CIBA VISION AND QUADRA LOGIC TO CO-DEVELOP PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY FOR EYE DISEASES.

BULACH, Switzerland--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 6, 1995--CIBA Vision Ophthalmics and Quadra Logic Technologies Inc. (QLT) announced today the signing of a definitive legal agreement to jointly pursue worldwide development and commercialization of Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) as a treatment for eye diseases. The first project will focus on age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness in the elderly. This legal agreement follows the signing of a Letter of Intent by the two parties on June 1, 1994.

Under the terms of the agreement, CIBA Vision will fund 60 percent of the development costs, with QLT responsible for the remaining 40 percent. Profits from product sales will be shared on a 50/50 basis, after deductions for marketing costs, manufacturing costs and third- party royalties.

"PDT is an important new medical technology that holds considerable promise in treating several debilitating eye diseases," noted Luzi von Bidder, President of CIBA Vision Ophthalmics. "The co- development agreement between our two companies will focus on developing this technology for the benefit of eyecare patients worldwide."

"Our joint project has already made substantial progress including the submission of our Investigational New Drug Applications (INDs) to the United States FDA and German Board of Health in early January," said Dr. Randal D. Chase, President and C.E.O. of Quadra Logic. "Pending clearance of these submissions, human clinical trials will commence in the United States and Germany, using Benzoporphyrin derivative (BPD) to treat AMD."

AMD is the most prevalent of the neovascularization diseases of the eye. The prevalence increases with age and AMD is the leading cause of blindness in those over fifty. An estimated seven million people in North America alone are afflicted with this condition. The initial clinical project is focusing on a particular form of AMD which is diagnosed in approximately 150,000 people annually in North America and Europe. Existing therapies are limited in their effectiveness and can lead to additional scarring and vision loss.

The agreement between QLT and CIBA Vision covers all potential ophthalmic applications of PDT which include: corneal neovascularization, intraocular tumours and diabetic retinopathy, the latter being a serious complication of diabetes and another principal cause of blindness and visual impairment. The agreement also covers the evaluation of other photosensitizers, including Ciba-Geigy's light-activated drug Zinc Phthalocyanine (ZnPc), that could expand the partnership's position in the ophthalmology market.

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a two-step process. First, the light- sensitive drug, also known as a photosensitizer, is administered to the patient by intravenous injection. After administration, there is a short waiting period during which the photosensitizer circulates throughout the body and preferentially accumulates in the diseased tissue to be treated. Secondly, the treatment area is exposed to a specific low-power non-burning light which activates the accumulated drug and causes a photochemical reaction that destroys the diseased tissue while having limited effect on the surrounding healthy tissue. The photosensitizer is only active while the light is turned on.

Quadra Logic Technologies Inc. is a world-leader in the development of new pharmaceutical products and applications for Photodynamic Therapy (PDT), an emerging medical field that uses light-activated drugs in the treatment of cancer and other diseases. CIBA Vision Ophthalmics is a member of the CIBA Vision Group, which is a division of Ciba-Geigy Limited, a leading worldwide biological and chemical group based in Basel, Switzerland. CIBA Vision is a worldwide leader in research, development and manufacturing of optical and ophthalmic products and services, including soft contact lenses, lens care products and ophthalmic pharmaceuticals. CIBA Vision markets products in more than 70 countries, generated sales in excess of $700 million in 1993.

The Company is listed on the NASDAQ/NMS under the trading symbol "QLTIF" and on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol "QLT".

CONTACT: QUADRA LOGIC

David J. Main, 604/872-7881, 800/663-5486

or

CIBA VISION

Jeff Callender, 404/418-3656