Applied Biosystems Introduces New System for LC/MS/MS Quantitation; New Level of Performance for Drug Metabolism Pharmacokinetic Studies.

Business Editors/Health & Medical Writers

FOSTER CITY, Calif.--(BW HealthWire)--March 21, 2001

Applied Biosystems Group (NYSE:ABI), an Applera Corporation business, announced through its MDS SCIEX joint venture, the API 4000 LC/MS/MS system, a new system for high performance LC/MS quantitation. This system combines mass spectrometry innovation with proven technology for superior performance in triple quadrupole LC/MS/MS. The API 4000 LC/MS/MS system is expected to have a significant impact on the drug metabolism pharmacokinetics (DMPK) market, due to improved performance. Shipments are expected to begin in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2001.

The API 4000 LC/MS/MS triple quadrupole system has higher sensitivity and lower limits of detection, as well as increased ruggedness and higher throughput than have been previously available. Applied Biosystems/MDS SCIEX has offered, and continues to offer, a family of integrated LC/MS system based solutions that provide superior results to researchers interested in obtaining quantitative as well as qualitative information. The API 4000 LC/MS/MS system is expected to allow researchers to identify and quantitate potential drug candidates at lower concentrations than have been achieved in the past. The completely redesigned system, including an innovative ion source, provides up to a ten-fold increase in sensitivity.

The redesigned ion source includes the unique ability to switch ionization modes while using a single ion source housing. Users can switch from electrospray ionization to APCI (atmospheric pressure chemical ionization) by merely switching a single probe. The capability to rapidly switch between ionization modes is expected to increase system productivity and flexibility.

System throughput is enhanced by the high degree of automation and data processing capabilities of Analyst(TM) software, already known for its quantitative capabilities. Advanced software applications such as Information Dependent Acquisition (IDA) and Automaton increase throughput by maximizing information obtained from a single LC/MS run, and automating methods development and quantitation. Analyst(TM) is GLP compliant and fully meets the recommendations of 21 CFR part 11.

"We are very excited about the technical innovation and new level of performance that the API 4000 represents, and the potential to strengthen our leadership position by continuing to develop high performance systems for the DMPK LC/MS market," said Michael Hunkapiller, Ph.D., president, Applied Biosystems.

In clinical studies, the new level of performance means that researchers should be able to quantitate drug candidates and possible metabolite concentrations that would previously have been undetectable. The increased ruggedness and ease of use is expected to offer customers higher productivity. This increased performance should assist pharmaceutical companies in getting drugs to market faster.

About Applera

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, CA, and reported sales of $1.4 billion during fiscal 2000. The Celera Genomics Group (NYSE:CRA), headquartered in Rockville, MD, intends to enable therapeutic discoveries both through its own application of its scientific capabilities and in partnership with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. 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 and subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties. These may be identified by the use of forward-looking words or phrases such as "believe," "expect," "intend," "anticipate," "should," 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) sales dependent on customers' capital spending policies and government-sponsored research; (3) claims for patent infringement; 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: For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.