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NutraCea Announces Start of HIV/AIDS Clinical Study at Hadassah University Medical Center in Jerusalem, Israel on RiSolubles(R) As a Supportive Therapy for HIV/AIDS Patients

Posted on: Tuesday, 19 June 2007, 09:00 CDT

PHOENIX, June 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- NutraCea (BULLETIN BOARD: NTRZ) , a leader in stabilized rice bran research and technology, announced today the commencement of a randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial that will test the effects of RiSolubles(R), a patented, proprietary derivative of stabilized rice bran, on HIV/AIDS patients.

The recruitment phase for the nutrient study is underway. The study will include 140 patients -- some on anti-retroviral drugs, as well as those not taking such drugs -- to determine the effects of a 30-gram, daily dose of RiSolubles from a nutritional and immunological standpoint. The randomized, controlled design of the NutraCea study will examine the effect of RiSolubles, compared to that of a placebo on patients' immune status, well-being and other important parameters," said Prof. Allon Moses, Co-Principal Investigator and Chairman of the Dept. of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Disease at Hadassah.

"Such a nutrient study will address an important topic in AIDS Medicine: the value of nutrients and specifically, RiSolubles, a derivative of stabilized rice bran, in boosting the immune function beyond what is achieved with anti-retroviral drugs," says Prof. Shlomo Maayan, Co-Principal Investigator of the study, Director of the Hadassah Medical AIDS Center in Jerusalem.

"We were compelled to conduct a study of this nature, based on years of anecdotal reports and recent reports from our feeding programs in Malawi and Central America. The reports suggested that people with HIV/AIDS were gaining weight, feeling more energetic and enjoying a better quality of life. In some patients, laboratory parameters suggested better immune function, as well," said Margie Adelman, Senior Vice President of NutraCea. "We believe our RiSolubles has concentrated doses of certain phyto-nutrients that can possibly account for the testimonials that we are receiving. We knew that the only way to prove it was to engage in a clinical study, such as this one that's designed and performed at the highest medical standards," Adelman added.

"It is our hope that a successful trial will demonstrate that use of our product at the above doses will result in the patients experiencing an increase in their CD4 counts and maybe even a decrease in their viral loads -- two important markers that are commonly being monitored in determining the success of anti-retroviral therapy (ARV). This could have significant implications relative to the tremendous costs to the health community associated with these treatment protocols, not to mention the health benefits to the patients of possibly delaying the onset of ARV therapies and the likelihood of a reduced risk of heart disease, which has recently been shown to be linked to ARV," concluded Ms. Adelman.

"We are very pleased to announce that our first, human-trial study is underway at a highly respected medical institution, renowned for its research in HIV/AIDS; and we hope to demonstrate a new, novel, nutritional approach for millions of people around the world who are suffering from HIV/AIDS," said Brad Edson, President and CEO of NutraCea.

About Hadassah University Hospital in Jerusalem

Hadassah University Medical Center is a state-of-the-art medical center, incorporating all medical and surgical sub-specialties, with a tertiary-care referral hospital at Ein Kerem and a community hospital on Mt. Scopus. It conducts more than half the hospital-based medical research in Israel and is the flagship of Hadassah, the Women's Zionist Organization of America (HWZOA). HWZOA, which laid the foundation of Israel's medical infrastructure and still maintains educational programs and youth institutions, is the main supporter of The Hadassah Medical Center.

Hadassah is the largest employer in Jerusalem, excluding the government: 850 physicians; 1,940 nurses; 1,020 paramedical and support staff; two campuses with 1,000 beds, 31 operating theaters, 9 intensive care units and over 120 outpatient clinics. Hadassah is committed to excellence in health care, medical research and medical education.

Hadassah was and still is a pioneer in introducing in Israel (and in some other areas in the world) innovative and unique medical treatments. The clinical and research achievements of Hadassah physicians have garnered fame throughout the world. They welcome every individual who requires medical attention without regard for race, religion, gender, ethnicity or political persuasion and have done so since its inception. Hadassah provides hospital services for nearly one million people annually, including the treatment of more than 2500 victims of the recent Intifada.

Hadassah Hospital partners with five medical and academic institutions: the Schools of Medicine, Nursing, Dental Medicine, Occupational Therapy, Public Health and Community Medicine. Hadassah's A Bridge to Peace, which was nominated for the 2005 Nobel Peace Prize, is a program for medical personnel from the Palestinian Authority and students from Egypt, Jordan and 90 countries around the world. The hospital is a member of the American Hospital Association and recipient of Congressionally-funded American Schools and Hospital Abroad (ASHA) assistance.

About NutraCea

NutraCea is a leader in stabilized rice bran nutrient research and dietary supplement development. Through its wholly-owned subsidiary, RiceX, the Company manufactures, as well as distributes, products and food ingredients made from rice bran through its proprietary technology and processes. The Company has developed intellectual property to create a range of proprietary- product formulations, delivery systems and whole food nutrition products. NutraCea's proprietary technology enables the creation of food and nutrition products from rice bran, normally a wasted by-product of standard rice processing. In addition to its whole-food products, NutraCea develops families of health- promoting "nutraceuticals," including natural arthritic relief and cholesterol-lowering products. More information can be found in the Company's filings with the SEC, and you can visit the NutraCea Web site http://www.nutracea.com/.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements regarding cost savings and the timing for completion of our facilities. These statements are made based upon current expectations; and actual results may differ from those projected, due to a number of risks and uncertainties The Company does not undertake to update forward-looking statements in this news release to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting such forward-looking information. Assumptions and other information that could cause results to differ from those set forth in the forward-looking information can be found in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company's most recent periodic report.

Company Contact: Margie Adelman Senior V.P., NutraCea 602-522-3000 916-220-3500 cell madelman@nutracea.com Media Relations Contact: Tamara York ADinfinitum/Director of Public Relations 212-693-2150 x-314 tamara@adinfinitumny.com Investor Relations Contact: Stephen D. Axelrod, CFA Wolfe Axelrod Weinberger Associates, LLC

For more information about RiSolubles, please call 1-800-752-2566 or visit NutraCea's website: http://www.nutracea.com/.

NutraCea

CONTACT: Margie Adelman, Senior V.P. of NutraCea, +1-602-522-3000, cell,+1-916-220-3500, madelman@nutracea.com; or Media Relations, Tamara York,Director of Public Relations of ADinfinitum, +1-212-693-2150, ext. 314,tamara@adinfinitumny.com, for NutraCea; or Investor Relations, Stephen D.Axelrod, CFA of Wolfe Axelrod Weinberger Associates, LLC, for NutraCea

Web site: http://www.nutracea.com/

Source: PRNewswire-FirstCall

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