Applied Biosystems Introduces New Version of the Human Genome Survey Microarray

01/26/05 -- Applied Biosystems (NYSE:ABI), an Applera Corporation business, today announced the release of the new Human Genome Survey Microarray V2.0 for use with the Applied Biosystems Expression Array System, a component of Applied Biosystems' comprehensive solution for gene expression analysis that allows researchers to easily move from whole-genome analysis to single gene validation.

Based on a combination of the public and Celera Genomics databases, computational annotation, and manual curation, the new Human Genome Survey Microarray V2.0 contains an additional 2,180 annotated genes to total 29,098 genes identified. Approximately 33,000 probes are utilized on the microarray and result in over 8,000 genes not covered by any other commercial microarray.

"Since the initial probe design of the Applied Biosystems Human Genome Survey Microarray, Applied Biosystems has further refined its genome annotation," said Carl Hull, Vice President and General Manager, Real-Time PCR and Microarray Systems. "The annotation process, defining gene structure and splice variants, is of paramount importance for the identification of biologically relevant genes. Thus, the additional manual curation performed by our scientists has enabled us to identify new genes and remove invalidated ones."

"Applied Biosystems is the only company that provides a total solution for gene expression analysis, enabling gene discovery through our highly sensitive Expression Array System and then subsequent validation on our gold-standard, TaqMan® Low Density Array and Gene Expression Assay platforms," said Catherine M. Burzik, President, Applied Biosystems. "This integrated workflow provides scientists a simple, yet highly accurate and reproducible way to assure that they have identified and validated genes with potential biological relevance."

The Applied Biosystems Expression Array System is a highly sensitive gene expression detection system. It detects more genes and achieves more than a 10-fold increase in sensitivity while using less sample for the detection of genes expressed at very low levels, compared with conventional fluorescent microarrays. The system uses a chemiluminescence-detection instrument, software, and chemistries to deliver unambiguous gene results that are highly sensitive and reproducible.

The Expression Array System is designed as part of an integrated workflow solution for gene expression analysis. The system enables researchers to easily move from whole-genome analysis to gene validation, quantification, and functional analysis by using the Expression Array System in conjunction with the Applied Biosystems TaqMan® Gene Expression Assays, TaqMan® Low Density Array, real-time PCR systems, and Celera Discovery System(TM) Online Platform in conjunction with the PANTHER(TM) Protein Classification System.

Once microarray results are generated by the Applied Biosystems Expression Array System, researchers can directly link to TaqMan® Gene Expression Assays to facilitate validation of microarray results, quantification of transcripts, and investigation of alternative splicing. Equipped with an Oracle® database providing annotation of genes based on Celera Genomics and public database annotation, customers are also provided information on these genes based on the Applied Biosystems PANTHER(TM) Protein Classification System, which classifies both their molecular functions and biological processes.

About Applera Corporation and Applied Biosystems

Applera Corporation consists of two operating groups. The Applied Biosystems Group serves the life science industry and research community by developing and marketing instrument-based systems, consumables, software, and services. Customers use these tools to analyze nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), small molecules, and proteins to make scientific discoveries, develop new pharmaceuticals, and conduct standardized testing. Applied Biosystems is headquartered in Foster City, CA, and reported sales of $1.7 billion during fiscal 2004. The Celera Genomics Group (NYSE:CRA) is engaged principally in the discovery and development of targeted therapeutics for cancer, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Celera Genomics is leveraging its proteomic, bioinformatic, and genomic capabilities to identify and validate drug targets, and to discover and develop small molecule therapeutics. It is also seeking to advance therapeutic antibody and selected small molecule drug programs in collaboration with global technology and market leaders. Celera Diagnostics, a 50/50 joint venture between Applied Biosystems and Celera Genomics, is focused on discovery, development, and commercialization of diagnostic products. Information about Applera Corporation, including

reports and other information filed by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, is available at http://www.applera.com, or by telephoning 800-762-6923. Information about Applied Biosystems is available at http://www.appliedbiosystems.com/.

Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking. These may be identified by the use of forward-looking words or phrases such as "believe," "expect," "plans," and "should" among others. These forward-looking statements are based on Applera Corporation's current expectations. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe harbor" for such forward-looking statements. In order to comply with the terms of the safe harbor, Applera Corporation notes that a variety of factors could cause actual results and experience to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements. These factors include but are not limited to (1) rapidly changing technology and dependence on the development of new products; (2) Applied Biosystems' dependence on the operation of computer hardware, software, and Internet applications and related technology; (3) unproven use of genomics information to develop or commercialize products; (4) market adoption of the technology; (5) claims for patent infringement; and (6) other factors that might be described from time to time in Applera Corporation's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All information in this press release is as of the date of the release, and Applera does not undertake any duty to update this information, including any forward-looking statements, unless required by law.

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

Copyright© 2005. Applera Corporation. All rights reserved. Applied Biosystems and Celera are registered trademarks and Applera, Celera Diagnostics, Celera Genomics, Celera Discovery System, and Panther are trademarks of Applera Corporation or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and/or certain other countries.

TaqMan is a registered trademark of Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.

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Source: Applied Biosystems