GCOR Genencor International, (MM)

Genencor Launches Hazardous Chemical Decontamination Enzymes for First Responders DEFENZ(TM) line of products introduced this week at FireRescue Conference in Las Vegas PALO ALTO, Calif., Nov. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Genencor International, Inc. (NASDAQ:GCOR) announced today that its new line of decontamination enzymes to combat nerve gas agents and organophosphate-based pesticides is now available for sale. Genencor's DEFENZ(TM) line of enzymes is being introduced to first responders this week at the FireRescue Conference and Expo in Las Vegas, Nev. Exclusively licensed from the U.S. Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC), DEFENZ enzymes are capable of breaking down certain organophosphate type materials including G-type nerve agents such as somain and sarin. Enzymes are proteins that help a chemical reaction take place specifically, quickly and efficiently. Enzymes offer a number of advantages over traditional harsh and caustic chemical decontaminants including being water soluble, environmentally benign, non-flammable and non-corrosive. "With the continuing threat of biological and chemical attacks on the United States and in other parts of the world, DEFENZ enzymes are an important capability to have available to react to an incident quickly and effectively," said Thomas Pekich, group vice president, Bioproducts, for Genencor. "Biotechnology has a lot to offer in homeland security and defense and we are proud to be able to deliver new solutions to these threats." In tests conducted by Genencor and ECBC, one gram of DEFENZ 120G enzyme decontaminated approximately two kilograms of G-type agents within 15 minutes of contact. Because enzyme decontaminants are much more potent than traditional chemicals, they greatly reduce logistical and storage issues when deployed for civilian and military readiness. Available in granule form, DEFENZ enzymes can be added to the water supply on an emergency vehicle en-route to or on the site of a chemical emergency. The enzyme is then applied through a typical existing foam nozzle or foaming equipment. This formulation leads to easier handling for the user with no special storage or transportation requirements. For more information about DEFENZ enzymes, contact Genencor at +1-800-847- 5311 (USA only) or +1-585-256-5200. About Genencor Genencor International is a diversified biotechnology company that develops and delivers innovative products and services into the health care, agri-processing, industrial and consumer markets. Using an integrated set of technology platforms, Genencor's products deliver innovative and sustainable solutions to improve the quality of life. Genencor traces its history to 1982 and has grown to become a leading biotechnology company, with over $380 million in year 2003 annual revenues. Genencor has principal offices in Palo Alto, California; Rochester, New York; and Leiden, the Netherlands. This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance and all other statements which are other than statements of historical fact, including without limitation, statements containing words such as "believes," "anticipates," "expects," "estimates," "projects," "will," "may," "might" and words of a similar nature. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Some important factors that could cause actual results to differ include dependence on the efforts of third parties; dependence on new and uncertain technology and its uncertain application to new business ventures; regulatory actions or delays, or uncertainties related to product development, testing or manufacturing; ability to form and maintain strategic alliances; dependence on certain intellectual property rights of both Genencor and third parties; and the competitive nature of Genencor's industry; risks of obsolescence of certain technology. These and other risk factors are more fully discussed in Genencor's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements contained in this release represent the judgment of Genencor as of the date of this press release. Genencor disclaims, however, any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statements. DATASOURCE: Genencor International, Inc. CONTACT: Media: Angie Blackwell, +1-585-256-6973; or Investors: Thomas Rathjen, +1-650-846-5810, both for Genencor International Web site: http://www.genencor.com/

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