Beck on Biotech Announces Investment Opinion on "The Biotechnology Revolution".

Business Editors

NOTE TO EDITORS: The following is an investment opinion issued by

Michael Becker, Editor of the Beck On Biotech Newsletter

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 27, 2000

According to Michael Becker, Editor of the Beck On Biotech Newsletter

Few individuals would dispute technology's profound impact on society. Semiconductor chips, software, personal computers and the Internet have dramatically increased efficiency in almost every sector of our economy. Manufacturing, engineering, retailing and communication processes that used to take days are now done in seconds.

These advances have not gone unnoticed by Wall Street. Investors and entrepreneurs with an ability to recognize and participate in important paradigm shifts, such as the Industrial Revolution during the 19th century or the Technology Revolution during the 20th century, have been rewarded handsomely.

This week, as the biotechnology industry celebrates its largest industry gathering ever (BIO 2000, March 26-30 in Boston, MA) it appears that another revolution may be unfolding. Contrary to previous "doom and gloom" analyst commentary, the biotechnology sector has shown dramatic fundamental improvement in recent years. For example, the number of products in late-stage clinical trials, new product approvals and the number of profitable biotech companies are all at record levels. "Combine these positive attributes with decoding the human genome, improving capital markets, a more accommodating FDA and a novel blending of technology, chemistry and biology and you have all the necessary ingredients for what I see as another paradigm shift: The Biotechnology Revolution," states Michael D. Becker, editor of the monthly biotechnology newsletter Beck On Biotech.

A Widespread Revolution

Just as the Industrial and Technology Revolution impacted almost every facet of our lives, the effects of the Biotechnology Revolution will be far reaching. Even in its nascent stages, this new paradigm is positively affecting the environment, agriculture, criminal investigations and most importantly -- the quality of human life.

Environment: In the environment, biotechnology applications are replacing or enhancing the cleanup of hazardous waste sites, oil spills and abandoned industrial sites. Biotechnology is also being used to prevent pollution by replacing chemicals in laundry detergents with enzymes that are friendlier to the environment.

Agriculture: Despite the controversy surrounding genetically modified organisms (GMO's), biotechnology is improving both the quantity and quality of food. Biotechnology's ability to customize crops that can grow in any climate, resist harmful insects, require less water or yield products that simply taste better will ensure its role in the future of agriculture.

Criminal Investigations: Just as no two individuals have the same fingerprints, every living thing (except identical twins) has a unique combination of genes. By comparing genetic material obtained from a crime scene with samples from a database of previous offenders, biotechnology can help criminal investigators rapidly identify a culprit. Eventually, law enforcers may even utilize hand held devices that quickly analyze hair, skin or bodily fluids while still at the crime scene.

Public Health: Biotechnology, with its potential to cure, treat and diagnose disease will likely rival prior paradigm shifts in the economy. Someone you know with cancer, a heart condition, diabetes or other disease was likely already helped by biotechnology. Currently marketed products developed by this industry help dissolve blood clots that cause heart attacks and strokes, allow kidney dialysis patients to regain energy and improve their quality of life and provide growth hormones to children who lack them. In the future, drugs designed to starve cancerous tumors of the oxygen and nutrients they need in order to survive may provide new hope to those who suffer from many types of cancer.

Beck On Biotech is a monthly newsletter that enumerates many different aspects of the biotechnology/pharmaceutical sector. Many issues feature a "company spotlight" that details individual companies who offer unique value or technology. Companies mentioned in past issues include Affymetrix (NASDAQ: AFFX), Chiron Corp (NASDAQ: CHIR), Alkermes (NASDAQ: ALKS), Cephalon (NASDAQ: CEPH) and Cytogen Corp (NASDAQ: CYTO).

For information on how to subscribe to the Beck On Biotech newsletter, visit the web site for sample issues and further information at http://www.beckonbiotech.com or contact Michael Becker at 312/431-1700 or via email at [e-mail].

Disclaimers -- All comments and opinions are solely those of Michael Becker and are not in any way comments or opinions of Wayne Hummer Investments LLC. Additional information is available upon request. Information in this publication has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but the accuracy, completeness and interpretation are not guaranteed. Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice. The opinions and information presented do not constitute a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any securities or options on securities. The security portfolio of the editor of this newsletter, our employees, principals or affiliated companies may, in some instances, include securities and/or options on securities mentioned in each issue.