Enzo Scientist Presents Paper At Geneva AIDS Conference; Studies Show High Level of Protection Against HIV.

GENEVA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 2, 1998--Enzo Biochem, (ASE:ENZ) of Farmingdale, NY reported today that in laboratory studies, its antisense-based therapeutic product, HGTV43, has achieved a level between 92% and greater than 99% in protecting human immune cells from infection by a broad spectrum of diverse strains of HIV-1. The report was made here in Geneva to the participants at the 12th World AIDS Conference by Dean L. Engelhardt, Ph.D., Senior Vice President of Enzo and a participating scientist at the conference.

HGTV 43 is scheduled to begin Phase I clinical trials at the University of California, San Francisco.

"In successfully demonstrating that we can create human immune cells that are resistant to HIV-1 and maintain their resistance to the virus over a prolonged period, we believe we have taken a very important step in moving towards an effective clinical product for the management of HIV-1 infection," said Dr. Engelhardt, who heads Enzo's AIDS therapeutic program.

Dr. Engelhardt presented Enzo's studies on "Broad spectrum resistance to HIV -1 strains by antisense sequences expressed in CD4+ cells" at the conference that has attracted an estimated 13,200 scientists, health workers and government officials.

Enzo's presentation described the results of laboratory studies in which CD4+ cells were transfected in vitro with a DNA expression vector carrying three separate antisense sequences specific to HIV-1 and then subjected to challenge with a variety of HIV-1 strains isolated from diverse clinical sources. "Transfected cells expressed the three antisense sequences to a high level and were protected from HIV-1 challenge even at high multiplicities of infection," the data showed. "The level of protection varied between 92% and above 99%, compared to control cells."

"Cells expressing these antisense sequences are effectively protected from infection by a broad spectrum of HIV-1," the Conference report on the laboratory results concluded, "representing a wide range of mutational variations in the virus."

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.

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. Prospective 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.

    CONTACT: Dean L. Engelhardt, Ph.D., 212/583-0100
                   or
              Steve Anreder, 212/421-4020