Martek's Oils Improve Growth of Preterm Infants Also Reduce Nervousness and Irritability August 6, 1997 COLUMBIA, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE) via Individual Inc. -- Martek Biosciences Corporation (NASDAQ: MATK) today reported the findings of two major clinical trials using preterm infant formula supplemented with Martek's DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and ARA (arachidonic acid). The first trial, sponsored by Mead Johnson and presented at the Fourth International Conference on Essential Fatty Acids and Eicosanoids in Edinburgh, Scotland, found that preterm infants fed formulas containing Martek's oils had a 12% better growth rate than the control group. The second study, sponsored by Wyeth-Ayerst and submitted to the Life Sciences Research Office (LSRO) of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biologies (FASEB), concluded that the addition of Martek's oils to infant formula reduced the amount of fungal skin infections, milk intolerance, and nervousness and irritability in the supplemented babies compared to a group fed a standard preterm infant formula. The LSRO-FASEB panel has been designated to make recommendations for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on infant formula guidelines for preterm and term infant formulas in the U.S. Both studies were large, multicenter trials in the U.S. with a combined population of 481 babies. Both studies again confirm the safety of Martek's oils which has been previously shown in a number of trials. At the date of its submittal to the LSRO- FASEB panel, the Wyeth-Ayerst study was believed to be the largest and most vigorous trial of its kind ever conducted. "Improving infant development through nutrition has always been a goal of Martek," said Henry Linsert Jr., Martek's Chairman and CEO. "The improvement found regarding irritability and nervousness is particularly important because it is consistent with previous findings, such as the trials cited by the authors of the Wyeth-Ayerst trial, which associate DHA deficiencies with hyperactivity and behavior problems in young children. Not only do Martek's oils make infant formulas more like mother's breast milk, we now have strong data supporting the fact that the benefits associated with breast milk DHA can be safely reproduced with Martek's oils." Martek's oils are naturally derived nutritional supplements containing two essential long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, DHA and ARA, which are fundamental building blocks of the brain and the retina. DHA and ARA are naturally delivered to babies through breast milk. Many researchers in infant nutrition believe DHA and JRA to be critical for mental and visual development. Due to their link with neurological development, the addition of DHA and ARA has been recommended by a number of international organizations. The British Nutrition Foundation (BNF), the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology and the Joint Expert Committee on Human Nutrition of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO), have recommended that these essential fatty acids be included in preterm infant formulas. The BNF and the FAO/WHO Committee have also recommended that DHA and ARA be included in formulas for all infants. Infant formulas supplemented with Martek's oils are available around the world but are not yet available in the United States. Martek Biosciences Corporation is engaged in the research, development and manufacture of nutritional supplements, drug design tools, diagnostics and pharmaceuticals. The Company strategy is to access the vast but largely untapped microalgae kingdom to create a broad portfolio of high-value products that uniquely satisfy unmet nutritional and health needs. CONTACT: Steve Dubin | Chief Financial Officer | or | Stephanie Diaz | Director of Finance | Martek Biosciences Corporation | (410) 740-0081 [Copyright 1997, Business Wire]