Ambion Licenses RNA Amplification Patents from Incyte Genomics.

Medical & Health Writers/Business Editors

AUSTIN, Texas and PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BW HealthWire)--Feb. 14, 2002

Ambion, Inc. announced it obtained a non-exclusive license from Incyte Genomics (Nasdaq: INCY) to manufacture and sell amplification kits for research use under patents directed to the RNA amplification procedure developed by Van Gelder, Eberwine and colleagues. Linear RNA amplification technology is used to increase the levels of RNA expressed in cells to quantities that can be used for obtaining gene expression patterns on DNA microarrays and other related applications. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Dr. Matt Winkler, CEO of Ambion said, "We are pleased to be a licensed commercial supplier of an RNA amplification kit based on optimizing this procedure developed by Van Gelder, Eberwine and colleagues. Our MessageAmp(TM) aRNA amplification kit allows researchers easy access to an optimized, streamlined version of this established technology. This is a critical technique for advancing gene analysis research and as the "The RNA Company", we're excited about offering this enabling technology to the research community."

"The Van Gelder and Eberwine RNA amplification method has become a standard in the research community," said Paul A. Friedman, M.D., Chief Executive Officer for Incyte. " We are pleased that Ambion will be offering a kit that will expand the number of life science researchers who will benefit from this technology."

Linear amplification technology is based on antisense RNA amplification first described by Eberwine and colleagues, and involves a series of enzymatic reactions resulting in linear amplification of RNA from small amounts of sample RNA such as that obtained from small biopsies, mRNA-poor cells and tissues, primary cell culture and laser capture micro-dissection (LCM) samples. Unlike exponential amplification methods such as NASBA and RT-PCR, aRNA amplification maintains relative ratios of the starting mRNA population (representational amplification).

Ambion, Inc., is a market leader in the field of RNA-based life science research and molecular diagnostic products. Ambion maintains this leadership role by consistently developing innovative products for handling, preserving, isolating, detecting and measuring RNA. These products are used for research in areas such as molecular biology, cell biology, microbiology, drug discovery, genomics and molecular diagnostics.

Incyte Genomics, Inc. has developed one of the leading integrated platforms of genomic technologies designed to aid in the understanding of the molecular basis of disease. Incyte develops and markets genomic databases and partnership programs, and genomic data management software. These products, programs and services assist pharmaceutical and biotechnology researchers with all phases of drug discovery and development including gene discovery, understanding disease pathways, identifying new disease targets and the discovery and correlation of gene sequence variation to disease. In addition, Incyte has the largest portfolio of issued United States patents covering human full-length genes and the proteins they encode and is leveraging its intellectual property position to be a leader in therapeutic discoveries. For more information, visit Incyte's web site at www.incyte.com.

Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Van Gelder and Eberwine RNA amplification technology and its utility to life science researchers, the ability of Incyte's products and services to enhance the research efforts of its customers and Incyte's ability to leverage its intellectual property position to become a leader in therapeutic discoveries, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially, including the impact of competition and alternative technologies, processes and approaches; Incyte's ability to compete against competitors that may have greater financial or other resources; changes in consumer demand for Incyte's products and services; changes in Incyte's business plan; Incyte's ability to obtain patent protection for its discoveries and to continue to be effective in expanding its patent coverage, defending its patent positions and growing its intellectual property portfolio, and other risks detailed from time to time in Incyte's SEC reports, including its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2001. Incyte disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.