Re Licence Agreement

PROTEOME SCIENCES plc

Proteome Sciences' Licence Agreement with bioMerieux in Stroke

May 23, 2006

Proteome Sciences is pleased to announce a licence agreement with bioMerieux to
use its biomarkers in blood for the detection, diagnosis and monitoring of
stroke. These were discovered and validated using a combination of different
proteomic approaches, all of which are available for external use through its
proprietary ProteoSHOP® platform.

Stroke is one of the top three causes of death and its incidence in the seven
major world markets is expected to increase in the next ten years because of an
ageing population. Long term disability caused by stroke is a major economic
burden on healthcare systems, current treatment options are limited and general
awareness of stroke is poor.

Under the terms of the research licence bioMerieux will test Proteome Sciences'
biomarkers for a stroke diagnostic panel across a well defined and sizeable
patient population at a renowned neurological centre of excellence in
Continental Europe. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Christopher Pearce, CEO of Proteome Sciences, said:

"This is an important agreement for Proteome Sciences. bioMerieux is a major
global player in clinical diagnostics and an ideal partner to take Proteome
Sciences biomarkers into routine usage around the world in large central
laboratories for high throughput testing."

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Notes to Editors:

Stroke

Stroke is the brain equivalent of a heart attack. Blood must flow in and
through the brain for it to function. If its flow is obstructed by a blood clot
moving to the brain or by narrowing or blocking of blood vessels, the brain
loses its energy supply, causing damage to tissues leading to stroke.

Annually, 15 million people worldwide suffer a stroke. Of these, 5.5 million
die and another 5 million are left permanently disabled, placing a burden on
family and community.

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the US (160,000 deaths) with
annual costs of $57.9bn for stroke-medical related costs and disability and is
the single most common cause of severe disability. 750,000 people are diagnosed
in the US annually having new or recent strokes.

Proteome Sciences plc

Proteome Sciences plc, a global leader in applied proteomics, uses high
sensitivity proprietary technologies to detect differentially expressed
proteins in diseases. The protein biomarkers discovered in body fluids or
tissues are validated, developed and commercialised as diagnostic, prognostic
or therapeutic products through strategic alliances and out-licensing.

Through its unique ProteoSHOP® toolbox, Proteome Sciences provides high
sensitivity/high throughput proteomics solutions, including traditional two
dimensional gel-based electrophoresis (2DE) and proprietary gel-free protein
sequence tag technologies (PST®, qPST™ & TMT®), to major pharma, biotechnology
and diagnostic companies, to discover and exploit protein biomarkers. Chemical
mass tags for isobaric labelling have been developed as stand-alone reagents.

For further information please visit www.proteomics.com

Enquiries:

Proteome Sciences plc

Christopher Pearce Chief Executive

James Malthouse Finance Director

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

Public Relations for Proteome Sciences

IKON Associates

Adrian Shaw

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Mobile: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]