Celera Genomics to Provide Database Subscription to AMDeC; Deal Includes Researchers at 37 Premier Medical and Research Institutions in N.Y.

Business Editors/Medical Writers

ROCKVILLE, Md.--(BW HealthWire)--March 1, 2001

Celera Genomics (NYSE:CRA), an Applera Corporation business, announced today it signed a multi-year agreement with AMDeC LLC. This deal allows AMDeC member institutions to access Celera's database information through its Celera Discovery System(TM). AMDeC is a consortium of thirty-seven of New York's world-renowned medical schools, academic health institutions and other research institutions whose members include Rockefeller University, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, and Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

"With increasing amounts of genomic data being generated and with new findings being published on the human genome, biomedical researchers are now faced with the challenge of how to deal with this wealth of information," said J. Craig Venter, Ph.D., Celera's president and chief scientific officer. "We are pleased that AMDeC, which represents some of the most esteemed medical and research institutions in the world, has chosen to utilize the advanced tools, software, and data integrated in the Celera Discovery System to enhance their research programs to enable them to uncover potential new therapies to treat human disease."

"This deal represents another significant milestone in AMDeC's efforts to ensure that New York's scientists have affordable access to today's cutting-edge research technologies, and is a critical step in our efforts to position New York to lead the nation in the new genomics era," said Maria K. Mitchell, Ph.D., president of AMDeC.

The Celera Discovery System is a convenient, integrated, web-based discovery system that allows subscribers to use Celera generated databases, additional non-proprietary genome and biological datasets, computational tools and super-computing power to advance the discovery programs of researchers worldwide.

About AMDeC

AMDeC was developed by leaders in New York's medical and scientific community to establish New York as the international center for biomedical research and technology over the next decade. Through AMDeC, its thirty-seven member institutions are working collaboratively to develop large-scale basic science and clinical research projects, expand New York's research infrastructure, recruit talented researchers to New York's scientific institutions, further develop New York's biotechnology sector, and pursue research-related business opportunities. This deal with Celera represents one of the business arrangements AMDeC has negotiated on behalf of its member institutions that will help to drive down research costs and therefore foster more cost-effective and far-reaching research in New York.

About Celera

Applera Corporation, formerly PE Corporation, comprises two operating groups. The Celera Genomics Group, headquartered in Rockville, Md., intends to be the definitive source of genomic and related medical information. Celera has developed three business units: the On-line Information Business, Discovery Sciences, and Discovery Services, all of which build upon Celera's generation, integration, and analysis of biological information. Celera intends to enable therapeutic discoveries both through its own application of its scientific capabilities and in partnership with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. 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, Calif., and reported sales of $1.4 billion during fiscal 2000. 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," "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 Celera Genomics' businesses include but are not limited to (1) operating losses to date; (2) a unique and expanding business plan; (3) uncertainty of revenue growth; (4) unproven use of genomics information to develop products; (5) intense competition in the evolving genomics industry; (6) dependence on customers in and subject to the risks of the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries; (7) heavy reliance on strategic relationship with the Applied Biosystems Group; (8) lengthy sales cycle; (9) dependence on the unique expertise of its scientific and management staff; (10) dependence on computer hardware, software, and internet applications; (11) access to biological materials; (12) legal, ethical, and social issues affecting demand for products; (13) disruptions caused by rapid growth of the business; (14) government regulation of its products and services; (15) risks of future acquisitions; (16) uncertainty of outcome of stockholder litigation; and (17) 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, Celera Genomics, and Celera Discovery System are trademarks and Applied Biosystems is a registered trademark of Applera Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and certain other countries.