Genencor International and Gyros AB establish technology collaboration

GENENCOR INTERNATIONAL AND GYROS AB ESTABLISH TECHNOLOGY COLLABORATION Palo Alto, Calif. and Uppsala, Sweden, May 24, 2001-Genencor International (Nasdaq: GCOR) and Gyros AB today announced the signing of an agreement to establish a one-year collaboration to apply the Gyros' microfluidic technology to Genencor's screening capabilities. The two companies will work together to design application-specific nano-scale microlaboratories in a compact disc (CD) format. Under the terms of the agreement, Gyros will custom design applications and CDs specifically for Genencor's screening assays. Genencor will serve as a technical evaluation site for Gyros' prototype microfluidic robot and CDs. Gyros will benefit from the assistance of Genencor in the development of microfluidic assays applicable to research in a variety of industries. Gyros' proprietary technology platform offers Genencor the opportunity to accelerate biomaterial discovery and development programs by using a faster and higher throughput screen. In addition, the technology will increase the level of automation in proteomics and ultimately allow interfacing of the CDs to mass spectrometry. "Our work with Gyros represents an advancement in the development of high-content, high information screening technology and is another example of how Genencor leverages its core technologies using cutting- edge avenues," said Michael V. Arbige, senior vice president, technology of Genencor. "An ultimate goal with Gyros' innovative screening capabilities is to enable interfacing of the technology to high throughput proteomics." The relationship builds off the highly advanced high throughput screening technology that is part of Genencor's integrated i-biotechtm system and Gyros' multi-disciplinary expertise in surface chemistry and microfluidic technology. Together, both companies intend to integrate their respective skills into the development of microlaboratory CDs for use in life science research, drug discovery and diagnostics. "We are delighted to collaborate with an industry leader such as Genencor for their discovery and proteomics applications. Genencor's perspective on implementation of novel technology will fit well with our approach to microfluidics and the flexibility of our platform design," said Maris Hartmanis, chief executive officer of Gyros. "The ability to integrate a large number of laboratory processes and run hundreds of samples in parallel on a single, disposable CD will redesign traditional ways of working within proteomics." About Gyros AB The technology platform from Gyros offers pharmaceutical, biotechnology and diagnostic companies the ability to integrate different laboratory steps on a single CD. Traditional working procedures can be reassessed and redesigned to bring exceptional gains in efficiency, cost- effectiveness and information content. Gyros was founded in 2000, has its headquarters in Uppsala, Sweden and currently employs 66 people. Based on more than 10 years of research within microfabrication and microfluidic technology, Gyros has developed a leading position in these fields supported by a strong proprietary technology platform with more than 30 patents and patent applications. For further information, visit www.gyrosmicro.com or contact: Maris Hartmanis, President and CEO, Gyros AB Tel: +46 (0)18 566 330 Mobile: +46 (0)70 562 8617 Email: maris.hartmanis@gyrosmicro.com Per Sjöberg, Vice President Commercial Operations, Gyros AB Tel: +46 (0)18 566 318 Mobile: +46 (0)70 5444799 Email: per.sjoberg@gyrosmicro.com About Genencor International Genencor International is a diversified biotechnology company that develops and delivers innovative products into the health care, agriculture, industrial and consumer markets. Using an integrated set of technology platforms, Genencor's products deliver innovative and sustainable solutions to many of the problems of everyday life. Genencor was established in 1982 as a joint venture between Genentech Inc. and Corning Inc. Since its founding, Genencor has grown to become a leading biotechnology company, with over $315 million in annual revenues, more than 250 biotechnology products in commerce, and over 3,400 owned and licensed patents and applications. Genencor, with more than 1,500 employees worldwide, has principal offices in Palo Alto, California; Rochester, New York; and Leiden, the Netherlands. For further information contact: Investors: Amy Giller, +1-650-846-7500 Media: Angie Blackwell, +1-716-256-5200 Statements in this press release that are not strictly historical may be forward-looking and include risks and uncertainties. Therefore, though based on Gyros' current expectations, it should be duly noted that a variety of factors could cause actual results and experiences to differ materially from what is herein expressed. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks associated with the management of growth and international operations (including effects of currency fluctuations), variability of operating results, unforeseen changes in the diagnostic and pharmaceutical markets, market competition, rapid or unexpected changes in technologies, fluctuations in product demand, difficulties to successfully develop, adapt, produce or commercialize products, the ability to identify and develop new products and to differentiate products from those of competitors, as well as various legal hazards. ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by BIT http://www.bit.se The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2001/05/24/20010523BIT01070/bit0002.doc http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2001/05/24/20010523BIT01070/bit0002.pdf