November 5, 2002

News Release: Response Biomedical Announces Market Introduction of Two Additional RAMP(R) Tests For Priority Biowarfare Agents

Response Biomedical Corp. (RBM: TSX Venture Exchange) today announces the market introduction of two proprietary rapid on- site RAMP(R) tests capable of detecting low levels of ricin and botulinum toxin, two high priority biological agents that may be used by bioterrorists in addition to anthrax.

"Emergency responders and biowarfare experts agree that anthrax, ricin and botulinum toxin are the big three biowarfare agents-of-choice due to their relative ease of production, delivery, potency, and lethality," states Bill Radvak, President and CEO. "With a market-ready complement of reliable RAMP Tests for the three high priority biowarfare agents, the RAMP System is the only independently validated technology solution that enables emergency responders to quickly and confidently dismiss a hoax, or take immediate action to protect public health and safety in the event of an actual biowarfare attack." Developed as a diagnostic testing platform for use in clinical point-of- care settings, the RAMP System features substantive technology innovation and performance improvements over earlier generation immunoassay-based detection techniques, such as reflectance or visual interpretation by the user. RAMP combines the use of fluorescence with a proprietary Internal Control that overcomes the inherent test-to-test variability of traditional immunoassays, and provides a level of sensitivity, specificity, and reliability that is unprecedented in the area of rapid on-site biological detection.

The battery operated RAMP Reader weighs less than five pounds and is easy to operate with single-use disposable cartridges. Data can be stored on the device and uploaded to a printer or computer. The System is commercially available for an all-inclusive price of approximately US$10,000.

Fully one year following the recent anthrax attacks in the US, most emergency responders continue to rely solely on confirmatory lab testing for a reliable result, which takes on average one to three days and precludes an immediate and effective response to a hoax or actual anthrax attack.

Other commercially available rapid, on-site biowarfare tests employ antiquated immunoassay technology, reflected in a lack of sensitivity, specificity, reproducibility and frequent false results. Although simple lateral flow immunoassays add value in such applications as home pregnancy and drug abuse testing, this first generation technology has been shown to have negligible commercial value in biowarfare testing. RAMP is the only immunoassay (antibody) based platform technology with biowarfare applications to receive regulatory market clearance from the FDA for the point-of-care, quantitative measurement of a clinical test. Little or no independent research is publicly available to support any level of performance with respect to sensitivity and specificity of any other commercially available rapid on-site biowarfare tests.

In independent evaluations conducted by the Canadian Department of National Defence (DRDC-Suffield) and Maryland State Department of Health, the RAMP Anthrax Test was 100% reliable in detecting B. anthracis at or above 4,000 spores, with greater than 99% confidence in specificity.

No competing technology purports to have sufficient sensitivity to detect the presence of anthrax below 100,000 spores. The 10,000 spore level has been commonly used to define a potentially infectious dose of anthrax by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Botulinum Toxin:

With a lethal dose to humans of less than 1 mcg, botulinum toxins are among the most poisonous substances known. Botulinum toxin may be delivered by aerosol release and through contaminated food or water. Botulinum toxin in solution is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. Botulinum toxin poses a major bioweapon threat because of its extreme potency, ease of production, transport, and delivery. An outbreak of botulism requires prolonged intensive care among affected persons and immediate intervention to prevent additional cases.

Botulism is a disease caused by potent protein neurotoxins produced by Clostridium botulinum. Characteristics include abdominal pain, vomiting, motor disturbances, and visual difficulties. The CDC classifies botulism into four types including food-borne, infant, wound, and indeterminate. All forms of botulism can be fatal.

Ricin:

Ricin is a glycoprotein toxin derived from castor plant beans. It can be produced relatively easily and inexpensively in large quantities in a fairly low technology setting. Ricin can be prepared in liquid or crystalline form, or it can be lyophilized to make a dry powder. It could be disseminated as an aerosol, injected into a target, or used to contaminate food or water on a small scale.

Although less toxic than botulism, ricin is one of the most toxic naturally occurring substances known. Ricin's significance as a potential biological warfare agent relates to its availability worldwide, its ease of production, and extreme pulmonary toxicity when inhaled.

About Response Biomedical Corp.

Response Biomedical develops rapid on-site diagnostic tests for use with its proprietary RAMP Reader intended for both clinical and environmental applications. The RAMP System is a platform technology that delivers accurate and reliable on-site test results in less than fifteen minutes. It consists of a portable fluorescence reader and disposable test cartridges, with the potential to be adapted to more than 250 medical and non-medical tests currently performed in laboratories.

Response Biomedical's shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the trading symbol "RBM". For a photo of the RAMP System and/or further information, visit the Company's website at www.responsebio.com.

The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy of the content of the information contained herein. The statements made in this press release may contain certain forward- looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual events or results may differ from the Company's expectations.

For further information: Media Contact: Don Bradley, Director, Corporate
Communications, Response Biomedical Corp., Tel (604) 681-4101 ext 202, Email:
dbradley(at)responsebio.com

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