Checkpoint Genetics Inc. Opens Advanced Research Facility, Expands Cellular and Molecular Biology.

Business Editors & Health Writers

WEST CHESTER, Pa.--(BW HealthWire)--Nov. 17, 2000

Checkpoint Genetics Inc., a subsidiary of Checkpoint Genetics Pharmaceuticals Inc. (OTC:CKPT), today announced the official opening of a major expansion to the company's research and development programs.

The state-of-the-art research facility, located in West Chester, is centrally located within Pennsylvania's biotechnology corridor and brings the Trend Building its first biotechnology firm.

The new facility houses Administration, Marketing, Network Support, Cellular and Molecular Biology, and Analytical Sciences.

According to Nathan Tzodikov, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer: "The new facility will allow Checkpoint Genetics to expand our cardiovascular and neuroprotection research efforts. It also supports an increased research staff to support discovery and development through studies of gene expression regulation by our expanding library of compounds."

Tzodikov went on to say, "With the additional space, support for detailed mechanistic studies on the effects of CPG-603 on ischemia and neuroprotection will be possible earlier than originally planned by employing our advanced screening system."

Checkpoint Genetics is a privately controlled pharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of products for prevention of cardiovascular diseases and the maintenance of heart health. Checkpoint Genetics' proprietary development program is based upon small-molecule regulation of cell cycle signals associated with cardiovascular disease.

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 society recognized as having a notably lower incidence of heart disease reflects its marine diet, which includes seavegetable consumption.

Certain statements in this news release constitute "forward- looking statements" that are subject to risks and uncertainties that 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 that may affect the continued profitability of the company, uncertainty of regulatory approvals, the timing and content of decisions by the Food and Drug Administration, the uncertainty of market conditions, and other risk factors detailed in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings.