San Francisco, CA - January 7, 2002 - Walden International, a leading global venture capital firm, today announced the appointment of Gary Stroy to partner. Stroy brings more than 20 years experience to Walden International and will be responsible for co-leading the firm's investments in healthcare and the life sciences. The appointment of Gary Stroy underscores Walden International's commitment to funding promising companies in these sectors.

"Walden International is actively pursuing opportunities in healthcare and the life sciences," said Lip-Bu Tan, chairman and founder of Walden International. "Gary has a strong reputation for identifying new areas of growth, which will be instrumental to our expansion into these key markets. His management experience, expertise and passion make him a powerful addition to the existing Walden International team."

For 20 years prior to joining Walden International, Mr. Stroy had a long entrepreneurial career as a founder or manager of several medical product companies including LifeScan, Biotrack, Abaxis, ChemTrack and LXN. During this period, he also worked closely with several top-tier venture capital firms including Sequoia Capital, U.S. Venture Partners, Delphi Ventures and MedVentures Associates as an advisor, consultant or venture partner. In his early career, Mr. Stroy held senior management positions with four large pharmaceutical firms including Smith Kline, American Hospital Supply, Syntex, and Bayer.

"Innovations in healthcare and the life sciences are moving at a dramatic pace and present a tremendous opportunity for early stage investing," said Gary Stroy. "Walden International, with its expertise in both the US and Asian markets, is well positioned to capitalize on the growth in these sectors and is known for its ability to help new ventures stand apart from the rest. I am proud to become part of that tradition."

Mr. Stroy holds an M.S. in Industrial Pharmacy, double major in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Business from the University of Nebraska, a B.S. degree in Biochemistry from Colorado State University and a Certificate in International Business from University of California, Los Angeles. He has been featured speaker at several medical conferences. Mr. Stroy is also recognized worldwide for pioneering contributions in immunoassay technology and diabetes management.

About Walden International

Walden International is a leading global venture capital firm, providing early stage technology companies with the advantage of an unrivaled global network since 1987. The firm's international venture capital funds comprise more than US$2 billion in committed capital. Walden International's globally organized network of multi-cultural investment professionals spans the United States, Hong Kong, China, Singapore, Japan, Taiwan, India, Malaysia and Philippines. For more information, please visit www.waldenintl.com.

Media Contacts:

Celia Webb

Fleishman-Hillard San Francisco

Tel: 415 356 1011

Email: webbc@fleishman.com