/------------------------------/ / OMB APPROVAL / /------------------------------/ / OMB Number: 3235-0287 / / Expires: December 31, 2001 / / Estimated average burden / / hours per response...... 0.5 / /------------------------------/ +--------+ | FORM 4 | U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION +--------+ WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 [_] Check this box if no longer subject STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP to Section 16. Form 4 or Form 5 Filed pursuant to Section 16(a) of the Securities obligations may Exchange Act of 1934, Section 17(a) of the continue. See Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 or Instruction 1(b). Section 30(f) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (Print or Type Responses) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Name and Address of Reporting Person* Whitnell Jeffrey -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Last) (First) (Middle) 2501 Davey Road -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Street) Woodridge IL 60517 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (City) (State) (Zip) 2. Issuer Name and Ticker or Trading Symbol MediChem Life Sciences, Inc. (MCLS) ----------------------------------- 3. IRS or Social Security Number of Reporting Person (Voluntary) -------------- 4. Statement for Month/Year 01/01 --------------------------------------------------- 5. If Amendment, Date of Original (Month/Year) --------------------------------- 6. Relationship of Reporting Person(s) to Issuer (Check all applicable) [ ] Director [X] Officer [ ] 10% Owner [ ] Other (give title below) (specify below) Vice President of Finance and Treasurer ---------------------------------------------------------------- 7. Individual or Joint/Group Filing (Check Applicable Line) X Form filed by One Reporting Person ----- _____ Form filed by More than One Reporting Person TABLE I--NON-DERIVATIVE SECURITIES ACQUIRED, DISPOSED OF, OR BENEFICIALLY OWNED

Reminder: Report on a separate line for each class of securities beneficially owned directly or indirectly. If the form is filed by more than one reporting person, see Instruction 4(b)(v). Potential persons who are to respond to the collection of information contained in this form are not required to respond unless the form displays a currently valid OMB Number. Page 2 SEC 1473(7-97) FORM 4 (continued) TABLE II--DERIVATIVE SECURITIES ACQUIRED, DISPOSED OF, OR BENEFICIALLY OWNED (e.g., puts, calls, warrants, options, convertible securities)

TABLE II--DERIVATIVE SECURITIES ACQUIRED, DISPOSED OF, OR BENEFICIALLY OWNED (e.g., puts, calls, warrants, options, convertible securities)--CONTINUED

Explanation of Responses: (1) The options are exercisable immediately upon issuance. (2) The options vest and become exercisable in 33% increments on 01/02/02, 01/02/03, 01/02/04. **Intentional misstatements or omissions of facts constitute Federal Criminal Violations. See 18 U.S.C. 1001 and 15 U.S.C. 78ff(a). Note: File three copies of this Form, one of which must be manually signed. If space provided is insufficient, see Instruction 6 for procedure. Potential persons who are to respond to the collection of information contained in this form are not required to respond unless the form displays a currently valid OMB Number. /s/ Jeffrey Whitnell 2-9-01 ------------------------------- ----------------- **Signature of Reporting Person Date Page 2 SEC 1473(7-97)

MEDICHEM LIFE SCIENCES INC 4