Metra Biosystems, Berlex Laboratories, and Norland Medical Systems launch innovative co-promotion collaboration; program will address health management of menopausal women.

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--(BW HealthWire)--April 28, 1997--Metra Biosystems, Inc. (NASDAQ:MTRA), Berlex Laboratories, Inc. and Norland Medical Systems (NASDAQ:NRLD) today announced a joint program to foster the comprehensive management of post-menopausal conditions, including bone-related diseases which affect more than 25 million Americans, 80% of whom are women.

Under the agreement, Berlex's Female Healthcare salesforce will promote to U.S. obstetricians/gynecologists a synergistic product offering including Metra's Pyrilinks(R)-D bone resorption immunoassay, Norland's p-DEXA and OsteoAnalyzer(TM) bone densitometer products, and Berlex's female healthcare products for the management of menopause. The Focus of the collaboration will be healthcare management of the menopausal women and the physiologic changes associated with menopause.

"Today it is recognized that a women may live one-third of her life after menopause; therefore, an increasing emphasis is placed on health management and the prevention of the long-term sequalae of menopause. Efforts such as this will allow a more effective approach to support both the healthcare provider, and the patient by offering comprehensive point-of-care treatment approaches.

"We look forward to presenting this valuable health management approach comprised of Metra's and Norland's bone diagnostic tools and measurement systems along with Berlex's female healthcare product line to healthcare professionals throughout the United States," said Dr. H. Joseph Reiser, general manager-Pharmaceuticals, Berlex Laboratories.

"This unique program is designed to increase physician awareness and understanding of the diagnostic synergies that are possible using biochemical markers and imaging technologies," said George Dunbar, president and chief executive officer of Metra Biosystems.

"We believe the program will strongly support our collective efforts to build the markets for bone diagnostics while providing physicians with the tools necessary to manage post-menopausal conditions.

"In combination with Metra's own medical education efforts, the recent launch of our Pyrilinks(R)-D technology on Chiron Diagnostics' automated immunoassay system and the ongoing development of an in-office Pyrilinks(R)-D assay that will be CLIA-waived, this program advances Metra further toward the goal of broad market awareness and demand for our products."

Reynald Bonmati, chairman and president of Norland Medical Systems, Inc. stated, "We are pleased to be part of this innovative program. Norland's strategy has always focused on the need to bring easy-to-use, cost-effective bone density measurement into the physician's office. We believe this program will have a significant impact with OB/GYN physicians who play a critical role in the assessment of post-menopausal conditions."

Metra Biosystems, Inc. is a leader in developing and commercializing diagnostic products for the detection and management of metabolic bone diseases and disorders. Metra's strategy is to offer a portfolio of diagnostic products that will provide physicians with comprehensive clinical information regarding the metabolism of bone and other connective tissues.

Metra has developed and is currently marketing for either research use or clinical use: two immunodiagnostic tests to assess bone resorption; two immunodiagnostic tests to assess bone formation and one immunodiagnostic test to assess bone growth disorders.

In addition, the company is developing a portable ultrasound device designed to evaluate bone fragility and new biochemical tests to detect cartilage disorders. Under the agreement, Berlex has rights to such future technology.

Berlex Laboratories, Inc. is the U.S. pharmaceutical affiliate of an international company founded in Germany more than 125 years ago. The company is committed to bringing to the market beneficial preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic medicines that address unmet medical needs. Berlex Laboratories, Inc. researches, manufactures and markets ethical pharmaceuticals in three strategic areas: Diagnostic Imaging, Female Healthcare and Therapeutics which focuses on life-threatening and disabling diseases.

Norland Medical Systems, Inc. markets, sells and services a wide range of bone densitometers used to assess bone mineral content and density, one of several factors used by physicians in the diagnosis and monitoring of bone disorders, particularly osteoporosis, a disease that affects 25 million Americans, 80% whom are women.

Driven by the availability of new treatments for bone-related disorders, Norland is focusing on bringing affordable, state-of-the-art diagnostic technology directly into the physician's office in order to address a number of women's healthcare problems.

The Company also has rights to exclusive worldwide distribution and service of all current and future medical diagnostic products developed and manufactured by Norland Corporation, Stratec Medizintechnik GmbH. -0-

Statement regarding Metra Biosystems: The matters contained in this news release, except for the historical information set forth herein, are forward-looking statements that are dependent on certain risks and uncertainties including such factors, among others, as the uncertainty of market acceptance for biochemical markers, Metra's dependence upon international sales, the uncertainty of international regulations, Metra's reliance upon collaborative relationships, the uncertainty of ultrasound technology development, competition and regulation and the other risk factors listed in the Company's Prospectus dated April 23, 1996, Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1996, and in the Company's periodic reports on Form 10Q and in other filings with the SEC.

CONTACT: Metra Biosystems

Kurt Amundson, 415/903-9100

or

Berlex Laboratories

Wendy Neininger, 201/276-2043