Oxis International Adds Senior Marketing and Product Launch Executive to Management Team.

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, California, December 20, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Oxis International Inc. (OTC/Bulletin Board: OXIS.OB and 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 go-to-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.

In July of 2011, Oxis sponsored the First International Congress on Ergothioneine, Antioxidants and Age Management Medicine and in October 2011 completed the GRAS Self Affirmation process, making Oxis the only global source of pure Ergothioneine with GRAS status.

GRAS is a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) designation that an ingredient that may be added to food is considered safe by a qualified panel of experts. GRAS status allows the use of Ergothioneine in food and beverage products, as well as in dietary supplement and personal care products, where it’s unique antioxidant benefits can be enjoyed health conscious consumers worldwide.

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: Contact:

         David Saloff - CEO 424-248 2300

Source: Oxis International Inc.

Released January 5, 2012