Woburn, MA (October 22, 2002) – U.S. Genomics announced today that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has granted the company a new patent that enhances its portfolio in the field of direct linear DNA analysis. U.S. Patent No. 6,403,311 covers aspects of the U.S. Genomics GeneEngine™ platform that are related to analyzing labeled tags on nucleic acid molecules. The Company’s technology has the potential to analyze complex molecules such as DNA and RNA one thousand times faster than current technologies.

“U.S. Genomics has made great strides in developing technologies to enable rapid access to genetic information,” said Eugene Chan, Chairman and CEO of U.S. Genomics. “Our GeneEngine™ technology offers the capability to analyze long contiguous strands of DNA very rapidly. This new patent specifically covers methods used to determine the order of tags placed on nucleic acid molecules. Data on the relative location of the tags allows us efficiently to create the maps of DNA, RNA, and proteins that can reveal unique characteristics of individuals.”

“While our previous patents have broadly covered systems and methods for detecting labels on nucleic acid molecules, this new addition to our portfolio is directed to methods used to analyze the data obtained using our GeneEngine™ technology,” commented David Bernstein, Chief Intellectual Property Counsel at U.S. Genomics. “The relative location of the labels on the sample is where the interesting data lie. Going forward, our technology offers the potential for broad applications in industries such as pharmacogenomics, where the map of a genome may give us great insight into genetic disease and new drug discovery.”

The patent on methods of DNA analysis is an early member of U.S. Genomics’ broad and growing portfolio of intellectual property covering methods used with the Company’s GeneEngine™ platform. Together with prior patents issued to the company, this latest patent continues to strengthen the position of U.S. Genomics in the field of ultra-fast DNA analysis. Currently U.S. Genomics’ patent portfolio contains six issued U.S. patents and over 30 applications throughout the world.

About U.S. Genomics, Inc.
U.S. Genomics (USG) is developing breakthrough technologies for high-speed genetic analysis of DNA for the global life sciences industry. The Company’s GeneEngine™ method of direct, linear analysis, which is modeled after nature’s cellular machinery used to read genetic material, incorporates nanotechnology, molecular biology, engineering, and biophysics. USG’s technology will enable the faster, more cost-effective access to genomic information that is needed for drug discovery, pharmacogenomics, and diagnostics. For more information, please visit www.usgenomics.com.