MACROCHEM INITIATES PHASE I/II CLINICAL TRIAL OF TOPICAL FORMULATION FOR ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION.

LEXINGTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 15, 1996--MacroChem Corporation (Nasdaq: MCHM) today announced that it has begun Phase I/II clinical trials of a topically applied gel for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, commonly referred to as impotence.

The formulation contains the active ingredient

The study will be conducted at two sites in the United States. This Phase I/II trial will evaluate the safety and dose range of the topical prostaglandin E1 formulation. Preliminary results should be available before the end of the year. Currently approved therapies for penile dysfunction include penile injections of prostaglandin E1, vacuum constrictions devices and penile implants.

Approximately 30 percent of men between the ages of 40 and 70 in the United States are reported to suffer from moderate to complete erectile dysfunction, a condition that increases with age. It is estimated that 47 million men will have erctile dysfunction by the year 2000.

MacroChem Corporation develops, licenses and markets advanced drug delivery systems for the transdermal delivery of therapeutic drugs, proteins and enzymes for pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications. The Company's patented compound, SEPA, a penetration enhancer for transdermal delivery, can effectively accelerate the passage of pharmaceuticals through the skin, offering a significant improvement over current methods of drug delivery.

CONTACT: Michael Kaiser

Director, Business Development

617/862-4003