VBS Congratulates Erkki Ruoslahti, M.D., Ph.D., on Receiving the 2005 Japan Prize in Cell Biology in Tokyo, Japan

San Diego, Calif., April 20, 2005 – Vascular BioSciences (www.vascularbiosciences.com) announced today that Erkki Ruoslahti, M.D., Ph.D., a member of Vascular BioSciences’ (www.vascularbiosciences.com) Advisory Board, and co-founder of VBS Pharmaceuticals, has been awarded the 2005 Japan Prize in the category of cell biology. Dr. Ruoslahti shares the 50 million yen prize with Dr. Masatoshi Takeichi, Director of RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology in Kobe, Japan.

Dr. Ruoslahti was awarded the prize for “Fundamental contributions in elucidating the molecular mechanisms of cell adhesion.” Dr. Ruoslahti is being recognized for his pioneering contributions to the cell adhesion field, which include the discovery and molecular definition of the RGD peptide that interacts with integrin receptor sites during cellular attachment.

The Japan Prize is awarded annually in Tokyo in the presence of the Emperor and Empress of Japan to “people from all parts of the world whose original and outstanding achievements in science and technology are recognized as having advanced the frontiers of knowledge and served the cause of peace and prosperity for mankind.”

“We are delighted to see Erkki receive some of the recognition he deserves,” said David Mann, CEO and Chairman of Vascular BioSciences and VBS Pharmaceuticals. “Dr. Ruoslahti’s original approach to scientific research has produced major advances in cell adhesion, vascular targeting peptide technology, drug discovery, nanotechnology, and tumor biology that merit considerable praise. We are proud to work with Dr. Ruoslahti in our collaborations to improve human health.”

For more on the 2005 Japan Prize:
http://www.japanprize.jp