1997--

Patent Enhances the ABS Neurobiology Portfolio

American Biogenetic Sciences, Inc. (ABS) NASDAQ:MABXA, announced today that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued US patent No. 5,672,746 entitled "Antiproliferative and Neurotrophic Molecules." The patent relates to a class of small molecular weight organic molecules, known as the ABS 200 series, in development for the potential treatment of neurodegenerative disorders including but not limited to Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and damage caused by stroke and head trauma. These compounds have also demonstrated potential utility in the treatment of certain forms of cancer.

ABS has been assigned exclusive worldwide rights to the patent and is developing the ABS 200 series as oral pharmaceutical products. These compounds were discovered and are being developed by Heinz Nau, Ph.D., Professor and Chairman, Department of Food Toxicology, University of Hannover, Germany, and Ciaran Regan, Ph.D., D.Sc., Professor of Neuropharmacology, University College, Dublin, Ireland. "The novel compounds claimed in the ABS patent are small synthetic molecules that readily cross the blood brain barrier and are expected to be appropriate for oral administration," explained Professor Nau, whose laboratory synthesized the compounds.

Commenting on the ABS 200 series, Professor Regan stated "In collaboration with Professor Nau and other researchers in the ABS Global Scientific Network, we are developing the ABS 200 series for the potential treatment of serious neurological conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, important unmet medical conditions that modern medicine has attempted to treat with poor success. We are excited and encouraged by our results which could put ABS at the forefront of drug development and receipt of this patent strengthens ABS' position in this area."

Numerous naturally occurring proteins known as neurotrophic factors are known to promote the survival, health, development, differentiation and regeneration of various neuronal cells. Several of these neurotrophic factors such as nerve growth factor are under investigation as potential treatments for nuerodegenerative disorders. However, these proteins are large molecules that are unable to cross the blood brain barrier, a membrane barrier that protects the brain, and procedures to deliver proteins to the brain are difficult, expensive and often risky.

ABS scientists and collaborators have demonstrated that these compounds which comprise the ABS 200 series, promote nerve cell development and differentiation in a similar manner to the protein neurotrophic factors. In animal models, these compounds have been shown to enhance memory formation and reverse chemically-induced amnesia; dramatically reduce the aging process in certain brain regions by preserving nerve cell connections that normally deteriorate with aging; and exhibit antiproliferative activity suggesting that they may also be useful in treating certain forms of cancer.

Ellena Byrne, Managing Director and Executive Vice President of ABS' Global Scientific Network stated, "ABS is excited to have the exclusive worldwide rights to these patented compounds which resulted from the ABS Global Scientific Network concept of linking scientists from around the world in a common search for solutions to unmet medical needs."

American Biogenetic Sciences, Inc., is a global biopharmaceutical and diagnostic company which conducts research and development throughout its Global Scientific Network(TM) in the U.S., Europe, Israel, China and Russia. ABS is currently focused on the discovery and commercialization of products in the field of cardiovascular medicine and neurobiology. The Company's enabling technology includes a patented Antigen-Free technology that allows the generation of highly specific monoclonal antibodies that cannot be acquired from conventional systems. ABS has marketing and sales agreements for its TpP(TM) test with three companies: Abbott Laboratories, F.Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. and Gull Laboratories.

Except for any historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this press release contain forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties including those that are described in ABS' Form 10K and other reports filed with the SEC. -0- Note to Editors: Visit our homepage on the Internet at http://www.mabxa.com

CONTACT: Technical Contact:

Ellena M. Byrne

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011-353-1-283-3325

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516-789-2600