Applied Biosystems Announces Launch of Productivity Pack for ABI PRISM Genetic Analyzers.

Business Editors & Biotechnology/High-Tech Writers

FOSTER CITY, Calif.--(BW HealthWire)--Nov. 30, 2000

Applied Biosystems Group (NYSE:ABI), an Applera Corporation business, today introduced a new Productivity Pack intended to offer customers using the family of ABI PRISM(R) genetic analyzers a substantial improvement in productivity. The Pack has three components:

-- New ABI PRISM(R) BigDye(TM) Terminators Version 3.0 DNA sequencing chemistry
for all capillary and slab-gel-based systems.

-- An improved polymer to allow customers using the ABI PRISM(R) 3700 DNA
Analyzer to perform an additional two to four sequencing runs per day.
Currently customers can perform up to eight runs per day using the 3700 DNA
Analyzer.

-- New ABI PRISM(R) 3700 Data Collection Software Version 2.0 that enables
unattended operation for up to 48 hours.

"These new tools could provide a significant increase in productivity for our customers, particularly those conducting high-throughput genomic research," said Michael W. Hunkapiller, Ph.D., president, Applied Biosystems. "They enable processing of both more samples per day and longer sequencing reads from each sample, providing greater capability at approximately the same cost per experiment. All of these additional capabilities have been identified as priorities by our customers."

Initial deliveries of the Productivity Pack components tailored for use on the ABI PRISM(R) 3700 DNA Analyzer are expected to begin at the end of January 2001, with subsequent releases planned to accommodate customers with the ABI PRISM(R) 310 and 3100 Genetic Analyzers.

These enhanced products are part of ongoing Applied Biosystems programs focused on the improvement of throughput and results through the introduction of new reagents, separation polymers and software.

PE Corporation has announced that the previously-announced name change to Applera Corporation became effective today. This new name is a combination of the names of the company's two operating businesses, the Applied Biosystems Group and the Celera Genomics Group.

The PE Biosystems Group name change to the Applied Biosystems Group also became effective today, and its stock symbol on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) changed from PEB to ABI at the opening of trading today. The NYSE symbol for the Celera Genomics Group remains CRA. Applera Corporation changed its web address from www.pecorporation.com to www.applera.com effective today.

Applera Corporation, formerly PE Corporation, comprises two operating groups. The Applied Biosystems Group (NYSE:ABI) develops and markets instrument-based systems, reagents, software, and contract services to the life science industry and research community. Customers use these tools to analyze nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) and proteins in order to make scientific discoveries, develop new pharmaceuticals, and conduct standardized testing. Applied Biosystems is headquartered in Foster City, and reported sales of $1.4 billion during fiscal 2000. The Celera Genomics Group (NYSE:CRA), headquartered in Rockville, Md., intends to become the definitive source of genomic and related medical information. Information about Applera Corporation, including reports and other information filed by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, is available on the world wide web at www.applera.com, or by telephoning 800/762-6923.

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," "planned," "estimated," and "potential," 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. The risks and uncertainties that may affect the operations, performance, development, and results of Applied Biosystems businesses include but are not limited to (1) rapidly changing technology and dependence on new products; (2) claims for patent infringement; (3) earthquakes; and (4) other factors that might be described from time to time in Applera Corporation's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Note to Editors: Applera, Celera, and Celera Genomics are trademarks and ABI PRISM and its design and Applied Biosystems are registered trademarks of Applera Corporation or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and certain other countries.