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Wellstone Filters Preparing to Market in European Union

PR Newswire via COMTEX

Nov 15, 2004 4:01:00 PM

DURHAM, N.C., Nov 15, 2004 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ --

Wellstone Filters (OTC Bulletin Board: WLSF) announced today that following the award of its patents in the European Union, Wellstone is advancing its marketing plans in the countries of the European Union. The three largest markets in the EU are Germany with about 150 billion cigarettes sold per year, Italy with 102 billion and Spain 90 billion. Historically the multinational cigarette companies have dominated the EU market. Wellstone believes that the European Union is following, with a few years' delay, the US trend toward off brands and discount pricing. Wellstone intends to constitute the crest of this marketing wave in the European Union with a full flavor cigarette to satisfy not only European tastes but also European safety regulations. In addition, menthol and "light" taste cigarettes will be marketed.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20041115/NYM228 )

Wellstone has designed special packaging for the EU, with the appropriate regulatory language to be added.

As a result of the phase-in of the EU's 2001 directive on tobacco products, tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide levels are limited to 10mg, 1mg and 10mg, respectively. Wellstone believes that its new full flavor cigarette will be able to come well under these levels.

In the EU the use of descriptors such as "light" and "mild" in cigarette advertising are banned as deceptive. In the US, about 82% of cigarettes are marketed as "light" or "low tar." Numerous scientific studies have shown that light cigarettes are as problematic as to health issues as regular cigarettes, because smokers compensate by smoking light cigarettes more frequently or inhaling more deeply, or by unconsciously circumventing the filter ventilation holes which enable the cigarette to receive lower tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide ratings on testing equipment. Wellstone's proprietary filter aims to provide better taste while filtering certain carcinogens, with the goal of reducing overall ingestion of carcinogens and consequent smoking deaths.

Wellstone believes that its patented filter formulation removes tars and certain carcinogens, while providing better taste. However, any claim as to the benefit of any Wellstone cigarette to be sold will be made within the parameters prescribed by the Federal Trade Commission. Wellstone emphasizes that NO cigarette is safe. This corporate communication by Wellstone is not intended to induce any person to purchase future Wellstone tobacco products.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Wellstone Filters, Inc. has developed and patented filter material that removes certain carcinogens and other toxins produced when tobacco is smoked -- without removing the compounds thought to be associated with the pleasurable effects of smoking. Wellstone seeks to promote material for cigarette filters that will enable cigarette manufacturers to provide consumers with an equally enjoyable cigarette with substantially fewer carcinogens.

For more information, please see http://www.Wellstonefilters.com or call Investor relations at 303-620-9194.

In addition, all current shareholders, and interested parties should sign into our private Corporate Guest Book, http://www.CorporateGuestBook.com/?WLSF to receive timely updates and information on any future developments as they happen.

Note: Except for the historical information contained herein, this new release contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Among the factors that could cause actual results or timelines to differ materially are risks associated with research and clinical development, regulatory approvals, supply capabilities and reliance on third- party manufacturers, product commercialization, competition, litigation, and the other risk factors listed from time to time in reports filed by Wellstone with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to risks described under the caption "Important Factors That May Affect Our Business, Our Results of Operation and Our Stock Price." The forward-looking statements contained in this news release represent judgments of the management of Wellstone as of the date of this release. Wellstone and its managers and agents undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward- looking statements.

SOURCE Wellstone Filters

Investor Relations of Wellstone Filters, [phone] /Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20041115/NYM228 AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN11 PRN Photo Desk, [e-mail] http://www.Wellstonefilters.com
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