LIFE GETS SWEETER FOR ZUCHEM

RAISES SERIES A FINANCING

Chicago, Illinois (PRWEB) May 10, 2003 -- zuChem, Inc., an innovative supplier of specialized sugars for the food and pharmaceutical industry, today announced that it has raised $850,000 in the close of its Series A financing.

The financing was lead by ARCH Development Partners, a Chicago-based seed investment fund. Thomas L. Churchwell, Managing Partner of ARCH Development Partners, and Douglas Stewart, Regional President of National City Bank, have joined zuChem's Board of Directors. The Technology Development Bridge (TDB) fund, an innovative public-private partnership developed by the Illinois Coalition and funded by the Illinois Development Finance Authority, aimed at helping technology firms access capital, also participated in this financing.

zuChem is a perfect example of how organized early stage capital can be leveraged and where the strong partnership between public and private sectors will catalyze the growth of a promising new technology company," said Tom Churchwell, Managing Partner of ARCH Development Partners.

The accomplishments of zuChem and its promise of technology advancement for the food and pharmaceutical industry highlight the innovative companies that are thriving in Illinois. We are glad to have a promising company like zuChem headquartered here in Chicago," said Robin Schabes, Director of the Mayors Council of Technology Advisors.

zuChem has previously partnered with the National Center for Agriculture Utilization Research in Peoria, Illinois, to co-develop its initial product, a reduced calorie sweetener for the food industry. The Company maintains a close association with the Center and the funding will contribute to the expansion of the Companys research operations in Peoria. zuChem is currently transferring its first product into full-scale manufacturing.

zuChem is developing new methods to manufacture superior alternative sweeteners." said David Demirjian, President of zuChem. This funding will allow us to supply food manufacturers with better, less-expensive sugar substitutes."

Additionally, while zuChems initial products serve the food ingredients industry, the funding will accelerate its product development for the pharmaceutical industry. The funding will also allow us to begin development of new sugar-based pharmaceutical intermediates", said David Demirjian, President of zuChem. The technologies zuChem is developing will help create new antibiotics, anticancer and antiviral drugs in the future."

About zuChem, Inc.
zuChem is a development-stage company, based in Chicago, Illinois, focused on commercializing innovative manufacturing processes for unique glyochemicals (varieties of specialized sugars) for the pharmaceutical, food, agriculture, flavor and fragrances, and specialty chemicals industries. Glycochemicals are key components of many antibiotics, anticancer and antiviral drugs, as well as many food ingredients. More information is available at www.zuchem.com or by calling 312-464-9713