Metra Biosystems Receives FDA Clearance for Monitoring of Osteoporosis Treatments.

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--(BW HealthWire)--June 8, 1998--Metra Biosystems, Inc. (Nasdaq: MTRA) today announced U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance of Metra's 510(k) premarket notification for the use of Alkphase-B(R), its serum-based laboratory test for bone formation, to monitor response to anti-resorptive therapies, like Fosamax(R) (alendronate) and estrogen, in the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis. In addition, Alkphase-B is the first serum test cleared for use as a predictor of skeletal response to hormone replacement therapy.

"With our Pyrilinks(R)-D assay and these additional claims for Alkphase-B, Metra is now positioned as the only diagnostics company with regulatory clearance for both bone resorption and bone formation assays," said George Dunbar, Metra's President and CEO. "The ability to offer physicians a full complement of tools for bone health management is a significant strategic achievement."

The new 510(k) clearance was based on two separate randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials involving alendronate and hormone replacement therapy. In one of the studies, Alkphase-B was used to compare bone-specific alkaline phosphatase levels in post menopausal women diagnosed with osteoporosis, who received either alendronate and a calcium supplement or a calcium supplement alone. In the second study, Alkphase-B was used to compare bone-specific alkaline phosphatase levels in healthy post-menopausal women, who received either estrogen replacement therapy or a placebo. Both studies demonstrated that Alkphase-B can be used to monitor the effects of drugs used for the treatment or prevention of osteoporosis.

"The studies confirm the utility of Alkphase-B as an indicator of treatment response," said John Coombes, Metra's Vice President of Marketing and Sales. "We believe this information is critical for patients to receive maximum therapeutic benefit."

Metra Biosystems, Inc. develops and commercializes diagnostic products for the detection and management of metabolic bone and joint diseases. The Company's goal is to provide products for the comprehensive clinical evaluation of bone and connective tissue health. With six immunodiagnostic products currently on the market, including Pyrilinks-D--the Dpd test, Metra believes it is the leading company in this new field in terms of total product revenues. Additional information is available on the Company's web site at: www.metrabio.com.

The matters contained in this press 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, competition and regulation and the other risk factors listed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997 and in the company's periodic reports on Form IO-Q and in other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    CONTACT:  Metra Biosystems, Mountain View
               George Dunbar (investors), 650/903-9100
               Karen Shepard (products), 650/903-9100
                    or
               Edelman Public Relations
               Susan Sorensen (PR), 415/433-5381
                   or
               Edelman Financial
               Emmanuelle Thiney (investors), 212/704-8239