News Release

Phase II Clinical Trial for Tectin™ approved in China

Date: February 19, 2003

TSX Venture Exchange Trading Symbol: WXI
http://www.wextech.ca
E-mail: wex@wextech.ca

International Wex Technologies Inc. (the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has received approval from the State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) of P.R. China to initiate the Phase II clinical trial for Tectin™ in late-stage cancer patients who are already receiving and are tolerant to opioid therapy for their underlying persistent and severe cancer pain.

The SFDA states that the "Phase II clinical trial for this drug is permitted according to the Drug Administration Act of P.R. China as it complies with the relevant regulations for examination and approval of new drugs". Tectin™, a parenteral formulation, is classified by the SFDA as a Class I Chemical Drug, which means it is a New Chemical Entity that must undergo full drug development.

International Wex Technologies Inc., a publicly listed neuro-bioscience company (WXI), is focused on the development and commercialization of innovative drug products, primarily for pain management. The Company's lead compound, Tetrodotoxin, is a sodium channel blocker and is the platform for the Company's development of a portfolio of proprietary products in the field of analgesia, drug addiction withdrawal treatment, and local anaesthesia.

For additional information on our products visit us at http://www.wextech.ca or call Gordon Stanley, Corporate Communications at 604-683-8880, or at 1-800-722-7549.

Per: Donna Shum, Corporate Secretary

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