VACAVILLE, Calif. & ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 8, 2004--Large Scale Biology Corporation (Nasdaq:LSBC - News) and Sigma-Aldrich Fine Chemicals, a division of Sigma-Aldrich Corporation (Nasdaq:SIAL - News), announced today that they have entered into an agreement under which LSBC will biomanufacture for Sigma-Aldrich's commercial distribution, LSBC's APRONEXIN(TM) NP animal-free, recombinant, plant-made, bovine-sequence aprotinin produced using LSBC's proprietary GENEWARE® expression technology.

LSBC is a leader in protein biomanufacturing through its proprietary GENEWARE® biomanufacturing platform, which utilizes transient expression of pharmaceutical and industrial proteins in non-transgenic, non-food/feed plants of the tobacco family. "We look forward to a productive relationship with Sigma-Aldrich on the basis of the synergy borne from our ability to provide defined recombinant reagents such as APRONEXIN(TM) NP aprotinin, and Sigma-Aldrich's superior marketing and distribution strengths to the R&D and manufacturing communities," stated Daniel Tuse, Ph.D., LSBC's Vice President, Business Development.

Sigma-Aldrich, well known for its expertise in producing and marketing proteins from alternative sources, can capitalize on LSBC's recombinant aprotinin to expand its growing line of "Animal Free" products. "The availability of a recombinant alternative to animal-extracted aprotinin, a widely used protease inhibitor, will help solidify our leadership position in recombinant reagents that have been traditionally derived from animal sources," said Tom Gelineau, Sigma-Aldrich's Director of US Sales.

About Aprotinin

Aprotinin is a naturally occurring protease inhibitor that is extracted primarily from bovine lungs, and acts to minimize or stop the degradation of proteins. Aprotinin has medical uses to help control post-operative bleeding after cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. This protein also has many applications in R&D and manufacturing processes where controlling or minimizing the degradation of a protein product is desirable. Concerns surrounding the use of animal and human-derived proteins in pharmaceutical manufacturing make plant-produced recombinant proteins an attractive alternative. LSBC's GENEWARE® technology offers an animal-free source of proteins as well as the capacity to produce large quantities without the risk of significant capital investment. LSBC's APRONEXIN(TM) NP recombinant aprotinin has the identical amino acid composition and physical and chemical properties of bovine lung-derived material, but is free of any animal-derived components and is available in quantities to meet any contemplated application.

About LSBC

Large Scale Biology Corporation is a biotechnology company developing and biomanufacturing biotherapeutics, vaccines and industrial proteins for important life science industry markets. Corporate headquarters, molecular biology and product design laboratories are located in Vacaville, Calif., and the Company's bioprocess development and commercial-scale biomanufacturing facilities are located in Owensboro, Ky. In addition to its class-leading internal capabilities, LSBC relies on a network of industry, government and academic collaborators throughout the US and Europe to achieve rapid, commercially relevant product discovery, optimization and manufacturing. For more information about Large Scale Biology Corporation, visit the Company's website at www.lsbc.com.

About Sigma-Aldrich

Sigma-Aldrich is a leading Life Science and High Technology company. Its biochemical and organic chemical products and kits are used in scientific and genomic research, biotechnology, pharmaceutical development, the diagnosis of disease and chemical manufacturing. It has customers in life science companies, university and government institutions, hospitals and in industry. Sigma-Aldrich operates in 34 countries and has over 5,900 employees providing excellent service worldwide. Sigma-Aldrich is committed to the success of its customers, employees and shareholders through leadership in Life Science, High Technology and Service. For more information about Sigma-Aldrich, please visit their web site at sigma-aldrich.com.

Statements contained herein are forward-looking statements relating to future performance, strategic actions and initiatives and similar intentions and beliefs that are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, including, among others, certain economic, political and technological factors. There are a number of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by the companies, including the ability to commercialize and sell the product mentioned and any difficulties or delays in obtaining regulatory approval to test and market the product. The companies do not undertake any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

LSBC(TM) is a trademark of Large Scale Biology Corporation. GENEWARE® is a registered trademark of Large Scale Biology Corporation.

Contact:

Large Scale Biology Corporation Daniel Tuse, Ph.D., 707-469-2316 daniel.tuse@lsbc.com or

Sigma-Aldrich Fine Chemicals Thomas Gelineau, 314-301-2077 tgelineau@sial.com

Source: Large Scale Biology Corporation