Illumina Launches the BeadXpress System Targeting Research and Clinical Development Applications.

VeraCode Digital Microbead Technology Delivers Unparalleled Multiplexing Range, Accuracy, and Data Quality

SAN DIEGO -- Illumina, Inc. (NASDAQ: ILMN) today announced the launch of the BeadXpress([TM]) System. Based on its proprietary VeraCode([TM]) digital microbead technology, this system represents a significant step forward for research and clinical development applications. Utilizing uniquely inscribed digital microbeads, VeraCode technology provides high-quality data, broad multiplexing capability, and assay flexibility. The two-color laser detection capability of the BeadXpress system is ideally suited for low- to mid multiplex experiments. Using this system, researchers can assay tens to hundreds of analytes in a single sample at one time. Key application areas include biomarker research and validation, pharmaceutical development, industrial testing, agriculture, clinical research, and the development of molecular diagnostic assays. BeadXpress systems and associated reagent kits are currently shipping.

Duke University and John's Hopkins University have each recently received BeadXpress systems as part of a priority access program. "Human disease studies have made remarkable progress since the introduction of the Infinium whole-genome genotyping BeadChips. The addition of VeraCode and the BeadXpress system will fulfill a critical unmet need for researchers who want to replicate the most associated polymorphisms emerging from these studies, allowing us to accurately, inexpensively, and quickly retest the top 50 or 100 polymorphisms in very large sample sizes," said Kevin Shianna, Ph.D., Director of Duke Universities IGSP Genotyping Facility. "We look forward to applying this technology to our own studies in both host response to infectious disease and schizophrenia."

The BeadXpress system and VeraCode technology were piloted at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) and the University of Pittsburgh. Results reported by researchers at UCI showed outstanding data quality, ease-of-use, and high concordance with Illumina's BeadArray technology.

"This is a revolution in technology that provides a cost-effective and flexible solution for researchers performing a wide variety of experiments, including biomarker validation, routine testing, and the development of molecular diagnostics," said Mickie Henshall, Senior Product Manager of Molecular Diagnostics at Illumina. "This novel technology enables rapid reaction rates of solution-based assays with the multiplexing power commonly seen with microarrays."

"In January we announced research collaborations with the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario and Mayo Clinic to develop screening assays that profile inherited and complex diseases using VeraCode technology. These agreements are an example of our potential to implement new research and clinical tests in the diagnostic market," said Jay Flatley, President and Chief Executive Officer of Illumina. "In addition to demonstrating clear economic benefits, excellent performance, and efficiency in the lab, the BeadXpress system represents an integral part of our broader vision for the deployment of genomics in medicine."

About VeraCode and the BeadXpress System

Illumina's VeraCode technology platform leverages the power of digital holographic codes to provide a robust detection method for low-cost multiplex assays requiring high precision, accuracy, and speed. This novel technology enables solution-based assays with the multiplexing power of microarrays. Comprised of cylindrical glass particles, VeraCode microbeads are inscribed with holographic elements that, when excited with a laser beam, diffract the beam to produce a unique code image. The glass surface of the microbeads provides an ideal surface for numerous bioassays, including genotyping, gene expression, and protein-based assays. Assays are created by pooling together microbeads with code diversities ranging from a few to several hundreds of codes that have been functionalized with capture biomolecules (oligos, cDNA, or protein).

The patented BeadXpress Reader is used to scan the beads in the assay for their code and fluorescence signals. The analysis software converts the code image into a decimal code, which can be interpreted to represent information such as analyte, sample ID, laboratory ID, lot numbers, reagent kits, etc. Illumina has effectively demonstrated robust performance in several multiplex genotyping, gene expression, and protein assays.

For more information on VeraCode and the BeadXpress system, please visit www.illumina.com/veracode.

About Illumina

Illumina (www.illumina.com) is developing next-generation tools for the large-scale analysis of genetic variation and function.

"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This release may contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Among the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in any forward-looking statements are the costs and outcome of Illumina's litigation with Affymetrix, our ability to effectively integrate our recent acquisition of Solexa, Inc., Illumina's ability to further develop and commercialize its BeadArray technologies and to deploy new gene expression and genotyping products and applications for its platform technology, Illumina's ability to manufacture robust Sentrix(R) arrays and Oligator(R) oligonucleotides, Illumina's ability to scale and integrate CyVera technology, and other factors detailed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including its recent filings on Forms 10-K and 10-Q or in information disclosed in public conference calls, the date and time of which are released beforehand. Illumina disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements beyond the date of this release.