Applied Biosystems, Stanford University, and University of Miami Expand Lymphoma Research Collaboration.

FOSTER CITY, Calif. -- Studies Aim to Validate the Value of Genetic Biomarkers for Predicting Treatment Response and Survival in Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma 

Applied Biosystems (NYSE:ABI), an Applera Corporation business, today announced it has expanded its collaboration with Stanford University and University of Miami to continue the study of genetic biomarkers associated with treatment response and survival in diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), the most common form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

The collaborators published their initial findings in an April 29, 2004 New England Journal of Medicine article entitled "Prediction of survival in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma based on the expression of six genes." While the previous study was based on samples from patients receiving standard chemotherapy, the second retrospective study will seek to further validate the predictive value of the six genes in a larger study using samples from patients who were treated with a combination of standard chemotherapy and Rituxan(R) (rituximab) therapy, and whose outcomes are already known.

The researchers also will begin a prospective study to follow patients from diagnosis in order to evaluate if the six genes can predict whether or not patients respond to the combination of chemotherapy and Rituxan, and whether the biomarkers correctly identify those less likely to survive.

While Rituxan is not currently indicated for DLBCL, it is being investigated for the treatment of DLBCL due to its success in treating follicular lymphoma(1) and recent results that it may prolong survival in elderly patients(2).

"By expanding our knowledge about the genetic biomarkers associated with diffuse large B cell lymphoma, we ultimately hope to provide clinicians with better tools to make treatment decisions," said Ronald Levy, MD, Professor of Medicine and lead author, Stanford University Medical Center. "For example, if the model is validated and a patient is deemed unlikely to respond to currently available treatments, the patient may be a good candidate for alternative therapies under investigation."

In the initial DLBCL study, the researchers used a combination of microarrays, bioinformatics, real-time PCR and TaqMan(R) Gene Expression Assays to narrow candidate genes to the six deemed most predictive of survival. The current multi-site study will employ the Applied Biosystems TaqMan(R) Low Density Array, a microfluidic card for real-time PCR that can screen hundreds to thousands of samples across a set of genes in order to determine which genes are expressed.

"The TaqMan Low Density Array is an ideal research technology when the candidate genes have been identified and need to be validated in larger populations," said Dennis A. Gilbert, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer for Applied Biosystems. "Further, its robust and highly reproducible format enables standardization and the ability to easily reproduce the studies. Additionally, the TaqMan(R) array is analyzed with the ABI PRISM(R) 7900HT Sequence Detection System, a real-time PCR system that is commonly used in the industry for gene expression studies."

About Applera Corporation and Applied Biosystems

Applera Corporation consists of two operating groups. The Applied Biosystems Group serves the life science industry and research community by developing and marketing instrument-based systems, consumables, software, and services. Customers use these tools to analyze nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), small molecules, and proteins to make scientific discoveries, develop new pharmaceuticals, and conduct standardized testing. Applied Biosystems is headquartered in Foster City, CA, and reported sales of $1.7 billion during fiscal 2004. The Celera Genomics Group (NYSE:CRA) is engaged principally in the discovery and development of targeted therapeutics for cancer, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Celera Genomics is leveraging its proteomic, bioinformatic, and genomic capabilities to identify and validate drug targets, and to discover and develop small molecule therapeutics. It is also seeking to advance therapeutic antibody and selected small molecule drug programs in collaboration with global technology and market leaders. Celera Diagnostics, a 50/50 joint venture between Applied Biosystems and Celera Genomics, is focused on discovery, development, and commercialization of diagnostic products. Information about Applera Corporation, including reports and other information filed by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, is available at http://www.applera.com, or by telephoning 800-762-6923. Information about Applied Biosystems is available at http://www.appliedbiosystems.com/.

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking. These may be identified by the use of forward-looking words or phrases such as "believe," "expect," "intend," "anticipate," "should," and "planned," among others. These forward-looking statements are based on Applera Corporation's current expectations. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe harbor" for such forward-looking statements. In order to comply with the terms of the safe harbor, Applera Corporation notes that a variety of factors could cause actual results and experience to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements. These factors include but are not limited to (1) rapidly changing technology and dependence on development of new products; (2) sales dependent on customers' capital spending policies and government-sponsored research; (3) uncertainty of the availability of intellectual property protection and the ability to protect trade secrets, and the risk of infringement claims; and (4) other factors that might be described from time to time in Applera Corporation's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All information in this press release is as of the date of the release, and Applera does not undertake any duty to update this information, including any forward-looking statements, unless required by law.

Copyright(C) 2005. Applera Corporation. All rights reserved. Applied Biosystems, ABI PRISM, and Celera are registered trademarks and Applera, and Celera Genomics are trademarks of Applera Corporation or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and/or certain other countries.

TaqMan is a trademark of Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.

Rituxan is a registered trademark of Genentech.

For research use only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

The PCR process and 5' nuclease process are covered by patents owned by Roche Molecular Systems, Inc. and F. Hoffman La Roche Ltd.

The Micro Fluidic Card was developed in collaboration with 3M company.

(1) http://www.rituxan.com/rituxan/index.jsp

(2) Coiffier, B. et al., CHOP Chemotherapy plus Rituximab compared with CHOP alone in elderly patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, NEJM (2002) 346:235-242