Ann Arbor, Mich. Jan. 5, 2005 – The recent addition of Fred Beyerlein further strengthens the Board of Directors of Velcura Therapeutics®, Inc., a biotechnology company involved in developing new and better therapies for osteoporosis. "As an international leader in the pharmaceutical, fine chemical, biotechnology and advanced materials industries, Fred Beyerlein offers invaluable experience to help us achieve Velcura’s vital mission of speeding research to fight bone disease," said Velcura Therapeutics President and CEO Michael W. Long, Ph.D.

Prior to serving as president and CEO of Rubicon Genomics, Inc. in Ann Arbor, Mr. Beyerlein was an executive at NSC Technologies, Advanced Resin, Sandaro Industries and the Hexcel Corporation. With an MBA in Economics and Finance from Fordham University, he is expert in market development, license structures, commercial technology identification, strategic plan development, acquisitions and divestitures.

Velcura’s two other outside directors are David A. Jackson, Ph.D., president of Jackson Biotechnology Advisors and William E. (Bill) Orabone, founder, president and CEO of Syneptics, a venture financing entity. Both are also based in Ann Arbor.

Before starting his own consulting company, Dr. Jackson worked in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries for more than two decades. He headed research for Genex Corporation, one of the world’s first biotechnology companies, and was chief scientist for two other biotechnology firms. While with DuPont Merck Pharmaceuticals, he headed critical research and helped form four joint ventures. A Harvard graduate, he earned his Ph. D. in molecular biology from Stanford.

A veteran of four successful technology startup companies, Mr. Orabone’s expertise includes capital sourcing, technology acquisition and licensing, strategic partnerships and product introduction. After graduating from Purdue University with a degree in chemical engineering, he began his career on a solid foundation in sales and marketing, manufacturing, and strategic planning with PPG Industries and Eagle Picher.

About Velcura Therapeutics®, Inc.:

Developing novel therapies for osteoporosis and other bone diseases, Velcura Therapeutics, Inc. builds on its patented technology and ability to rapidly isolate and analyze human bone cells. Velcura Therapeutics® has an exclusive license agreement with the University of Michigan and is based in Ann Arbor, Mich. The company received $3.3 million in funding from the Michigan Life Sciences Corridor in 2002 and more than $2.1 million in grants from the National Institutes of Health. For more information, visit www.velcura.com.