Photogen Announces Product Distribution Agreement

Exhibit 99


PHOTOGEN ANNOUNCES PRODUCT DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
WITH COHERENT LASER GROUP


PULSEVIEW-TM- TO BE INTRODUCED AT PHOTONICS WEST JANUARY 22-28


KNOXVILLE, TENN., JAN. 25, 2000 -- Photogen Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: PHGN), developers of non-invasive and minimally invasive therapeutic and diagnostic technologies, today announced the signing of an exclusive distribution agreement with Coherent Laser Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: COHR), in which Coherent will market and sell Photogen's PulseView-TM- software package and computer interface.


The two-year agreement is a turning point for Photogen Technologies, which previously was involved only with developmental-stage endeavors. PulseView is the initial product from Photogen to reach commercial distribution. Coherent will begin selling PulseView at Photonics West (Jan. 22-28), in San Jose, Calif.


Also at the show, on Jan. 26, Photogen senior scientist, Eric Wachter, Ph.D., will present the latest information about Photogen's melanoma research.


The PulseView package provides a simple, rapid means for characterization and validation of the performance of ultrafast, pulsed lasers. These advanced lasers are primarily used for scientific research in spectroscopy, medical, and materials processing applications. Photogen currently is developing novel uses for such lasers for multi-photon excitation (MPE), a process which shows promise for a number of medical applications, including treatment of melanomas and other cancers using photodynamic therapy.


John Smolik, president and CEO of Photogen, stated, "We created PulseView to facilitate development of our core medical te ...