Cell Robotics receives grant from National Cancer Institute.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 7, 1997--Cell Robotics International Inc. (OTC:CRII) announced today the receipt of a Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase II grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) of the National Institute of Health (NIH).

The award funds two years of development of a proprietary laser instrument for semi-automated single cell sorting. The total award over two years is approximately $749,000.

The receipt of this award should facilitate CRII's goal of developing a single cell analysis workstation which could aid in the understanding of cancer cells and viruses.

Proceeds from this award will be used to expand the current capabilities of the Cell Robotics Workstation and LaserTweezers technology, enabling it to accomplish the following tasks:

-- single-cell purification for DNA analysis of individual cells and other single cell analyses (This capability is needed for analyzing any disease associated with genetic change in cells. Single-cell DNA analysis is particularly important in determining when cells change genetically from normal cells to cancer cells).

-- molecular level force measurements (measuring cell adhesions is important for studying cell/virus interactions (e.g. HIV) and to allow the testing of viral inhibitors for the treatment of viral disease).

-- development of new culture dishes to enhance single-cell laser-assisted biological research, and

-- definition of non-damaging laser parameters for handling single cells.

At the completion of the grant, CRII will have a single cell analysis workstation with disposables. As part of the grant award, the instrument and disposables will be evaluated in prestigious laboratories at Princeton, National Jewish Center for Immunology and Respiratory Medicine, and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories.

"Dr. Jerome Conia, CRII's Applications Scientist, is the principal investigator for this project. At a time when vying for SBIR grants is highly competitive, Dr. Conia's efforts have led to grants for all four of his submissions. Other SBIR grants received by CRII include: an award to develop a laser module and objective lens for laser assisted hatching; an award to study laser-assisted embryo splitting in mice and monkeys; and the Phase I component of the current Phase II grant award. This SBIR Grant will expand our research instrument product line with little direct cost to CRII," stated Dr. Ronald K. Lohrding, president and CEO.

Cell Robotics International Inc. develops, manufactures and markets several proprietary medical and research laser devices and associated products with application niches in large markets. In addition to the currently marketed Cell Robotics Workstation, devices under development include the Lasette(TM) laser finger perforator for sampling of blood for glucose measurements, an Erbium skin resurfacing laser for cosmetic applications, and an In Vitro Fertilization Workstation targeted at improving human fertility success rates. Additional information is available on the Cell Robotics Web Site at http://www.cellrobotics.com/cell, by e-mail at [e-mail], or by telephone at 505/343-1131.

CONTACT: Cell Robotics International Inc., Albuquerque

Craig Rogers, 719/590-1793 (VP for investor relations)

or

Richmont Consulting International

Sean Collins or Edda Brown, 213/658-8088