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BIOSPHERICS SHAREHOLDERS VOTING POSTPONED BY DELAY IN PROXY REPORTING; INFORMAL MEETING HELD
Media Contact: Mark Hopkinson 561/ 750-9800
x14
Email: mhopkinson@TransMediagroup.com
Investor Relations: David Affeldt 301/ 419-3900
Email: daffeldt@biospherics.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
BELTSVILLE, MD., May 17, 2000. More than 100 Biospherics
Incorporated (NASDAQ/BINC) shareholders crowded a room at
the Company for its Annual Meeting Monday, but learned that
automated proxy returns had not arrived in time to achieve
a quorum. Accordingly, the meeting was postponed until Monday,
May 22, 2000. However, an informal meeting was held to bring
shareholders up to date on Company news. The Shareholders
were reminded that the Expert Panel to determine whether the
Firm's low-calorie, full-bulk sweetener is Generally Recognized
As Safe (GRAS), permitting its use in foods and beverages,
was also in session in Washington, D.C. Biospherics officials
assured the shareholders that they, and the public, would
be informed of the results of the Expert Committee meeting
as soon as the Company received formal word from its licensee
Arla Foods. A finding that tagatose is GRAS would free the
product for use in the US. Arla Foods officials stated that,
upon receipt of GRAS status, they will decide on building
the first production plant, which could be ready in about
18 months.
Shortly after the meeting, upon learning that saccharin is
no longer considered unsafe by the FDA, Biospherics officials
stated that no adverse effect was implied for tagatose. Tagatose,
a full-bulk sweetener and saccharin, a high-intensity sweetener,
address different markets. Saccharin's market seems fully
developed over its many years of use despite the ban. If anything,
saccharin might increase tagatose's market through the finding
that tagatose improves the taste of high-intensity sweeteners.
Shareholders were told of significant financial and technical
strides made by the Company. Record earnings were achieved
in the first quarter of 2000, and the Company launched its
safe-for-humans pesticide, FlyCrackerTM. Dr. Alan Chmurny,
Business Manager of the Biotechnology Division, reported that
FlyCracker was introduced to the market in the first quarter
of 2000. The product is being featured in four Internet virtual
storefronts, on Biospherics' website for direct sale and also
by distributors. Dr. Chmurny said initial reception of the
product has been gratifying, which he attributed to a long-felt
need by the animal husbandry, food and waste processing industries
for a safe, environmentally friendly fly larvicide.
Dr. Gilbert V. Levin, Company President and CEO, praised
the Company and its senior managers for achieving the quarter's
outstanding results. He also described a variety of additional
uses the Company has developed for tagatose, of which GRAS
status has recently been declared for several, including use
of the sweetener in toothpaste and mouthwash (see Biospherics
News Release of March 29, 2000). Rights to these uses remain
with Biospherics. Additional products under development were
described.
First quarter 2000 results for Biospherics compared with
1999:
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Three Months Ended March 31,
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2000
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1999
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| Revenue |
$5,253,517
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$2,965,895
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| Operating expense |
4,232,507
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3,893,655
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| Income (loss) from operations |
1,021,010
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(927,760)
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| Net income (loss) |
$1,018,377
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$(993,814)
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| Net income (loss) per share, diluted |
$ 0.09
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$ (0.11)
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Certain statements contained herein are "forward looking"
statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995. Because such statements include risks
and uncertainties, actual results may differ from those expressed
or implied. Factors that could cause actual results to differ
materially from those expressed or implied include, but are
not limited to, those discussed in filings by the Company
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the
filing on Form 8-K made on March 3, 1999.
Under its motto, "Technologies for Information and Health,"
Biospherics' mission is to provide guidance and products to
improve the quality of life. Biospherics offers biotechnology
innovations, information technology solutions, and information
center services.
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