eGene Announces Collaboration Agreement with Prof. Andras Guttman.

IRVINE, Calif. -- eGene Inc. (OTCBB:EGEI), a leading biotechnology company that offers low-cost, micro-fluidic, miniaturized digital genetic analyzer systems, announced that it has signed a collaboration agreement with Prof. Andras Guttman, Marie Curie Chair of the European Commission, the head of the Horvath Laboratory of Bioseparation Sciences in the University in Innsbruck, Austria.

"Prof. Guttman is an acknowledged scientist in bioanalytical sciences. His laboratory in University of Innsbruck has shown exciting results in large-scale genotyping using the eGene's HDA-GT12 system. This collaboration agreement will allow eGene to work closer with Prof. Guttman's laboratory on more genetic testing including haplotyping," explained the CEO of eGene, Dr. Ming Liu.

The study was also supported by the Austrian Genome program (GenAu), the Hungarian Ministry of Health and Education (Szent-Gyorgyi Program), and the European Commission (Marie Curie Actions). A healthy population of 100 individuals of Hungarian origin was investigated for genotype frequencies for two important polymorphisms in the deoxycytidine Kinase gene. The research results have been submitted for publication.

"Investigation of the genetic background of complex traits is in the focus of recent interest, as several common diseases or the individual response to treatment of various illnesses has not yet been explored. These studies require the development and implementation of reliable and large-scale genotyping methods," said Prof. Guttman. "We have chosen eGene's HDA-GT12 system to conduct this study. In our report, we demonstrated that this system can be readily applied for reliable genotyping at a 20-seconds-per-sample apparent analysis rate."

In mid-2004, eGene launched its high-performance genetic analyzer (HDA-GT12(TM)) using its cutting-edge multiple channel capillary electrophoresis technology. The company has shipped over 100 units to research laboratories worldwide. These instruments are being currently used for a wide variety of applications including microsatellite analysis, restriction digest sample quality checks as well as oligonucleotide quality checks.

"We believe that eGene's HDA system is an effective and affordable tool for large-scale genotyping and the recently emerging haplotyping studies," said Dr. Liu.

About eGene Inc.

eGene Inc. offers low-cost, micro-fluidic, miniaturized, digital Genetic Analyzer Systems, which are critical to the present and future of biological materials testing applications. The company's current products detect, quantify, identify and characterize DNA/RNA at unprecedented specificity and sensitivity, and automate routine and non-routine laboratory and industrial procedures critical to product safety, development, quality and productivity. For more information, visit eGene's Web site at: www.egeneinc.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are made based on management's current expectations and beliefs. Actual results may vary from those currently anticipated based upon a number of factors. The company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions, which may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.