CELERA EXPANDS GENOMIC PROGRAM.

Celera Genomics (NYSE:CRA), an Applera Corporation business, has announced that Serono S.A. (SWX Swiss Exchange: SEO and NYSE: SRA), has signed a multi-year subscription agreement to Celera's proprietary genomic databases. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

"This agreement with Serono is important validation of Celera's genomic databases," said J. Craig Venter, Ph.D., Celera's president and chief scientific officer. "We believe that access to Celera's data can provide Serono, a leading-edge global biotechnology company, with accurate genomic information to enhance their outstanding track record in developing novel therapeutics."

"This agreement is another important element in our expanding genomics program. Celera's high quality mouse and human genome sequences will support Serono's scientific efforts to discover novel targets and therapeutic proteins," commented Silvano Fumero, Ph.D., senior executive vice president, Research & Pharmaceutical Development at Serono.

About Serono

Serono is a global biotechnology leader. The company has six recombinant products on the market, Gonal-F(R), Luveris(R), Ovidrel(R)/Ovitrelle(R), Rebif(R), Serostim(R) and Saizen(R) (Rebif(R) and Luveris(R) are not approved in the USA). In addition to being the world leader in reproductive health, Serono has strong market positions in neurology, metabolism and growth. The company's research programs are focused on growing these businesses and on establishing new therapeutic areas. Currently, there are fifteen molecules in development.

In 2000, Serono achieved worldwide revenues of US$1.240 billion, and a net income of US$301 million, making it the third largest biotech company in the world based on revenues. The company operates in 45 countries, and its products are sold in over 100 countries. Bearer shares of Serono S.A., the holding company, are traded on the SWX Swiss Exchange (SEO) and its American Depositary Shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (SRA).

About Applera Corporation and Celera Genomics

Applera Corporation comprises two operating groups. The Celera Genomics Group, headquartered in Rockville, MD, is engaged principally in integrating advanced technologies to create therapeutic discovery and development capabilities for internal use and for its customers and collaborators. Celera's businesses are its online information business and its therapeutics discovery business. The online information business is a leading provider of information based on the human genome and other biological and medical information. Through the therapeutic discovery business, Celera intends to leverage its genomic and proteomic capabilities to identify drug targets and diagnostic marker candidates, and to discover novel therapeutic candidates.

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. Applied Biosystems is headquartered in Foster City, CA, and reported sales of $1.6 billion during fiscal 2001. Celera Diagnostics has been established as a joint venture between Applied Biosystems and Celera Genomics. This new venture is focused on discovery, development and commercialization of novel diagnostic tests.

For more information, visit http://www.applera.com or and http://www.celera.com or 800/762-6923 or 240/453-3343.