Second Generation of Drug Candidates Show in Vitro Efficacy Against Leishmaniasis and Trypanosomiasis

VANCOUVER, BC -- (Marketwire) -- 10/07/08 -- Upstream Biosciences Inc. (OTCBB: UPBS) today announced that its second generation of novel antiparasitic agents demonstrated in vitro efficacy against both Leishmaniasis and Trypanosomiasis. Upstream's novel compounds were tested by Dr. Armando Jardim at the Institute of Parasitology of McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Upstream continues to collaborate with McGill to perform further testing on its potential tropical disease treatments. The Institute of Parasitology is recognized internationally for its research on infectious parasitic diseases.

"We are extremely excited that our second generation drug candidates have been validated by a world renowned institute," said Joel Bellenson, Chief Executive Officer of Upstream. "This is a significant milestone for the company and demonstrates Upstream's ability to optimize its compounds quickly and cost effectively."

Upstream's proprietary drug discovery platform utilizes chemoinformatics which combines chemistry and computer-aided design to accelerate the speed and reduce the cost of drug discovery.

"I am excited about the initial results of our testing. I look forward to continuing our collaboration with Upstream on their promising new drugs. New treatments are desperately needed to treat these devastating diseases and Upstream's approach may provide a new strategy to tackling these infectious agents," said Dr. Jardim.

Upstream's first generation of drug candidates have successfully demonstrated in vitro anti-parasitic activity, in vitro human cell safety, and in vivo (in animals) safety for Leishmaniasis, Trypanosomiasis and malaria. The Company's first generation drug candidates are currently being tested for in vivo (in animals) efficacy against Leishmaniasis and Trypanosomiasis at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda.

Leishmaniasis, Trypanosomiasis (African sleeping sickness), and Malaria are caused by parasites that have developed resistance to a number of first line drugs that are available to treat these diseases. Leishmaniasis afflicts millions of people living in Africa, India, and the Middle East. Similarly, it is estimated 60 million people and 50 million cattle in sub-Saharan Africa are infected or are at risk of contracting Trypanosomiasis. According to the World Heath Organization, about 40% of the world's population is at risk for contracting Malaria.