South San Francisco, CA and Seattle, WA, July 26, 2000 - FibroGen, Inc., and ZymoGenetics Inc., announced today the commencement of a research collaboration focused on advancing the safety and efficacy of tissue sealant products for wound management. FibroGen will pair its recombinant human Type III collagen with ZymoGenetics' recombinant human thrombin, a therapeutic protein critical for the clotting process. By combining these technologies and other appropriate components, the companies plan to develop and potentially commercialize novel wound repair products. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

"Despite the great need for effective approaches to wound management, currently available tissue sealants still raise performance and safety issues for physicians. These products can be expensive, awkward to use, and are subject to potential pathogenic contamination due to their bovine origins," said Thomas B. Neff, President and Chief Executive Officer of FibroGen. "Given their significant experience in working on multiple therapeutic proteins, we are pleased to team with ZymoGenetics to explore the use of recombinant collagen and thrombin together as an alternative, pure, humanized tissue sealant."

"Using our rapidly growing genomics-based drug discovery efforts, ZymoGenetics is committed to applying our expertise in protein therapeutics to address significant human medical needs," said Bruce A. Carter, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of ZymoGenetics. "This collaboration with FibroGen, a leader in recombinant human collagen and gelatin biology, additionally allows us to leverage our existing technology and intellectual property associated with recombinant thrombin and apply it to potential therapeutic applications in wound management."

About ZymoGenetics

ZymoGenetics is a leading biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of protein therapeutics that prevent or treat significant human diseases. Building on a successful track record of marketed products derived from its work, ZymoGenetics is currently leveraging its expertise in genomics and bioinformatics to generate a broad pipeline of proprietary product candidates. The Company has also established one of the strongest patent portfolios in protein therapeutics, which it plans to commercialize through internal development and pharmaceutical collaborations. ZymoGenetics, headquartered in Seattle, Washington, currently serves as the primary US discovery arm of Novo Nordisk A/S and has recently announced plans to become an independent company. For further information please visit www.zymogenetics.com.

About FibroGen

FibroGen, Inc. is exploiting its expertise and intellectual property by creating a business model driven by the near-term market introduction of recombinant collagens and gelatins with longer-term drug development programs addressing major unmet medical needs in dermal scarring, deep organ fibrosis and tissue regeneration. The Company's recombinant collagens and gelatins address several promising market opportunities. In particular, the use of human recombinant collagen in various medical and pharmaceutical applications has the potential to decrease the number of adverse patient reactions, the incidence of post-procedure inflammation and the potential exposure to disease. Collagen also is a major component of many medical devices, including surgical sealants, hemostats and tissue-engineered products. Gelatin, a derivative of collagen, is used to make vaccine stabilizers, hard and soft capsules, plasma expanders, tablet binders and coatings. More information on FibroGen is available at the corporate web site www.fibrogen.com. FibroGen Europe Ltd., headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, is a subsidiary of FibroGen, Inc.