Woburn, MA (JUNE 13 2001) – U.S. Genomics announced today that its first patent has been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (6,210,896 Molecular Motors). The issued patent covers the first of a suite of proprietary techniques that U.S. Genomics has developed to allow the direct, linear reading of extremely long sequences of DNA.

Specifically, the patent covers the Company's technology for using molecules that interact with cellular polymers (such as nucleic acid -- DNA or RNA) in such a way that the molecules cause the polymers to move. The segments of the polymer that are moved by the "molecular motor" flow past a fixed point, emitting specific signals that reveal genetic information embedded on the strand of nucleic acid.

Eugene Chan, Chairman and CEO of U.S. Genomics, commented, "The granting of this first patent for U.S. Genomics is a validation of our approach to direct linear analysis of DNA. Modeled after the nearly instantaneous readings of DNA that natural cellular machinery executes, our approach to deciphering and understanding genetic information is directed towards complete-genome analysis - reading the entire sequence of genetic coding contained in a full, unbroken strand of DNA."

U.S. Genomics has developed the GeneEngine™, a set of laboratory devices that enable researchers to uncurl and separate individual strands of DNA or RNA which are then run through a microarray sequencer in extremely long, unbroken, linear segments. The genetic information captured through such direct linear readings is relatively much more comprehensive and integrated than data available through other current techniques. The molecular motors covered in this first patent provide the physical mechanism for moving the strands of DNA through the sequencer.

"We anticipate that this initial patent will be joined by the others we have filed covering the other aspects of our breakthrough technology platform for direct linear readings of DNA," said David Bernstein, Chief Intellectual Property Counsel at U.S. Genomics. "As we move towards the initial commercial applications of this platform in key markets - drug discovery, pharmacogenomics, and clinical diagnostics - this patent stands as the first in the Company's portfolio of intellectual property."

To address the emerging commercial need for the rapid production of usable and comprehensive genomic data, U.S. Genomics has created a fundamental new technology that allows direct, linear DNA analysis. U.S. Genomics's unique ability to read rapidly extremely long stretches of genetic sequence has the potential to transform the utility and commercial application of genomic analysis. In the near term, the Company's platform can be applied to generate enriched haplotype data that provides extremely full information. In the longer term, U.S. Genomics's approach has the potential to enable the deciphering of complete genomes, individual drug customization, and drug discovery for diseases caused by multiple genes.

About U.S. Genomics
U.S. Genomics (USG) is pioneering breakthrough technologies for direct, linear analysis of DNA for the global life sciences industry. Modeled after the cellular machinery used to read genetic material, the Company's technologies have the potential to transform the commercial utility of genomic information by enhancing its quality and breadth of application. USG is focused initially on providing technology products and services to markets in drug discovery, pharmacogenomics, and diagnostics. For further information, please visit www.usgenomics.com.