Medical College of Wisconsin Awards ColorMax Patent for Human Color Genes.

Business Editors/Health and Medical Writers

TUSTIN, Calif.--(BW HealthWire)--Nov 15, 2000

ColorMax Technologies Inc. (OTCBB:CXTE) has acquired exclusive rights to the, patent for the human genes responsible for common, hereditary, red-green colorblindness.

The Tustin-based company is currently marketing the first legally-approved prescription lenses designed to aid persons with this vision disorder.

ColorMax acquired a broad patent license covering the human genes for color vision from the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. The patent also covers a revolutionary test for color blindness based on a simple analysis of the actual genes that cause the problem. The new test is the first major improvement in color vision testing in the last half of a century.

It is also the first totally objective color vision test that can consistently classify color vision deficiencies. As such, it offers a solution to the problem of setting uniform standards in the workplace. And, for the first time, accurate testing of preschool and kindergarten aged children will be possible.

The genetic test, and much of what is known about the genetics of color vision itself, represent years of research by the husband and wife team of Jay Neitz, Ph.D., professor of cell biology, neurobiology and anatomy, and ophthalmology; and Maureen E. Neitz, Ph.D., professor of ophthalmology, and cell biology, neurobiology and anatomy at the Medical College.

They recently worked out the molecular genetic basis for why there are large individual differences in the severity of color blindness among people with the defect. It is one of the first examples of a defect of the nervous system where examination of a person's DNA can predict not only the occurrence but also the severity of a defect.

The test involves swabbing the inside of the cheek with a soft brush to pick up skin cells sloughed daily from the lining of the mouth. The swab goes to a laboratory where the color genes, which are expressed in the eye but are present in all cells, are specifically analyzed to give both a precise identification and an accurate classification of any color vision deficiency.

"This is a major breakthrough because as scientists strive to understand the genetic basis of human disease, it is often more important to forecast the severity of the impairment than to merely reveal the presence of a genetic defect," said Dr. Jay Neitz.

This test represents the first practical use of recent developments from molecular genetics to benefit people with color vision deficiencies. Future developments from research on the color genes promises to provide a genetic approach to therapy for color blindness.

Color blindness can affect performance related to an increasing number of occupations and can cause serious problems for young children in school. The most important first step in minimizing problems from color blindness is to accurately identify the color vision defect.

Color blindness is not one disorder but rather a diverse array of defects that affect color discrimination in nearly 12 million Americans, and perhaps as many as 250 million persons worldwide. Up until now, truly accurate diagnostic tests of color vision have not been widely available and they are costly and time consuming for the patient.

This release contains forward-looking statements with respect to the results of operations and business of ColorMax Technologies Inc., that involves risks and uncertainties. The company's actual results could materially differ from those discussed herein. Risks and uncertainties of the company will be detailed from time to time in the company's periodic reports. The company intends that such statements about the company's future expectations, including future revenues and earnings, and all other forward-looking statements, be subject to the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.