Woburn, MA (September 29, 2003) – U.S. Genomics (USG), a privately held developer of single molecule analysis technologies for the life sciences industry, has received a Phase II SBIR Grant from the National Science Foundation. The $500,000 grant will be used to advance the development of the company’s technology for rapid DNA analysis and genomic mapping. U.S. Genomics anticipates that under this grant it will advance the development of the platform’s capabilities as well as develop specific life sciences applications that will position the technology for commercialization.

“This follow-on SBIR grant is further validation of our genomic mapping technology and will provide us with the funding to accelerate our development efforts,” said Stephen P. DeFalco, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of U.S. Genomics. “Our technology is a unique tool for genomics researchers because of a combination of features - single-molecule sensitivity, capability to analyze very long DNA molecules, ultra high throughput, and the ability of the platform to identify and map key sites of interest rapidly.”

In October 2002, U.S. Genomics was awarded a Phase I SBIR grant to generate genomic maps based on analyses of individual DNA molecules. During the Phase I project, U.S. Genomics achieved fundamental milestones, including creating maps of long DNA molecules as well as substantially increasing the resolution of the mapping. The Company will use the new Phase II grant to further the capabilities of the DNA platform by optimizing its nanofluidics, developing novel fluorescence detection strategies, and designing simpler and more rapid methods to prepare and isolate samples.

About U.S. Genomics’ Platform
U.S. Genomics’ technology allows single molecule detection and analysis of DNA, RNA, and proteins without amplification. The Company’s direct detection approach provides researchers the capability to accelerate the development of new drugs and diagnostics. The company is pursuing two application families based on the technology platform. The first will enable direct single molecule detection to measure RNA and proteins. It is expected to have commercial applications in functional genomics and proteomics and to be available in 2004 with follow-on applications in the diagnostics market. Subsequent applications will advance the commercial introduction of DNA analysis and mapping and is the subject of this Phase II SBIR grant from the National Science Foundation.
About U.S. Genomics, Inc.
U.S. Genomics is a leading developer of technologies that allow genetics, functional genomics, and protein analysis to be performed at the single molecule level. The company’s GeneEngine™ technology platform can analyze individual molecules of DNA, RNA, and proteins without the need for amplification and combines advances in nanofluidics, optical engineering, and novel labeling strategies. The technology has life sciences applications in the areas of research, drug discovery and development, and diagnostics, and longer term it will provide a platform to enable personal genomics. Founded in 1997, U.S. Genomics is located in Woburn, Massachusetts. For more information, please visit www.usgenomics.com.