April 1, 2004

News Release: Clinical Studies Initiated for ProMetic's Lead Cancer Compound PBI-1402 - Results Expected in 2004

ProMetic Life Sciences Inc. (TSX: PLI) announces that its wholly-owned subsidiary ProMetic BioSciences Inc. has started enrollment for the clinical trial related to PBI-1402, an orally active compound aiming at reducing side effects associated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This Phase I clinical study with healthy volunteers follows impressive data generated in 2003 and has been initiated at the Maisonneuve- Rosemont Hospital (Canada). Results are expected in 2004.

As a side effect, chemotherapy causes the reduction of neutrophils - white blood cells produced in the bone marrow. The sensitivity of neutrophil precursors in the bone marrow, combined with the short lifespan of neutrophils in the bloodstream, makes them particularly vulnerable to chemotherapeutic agents that block cell replication. Consequently, almost half of cancer chemotherapy patients develop significant decrease of neutrophils, a condition reducing their ability to fight infectious agents.

'Based on our studies, we believe PBI-1402 to be a strong activator of neutrophils,'said Dr. Christopher Penney, Director of Research and Development and Chief Scientific Officer - Therapeutics, for ProMetic. 'In fact, in both animal studies in combination with chemotherapy and in vitro experiments on human bone marrow, PBI-1402 has been shown to strongly stimulate the formation of neutrophils.'

'Our scientists have also confirmed that ProMetic's orally active PBI-1402 demonstrates a favorable effect on marrow progenitors,'said Dr. Denis-Claude Roy, Hematologist at Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital and principal investigator. 'This compound has the potential to strengthen patient's defense mechanism against bacteria, and their recovery following chemotherapy treatment could be accelerated - obviously providing a positive impact on their quality of life and treatment success.'

'This truly represents a significant milestone for ProMetic. The great potential shown by PBI-1402 to date leads us to believe that it could become our flagship therapy,'said Pierre Laurin, President and CEO. 'Following completion of this clinical trial, we will move quickly to compile the information necessary to pursue clinical development. We certainly expect results of this study in 2004.'

'Our PBI-1402 studies have also indicated several potential niche applications besides chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Development strategy will be finalized during 2004 with a core focus on ultimate market,'concluded Mr. Laurin.

ProMetic Life Sciences Inc.

ProMetic Life Sciences Inc. is an international biopharmaceutical company with headquarters in Montreal (Quebec), additional facilities in the UK and the USA. ProMetic specializes in research, development, manufacture and marketing of a variety of commercial applications from its proprietary platform technologies, which are used in the development of therapeutics, the elimination of pathogens, proteomics and large-scale drug purification.

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks

and uncertainties, including, but not limited to PRDT's ability to develop, manufacture, and successfully commercialize value-added products

and to obtain contracts for its products and services and commercial

acceptance of its products. Shareholders are cautioned that these statements are predictions and these actual events or results may differ

materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements.

For further information: ProMetic Life Sciences Inc.: Pierre Laurin,President &CEO, (514) 341-2115; Media: Dominic Sicotte, CommunicationDirector, (514) 341-2115, info(at)prometic.com; www.prometic.com; RenmarkFinancial Communications: Investor Relations: John Boidman, (514) 939-3989,jboidman(at)renmarkfinancial.com; www.renmarkfinancial.com; HofmanCommunication, Sofie St-Laurent, (514) 673-1116

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