Signalgene Announces the Appointment of Mr. Hubert Manseau and Dr. Chantal Brunet to the Board of Directors.

MONTREAL--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 16, 1999--

(ME:AGN.B.) (TSE:AGN.B.) During the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of SignalGene (formerly Algene Biotechnologies Corporation), the shareholders approved the appointment of eight members to the Board of Directors. In addition to the existing directors, Messrs Michael Dennis, Bernard Coupal, Francois Rousseau, Henri Harland, Andre Tremblay and Charles Sirois, two new positions were created as a result of the second private placement. The new board members are Mr. Hubert Manseau and Mrs. Chantal Brunet.

Mr. Manseau is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Societe Innovatech du Grand Montreal, a venture capital firm. Before joining Innovatech in 1997, he held the positions of Vice President, Administration, Finance and Business Development as well as acting Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and also Vice President, Centre de recherche informatique de Montreal (CRIM). During most of his career, he has also held the position of Director, Informatics at UQAM. Mr. Manseau has a Master Degree in Arts from Montreal University and is Information Systems Professional.

Dr. Brunet is Vice President, Biotechnology and Life Sciences and Director, Development Program for Societe Innovatech Quebec et Chaudieres-Appalaches. She has been working with Innovatech since 1996 where she first held the position of Investment Director. She started her career in 1992 with a private biotechnology company as Project Leader and then Production Director. Dr. Brunet holds a Ph.D. in microbiology-immunology from Universite Laval and is currently completing an MBA with the same university.

The two new appointments are subject to approval by regulatory authorities.

SignalGene Inc. uses innovative technologies and expertise in molecular genetics to identify genes associated with the pathology and treatment of major human diseases and to commercialize its discoveries in the diagnostic and therapeutic market. The Company's current activities include the discovery and validation of genes and gene variants associated with several human disorders, including breast cancer, osteoporosis, obesity and Alzheimer disease. Its shares are currently listed on the Montreal Exchange and on The Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol AGN.B.