Acologix: The Science of Remedies

Emeryville, CA-April 30, 2002 — A biopharmaceutical company named after an old word is developing new therapeutic candidates. Big Bear Bio, Inc. has changed its name to Acologix, Inc. on its tenth anniversary. Acologix derives its name from a Greek word, acology, which means "the science of remedies." Since its inception in 1992, Acologix (www.acologix.com) has identified several therapeutic molecules that demonstrate significant pharmacological activities based on new mechanisms of action. Acologix expects to enter clinical trials with up to six of its product candidates during the next twenty-four months. The name change reflects Acologix's dynamic transition into a drug development company.

Acologix has moved into a new R&D facility in Emeryville, CA to enable the transition to a product development company. This new facility houses its administrative offices and is designed primarily for manufacturing process development and other pre-clinical development activities.

Acologix is developing six product candidates to treat metabolic disorders, including osteoporosis, hyperphosphatemia, kidney transplant, vascular calcification, atopic dermatitis, and melanoma. Dentonin^®, Acologix's lead compound, is expected to reach IND submission in the 4th Quarter 2002 for the treatment of severe osteoporosis. Phosphatonin, for the treatment of hyperphosphatemia, is expected to be the company's second IND submission in early 2003.

About Acologix, Inc.

Acologix, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing novel therapeutics primarily for the treatment of metabolic disorders. Acologix's research approach is centered on the biological functions of minerals and extracellular matrix molecules in the body, which has led to six unique therapeutic product candidates.

Company Contact

Yoshi Kumagai
President & CEO
Phone: 510.379.1073 ext 10
Fax: 510.379.1074