Checkpoint Genetics, Inc. Appoints Peter Mays, Ph.D. to Lead Company's Product Development Effort.

Health/Medical Writers

WEST CHESTER, Pa.--(BW HealthWire)--Oct. 30, 2000

-Checkpoint Genetics, Inc., today announced the appointment of Peter Mays, Ph.D. as Vice President of Checkpoint Genetics, Inc., a subsidiary of Checkpoint Genetics Pharmaceuticals Inc. (OTC:CKPT).

In this position Dr. Mays will be responsible for the overall development of the company's proprietary pipeline on cardiovascular drugs and nutraceuticals.

A recognized pioneer in the biotechnology industry, Dr. Mays, 37, has 10 years' experience in the development of collagen-based therapeutic and medical devices as well as serving on the editorial board of the International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology and was a member of the Ethics Committee of the American Association of Tissue Banks. He brings extensive senior management experience and development expertise to Checkpoint Genetics through his previous roles with Collagenesis Inc. and Organogenesis Inc.

Dr. Mays has published numerous scientific papers, book chapters, and presented major presentations. His work with Collagenesis focused on technology transfer resulting in commercialization of Dermalogen(TM) for dermal repair. He earned his doctorate in Biochemistry from University of London and undergraduate degrees in Chemistry and Pharmacology from the University of Nottingham.

"He is an accomplished leader," said Dr. Nathan Tzodikov, Checkpoint

Genetics' President and CEO. "Peter is a scientific professional with broad-based product development, technical and regulatory background. His experience in all phases of FDA product development, from discovery research to final approval and product launch will be invaluable to Checkpoint Genetics as we develop our cardiovascular and nutraceutical portfolio. We are enthusiastic to have him join us in this important leadership role."

Checkpoint Genetics, Inc., is a privately controlled pharmaceutical company, focused on the development and commercialization of products for prevention of cardiovascular diseases and maintenance of heart health. The company's management and scientific teams are experienced leaders in pharmaceutical development and specialize in the regulation of cell cycle signals associated with cardiovascular diseases. Checkpoint Genetics' proprietary development program is based upon small molecule regulation of cell cycle signals associated with cardiovascular disease. The company's patent portfolio also describes a library of compounds demonstrating neuroprotection. Their intellectual property is based upon the benefits of a traditional Japanese diet.

Checkpoint Genetics leverages these developments with commercialization of dietary supplements derived from the active principles of Seavegetables, an important component of a traditional Japanese diet. A culture recognized as having a notably lower incidence of heart disease reflects their marine diet that includes seavegetable consumption. Tzodikov said, "the dietary supplements are effective beyond cholesterol preventing the deposition of plaque in the artery. People who have difficulty regulating their cholesterol levels should respond well to this strategy."

Certain statements in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" that are subject to risks and uncertainties which may cause the actual results of the Company to be different from expectations expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, uncertainty of market acceptance of the Company's products, the uncertainty of expenses associated with clinical trials and research efforts which may affect the continued profitability of the Company, uncertainty of regulatory approvals, the timing and content of decisions by the FDA, the uncertainty of market conditions and other risk factors detailed in the Company's SEC filings.