Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo Launches Xechem's Sickle Cell Drug, NICOSAN(TM), in Nigeria.

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. -- Xechem International, Inc. (OTC BB:XKEM). Xechem International joins in congratulating its subsidiary, Xechem Pharmaceuticals Nigeria, on the successful launch of its new Sickle Cell drug, NICOSAN(TM), at a ceremony held on July 6th at Xechem Park, SHESTCO Complex, Abuja, Nigeria. The launching ceremony that was presided over by Nigeria's President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, was broadcasted live throughout Nigeria. Days earlier, the drug was approved by Nigeria's drug and regulatory authority, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). Xechem has obtained the exclusive worldwide rights to manufacture, market and sell NICOSAN(TM) under a licensing agreement with Nigeria's National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), a federal governmental agency whose scientists are credited with developing the drug.

President Obasanjo Tours Xechem Nigeria's Facilities

In remarks made at the launching ceremony, President Olusegun Obasanjo commended Xechem and its chairman, Dr. Ramesh Pandey, for their success to date in getting to the point of bringing this important drug to market and for validating the government of Nigeria's efforts to commercialize locally developed technologies: "In line with the reform agenda of this administration, the restructuring of the science, technology and innovation system has received priority attention. The re-engineering of the sector is hinged on the vision to make Nigeria a key participant and stakeholder in the application of new and emerging technologies and evolve an economy that is technology driven, private sector led and knowledge based. Today's occasion of launching of NICOSAN(TM) is an attestation that our policy is on the right course." Following the launching ceremony, President Obasanjo unveiled and toured Xechem's facilities and planted a tree on Xechem Nigeria's grounds to commemorate the occasion.

Dr. Pandey added: "We are extremely grateful to His Excellency, President Obasanjo, for making it a priority to personally launch NICOSAN(TM) and visiting Xechem's premises to mark this historic occasion. The President's participation in the ceremony reflects just how important this break-through sickle cell drug is, not only in Nigeria, but for those suffering with this debilitating disease all over the world." A gala affair attended by various ministers, high-level government officials, diplomats, and other business leaders, was held later that evening at the Abuja Sheraton Hotel in downtown Abuja.

About NICOSAN(TM)

NICOSAN(TM) is an anti-sickling "Natural Herbal Drug" developed by Nigerian Scientists at NIPRD and licensed by Xechem. In clinical studies conducted under NIPRD's auspices, the drug has shown to substantially reduce the degree of sickling of the affected red blood cells of those afflicted with the disease. While not a cure for SCD, the clinical trials have confirmed that the large majority of patients taking NICOSAN(TM) no longer experience sickle cell "crises" while on the medication, and even among those whose crises are not eliminated, the number and severity of the crises are substantially reduced.

About Sickle Cell Disease 

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder caused by an abnormality in the hemoglobin molecule. Patients with the disease often produce stiff, abnormally shaped red blood cells that often do not flow freely through the blood vessels. This can create clogs in the vessels, which in turn cut off the flow of normal hemoglobin and oxygen to parts of the body, and can cause severe painful attacks or "crises," damage to various organs and shortened life spans. People with SCD often suffer unpredictable painful crises several times a year lasting from a few hours to a week or more. In the US, there are approximately 80,000 patients with SCD. In Nigeria, that number is believed to be approximately 4 million, and worldwide at least 12 million individuals are afflicted with SCD.

About Xechem

Xechem International is a development stage biopharmaceutical company working on anticancer, antiviral (including AIDS), antifungal, antimalarial and antibacterial products from natural sources, including microbial and marine organisms. Its focus is on the development of phyto-pharmaceuticals (natural herbal drugs) and other proprietary technologies, including those used in the treatment of orphan diseases. Xechem's mission is to bring relief to the millions of people who suffer from these diseases. Its recent focus and resources have been directed primarily toward the development and launch of NICOSAN(TM) (to be marketed as HEMOXIN(TM) in the US and Europe). With the Nigerian regulatory approval now in hand, Xechem will now turn to the commercialization of the drug in Nigeria and the pursuit of US FDA and European regulatory approval. In addition to NICOSAN(TM), Xechem is also working on another sickle cell compound, 5-HMF, which it has licensed from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 as amended, and section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are intended to be covered by safe harbors created hereby. Such forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties.