Burcon expands CLARISOY(TM) applications

    FILES FOR ADDITIONAL PATENT PROTECTION

    VANCOUVER, March 12 /CNW/ - Burcon NutraScience Corporation ("Burcon")
(TSX-V: BU) announced today it has filed for further patent protection with
the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office over additional functional attributes of
its CLARISOY(TM) soy protein isolate which are expected to expand
CLARISOY(TM)'s commercial importance.
    One notable application is for the use of CLARISOY(TM) in powdered drink
mixes. Powdered CLARISOY(TM) is easily dispersed and dissolved, 100% soluble,
and is completely transparent in solutions. As such, CLARISOY(TM) could be
formulated as a protein source in a variety of powdered beverage mixes or can
be easily added by the consumer by stirring directly into their favorite
beverage.
    Powdered beverage mixes are a well established and growing product
category. In addition to conventional canisters, today's powdered drink mixes
are available in single-shot sleeves, referred to as "sticks," available in
multi-packs in the super market aisle or as single servings at point of sale
and are easily added to bottled water.
    The formulation of today's powdered drink mixes has also seen significant
advancement. Powdered drink mixes come in many varieties including energy
drink mixes and sport drink mixes. One significant and growing category is
"nutrient enhanced drink mixes" which includes dietetic powdered mixes
targeted at weight loss. Recent research suggests that protein can play an
important role in helping people control their weight by curbing their
appetite, as protein is more satiating than carbohydrate or fat. The dietetic
mixes currently marketed typically incorporate dairy protein in the form of
whey protein isolate: an expensive source of protein with issues for the
lactose intolerant.
    CLARISOY(TM) shows great promise for use in powdered drink mixes both for
its nutritional value and its functional value. CLARISOY(TM) does not suffer
from the traditional 'beany' taste of soy, providing beverages a cleaner and
distinctly pleasant flavour. The exceptional taste profile, combined with the
solubility and transparency of CLARISOY(TM), allows for its use in a wide
variety of powdered drink mixes, including delicate fruit flavors and waters
where traditional soy isolates are not appropriate. These advantages are
expected to make CLARISOY(TM) a valuable ingredient in certain food and
beverage applications.
    "We believe CLARISOY(TM) is an exceptional ingredient for food
formulators producing nutrient enhanced drink mixes while also providing
convenience for consumers," stated Johann F. Tergesen, Burcon's President &
COO, who added, "Burcon is well positioned to benefit from the growing health
and wellness trend as well as the emphasis on natural ingredients, all of
which favours the inclusion of a functionally appealing protein source like
CLARISOY(TM)."
    CLARISOY(TM) is expected to be price competitive with existing proteins
and should be of particular interest to food and beverage manufacturers
seeking an alternative to high dairy protein prices.

    About Burcon NutraScience

    Burcon is a leader in nutrition, health and wellness in the field of
functional, renewable plant proteins. Since 1999, Burcon has developed a
portfolio of composition, application, and process patents originating from
our core protein extraction and purification technology. We are developing the
world's first commercial canola proteins, Puratein(R) and Supertein(TM) with
unique functional and nutritional attributes, and CLARISOY(TM), a
revolutionary soy protein isolate which is 100% soluble and completely
transparent in acidic solutions. Our team of highly specialized scientists and
engineers work from our own research facility to develop and optimize
environmentally sound technologies. To-date, our patent portfolio consists of
76 issued patents worldwide, including 8 issued U.S. patents, and well in
excess of 200 additional pending patent applications, 54 of which are U.S.
patent applications.

    ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
    "Johann F. Tergesen"
    Johann F. Tergesen
    President & Chief Operating Officer

For further information: Jade Cheng, Chief Financial Officer, Burcon
NutraScience Corporation, (604) 733-0896, (888) 408-7960 toll-free,
jcheng@burcon.ca, www.burcon.ca; AXINO AG: Sven Olsson, Investor Relations
Europe, Konigstrasse 26, 70173 Stuttgart, Germany, Tel. +49-711-25 35 92-30,
Fax +49-711-25 35 92-33, olsson@axino.de, www.burcon.net