Contacts:
Roche Bioscience
Nancy Peterson
Vice President
Communications & Public Affairs
Phone: (415) 855-5567
Fax: (415) 855-5526
E-Mail: nancy.peterson@roche.com

Clontech
Joseph C. C. Juang, Ph.D.
Phone: (415) 424-8222 x 1468
E-mail: ccjuang@clontech.com

ROCHE BIOSCIENCE, CLONTECH ANNOUNCE RESEARCH AGREEMENT

PALO ALTO, Calif., June 12, 1997 -- Roche Bioscience and Clontech Laboratories, Inc., today jointly announced an agreement under which the companies will pursue the discovery of novel molecular targets for the treatment of asthma, arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

This agreement expands the relationship between the two companies, which began last year when they formed an alliance involving research in the areas of analgesia and lower urinary tract disorders.

"At Roche Bioscience, we believe that by accessing unique Clontech technology, we will be able to identify novel molecular targets more rapidly and efficiently and thereby leverage and amplify our internal research capabilities," said Robert Booth, senior vice president and head of the Roche Bioscience Inflammatory Diseases Unit.

Roche Bioscience is a research-based, product-focused organization dedicated to the discovery and early clinical development of innovative prescription drugs. Roche Bioscience is a member of the Roche Group, which has headquarters in Basel, Switzerland.

Clontech is a privately-held company specializing in the research, development and manufacture of innovative research products for the molecular and cell biology research market. Clontech was founded in 1984.

Both companies are located in Palo Alto, Calif.