Patrick A. Gerschel Elected to Protein Polymer Technologies, Inc. Board of Directors

   SAN DIEGO, Aug. 6, 1998 -- Protein Polymer Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: PPTI), today announced the election of Patrick A. Gerschel to the Company Board of Directors, effective July 7, 1998.
   Following a long-standing professional relationship with Lazard Freres & Company, Mr. Gerschel founded and is currently Chairman of the investment management firm of Gerschel & Company, Inc., of New York City.  In addition, he is the Chairman and Managing Director of Santa Rita Resources, Inc.; Chairman of Residential Company of America, Ltd.; and a Director of Executive RE Insurance Company.
    "Mr. Gerschel's strong Wall Street background and diverse industry experience are an important addition to PPTI's distinguished Board," said J. Thomas Parmeter, PPTI's President and Chief Executive Officer.
    Protein Polymer Technologies, Inc., a San Diego-based company, develops high performance biomaterials designed to improve medical and surgical outcomes.  From its inception in 1988, PPTI has been a pioneer in protein design and synthesis, and as a result has achieved an exceptional proprietary position in protein-based materials technology.  PPTI's biocompatible polymers have been genetically engineered to enable cell growth, promote the regeneration of tissue, bond to natural and synthetic surfaces, and resorb into tissue at controlled rates.  Targeted applications include soft tissue augmentation, tissue adhesives and sealants, tissue engineering and wound healing, and localized drug delivery.  PPTI expects to enter the clinic with its urethral bulking agent for female stress urinary incontinence in early 1999.
    This press release may contain forward-looking statements that are based on management's expectations.  Actual results could differ materially from those expressed here; further, the Company is not obligated to comment specifically on those differences.  Risks associated with the Company's activities include scientific and product development uncertainties, competitive products and approaches, attaining collaborative partnership interest and funding, regulatory testing and approvals, and manufacturing scale-up.  The reader is encouraged to refer to the Company's 1997 Annual Report and 10-KSB, and recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, copies of which are available from the Company, to further ascertain the risks associated with the above statements.