September 24, 2002

News Release: Cangene awarded CDC contract to develop anthrax intravenous hyperimmune globulin

Cangene (CNJ TSX) announces that it has been awarded a contract by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to develop a clinical-grade hyperimmune globulin to be used as an adjunct to antibiotic therapy in critically ill patients with anthrax. Under this initial program, the hyperimmune globulin will be used for preclinical studies, and human compassionate use and safety testing. This innovative hyperimmune globulin will initially be used under an Investigational New Drug application. The goal of the program is to have available an FDA-licensable product. "This is a significant development contract for us and demonstrates our expertise in developing hyperimmune globulins to treat infectious diseases; Cangene's resources, both human and technical, have made the company a leader in this field," said Dr. John Langstaff, Cangene's president and CEO.

Hyperimmune globulins are highly purified specialty antibodies made from human plasma.

Cangene is one of Canada's largest and most profitable biotechnology companies. Founded in 1984 in Mississauga, Cangene is now headquartered in Winnipeg but carries on research and development activities in both cities. It uses patented manufacturing processes to produce plasma-derived and recombinant therapeutic proteins. The Company currently has two approved products and a significant clinical trial program including a Vaccinia immunoglobulin (VIG), two products nearing completion of Phase III clinical trials and one that has been submitted for FDA review. Cangene is also expanding its contract-manufacturing business utilizing its drug-manufacturing expertise and the resources of Chesapeake Biological Laboratories, Inc. (a wholly-owned subsidiary). The Company's internationally-compliant, ISO 9001- registered manufacturing facilities are located in Winnipeg, Manitoba and Baltimore, Maryland. Cangene's website, www.cangene.com, includes product and investor information, including past news releases. Chesapeake's website is www.cblinc.com.

To the extent that any statements made in this release contain information that is not historical, these statements are essentially forward looking. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that cannot be predicted or quantified; consequently, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include: the difficulty of predicting the timing of regulatory approvals or outcome of regulatory actions; market and customer acceptance and demand for new pharmaceutical products; ability to market products; the impact of competitive products, services or pricing; timing or success of product development and launch; availability of raw materials; the regulatory environment; fluctuations in operating results; progress of clinical trials; dependence on corporate relationships; government policies or actions; or other risks detailed from time-to-time in the Company's filings with the Ontario Securities Commission. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "expects", "plans", "will", "believes", "estimates", "intends", "may", "bodes" and other words of similar meaning. Should known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, or should management's assumptions prove inaccurate, actual results could vary materially from those anticipated. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements.

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For further information: For further information about Cangene
Corporation, contact Jean Compton, Manager, Investor Relations, at
(905) 405-2900 or by email at jcompton(at)interlog.com .

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