Website www.mbiotech.com

Vancouver, April 2, 2001 – Micrologix Biotech Inc. is pleased to announce the following senior management appointments:

     Arthur J. Ayres, CA                   Vice President, Finance & Administration and CFO

     C. Robert Cory, Ph.D., MBA     Vice President, Business Development

     H. David Friedland, M.D.            Vice President, Clinical Development

     Patricia J. McNicol, Ph.D             Vice President, Research

"It gives me great pleasure to see these dedicated professionals assume greater responsibility within the company," said William J. (Bud) Foran, President, CEO and Chairman of Micrologix. "Collectively, this group has served Micrologix for more than 20 years and we have benefited enormously from their expertise. We look forward to their continued contributions as Micrologix advances the commercialization of its novel anti-infectives."

Mr. Ayres joined Micrologix in November 1994 as Controller and was appointed Director of Finance in February 2000. He is a Chartered Accountant and has a B.A. (Hon.) in Commerce and Computer Science from Simon Fraser University. With more than 19 years of management, finance and related experience, Mr. Ayres has played a vital role in Micrologix’s management team including assisting in raising over $75 million and the listing of Micrologix’s shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange. In addition to overseeing the business affairs of Micrologix, Mr. Ayres will direct Micrologix’s financial strategy with emphasis on generating shareholder value and ensuring Micrologix remains well capitalized.

Dr. Cory joined Micrologix in May 1995 as Manager, Business Development and was appointed Director, Business Development in November 1998. He has over 10 years of experience in both technical and managerial positions in biotechnology and health science. Dr. Cory holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Waterloo and an MBA in finance and strategic planning from the Wilfrid Laurier School of Business and Economics. In addition to managing Micrologix’s intellectual property portfolio, Dr. Cory directs the implementation of Micrologix’s partnering strategy and is actively involved in sourcing and negotiating with potential industry partners and collaborators. With his joint backgrounds in science and business Dr. Cory contributes significantly to the Company’s commercialization activities.

Dr. Friedland joined Micrologix in January 1997 as Head, Preclinical Development and was appointed Director, Clinical Development in October 1999. After receiving his M.D., Dr. Friedland specialized in Medical Microbiology and received his Master of Medicine (MMED) from the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa. He has 10 years of experience in clinical medicine, specializing in infectious disease. Dr. Friedland has been integral in advancing Micrologix’s three drug candidates into clinical trials, including obtaining fast track designation from the FDA on the Company’s lead product, MBI 226, currently in Phase III clinical trials. His responsibilities include directing Micrologix’s clinical programs, interacting with the FDA and supervising the contract research organizations that conduct studies on Micrologix’s behalf.

Dr. McNicol joined Micrologix in January 1997 as Group Leader, Microbiology. She was appointed Director of Research (Acting) in November 1998 and Director of Research in October 1999. She holds a Ph.D. in Medical Microbiology from the University of Manitoba. Prior to joining Micrologix, Dr. McNicol spent 12 years in progressively senior research and administrative positions in academic and public health science organizations working in the fields of molecular virology, epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance. She leads the Company’s research program, including drug discovery, drug delivery and support of products in clinical trials. In addition, Dr. McNicol is involved in discussions with potential collaborators and partners from a research perspective.