Gemini Genomics Appoints Leading Bioethicist as Corporate Consultant on Ethical Standards.

Biotechnology/ Health Editors

CAMBRIDGE, U.K.--(BW HealthWire)--Oct. 3, 2000

Gemini Genomics (Nasdaq: GMNI) today announced that M.C. Sullivan has been appointed as corporate consultant on ethical standards and practices in all areas of Geminis clinical and research activities. Ms. Sullivan is an attorney and an ethicist who is an internationally recognized authority in the field of bioethics.

Ms. Sullivan is the executive vice president of Midwest Bioethics Center, a private consulting and educational agency specializing in health care ethics and law, based in Kansas City, MO. Prior to joining Midwest Bioethics Center in 1996, Sullivan was an independent consultant providing education and consultation in health care ethics and law to health care professionals and institutions. Midwest Bioethics Center, an applied ethics center, is currently leading a three-year community-wide project called the Kansas City Initiative to Promote Integrity in Biomedical Research. Its strategic plan includes collaboration among academic, clinical and industry researchers throughout the metropolitan area. It addresses two major focal points: the ethics of research which includes topics such as intellectual property concerns, research misconduct and technology transfer; and human subject protection which will concentrate on institutional review boards.

Ms. Sullivan holds a Juris Doctor degree from the Massachusetts School of Law, as well as a master of theological studies degree in ethics from Harvard University. She graduated from Newton-Wellesley Hospital School of Nursing and holds a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy from Emmanuel College. Ms. Sullivan serves on the Board of Directors of the American Society of Law, Medicine, and Ethics and is a Kornfeld Fellow for 2000-2001.

It is clear that significant ethical and legal responsibilities accompany the flood of genetic knowledge into scientific research and the practice of medicine. Although there is no single ethical issue that unifies the field of genetics, informed consent and confidentiality are issues that all research activities, whether publicly or privately funded, should address on an ongoing basis. This appointment highlights Geminis unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest possible ethical standards in all its clinical and research activities and will help to ensure that Gemini remains at the forefront of developments in the ethics of human population genetics, stated Paul Kelly MD, President and Chief Executive Officer of Gemini Genomics. M.C. Sullivan is an internationally recognised expert in bioethics, with particular experience in ethics and genetics in medicine. Her service will undoubtedly prove a valuable asset to the company.

Gemini is a unique clinical genomics company focused on the discovery of novel gene based targets that offer maximum potential for the development of therapeutics or diagnostics by the pharmaceutical and health care industries. Gemini's approach integrates comprehensive clinical data and detailed genetic information from a wide range of human population groups, including twins, disease affected families, isolated (founder) populations and drug trial subjects. By investing in leading edge bioinformatics technologies, Gemini is able to effectively apply these resources to the acceleration of disease gene identification, target discovery, and drug development. For more information about Gemini Genomics, visit the company's website, http://www.gemini-genomics.com.

Statements in this press announcement regarding Gemini's business which are not historical facts are ``forward-looking statements'' that involve risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include discovering and developing the potential applications based on this association and developing increased understanding of complex disorders.