EXHIBIT 24-B



                            SPECIAL POWER OF ATTORNEY

         KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned, constitutes and
appoints BRADLEY C. ANDERSON, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent
with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name,
place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign the Annual Report on Form
10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2002, for filing with the Securities and
Exchange Commission by Zila, Inc., a Delaware corporation, together with any and
all amendments to such Form 10-K, and to file the same with all exhibits
thereto, and all documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, granting to such attorney-in-fact and agent, full power and
authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary
to be done in and about the premises, as fully and to all intents and purposes
as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that such
attorney-in-fact and agent, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Special Power of Attorney has been executed as
of November 13, 2002.


                                        /s/ DOUGLAS D. BURKETT, PH.D.
                                        -----------------------------
                                            DOUGLAS D. BURKETT, PH.D.