Molecular Biosystems receives patent for orally administered ultrasound contrast agent.

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 14, 1995--Molecular Biosystems Inc. (NYSE:MB) Tuesday announced that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has issued a key patent to the company entitled, "Method of Ultrasonic Imaging of the Gastrointestinal Tract and Upper Abdominal Organs Using an Orally Administered Negative Contrast Medium."

The patent U.S. 5,385,147, relates to Oralex(TM), the company's abdominal ultrasound imaging agent currently in phase I trials. Oralex(TM) is designed to increase the clinical utility of abdominal ultrasound, which is often used as a first step in examination of the abdominal region.

Oralex(TM) enhances abdominal images obtained from ultrasound imaging by displacing gas within the stomach, thereby providing a clearer acoustic "window" to view the surrounding abdominal organs such as the stomach, pancreas, small intestine and gallbladder.

"The issuance of this patent strengthens the company's proprietary position in oral imaging agents," said Kenneth J. Widder, M.D., chairman and CEO. "We believe there exists a defined clinical need for an orally administered contrast agent. This patent protection for Oralex(TM) is an important step in securing additional proprietary protection for our ultrasound contrast media line."

Molecular Biosystems, based in San Diego, is a leader in the development of ultrasound contrast agents for medical imaging. In August 1994, MBI received final approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to begin domestic marketing of ALBUNEX, MBI's flagship ultrasound contrast agent.

ALBUNEX is currently marketed in Japan by Shionogi & Co. Ltd., and in the United States by Mallinckrodt Medical Inc. (Mallinckrodt Group Inc. NYSE:MKG). Hafslund Nycomed AS (NYSE:HN) will market ALBUNEX in Europe. MBI shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "MB."

CONTACT: Molecular Biosystems Inc., San Diego

Gerard A. Wills/Stephen F. Keane, 619/452-0681, ext. 2212