New Evidence Released at American Stroke Conference Links Homocysteine to Strokes

Competitive Technologies Client Has Patent on Homocysteine Assay Technology


FAIRFIELD, Conn., Feb. 20, 2001 (PRIMEZONE) -- Competitive Technologies, Inc. (AMEX:CTT) announced that several studies presented last week at the 26th Annual International Meeting of the American Stroke Association held in Fort Lauderdale show evidence that the amino acid homocysteine is linked to an increase in the likelihood of stroke. An Associated Press article in today's Science Section of The New York Times provides additional details on the presented studies.

At normal levels, homocysteine is an amino acid the body uses to help build and maintain body tissue. However, too much homocysteine may cause blood platelets to clump together and damage the lining of the arteries.

CTT has licensed the patent covering performance of assays for homocysteine to ten (including one sublicense) clinical laboratories. The patent is derived from discoveries made by CTT's clients Drs. Robert Allen and Sally Stabler from the University of Colorado and the late Dr. John Lindenbaum from Columbia University.

CTT earns royalties on homocysteine assays performed. Approximately 20 million Americans -- one cardiovascular patient in every three -- have elevated homocysteine levels. Currently less than 1 million homocysteine assays are performed each year.

The American Stroke Association (www.strokeassociation.org), a division of the American Heart Association (www.americanheart.org), was created to offer information for professional, patient and general public audiences, with emphasis on those at greatest risk of stroke. Additional documents on homocysteine can be found on both sites.

Frank R. McPike, Jr., President and CEO of CTT, said, "We are encouraged by these studies. The risks of elevated homocysteine levels range from heart attacks to pregnancy complications, from dementia from Alzheimer's to osteoporosis. These studies should increase awareness of the need for homocysteine testing and result in improved health for many."

The American Stroke Association estimates that 440 of the 1,640 Americans (26.8%) who suffer a stroke each day this year will die from that stroke.

About Competitive Technologies, Inc.

Competitive Technologies is a global leader in identifying, developing and commercializing innovative life sciences, physical sciences and digital technologies. Competitive Technologies' specialized expertise and experience make it a valuable partner for inventors, companies and universities of all sizes. CTT has been responsible for closing hundreds of licensing agreements. CTT clients and licensees include: Sony, Matsushita Electric Industrial, the University of Colorado, the University of Illinois, Digital Ink, Inc., NTRU Cryptosystems, Inc., Palatin Technologies, Inc. and Ribozyme Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Competitive Technologies, Inc. is based in Fairfield, and has affiliates in Osaka, Japan and London, England.

Statements about the Company's future expectations, including development and regulatory plans, and all other statements in this document other than historical facts are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Federal Securities Laws and are not guarantees of future performance. These statements involve risks and uncertainties related to market acceptance of and competition for the Company's licensed technologies and other risks and uncertainties inherent in CTT's business, including those set forth in Item 1 of the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2000 and other factors that may be described in CTT's filings with the SEC, and are subject to change at any time. The Company's actual results could differ materially from these forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statement.



            

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