Copenhagen, Oslo, 19 December 2000

New patent strengthens Nutri Pharmas position and protects its soy technology in the European markets

The Scandinavian Biotech Company Nutri Pharma has been granted a new and important patent in the European markets by the European Patent Office. The patent ensures Nutri Pharma’s special technology for combining soy proteins, fibres and lipids. A similar patent was granted in the USA in November and protects Nutri Pharmas soy technology for prevention and treatment of lifestyle-related diseases such as obesity, elevated cholesterol levels and type 2 diabetes.

"This patent is a breakthrough for Nutri Pharma’s line of products in the European markets ", says Michael Oredsson, CEO of Nutri Pharma. "The granted patent strengthens our position in the European markets and Nutri Pharma’s possibilities for licensing its products with European and global companies. Step by step we are now consolidating our position as world leading within our market segment, which has been confirmed by this patent."

Nutri Pharma today has agreements with companies such as Del Monte, Scania Diaries, and General Nutrition Company (Numico) and it will make use of this newly granted patent in negotiations with new and potential partners.

The Biotech Company Nutri Pharma ASA develops and markets innovative functional food ingredients, all based on the company’s proprietary soy technology. Its products prevent and heal lifestyle-related diseases such as obesity, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes. Nutri Pharma’s soy technology is patented. Nutri Pharma ASA is listed on the main list at the Oslo Stock Exchange, and has its head quarters in Copenhagen. Nutri Pharma also has offices in Norway, Sweden, USA, England and Germany.

For further information, please contact:

Michael Oredsson, CEO Nutri Pharma ASA.TEL: +45 3338 4000
David Speechly, PhD, MBA. Noonan/Russo Ltd.TEL: 0171 726 4452