Ventana Biotech Inc. Signs Asian Distribution Deal With GTMC

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM--(Marketwire - September 09, 2009) - Ventana Biotech Inc. (“Ventana”) (PINK SHEETS: VNTA), a biotechnology company developing medicated chewing gums, today announced that it has signed a deal with GTMC, a Korean distribution company, for the distribution of Ventana’s appetite suppressant and stress reducing chewing gums.

The deal will see Ventana’s products distributed initially to South Korea and, later, to Japan through GTMC’s network of manufacturing and distribution partners. Under the terms of the deal, GTMC will negotiate agreements whereby GTMC will cover the initial costs and, thereafter, manufacturing and distribution costs will be paid through revenue share agreements.

This arrangement enables Ventana to participate in the lucrative alternative biotech market without having to provide any of the upfront costs. In South Korea alone, the import of medical products has risen approximately 30% per year for the past 5 years. South Korea is among the top 15 economies in the world and its population expects a high level of medical care and choice of products. Medicated chewing gum is on the rise in South Korea and this agreement positions Ventana to be a leading supplier in an estimated billion dollar market in 2010.

Ventana’s first shipments are expected to be distributed in South Korea no later than the second quarter of 2010.

About Ventana Biotech Inc

Ventana is positioning itself as the leading bioscience company in the development and commercial licensure of novel therapeutic anti-obesity drug treatment. The company leverages cutting-edge research collaborations to achieve breakthroughs in innovative anti-obesity treatments, and then licenses these patented drug product candidates to Big Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology companies.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS:

Statements about Ventana’s future expectations and all other statements in this press release other than historical facts are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and as the term is defined in the Private Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Ventana’s actual results could differ materially from expected results. Ventana does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequently occurring events or circumstances. Should events occur which materially affect any comments made within this objective; Ventana will appropriately inform the public.

For more information about Ventana Biotech Inc please contact investor@ventanabiotech.com