Forbes Medi-Tech Inc.: Fennobon of Finland Launches Cholesterol-Lowering Chewing Gum With Reducol(TM)

Forbes Medi-Tech Inc. (TSX: FMI)(NASDAQ: FMTI) announces Fennobon of Finland has launched the first cholesterol-lowering XyliDent Pro chewing gum incorporating Forbes Medi-Tech's cholesterol-lowering ingredient, Reducol(TM). Consumers in Finland will be able to purchase the gum in major retail chains across Finland.

According to recent research published by Mintel, the demographics of chewing gum consumption are definitely changing. Baby Boomers have embraced chewing gum as a way to reduce smoking, combat tooth decay, lower calorie intake and seek relief from stress. XyliDent Pro has been formulated to taste great and deliver a heart health benefit that supports consumers looking to indulge their health.

"XyliDent Pro chewing gum is a clear example of vigorous innovation of a Reducol(TM) application in a consumer category where new products are hard to develop," said Charles Butt, President and CEO of Forbes Medi-Tech Inc. "This represents an important step in a new generation of products supporting cardiovascular health that can be enjoyed by consumers in addition to the variety food categories, such as milk, rye bread, spreads, chocolate, yogurt and yogurt drinks where Reducol(TM) is presently enjoyed".

Fennobon manufactures specialty chewing gums and pastilles with xylitol with domestic brands such as XyliDent, XyliMax, XyliBon, XyliSuu, Hugo and "Moomin" gums. The Company also provides private label manufacturing for domestic and international customers.

About Fennobon

Fennobon Oy, established in 1990, is a manufacturer of genuine Finnish xylitol products. Fennobon develops, manufactures, and markets multifunctional chewing gums and candies. Unique and innovative products promote health and well-being in many ways. All products are sugar-free and sweetened with much studied and tooth-friendly xylitol. Xylitol has been proven to exhibit dental benefits that are superior to any other known sweetener. Additional information on Fennobon can be found at www.fennobon.fi .

About Reducol(TM)

Reducol(TM) is a unique ingredient containing plant sterols and stanols, commonly known as phytosterols, or "Sterols". The combination of a prudent diet and consumption of products containing the recommended amount of Reducol(TM) may help consumers lower their cholesterol by up to 24%. Additional information on Reducol(TM) can be found at www.reducol.com .

About Forbes Medi-Tech Inc.

Forbes Medi-Tech Inc. is a life sciences company dedicated to the research, development and commercialization of innovative products for the prevention and treatment of life-threatening disease. Our strategy and vision is to develop and market a portfolio of products for the benefit of all consumers, from the healthy person desiring consumer lifestyle products that can help reduce the risk of future disease, to medical patients needing therapeutic prescription products for the treatment of an established ailment. Additional information on Forbes Medi-Tech can be found at www.forbesmedi.com .

Forbes Medi-Tech ("Forbes" or the "Company"). This News Release contains forward-looking statements and information regarding Reducol(TM), the launch of a chewing gum containing Reducol(TM), future chewing gum consumption, and Forbes' strategy and vision, which statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "reduce", "will", "new", "promote", or comparable terminology referring to future events or results. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements and information as a result of numerous factors; the Company's need for future funding, the availability and sufficiency of which is not assured; the need for regulatory approvals, which are not assured and which may be denied or withdrawn; reliance by the Company on its suppliers and manufacturers for performance; uncertainty whether the Company will realize is strategies and vision; intellectual property risks; manufacturing risks and the need to manufacture to regulatory standards; product liability and insurance risks; marketing risks; the risk of unknown side effects; the effect of competition; changes in business strategy or development plans; as well as a description of other risks and uncertainties affecting the Company and its business, as contained in news releases and filings with Securities Regulatory Authorities in Canada and the U.S., any of which could cause actual results to vary materially from current results or the Company's anticipated future results. Forward-looking statements and information are based on the beliefs, opinions and expectations of the Company's management at the time they are made, and the Company does not assume any obligation to update any statement should those beliefs, opinions or expectations, or other circumstances change.

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Contacts: Forbes Medi-Tech Inc. Darren Seed Director, Investor Relations (604) 681-8976 Email: dseed@forbesmedi.com Website: www.forbesmedi.com