Enzo Biochem Issues Statement Asserting Digene Infringes Enzo Patent.

Business Editors & Science Writers

FARMINGDALE, N.Y.--(BW HealthWire)--March 18, 2002

Enzo Biochem, Inc. (NYSE:ENZ) today released the following statement in regard to a complaint filed by Digene Corporation ("Digene") in the Federal District Court in Wilmington, Delaware:

"Although this lawsuit was initiated by Digene, it actually seeks to have the court decide whether Enzo's patent rights in the field of "Hybrid Capture" technology were and are being violated by Digene's sale of its "Hybrid Capture" products. Enzo is the owner of U.S. Patent No. 6,221,581 B1 issued April 24, 2001.

"This lawsuit follows more than eight months of negotiations and meetings between Enzo and Digene, the most recent taking place Thursday, March 14, 2002 at which Digene, represented by Evan Jones, Chairman and CEO, and Patrick J. Sullivan, President and CEO of Cytyc Corporation, were participants. Mr. Sullivan also participated in one other negotiating meeting on February 26, 2002, and he was a participant in a conference call regarding this issue. These negotiations focused on Digene's request to obtain a license from Enzo for the manufacture and sale of Digene's "Hybrid Capture" product line, including its "Hybrid Capture 2 HPV (human papillomavirus) DNA Test," under Enzo's `581 patent. At the March 14, 2002 negotiating meeting Digene presented an offer, and Enzo proposed a counter offer, which Digene indicated they would take under advisement. Digene apparently has chosen to terminate these negotiations by filing the lawsuit in Delaware.

"Enzo's patent is valid and infringed by Digene, and we intend to seek monetary damages from Digene that our Company has incurred as a result of Digene's infringement, as well as a permanent injunction barring Digene from continuing to infringe and violate Enzo's patent rights."

About Enzo

Enzo Biochem is engaged in the research, development and manufacture of innovative health care products based on molecular biology and genetic engineering techniques, and in providing diagnostic services to the medical community. The Company's proprietary labeling and detection products for gene sequencing and genetic analysis, with approximately 200 patents worldwide, are sold to the life sciences market throughout the world. The Company's therapeutic division is conducting clinical trials for HIV-1-infected patients and for patients infected with hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses. The Company also holds a patent covering a method and materials for correcting point mutations or small insertions or deletions of genetic material that would allow for editing and correcting certain abnormalities in genes.

Except for historical information, the matters discussed in this news release may be considered "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such statements include declarations regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company and its management. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could materially affect actual results. The Company disclaims any obligations to update any forward-looking statement as a result of developments occurring after the date of this press release.