Consumer Survey Indicates That Shaman Product May Provide Relief for a Broader Range of Diarrhea Sufferers.

Business/Health Editors

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.--(BW HealthWire)--Oct. 17, 2000

Shaman Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (OTC BB:SHPH.OB) today announced that it recently completed a survey of customers who had purchased the Company's patented anti-diarrheals, NSF or NSF-IB. The survey was designed to provide the Company with in market feedback on how consumers are using NSF and NSF-IB, as well as what type of diarrhea they are using the anti-diarrheal's for. Initial survey results show the first confirmation based on actual customer usage that NSF and NSF-IB provide relief from diarrhea caused by a broader variety of stimuli than those tested in Shaman's Phase II and Phase III clinical studies.

Shaman's initial clinical testing focused on traveler's diarrhea endured by millions of travelers each year and a separate form of more severe, chronic diarrhea. Survey results however indicate that the majority of Shaman customers are using NSF and NSF-IB to relieve diarrhea related with Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), the side effects of cancer treatments, colitis, side effects from various medications, Crohn's disease and from undiagnosed diarrhea. Any indication of efficacy against IBS is significant due to the size of the IBS market in the United States alone. In addition, prescription medications recently approved for treatment of IBS or IBS related diarrhea have shown only limited success in relieving IBS related diarrhea, safely. Shaman's clinical results and survey findings however indicate that NSF does not have the adverse effects that are appearing with these new prescription medications.

Shaman conducted this recent survey of consumer satisfaction and product performance utilizing its customer database of individuals who have purchased NSF and NSF-IB directly from the Company. More than half of those surveyed reported having tried the majority of other anti-diarrheal products on the market without adequate relief of symptoms. The survey took a comprehensive look at Shaman's customer base and found it consisting of individuals who had suffered from recurrent diarrhea ranging from 2 weeks to 25 years. A significant part of the population had previously endured bouts of diarrhea twice daily up to 25 times per day. Many customers are individuals with IBS with undiagnosed diarrhea. Those who had previously suffered from bloating and abdominal discomfort reported decreases or having gotten rid of those symptoms when using NSF or NSF-IB.

Shaman's NSF is a natural dietary supplement for treating recurrent diarrhea. NSF contains a standardized extract from the sap of the Croton lechleri tree of the rainforest, and has been safely used for thousands of years by traditional peoples in rainforest areas. Rigorous clinical studies have confirmed its safety and efficacy for extended use. Based on its mechanism of action, NSF is safe and effective for control of diarrhea without causing constipation. Consumers have reported using NSF-IB safely for more than 12 consecutive months at a time. A yearlong study performed at the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center assessed the long-term safety and efficacy of the NSF extract. Published results showed that even in subjects who continued daily use for over 30 months, no serious adverse events or significant laboratory changes were attributable to the product.

"It has been estimated that 50 million Americans suffer from IBS," said Lisa Conte, Shaman CEO and President. "And that figure is probably actually higher. When you realize that IBS sufferers outnumber ulcer patients by 6 to 1 in a 10-billion dollar market for ulcer remedies, you can see how extensive the IBS market is. Companies have been eager to jump into the market but it's proven to be a difficult thing to do. Shaman is in a unique position to fill the overwhelming need for a safe and effective anti-diarrheal that people are going to trust." For more safety information visit http://www.citizen.org/hrg/PUBLICATIONS/1533.htm.

Shaman Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a leader in medicinal plant research and commercialization of proprietary dietary supplements. Shaman works collaboratively with indigenous communities to discover, harvest and reforest medicinal plants. The Company also provides cultural educational programs in conjunction with rainforest communities.

This press release contains, among other things, certain statements of a forward-looking nature relating to Shaman's ability to advance its development and research programs. Such statements involve a number of risk and uncertainties including the Risk Factors listed in the Shaman Pharmaceuticals, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10K and 10K/A for the year ended December 31, 1999. These filings are available upon request at 650/952-7070. Also visit Shaman at http://www.Shaman.com.