Exhibit 99.16


          Hydromer, Inc. Announce Enforcement of Its T-HEXX(R) Patents


     BRANCHBURG, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 27, 2006--Hydromer, Inc. has
enforced its patents in a patent infringement suit with Veterinary
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("VPI") and others, filed in the United States District
Court for the District of New Jersey, pertaining to its patented T-HEXX(R) Cow
Teat Dip technology. The suit was settled with VPI by a stipulated Judgment
ordered by the Court on February 24, 2006 in which VPI admitted that the patents
are valid and infringed and agreed to be enjoined from further infringement of
Hydromer's patents.
     The patents include United States Patent Nos. 4,642,267, 4,769,013,
6,203,812, and 6,395,289 which relate to Hydromer's AQUAMERE(R) technology, a
unique combination of polyurethane and polyvinylpyrrolidone to which an
anti-infective agent can be added. The technology is used to protect the udders
of a cow against bacterial infections by sealing the end of each teat against
microbial infiltration. Future infringement is enjoined, and Hydromer shall be
compensated an undisclosed amount for its monetary damages incurred due to
infringement of its patents.
     Mr. Doug Perschbacher, Hydromer's Strategic Business Manager for
Agricultural Products noted, "This action is part of a strategy to protect our
intellectual property. The Company continues to sample competing products and
conduct comprehensive chemical analysis to detect patent infringement. Cow teat
dips made with T-HEXX concentrate have proven themselves to be superior in the
marketplace to increase milk quality for the consumer and produce additional
profits to the dairy owner. Naturally when a product performs on an exceptional
basis, counterfeit or 'me too' products can flourish. We welcome fair
competition as it benefits the agricultural marketplace, however, infringement
of intellectual property has a detrimental effect and will not be tolerated."
     Hydromer has spent over 13 years perfecting a technology that permits
anti-bacterial coatings and gels to be applied to the teats of cows. The
coatings protect the damaged teats from mastitis due to contact with moisture
found in the environment yet are readily removed with a pre-wash. "It's our
technology, we invented it, we were granted patents and we intend to protect our
property by enforcing our intellectual property rights against any and all
infringers."

     Hydromer, Inc. is a technology-based company involved in the research and
development, manufacturer and commercialization of specialized polymer and
hydrogel products for medical devices, pharmaceutical products, animal health,
cosmetic, personal care and industrial uses. For the latest information about
Hydromer, Inc. and its products, please visit our web site at www.hydromer.com.


     CONTACT: For Hydromer, Inc.
              Robert Y. Lee, 908-722-5000