Sangui BioTech Int'l, Inc.: Development of an insertable sensor for clinical use of diabetics made possible through additional options of the concept.

Business Editors

SANTA ANA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--August 24, 2000

Sangui BioTech International Inc. (NASDAQ BB: SGBI; WKN 906 757; SBH.GR (Bloomberg), SGBI.H (Reuters)) announced today that its subsidiary company GlukoMediTech AG, Witten, Germany, has submitted two applications for granting a patent at the German Patent Office in Munchen, Germany, covering the modification and additional options of the development concept of the implantable glucose sensor.

GlukoMediTech AG has been developing a long term implantable glucose sensor based on physical measurement systems for determination of the glucose level in diabetics. Previously both the measuring system and the dialyzing micro system of the sensor were coupled via an internal circuit that was driven by a micro-pump.

The company's engineers advanced the construction of the glucose sensor in such a way that in future all moveable mechanical parts of the sensor can completely be dispensed with. "To obtain a sensor that is distinguished by its safety and that maintains a high functionality, the reduction of mechanical parts has been in mind during the entire development process because they are rather trouble-prone. Since now the final mechanically moveable sensor component has been omitted -- this is the micro-pump with a relatively high energy demand -- the sensor becomes not only safer in operation but this change will have also a positive effect on the sensor's energy supply," said Kai Zirk, the company's Head of Research and Development.

Preferably, two physical measuring systems, independently of each other, are to be combined in the glucose sensor of the GlukoMediTech AG. Previously, the company had developed a polarimetric and an infrared spectrometric system. Now a third optical measuring system for the determination of the glucose level can be selected; it is also covered by the new submitted patents. Which of the measuring systems will finally be realized in the glucose sensor has not yet been decided.

The latest further development in the sensor construction offers the enterprise an additional possibility to develop also an "insertable" sensor for the initial clinical adjustment of diabetics. In contrast to an implanted sensor that is completely under the skin and has no connection at all through the skin to the outside, an inserted sensor is so to speak "pierced" through the skin, that means it has a connection to the outside. The insertable sensor of the Company is being designed to allow a continuous long term glucose determination over several days and will exhibit the same measuring principles and the almost identical design as the implantable sensor. In contrast to the implantable sensor, the functional capacity does not depend on a complete miniaturizing of the electronic system. The evaluation unit will be outside of the human body and connected by cable with the insertable sensor.

"It is an enormous advantage and will increase the functional safety if for the initial clinical adjustment of the diabetic the same measuring system can be used as later in the implanted glucose sensor. The further developments and additional options in the design concept are expected to enable us to check the function of the sensor in the human being earlier than expected, which might have a favorable effect on the market entry of the sensor," said Professor Wolfgang Barnikol, MD, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of GlukoMediTech AG and CEO, President of Sangui BioTech International Inc., Santa Ana, California.

Statements in this news release looking forward in time involve risks and uncertainties, including the risks associated with the effect of changing economic conditions, trends in the products markets, variations in the company's cash flow, market acceptance risks, technical development risks, seasonal and other risk factors detailed in the Company's SEC filings.