N@N

Forbes Medi-Tech Inc.: Forbes Medi-Tech Announces Financial Results for First Quarter Ended March 31, 2009

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - May 12, 2009) - Forbes Medi-Tech Inc. (TSX:FMI)(NASDAQ:FMTI) ("Forbes" or "Company") today announced its results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2009. The comparative period for these results is the three-month period ended March 31, 2008. All amounts are in Canadian Dollars unless otherwise noted.

FIRST QUARTER OVERVIEW:

- Reducol^TM named in Prevention^® Magazine: In February 2009, the Company announced that its cholesterol-lowering Reducol^TM ingredient has been named one of the "5 All-Star Supplements" in the February 2009 issue of Prevention^® magazine. The article focuses on natural remedies, including Reducol^TM, which have "ironclad scientific proof on their side".

Update on Plan of Reorganization: In March, 2009, the convertible debenture of a former subsidiary, then renamed "Deans Knight Income Corporation" (Deans Knight), was converted to shares in connection with the public offering of securities of Deans Knight. In April 2009, Forbes announced that it had divested its remaining interest in Deans Knight for proceeds of approximately $789,000.

- Exchange Listings: In January 2009, Forbes announced that it had received notice from the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX"), indicating that the TSX is reviewing the eligibility of its common shares for continued listing on the TSX, based on Forbes' market capitalization having fallen below the minimum TSX threshold. Forbes has until August 12, 2009 to regain compliance with the TSX minimum listing requirement.

In the current year to date, NASDAQ has twice extended its suspension of its bid price and market value of publicly held shares requirements, with the result that the Company's compliance deadline is now December 21, 2009.

On April 14, 2009, Forbes received a NASDAQ Staff Deficiency Letter indicating that the Company currently does not meet the minimum requirements regarding stockholders' equity for continued listing on the NASDAQ Capital Market. The Company has submitted a letter demonstrating its plan to meet compliance with the requirements.

FINANCIAL RESULTS:

The following table offers a summary of the financial results for the first quarter of 2009.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary:
(thousands of $ except per
 share values and number of 3 month period ended 3 month period ended
 shares) March 31, 2009 March 31, 2008
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sales-phytosterol products $ 615 $ 1,771
Sales-finished goods 108 259
Licensing 2 -
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phytosterol revenues 725 2,030
Cost of Sales (503) (1,577)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 222 453
Operating expenses
 General and administrative 962 1,249
 Nutraceutical research,
 development and support 273 274
 Marketing, sales & product
 development 181 358
 Depreciation/amortization 11 30
 Foreign exchange gain (8) (318)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loss from continuing operations (1,197) (1,140)

Other income 4,188 50
Income tax expense (2) (7)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income/(loss) from
 continuing operations 2,989 (1,097)

Loss from discontinued operations - (559)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Net income/(loss) for the period $ 2,989 $ (1,656)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weighted average number of shares 4,969,813 4,801,491
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Income/(loss) per share from
 continuing operations
 Basic and diluted $ 0.60 $ (0.23)
(Loss) per share from
 discontinued operations
 Basic and diluted - $ (0.11)
Net Income/(loss) per share
 Basic and diluted $ 0.60 $ (0.34)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Net income for the period: For the quarter ended March 31, 2009, the net income resulted primarily from the one time gain related to the completion of the Deans Knight public offering and conversion of the convertible debenture. These events resulted in the recognition of a gain of approximately $4,148,000.

Revenues: Phytosterol revenues - includes direct sales of branded Reducol^TM ingredients, non-branded sterol esters and sterols, sales through the Forbes-Fayrefield joint venture of finished products containing Reducol^TM, and license fees received. Phytosterol revenues for the quarter ended March 31, 2009 totaled $725,000 compared with $2,030,000 for the quarter ended March 31, 2008. This decrease was primarily due to a re-alignment of inventories by one of the Company's major customers. The Company expects that, based on discussions with them, this customer will return to its prior purchasing patterns in the second half of this year. As a result of this, together with current general market uncertainties, the Company anticipates that this year's revenue may not achieve its prior year's level. In addition, sales by Forbes-Fayrefield of finished products to key European markets also decreased, in part as a result of a switch from revenue to commission based sales.

Forbes is continuing negotiations and product development work with potential customers in the US and internationally to expand its customer base.

Cost of Sales/Margins: For the quarter ended March 31, 2009, the Company realized a gross margin percentage of 31% on phytosterol revenues of $725,000, compared with a gross margin percentage of 22% on phytosterol revenues of $2,030,000 for the quarter ended March 31, 2008.

In the quarter ended March 31, 2009, $6,000 was relieved from cost of sales, relating to allowances on inventories. In the quarter ended March 31, 2008, $73,000 relating to allowances on inventories and losses on future purchase commitments was relieved from cost of sales. Prior to the impact of these allowances, in the quarter ended March 31, 2009 the Company realized a gross margin percentage of 30%, compared with a gross margin percentage of 18% for the quarter ended March 31, 2008.

The margins improved primarily due to a customer mix with higher margins and more favorable foreign exchange rates.

Operating expenses: The Company continues to reduce operating expenses wherever possible. The reduction in expenses in the current quarter in comparison to the comparable quarter in the previous year is attributable to a reduced head count and other cost saving measures. In addition, in the quarter ended March 31, 2008, we incurred additional costs associated with a Special General Meeting and a NASDAQ hearing.

Liquidity & Capital Resources:

The Company's cash position as of March 31, 2009 totaled $1,183,000 compared with $1,377,000 as at December 31, 2008. Forbes had working capital of $6,121,000 at March 31, 2009 compared with $3,531,000 as at December 31, 2008.

The Company has projected that its capital resources will be sufficient to finance operations through the first quarter of 2010. This view is based on a number of factors and assumptions, which include the assumption that the Company's expenditures will not exceed those currently planned, and its revenues will meet or exceed expectations. In order to continue operations beyond the first quarter of 2010, and to minimize risks to its operations in the meantime should any of these assumptions fail to be realized, the Company will need to undertake a merger or acquisition (M&A), or obtain additional financing. While management is considering all financing alternatives and is seeking to raise additional funds for operations from potential investors, there is no assurance that such funding will be available or obtained on favorable terms. The market for both debt and equity financings for companies such as ours has always been challenging. If the Company cannot complete a suitable M&A transaction or obtain additional financing, it will have to consider additional strategic alternatives which may include exploring the monetization of certain intangible assets as well as seeking to out-license assets, potential asset divestitures, winding up, dissolution or liquidation.

First Quarter Report

This news release includes by reference the Company's unaudited financial statements for the first quarter ended March 31, 2009 and the Management Discussion & Analysis (MD&A). More detailed information can be found in the MD&A and financial statements, which are being filed with applicable Canadian and U.S. regulatory authorities.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The following information should be read in conjunction with the Company's audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2008 and related notes that are prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles.

FORBES MEDI-TECH INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Expressed in Canadian dollars)
(unaudited)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 March 31 December 31
 2009 2008
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

ASSETS
Current Assets
 Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,183,156 $ 1,376,575
 Short-term investments 789,360 -
 Accounts receivable 514,893 1,446,561
 Inventories 5,637,892 5,992,748
 Prepaid expenses and deposits 342,888 241,784
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 8,468,189 9,057,668
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Long-term Assets
 Capital assets 129,062 139,843
 Other long-term assets 25,974 18,376
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 $ 8,623,225 $ 9,215,887
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

LIABILITIES and SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities
 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 2,274,017 $ 2,598,488
 Income tax liability 8,334 6,838
 Convertible debenture - 2,856,272
 Current portion tenure allowance payable 65,000 65,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 2,347,351 5,526,598
Long-term liabilities
 Tenure allowance 984,927 1,005,029
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 3,332,278 6,531,627

Equity component of subsidiary's
 convertible debenture - 398,615

Shareholders' equity
 Share capital $ 2,720,992 $ 2,720,992
 Contributed surplus 10,042,786 10,026,964
 Deficit (7,472,831) (10,462,311)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 5,290,947 2,285,645
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

 $ 8,623,225 $ 9,215,887
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------


FORBES MEDI-TECH INC.
Consolidated Statements of Operations, Comprehensive Income (Loss) and
 Deficit
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except share and per share amounts)
(unaudited)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Three months ended
 March 31 March 31
 2009 2008
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

REVENUES
 Sales $ 722,531 $ 2,029,558
 Licensing 2,168 -
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Phytosterol revenues 724,699 2,029,558
 Cost of sales 502,706 1,576,550
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 221,993 453,008
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

EXPENSES
 General and administrative 961,620 1,249,040
 Nutraceutical research,
 development and support 273,130 273,633
 Marketing, sales and product development 180,779 358,163
 Depreciation and amortization 10,782 30,159
 Foreign exchange gain (7,691) (317,943)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1,418,620 1,593,052
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loss from continuing operations $ (1,196,627) $ (1,140,044)

OTHER INCOME
 Gain on dilution of interest in subsidiary 4,147,975 -
 Interest and other 40,456 50,455
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 4,188,431 50,455
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net profit/(loss) from continuing
 operations before taxes $ 2,991,804 $ (1,089,589)

 Income tax expense (2,324) (7,362)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net profit/(loss) from continuing
 operations 2,989,480 (1,096,951)

Discontinued Operations
 Loss from discontinued operations - (559,492)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income/(loss) and comprehensive
 income/(loss) 2,989,480 (1,656,443)

Deficit, beginning of period (10,462,311) (101,269,812)
 Reduction of deficit and stated
 share capital - 98,460,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Deficit, end of period $ (7,472,831) $ (4,466,255)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Weighted average number of common
 shares outstanding 4,969,813 4,801,491

Basic and diluted income/(loss) per
 share from continuing operations $ 0.60 $ (0.23)

Basic and diluted (loss) per share from
 discontinued operations - $ (0.11)

Basic and diluted income/(loss) per share $ 0.60 $ (0.34)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------


FORBES MEDI-TECH INC.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Expressed in Canadian dollars)
(unaudited)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Three months ended
 March 31 March 31
 2009 2008
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

OPERATIONS
Net income/(loss) for the period $ 2,989,480 $ (1,656,443)
Adjustments for:
 Depreciation and amortization 10,782 35,841
 Stock-based compensation expense 15,822 25,011
 Accretion of interest 103,728 -
 Gain on dilution of interest in subsidiary (4,147,975) -
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 (1,028,163) (1,595,591)
Net change in non-cash operating items 834,744 (469,982)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash used in operations (193,419) (2,065,573)

INVESTMENTS
 Acquisition of fixed assets - (2,092)
 Proceeds from other assets - 36,461
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 - 34,369
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalent (193,419) (2,031,204)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 1,376,575 5,234,043
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 1,183,156 $ 3,202,839
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

About Forbes Medi-Tech Inc.

Forbes Medi-Tech Inc. is a life sciences company focused on evidence-based nutritional solutions. A leader in nutraceutical technology, Forbes is a provider of value-added products and cholesterol-lowering ingredients for use in functional foods and dietary supplements. Forbes successfully developed and commercialized its Reducol^TM plant sterol blend, which has undergone clinical trials in various matrices and has been shown to lower "LDL" cholesterol levels safely and naturally. Building upon established partnerships with leading retailers and manufacturers across the globe, Forbes helps its customers to develop private label and branded products. For more information, please visit [ www.forbesmedi.com ].

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This News Release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information concerning anticipated developments in the Company's business including projected sales and revenues, sufficiency of its capital resources, future financing and M&A transactions, and other information in future periods. Forward-looking statements and information can be identified by forward-looking terminology such as "has until", "deadline", "plan", "expects", "continuing", "potential", "will be", "will meet", "seeking", "may", "obtain", "anticipated", "2009", "2010", "will", and similar expressions or variations thereon. Forward-looking statements and information are about the future and are inherently uncertain, and actual results may differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements and information due to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors, including, without limitation, the Company's need for additional future capital or a suitable M&A transaction, which may not be available in a timely manner or at all and which, if not obtained, would have a material adverse effect on the Company and its ability to continue as a going concern; the risk of unanticipated expenses and inability to control certain costs; the risk that sales revenue may not meet the Company's expectations; the Company's dependence on its key personnel; the Company's need for additional customers and the Company's existing reliance on four major customers for performance; the effect of competition; manufacturing risks and the Company's dependence on third party suppliers; product liability, intellectual property and insurance risks; exchange rate fluctuations; uncertainty whether the Company's shares will remain listed on NASDAQ or the TSX and the need to regain compliance with NASDAQ's minimum shareholder's equity rule; with NASDAQ's minimum bid price rule by December 21, 2009, and with the TSX's market capitalization requirement by August 12, 2009; the need for future regulatory approvals, which are not assured; and other risks and uncertainties affecting the Company and its business, as contained in its latest Annual Information Form on Form 20-F and other documents filed with Canadian and U.S. securities regulatory authorities at [ www.sedar.com ] and [ www.sec.gov ], 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, assumptions, and expectations of the Company's management at the time they are made, and the Company does not assume any obligation, except as required by law, to update its forward-looking statements or information if those beliefs, assumptions, or expectations or other circumstances should change.

Reducol^TM is a trademark of Forbes Medi-Tech Inc.

Prevention^® is a registered trademark of Rodale Inc.