Amersham Updates MegaBACE DNA Sequencing Platform, Offering Improved Productivity of High-Throughput, Large-Scale Genome Sequencing.

Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers

BIOWIRE2K

PISCATAWAY, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 18, 2003

Amersham Biosciences, the life sciences business of Amersham (NYSE:AHM) (LSE:AHM) (OSE:AHM), introduces the MegaBACE(TM) 4500 DNA sequence analyzer, an improved version of the industry-leading, 384 capillary, MegaBACE 4000. The new MegaBACE 4500 improves the average sequencing read length by approximately 150-200 base pairs. By enabling users to achieve read lengths of greater than 900 base pairs in a single run, the new DNA sequencing analyzer significantly improves the productivity of high-throughput, large scale genome sequencing.

"The MegaBACE platform has set the standard for high-throughput DNA sequencing and played a key role in the efforts to sequence the human genome," said Michael S. Pettigrew, Vice President of Drug Discovery Sales at Amersham Biosciences. "The ability of the MegaBACE 4500 to accelerate the sequencing process, improve accuracy, and reduce the cost per base sequenced will ensure that MegaBACE continues to play a critical role in the ongoing sequencing of the genomes of many different organisms and micro-organisms."

Amersham Biosciences' MegaBACE was the first 384-capillary gel electrophoresis sequencing system on the market, revolutionizing high-throughput DNA sequence analysis. The MegaBACE 4500 provides longer read lengths, longer-lasting arrays, and more efficient excitation of low signal samples due to a number of technological advances. It offers an enhanced sieving matrix, a new, 70-cm capillary length, and elevated (up to 60 degrees C) operating temperatures. Ease of operation is an additional advantage.

Amersham Biosciences, the life sciences business of Amersham (LSE: NYSE: OSE: AHM), is a world leader in developing and providing integrated systems and solutions for disease research, drug development and manufacture. Our systems are used to uncover the function of genes and proteins, for the discovery and development of drugs, and for the manufacture of biopharmaceuticals. The customers for Amersham Biosciences' products and technology are pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies and research and academic institutions, principally in North America, Europe, Latin America, and Asia. More information about Amersham Biosciences is available at www.amershambiosciences.com

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