DEWB AG Makes Its First Investment in the US American Biotechnology Market

CHICAGO, IL and Jena, Germany - January 15, 2001

DEWB is taking an eight percent stake in the Chicago-based firm of Integrated Genomics, Inc.

Through its investment in Integrated Genomics, Inc. DEWB, the Jena-based venture capital company, is expanding its investment portfolio in the growing biotechnology market on the international level. In future, DEWB will hold eight percent of the shares in the biotech company Integrated Genomics, which is based in Chicago/USA and was founded in 1997.

Integrated Genomics represents the future-oriented field of functional genome analysis, analysis which is carried out with the help of IG's proprietary bioinformatics suite ERGO™, tools produced by the company itself. The integrated approach starts with the high-throughput sequencing of genomes genes, and extends through to functional identification of genes using both proprietary and the public databases with the help of its own and public databases, to the optimization of the metabolism of microorganisms and to the research of into new active agents for medical and agricultural medial applications. In this context, Integrated Genomics possesses an extensive pool of data on DNA sequences whose genes which have already been identified. The company concentrates primarily on the sequencing and the functional identification of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. These services are essential to required by companies in the biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, chemical, and food industries. "Integrated Genomics, as its name implies, has made its name the subject of its program and offers comprehensive services in genomics all from one source. At present, there is no other comparable company in Europe", according to the Board Spokesman of DEWB, Dr. Dietmar Kubis.

The company today employs 106 highly trained personnel. "In addition to the soundly-based sound advice, the functioning network was the decisive factor aspect for Integrated Genomics", stated Dr. Michael Fonstein of Integrated Genomics, Inc. regarding the decision to choose chose DEWB as its partner. The investment capital will be used, amongst other things, to expand the technical infrastructure and to increase the research and development work in order to enhance the knowledge of gene functions and their roles in cellular functions.

Company portrait of DEWB AG

The firm of DEWB (Deutsche Effecten- und Wechsel-Beteiligungsgesellschaft) AG is the largest, bank independent venture capital company in the New Federal Länder and one of the fastest growing venture capital firms in Germany.

DEWB provides growth companies in from the opto-electronics, biotechnology, and telecommunication/IT sectors with support in the form of technological know-how, comprehensive advice and equity capital from incorporation of the company to stock market flotation and beyond. In this context the company accesses the international technology network of the Jenoptik Group.

In 4MBO, Analytik, Asclepion, Caatoosee, CyBio, I-D Media, and Tepla DEWB has floated seven companies on the Neue Markt since 1999. The company currently has investments in over 25 companies, with a total investment volume of more than 75 million Euros.

Contact:
Steffen Schneider
DEWB AGb
Post-IPO Services
Telephone: ++49 - 3641 - 652290
Telefax: ++49 - 3641 - 652157
E-mail: Steffen.Schneider@dewb-vc.com