Lynx Announces Publication of Scientific Papers Showcasing Application

    Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers

    HAYWARD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 1, 2005--Lynx Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq:LYNX) today announced the publication of four peer-reviewed manuscripts that describe the use of Massively Parallel Signature Sequencing (MPSS(TM)) gene expression technology for the characterization of the transcriptomes of human and mouse embryonic stem (ES) cell lines. The data were generated under contracts with the National Institute on Aging (NIA) and the Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS).
    The data, published in Stem Cells (February 2005), Stem Cells and Development (two manuscripts in December 2004), and BMC Developmental Biology (August 2004), reveal a comprehensive picture of gene expression in several human and mouse ES cell lines. A large number of genes were identified that changed rapidly as cultures transition from the pluripotent state, capable of forming all tissues in the body, to a differentiated state committed to a specific tissue. Cross-species comparison of the transcriptomes identified divergent paths required to maintain the stem cell state in human and in mouse.
    "We believe the comprehensive expression profiles generated in these studies will serve as valuable reference data for the ES cell research community," said Dr. Thomas Vasicek, vice president of business development at Lynx. "These publications emphasize the increasing embrace of MPSS(TM) by the scientific community. Studies like these and the data from the NIH Mouse Reference Transcriptome are showcasing the value of MPSS(TM) and are beginning to impact the broader biomedical research community."

    About NIA

    The National Institute on Aging (NIA), one of the 27 institutes and centers of the National Institutes of Health, leads a broad scientific effort to understand the nature of aging and to extend the healthy, active years of life. In 1974, Congress granted authority to form the National Institute on Aging to provide leadership in aging research, training, health information dissemination, and other programs relevant to aging and older people. Subsequent amendments to this legislation designated the NIA as the primary federal agency on Alzheimer's disease research.

    About GIS

    The Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS) is a Singapore national initiative with a global vision that seeks to use genomic sciences to improve public health and public prosperity. As a center for genomic discovery, the GIS will pursue the integration of technology, genetics and biology toward the goal of individualized medicine. The GIS is the national flagship program in the genomic sciences as the country seeks to be an international center for the biomedical sciences and its relevant industries. For more information, visit the GIS Web site at www.gis.a-star.edu.sg/.

    About Lynx

    Lynx is focused on the development and application of novel genomic analysis solutions. By "novel," Lynx means next generation technology that will take the engagement of thought leaders before broader commercial acceptance can occur. Lynx's Massively Parallel Sequencing System (MPSS(TM)) consists of proprietary instrumentation, reagents and software that are used to analyze millions of DNA molecules in parallel, enabling genome structure characterization at an unprecedented level of resolution. As applied to gene expression analysis, MPSS(TM) provides comprehensive and quantitative digital information important to modern systems biology research in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and agricultural industries. For more information, visit Lynx's Web site at www.lynxgen.com.

    This press release contains "forward-looking" statements, including statements related to the identification of differentially expressed genes, the acceptance of Lynx's technology within the scientific community and Lynx's performance of its genomics discovery services for current and future customers and collaborators. Any statements contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Words such as "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "predicts," "expects," "envisions," "hopes," "estimates," "intends," "will," "continue," "may," "potential," "should," "confident," "could" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause the results of Lynx to differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements, including, among others, risks detailed from time to time in Lynx's SEC reports, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003, as amended, its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2004 and its Proxy Statement/Prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) on January 24, 2005. Lynx does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements.

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CONTACT: Lynx Therapeutics, Inc. Mary L. Schramke, 510-670-9300 or Investor Contact: Lippert/Heilshorn & Associates Jody Cain or Bruce Voss, 310-691-7100 jcain@lhai.com bvoss@lhai.com

KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA SINGAPORE INTERNATIONAL ASIA PACIFIC INDUSTRY KEYWORD: GOVERNMENT PHARMACEUTICAL MEDICAL DEVICES BIOTECHNOLOGY SOFTWARE PRODUCT MARKETING AGREEMENTS SOURCE: Lynx Therapeutics, Inc.

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