Sigma Chemical Co. and ProdiGene Inc. today announced the successful launch of the world's first protein products produced from genetically engineered plants.

Introductory quantities of recombinant Avidin and B-glucuronidase (Gus) produced in transgenic maize (corn) plants have been successfully introduced to Sigma's customers in the research, industrial and pharmaceutical markets. These products are proteins specifically for use as research chemicals and diagnostic reagents. They are the first of several recombinant proteins produced from transgenic plants that were co-developed by Sigma and ProdiGene under a
joint-product development agreement.

"Initial market results of these two products from our collaboration with ProdiGene have been excellent. They are a welcome addition to our expanding biochemical product line," said David W. Julien, Sigma Chemical Company's Vice President of Marketing.

"We are very pleased with these significant joint milestones with Sigma. By combining ProdiGene's protein expression technology with Sigma's strong manufacturing, marketing and distribution capabilities, we are introducing innovative recombinant products to the market with many unique advantages and benefits for Sigma's customers," said John A. Ii ow ard, President and Chief Executive Officer of ProdiGene, Inc.

Sigma Chemical, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, develops, manufactures and distributes a broad range of high-quality chemicals for use in research and development, the diagnosis of disease, and as specialty chemicals for manufacturing purposes.

ProdiGene, based in College Station, Texas, is a biotechnology company that develops genetically engineered plants that produce novel recombinant proteins. The company holds a series of patents that provide it with a leadership position in this exciting new field.

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