Maxwell Technologies Announces That PureBright Sterlization Technology is Designed Into La Calhene Barrier Isolation

SAN DIEGO (Feb. 16) BW HEALTHWIRE -Feb. 16, 1999--Maxwell Technologies Inc. (NMS-MXWL) today announced that its PureBright sterilization technology has been designed into the Barrier Isolation systems of la Calhene, a French company which is the world's leading manufacturer and supplier of such systems to the medical and pharmaceutical industry.

This design-in win follows a period of joint development between Maxwell's PurePulse subsidiary and la Calhene to develop and integrate PureBright pulsed light sterilization technology with Barrier Isolation systems. The integration of these two technologies will provide customers in this market the ability to quickly and cost-effectively sterilize product while transferring it from a non-sterile area into a sterile environment.

By employing PureBright technology, the sterilization process is reduced to a matter of seconds, compared to existing processes that may take a half hour or more.

"The addition of la Calhene to the list of our international customer base is an outstanding development with respect to our globalization plans," said Tom Horgan, interim chief executive officer of Maxwell. "It is a strong validation of our technology that large and respected players are entering into long-term strategic relationships with PurePulse."

"Alignment with PurePulse Technologies is another example of our commitment to identify new and innovative technologies within the field of sterilization science," noted J.P. Brossard, vice president for research and development of la Calhene. "PureBright's clinical performance and rapid speed (i.e., seconds) suggests promising customer benefits for Barrier Isolation applications."

Ted Toch, president of PurePulse Technologies commented, "Because PureBright technology utilizes proprietary pulsed, broad spectrum light rather than heat, chemical or ionizing radiation, this technology achieves a unique combination of efficacy, speed and safety. We believe these attributes will have a revolutionary effect on the manufacture of many medical, pharmaceutical and high-performance microelectronic products in the future."

Independent laboratory tests have confirmed PureBright's high effectiveness in inactivating microorganisms such as vegetative bacteria, yeasts, molds, bacterial spores and viruses.

La Calhene is the world leader in isolation technology. Originally specialists in nuclear containment, la Calhene introduced this new technique of "full barrier" into the pharmaceutical industry in the mid-eighties.

Currently the full barrier technology is recognized as the only way to protect both products and people. Market shares for la Calhene in the industry vary from 25 percent to 50 percent depending on the application.

Maxwell Technologies is a leader in pulsed power technologies, providing pulsed power based systems and components for a wide range of commercial applications and research and development for both commercial customers and the U.S. government.

The company's advanced technology solutions address diverse markets such as utilities, telecommunications, medical equipment and products, water purification, food processing and packaging and transportation.

The company also offers industrial computers and subsystems, primarily to OEMs in computer telephony and other markets, and software products and services, both for government research and for various commercial applications.

Except for historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this news release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including product development based on new technologies, applications and acceptance of new products in major markets, demand for the OEM's product reaching anticipated levels, the impact of competitive products and pricing, risks and uncertainties involved in foreign operations, and other risks detailed from time-to-time in the company's SEC reports, including the report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 1998. Actual results may differ materially from those projected. These forward-looking statements represent the company's judgment as of the date of this release. The company disclaims, however, any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

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