MEDTOX Receives FDA Clearance to Market New ``Ecstasy'' Test - First Rapid Screen With Ecstasy Claim.

Business Editors & Health/Medical Writers

ST PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 11, 2001

MEDTOX Scientific, Inc. (AMEX:TOX), said today that on June 1, 2001 its MEDTOX Diagnostic subsidiary received FDA 510(k) marketing clearance to sell its new VERDICT(R)-II METHAMPHETAMINE/MDMA test. The test is a one-step immunochromatographic test for the rapid, qualitative detection of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA also know as "ecstasy" and methamphetamine (MAMP) in human urine. The test detects the two drugs at these cut-off concentrations:

    MDMA     Methylenedioxymethamphetamine             1500 ng/mL
    MAMP     Methamphetamine                           1000 ng/mL

MDMA has been available as a street drug since the 1980's. Its use has escalated in the late 1990's and early 2000's among college students and young adults. MDMA's street names include "ecstasy," "XTC," "clarity," "essence," and "Adam." Based on a study funded by The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) in 1998, 3.6 percent of 12th graders, 3.3 percent of 10th graders, and 1.8 percent of 8th graders reported they had used MDMA in the past year. NIDA Notes - Facts About MDMA (Ecstasy).

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the majority of the drug is being smuggled into the U.S., but it is also produced in illicit laboratories domestically. MDMA produces significant long-term neurochemical changes after a single administration and selective and permanent brain damage during repetitive use. Recent DEA data indicate that more than 2 million tablets are smuggled into the U.S. each week. The DEA also estimates that within the Newark, New York and Jersey Shore corridor more than 750,000 dosage units are being consumed each week. DEA - Drugs of Concern - MDMA (Ecstasy).

"Introduction of VERDICT(R)-II METHAMPHETAMINE/MDMA is the latest example of executing on the plan to continue expanding and extending our diagnostic product lines to maintain a leadership position in the market and serve the needs of our clients," said Richard Braun, president and CEO. "Demand for MEDTOX Diagnostics point-of-screening Profile(R)-II and Verdict(R)-II devices continues to grow and has significant momentum."

In the first five months of 1999, 2000 and 2001; 65,000, 288,000 and 685,000 devices shipped; respectively. Since January of 2001, MEDTOX has received six 510(k) clearances on nine new device products and configurations from the FDA, has one application pending and expects to file a number of additional applications for new products and markets in 2001. MEDTOX now has more than 27 product and device configurations targeted at specific markets and customer needs. In addition, the Profile(R)-II ER product, which began shipping in April, continues to receive an excellent early reception. Currently the product is sold through the MEDTOX direct sales force. As previously stated the company is continuing discussions with a select number of major buying groups and a prominent distributor that have expressed strong interest in providing the Profile(R)-II ER product to their client base.

MEDTOX Scientific, Inc., headquartered in St. Paul, Minn., is a provider of high quality specialized laboratory and on-site/ point-of-testing devices. The company also supports customers with complete logistics, data and program management services. MEDTOX develops and manufactures diagnostic devices for quick and economical on-site/ point-of-test analysis for drugs of abuse, therapeutic drugs and agricultural toxins and provides employment drug screening and occupational health testing. MEDTOX is a leader in providing esoteric laboratory testing services to hospitals and laboratories nationwide. This includes both central laboratory and bio-analytical testing for pharmaceutical clinical trials. To be automatically alerted by e-mail about company information, please go to www.corporateir.net/ireye/ir_site.zhtml?ticker=tox&script=1900 and follow the directions on the page. For more information see www.medtox.com.

Note: Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made under the Private Securities Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ due to a number of factors including a change in the employment pattern of client companies, the ability of MEDTOX to acquire new business, and changes in the competitive environment. Fuller discussions of factors that may cause such results to differ are identified on page three of the company's 2000 annual report on Form 10-K and incorporated herein by reference.