Addition of Suzy Couturier to Oxis Senior Executive Team Opens Door to Rapid Development and Introduction of New Ergothioneine Based Products Into the Natural Skin Care and Dietary Supplement Sectors

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Jan. 6, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Oxis International Inc. (OTCBB:OXIS) (Euronext:OXI.PA) today announced Suzy Couturier has joined the senior management TEAM as Vice President of Marketing.

Suzy is a marketing strategist with extensive business management experience. She has developed and led successful teams at DuPont, Pfizer, Inamed and Allergan. Her 20 year career has been focused on building and reviving brand value in both the consumer and professional market segments, including highly successful Juvederm™. Most recently, Suzy successfully spearheaded the reintroduction of silicone breast implants in the US and also actively participated in the development and launch of ProjectBeauty.com, the Plastic Surgery proprietary consumer website and The Plastic Surgery Channel.com.

David Saloff, ceo of Oxis stated, "We are extremely excited and honored to welcome Suzy Couturier to Oxis. The addition of Ms. Couturier to the Oxis team now completes the management reorganization, resulting in a world class team of experienced and capable managers who will now move ahead rapidly to establish Oxis in a leadership role in the rapidly growing global market for health and wellness products."

"Ms. Couturier's international experience and language skills add further strength to our global business development strategy," Mr. Saloff added.

"Oxis has previously introduced a clinically proven Ergothioneine-based product for joint health under the ERGOFLEX brand, which will continue to be offered in an increasingly broad range of direct to consumer and retail outlets. The development of additional ERGO based products with aggressive goûto-market strategies in both the dietary supplement and personal care markets will certainly be expedited and enhanced with Ms. Couturier driving the process," Mr. Saloff concluded.

Oxis International, Inc. is engaged in the research, development and distribution of "natural" products, including dietary supplements, personal care products, functional foods and functional beverages that counteract the harmful effects of physiological stress and aging.

Oxis International, 468 N. Camden Drive, Beverly Hills Ca. 90210 - Phone 424-248 2300.

CONTACT: David Saloff - CEO 424-248 2300