Applied Biosystems and the Institute for Systems Biology Announce Proteomics Research Collaboration.

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FOSTER CITY, Calif. & SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 27, 2002

Applied Biosystems (NYSE:ABI), an Applera Corporation business, and the Institute for Systems Biology (ISB), a non-profit research institute dedicated to predicting and preventing diseases, today announced a collaboration to develop new technologies and applications in proteomics. ISB intends to use the Applied Biosystems 4700 Proteomics Analyzer with TOF/TOF(TM) Optics and the ICAT(TM) reagent technology as major platforms in its efforts to study the dynamics of complex biological systems to better understand human immunity and identify strategies for preventing disease. Financial terms were not disclosed.

The collaboration will focus on the development of more effective ways to analyze proteins in the pathways that comprise complex biological systems by using mass spectrometry, chemical tagging strategies and bioinformatics, including improved LC MALDI workflows for high throughput quantitative proteomics studies. The effort will combine Applied Biosystems expertise in the development and application of mass spectrometry, chemistry and software to advanced proteomics workflows with ISB expertise in systems biology.

Scientists from Applied Biosystems Proteomics Research (PRC) Center in Framingham, MA and the Institute for Systems Biology in Seattle are expected to collaborate on the project. The PRC is leveraging Applied Biosystems existing proteomics expertise and internal research capabilities while facilitating collaboration with complementary technology partners. The goal is to achieve advances in the production of high quality information by means of significant improvements in throughput automation, sensitivity and cost efficiency.

"Advancements in technology are providing new opportunities to understand complex systems and networks responsible for important biological functions," said Michael W. Hunkapiller, Ph.D., President of Applied Biosystems. "Our collaboration with ISB will enable our two organizations to mutually explore potential new approaches to disease, continuing Applied Biosystems focus on accelerating the pace of discovery."

"Applied Biosystems has been a pioneer and world leader in developing biological instrumentation," said Leroy Hood, M.D., PhD., President of the Institute for Systems Biology. "Proteomics is one of the keys to exploring biological complexity and we are excited about this collaborative venture with Applied Biosystems to push the frontiers of proteomics chemistry and instrumentation."

Ruedi Aebersold, Ph.D. of the Institute for Systems Biology, and Michael Gelb, Ph.D. of the University of Washington developed the proprietary isotope coded affinity tag (ICAT) technology while Dr. Aebersold was a professor at the University of Washington. In November 2000, Applied Biosystems obtained a worldwide license from the University of Washington to manufacture and commercialize ICAT(TM) reagents.

About Applera Corporation and Applied Biosystems

Applera 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), small molecules, and proteins to make scientific discoveries leading to the development of new pharmaceuticals, and to conduct standardized testing. Applied Biosystems is headquartered in Foster City, CA, and reported sales of $1.6 billion during fiscal 2002. The Celera Genomics Group (NYSE:CRA), located in Rockville, MD and South San Francisco, CA, is engaged principally in integrating advanced technologies to discover and develop new therapeutics. Celera intends to leverage its genomics and proteomics technology platforms to identify drug targets and diagnostic marker candidates, and to discover novel therapeutics. Its Celera Discovery System(TM) online platform, to be marketed exclusively through the Knowledge Business of Applied Biosystems, is an integrated source of information based on the human genome and other biological and medical sources. Celera Diagnostics, a joint venture between Applied Biosystems and Celera Genomics, is focused on discovery, development, and commercialization of novel diagnostics tests. 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 http://www.applera.com/ or by telephoning 800/762-6923. Information about Applied Biosystems is available on the World Wide Web at http://www.appliedbiosystems.com/.

About the Institute for Systems Biology

Systems Biology is an emerging discipline that takes a more global look at complex biological functions. The Institute for Systems Biology is one of the most visible and pioneering research organizations in the world dedicated to this new approach that requires the integration of science, technology and bioinformatics in ways that would have been impossible only a few years ago. The Institute was founded by Dr. Leroy Hood, Dr. Ruedi Aebersold and Dr. Alan Aderem in 2000 and rapidly grew to a faculty of eight and a staff of more than 170. Hood, the Institute's President and Director, led the development of the automated DNA sequencing technology that enabled the Human Genome Project and was among the small group that advocated for the effort in 1985. Associate Director Alan Aderem, a prominent immunologist and cell biologist and pioneer in the study of innate immunity, has provided scientists with fundamental insights into the functioning of the macrophage. Aebersold, who is widely recognized for his work in analytical protein biochemistry and proteomics, leads a research group at the ISB that is focused on developing new methods and technologies for understanding the structure, function and control of complex biological systems.

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," "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 development of new products; (2) future growth strategy; and 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.

Note to Editors: Applied Biosystems is a registered trademark and Applera, Celera, Celera Diagnostics, Celera Discovery System, and Celera Genomics, are trademarks of Applera Corporation or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and certain other countries. ICAT is a trademark of the University of Washington in the US and certain other countries, licensed to the Applied Biosystems Group of Applera Corporation.