Materials Transfer Agreement - University of Iowa

Proteome Sciences PLC
20 April 2000

Materials Transfer Agreement
with the University of Iowa

The Directors of Proteome Sciences plc are pleased to announce that its US
subsidiary, Intronn LLC ('Intronn') has entered into a Materials Transfer
Agreement with the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at the University of
Iowa, USA, a major new gene therapy centre sponsored by the National Institute
of Health and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

The purpose of the scientific collaboration between Intronn and Dr. J.F.
Engelhardt, (the director of the programme in animal models of human diseases
and therapeutic intervention at the University of Iowa) is to test the
potential of SMaRT technology to repair the gene defects which cause cystic
fibrosis in the most clinically relevant models of the disease. SMaRT will be
incorporated into several viral delivery vectors and evaluated for its ability
to correct pulmonary epithelia and stem cells from patients. SMaRT technology
will also be used to create gene knock out models of disease.

Commenting on the Agreement, Christopher Pearce, the Group Chief Executive,
said 'this demonstrates further interest from the scientific community for
Intronn's SMaRT technology platform to be used by one of the leaders in the
field of gene therapy, with expertise in viral delivery systems utilising
adeno virus and adeno associated virus.  We will keep shareholders informed of
the results from the programme and notify them of further developments'.

Enquiries:-

Proteome Sciences plc, UK                          Tel: [phone]
Christopher Pearce, Chief Executive Officer

Intronn LLC, USA                                   Tel: [phone]
Dr. Lloyd Mitchell


Notes to Editors

1.       Proteome Sciences plc

       Founded in 1984, Proteome Sciences plc, listed in London, is recognised
as a leader in proteomics technology.  The Company utilises the platform
technology of 2DE (two-dimensional gel electrophoresis) to search for novel
protein markers in body fluids and tissue, the presence of which can be used
to identify specific disease states in the development of associated
diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic applications.

       Proteomics is used to identify the changing expression of proteins in
disease pathways.  This can be used for diagnostic purposes, to monitor the
effect of therapeutic treatment at the protein level and to accelerate the
speed and efficacy of clinical trials.  Proteomics is thought to be a key
contributor to the development of functional genomics, which will play a major
role in bio-medical research and will make a significant impact in the
development of diagnostic and therapeutic products.

2.       Intronn LLC

       Intronn LLC, based in North Carolina, USA, is a joint venture between
Proteome Sciences plc and Intronn Holdings LLC.  Intronn is developing a novel
approach to gene therapy and has filed patents for its Spliceosome Mediated
RNA Trans-splicing (SMaRT) Gene Therapy, which may be applied to a wide range
of diseases.  The technology allows virtually any mutated gene to be targeted
and reprogrammed to produce a new gene product useful in treating that
particular disease.

3.       Cystic Fibrosis

       Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease which is caused by a defect
in the CFTR gene.  The disease is characterised by chronic infection of the
respiratory system, which may lead to the loss of lung function and premature
death.  Cystic Fibrosis is the most common fatal genetic disease amongst
Caucasians, afflicting approximately 55,000 patients in the USA and Europe. 
The typical life span for a patient with Cystic Fibrosis is 30 years and it is
estimated that the annual medical costs for each patient range from $15,000 to
$55,000.  Approximately 1 in 25 of the population is a carrier of a faulty
gene which can cause CF in their children.  CF carriers are completely healthy
because they have one normal gene as well as one defective CF gene.