Engelhard Antimicrobial Technology Granted EPA Registration for Use against Animal Viruses.

Business Editors/Medical Writers

ISELIN, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 14, 2003

A pioneering antimicrobial technology from Engelhard Corporation (NYSE:EC) has been granted registration by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use against tuberculosis (TB) and other animal pathogens in veterinary applications.

Engelhard's versatile Aseptrol(R) technology can be tailored to release chlorine dioxide, a potent germ killer, at precise rates and in controlled concentrations when it comes in contact with water or moisture in the air.

Chlorine dioxide has been used in industrial applications for many years, but until development of Engelhard's patented, controlled-release technology, the powerful biocide could not be incorporated into a stable, easy-to-use form, such as dry powder.

The new registration authorizes Aseptrol for use against TB, canine parvovirus, mouse hepatitis virus (MHV), sialodacryoadentitis virus (SDAV), murine parainfluenza virus type 1 (Sendai), mouse parvovirus type 1 (MPV-1), and minute virus of mice (MVM) in animal rearing and confinement facilities, such as kennels and cages.

The technology is at the heart of Quip Laboratories' MB-10(R) Tablets, which are designed for disinfecting animal confinement areas and hard surfaces, and for eliminating odors from animal waste.

"We are very excited to introduce MB-10 Tablets featuring Engelhard's Aseptrol technology to the biomedical research, laboratory animal science and veterinary industries, " said Timothy Hidell, president of Quip Laboratories, "We believe this product will become the new industry standard."

Quip Laboratories, Inc. is a leading provider of innovative products, equipment and services to control microorganism growth in biomedical research and laboratory science facilities.

"We are working with a wide range of companies to incorporate Aseptrol into products designed to eradicate bacteria, viruses, parasites and cysts," said Michael Cochran, a business development manager at Engelhard. "The technology represents a substantial advance in the fight against deadly pathogens."

Engelhard also is conducting efficacy tests to secure EPA registration for use of Aseptrol against other animal pathogens, including the Norwalk virus, Hoof & Mouth Disease and Newcastle virus.

Available in sachet and tablet form, Aseptrol is being used in a widening range of consumer and industrial purification and deodorization applications. Last year the technology received EPA registration for use in water purification and mold control applications.

Aseptrol currently is also being used to purify emergency drinking water, as a deodorizer in breath fresheners and shoe powders, to control mold in swimming pools and to deslime ice machines and water softeners, among other applications.

Engelhard Corporation is a surface and materials science company that develops technologies to improve customers' products and processes. A Fortune 500 company, Engelhard is a world-leading provider of technologies for environmental, process, appearance and performance applications. For more information, visit Engelhard on the Internet at www.engelhard.com.