Frontier Scientific Acquires Echelon Biosciences Inc.

Frontier Scientific Inc., a discovery biochemistry company providing reagents and fine chemicals for research and drug discovery has acquired Echelon Biosciences Inc. from Aeterna Zentaris Inc.

Both companies will benefit from this new relationship. Frontier has a proven track-record of specialized biochemical synthetic organic chemistry with experience in drug development, small molecule building blocks, and material science. Its light-activated chemistries have broad industrial and medical applications.

Echelon is a world-recognized expert in the development and marketing of critical reagents and assays to look inside the human cell at lipids-related signaling mistakes that lead to diseases like cancer, diabetes, and inflammation. It previously has moved small molecules into successful early animal studies targeting ovarian cancer.

Both companies have promising activities in the field of new potential antibacterials.

Dr. Jerry Bommer, President of Frontier Scientific commented, "Frontier Scientific and Echelon Biosciences both have outstanding personnel and complementary markets, technologies, facilities, and operations. The acquisition will lead to new technology development and growth opportunities. We are excited to blend our scientific teams and expand both companies' activities in cell biology, disease detection, and potential new drug development."

W. Tim Miller, President and CEO of Echelon Biosciences stated, "We are excited about the combination on a number of fronts including exciting scientific synergy between the two companies, blending two outstanding teams of employees, a strengthened biotechnology base for the State of Utah, and the opportunity to merge two critically important biological platforms for improved diagnostics and therapeutics. Our common human biology focus and unique but complementary scientific skill sets will allow us to leverage significantly each others' efforts."