COLUMBIA, MD, July 11, 1995 -- Martek Biosciences Corporation (NASDAQ: MATK) today announced findings of two studies indicating potential beneficial effects of Martek's docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) oil on cardiovascular health. The two independent studies were conducted at the University of Guelph in Canada by J.A. Conquer, Ph.D. and B.J. Holub, Ph.D., and at the University of Kuopio in Finland by Jyrki J. Agren, Ph.D. Martek's DHA oil nutritional supplement (DHASCO) capsules served as the exclusive DHA source for the 24-subject, 42-day Guelph study using a vegetarian subject population. The Kuopio study involved 59 subjects in a 14-week, double-blind intervention in which subjects received DHASCO capsules, fish oil capsules, a placebo, or a diet generally enriched in fish.

The Kuopio study was presented at the June 1995 meeting of the International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids and the Guelph study was presented at the June 1995 meeting of the European Society for Atherosclerosis.

The Guelph study indicated that Martek's DHASCO appeared to increase significantly the HDL : LDL ratio and to decrease the total cholesterol : HDL ratio (TC/HDL), characteristics which many researchers believe are representative of decreased risk for coronary heart disease. Subjects in the Kuopio study consuming the DHASCO capsules exhibited similar effects to those reported in the Guelph study, as did subjects in the fish and fish oil groups. The DHASCO-fed groups in both studies exhibited these benefits without elevation of LDL cholesterol levels as is frequently seen after fish oil supplementation. Both studies also showed that DHASCO capsule consumption resulted in a reduction of total serum triglycerides, although there was no change in total cholesterol levels.

Dr. Holub of the University of Guelph stated, "Based on data from past fish oil studies, we felt it important to focus on certain fatty acids in order to learn of their individual characteristics and effects. However, until Martek's ability to produce its DHASCO capsule, no product was suitable for a vegetarian study or enabled us to isolate DHA for closer examination." Dr. Holub added that blood DHA levels, normally lower in vegetarians, were significantly enhanced with Martek's DHASCO capsules. DHA is the principal fatty acid in brain tissue and is believed by many researchers to be associated with neurological development.

"Martek's goal is the improvement of human nutrition with essential fatty acids," said Henry Linsert, Jr., Martek's Chairman and CEO. "The results of both the Guelph and Kuopio studies are encouraging and point to important potential adult applications of the Company's DHA oil. The main goal of the Guelph study was to elevate the DHA levels in vegetarians. The beneficial effects on cholesterol and triglycerides were bonuses."

Martek Biosciences Corporation is engaged in the research, development and manufacture of nutritional supplements, drug design tools, diagnostics and pharmaceuticals. The Company's strategy is to access the vast, but largely untapped microalgal kingdom to create a broad portfolio of high-value products that uniquely satisfy unmet nutritional and health needs.