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MitoPharm Founder Dr. Robert Ko in Collaboration With Dr. Ka-Ming Ng and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Develops New Innovation for Extraction Process

Posted on: Wednesday, 1 August 2007, 09:06 CDT

MitoPharm Corporation, Inc. (Pinksheets: MTPM), today announced that its founder, Dr. Robert Ko, is introducing a new, commercial -- scale process for the extraction of "(-) Schisandrin B" and "Schisandrin B."

The new extraction process is made possible by hybrid chromatography - crystallization technology, which extends the market of the company's branded product to pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements, functional beverages and commercial grade raw material applications.

Schisandrin B, an active ingredient from Schisandra Berry, a well-known cardio-tonic in traditional Chinese medicine, everyone from Chinese emperors to family herbalists has long recognized the remarkable powers of the schisandra berry to promote longevity and increase stamina. Its strengthening effect is combined with system-balancing properties, making it ideal for such conditions as fatigue, nervous exhaustion, and lack of energy. Schisandra is one of the most popular adaptogenic herbs in China, where it is taken to beautify the skin, strengthen the sex organs, and promote mental function.

Dr. Robert Ko, Founder MitoPharm Corporation, stated, "The introduction of the new extraction process could give formulators a new tool to develop innovative and appealing products, which should help bridge the gap between commercially viable process and the laboratory scale process that would leave the compounds confined to only laboratory experiments."

Dr. Ko's new offering was made possible by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology's proprietary, patent-pending process and the utilization hybrid chromatography - crystallization technology, which it says can deliver an automated, cost effective, scalable and environmentally friendly commercial extraction of the Schisandrin B compound from natural Schisandra berries.

About Dr. Robert Ko

Dr. Robert Ko received his Ph.D. in Pharmacology from the University of British Columbia, and is a Professor at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. He is a prolific researcher in Pharmacology and Biochemistry. There are over 67 research papers and book chapters that Dr. Ko was involved, of which he is the first and/or correspondent author of 48 papers. He is a pioneer in the modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), in terms of developing a modern scientific basis for the verification of the efficacies and processing of the formula ingredients. He is very experienced in collaboration with industry on commercialization of novel intellectual properties.

About Dr. Ka-Ming Ng

Dr. Ka Ming Ng is Chief Executive Officer of NAMI, and Chair Professor of Chemical Engineering at HKUST. He obtained his B.S. degree from the University of Minnesota in 1976 and his Ph.D. degree from the University of Houston in 1980. From 1980 to 2000, he served as Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. He joined HKUST in 2000, and served as Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering from 2002 to 2005. He held visiting positions at DuPont, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the National University of Singapore. He is at present Corporate Science and Technology Advisor of Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation. He also serves as a consultant, technical advisor and non-executive director for various companies and government bodies around the world. He sits on the editorial boards of the Chinese Journal of Chemical Engineering, Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering, and Computers & Chemical Engineering.

About Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

At HKUST, scientific studies have identified biochemical actions of MitoPharm's key Compound, demonstrating that it enhances the mitochondrial glutathione antioxidant status, a crucial factor in maintaining mitochondrial function and cell survival, and also induces the expression of heat shock proteins, another group of important molecules for cell protection. Management's research indicates that these biochemical actions differentiate the Compound from other existing, known compounds, either synthetic or naturally occurring, in the ability of the Compound to protect organs including the heart, the liver, and the brain.

About MitoPharm

MitoPharm, Inc. www.mitopharm.com is a biotechnology company in the research & development, marketing, and sale of drugs, dietary supplements, and functional beverages. The initial products are based on a newly formulated compound (the "Compound") that is the result of over 15 years of research and development by one of its founding shareholders, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology ("HKUST").

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes forward-looking statements that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. While these statements are made to convey to the public the Company's progress, business opportunities and growth prospects, readers are cautioned that such forward-looking statements represent management's opinion. Whereas management believes such representations to be true and accurate based on information and data available to the Company at this time, actual results may differ materially from those described. Additional factors that could materially affect these forward-looking statements and/or predictions include, among other things: (1) our ability to manage the HPW acquisition and the expansion of operations; (2) our ability to obtain contracts with suppliers of raw materials and distributors of our products; (3) the risks inherent in the mutual performance of such supplier and distributor contracts (including our production performance); (4) our ability to protect and defend our proprietary technology; (5) our ability to secure and retain management capable of managing growth; (6) our ability to raise necessary financing to execute the Company's business plans; and (7) the Company's ability to comply with all applicable federal, state and local government and international rules and regulations.

Source: Business Wire

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