Stanford genome technology center orders pyrosequencing high-throughput dna sequencing technology

STANFORD GENOME TECHNOLOGY CENTER ORDERS PYROSEQUENCING HIGH-THROUGHPUT DNA SEQUENCING TECHNOLOGY -- PTPtm to advance applied genetic analysis directed by lead geneticist Ron Davis-- Uppsala, Sweden, August 6, 2001-Stanford Genome Technology Center has ordered a high-throughput DNA sequencing system from Pyrosequencing AB (Stockholm: PYRO A), the Company announced today. The Genome Technology Center, which already uses Pyrosequencing's moderate throughput PSQtm96 System for genetic analysis, has made a further commitment to the robust technology by scaling up its genotyping capacity through the Preferred Technology Program (PTPtm). PTP offers a fully automated high-throughput process that incorporates robotics for sample preparation. Introduced to the market by Pyrosequencing in February, the system utilizes 384-well microplates and is capable of scoring up to 100,000 SNPs per day. "We have come to rely on the accuracy and high level of genetic information that Pyrosequencing's DNA sequencing-by-synthesis technology delivers," stated Dr. Ronald W. Davis, Director of the Center and Professor of Biochemistry at Stanford. "We are always seeking new methods to advance our research by accelerating the time it takes to genotype samples. More importantly, we know it is essential that we have the most comprehensive sequence information available and confidence in our analyses. We selected PTP because we know the technology works and it meets these requirements." The Genome Technology Center, one of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), genome centers funded since 1993 by the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), was established to increase the throughput and decrease the cost of DNA sequencing and genomic analyses and to participate in the international effort to complete the sequence of a model eukaryote, the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The yeast genome is relatively simple but shares many genes in common with the human genome making it a good system for deciphering the function of genes that might have a similar role in humans. "It is very gratifying to know that a customer believes in Pyrosequencing technology because they know it works and then are willing to make a further commitment by scaling up their genotyping operations using the same technology," commented Erik Walldén, President and CEO of Pyrosequencing AB. "It is equally satisfying to have this repeat customer be a major genomics research center such as the Stanford Genome Technology Center. This sale is the second PTP order in four months and is evidence of our ability to deliver a reliable, easily scalable, and fully automated solution to the applied genomics market," he said. Pyrosequencing introduced the PSQ 96 System, its first DNA sequencing product, just 14 months ago and is already leading the market in both the number of systems sold and the diversity of its customer base. Designed for moderate-throughput processing, PSQ 96 System offers a scalable cost-effective solution for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and other sequence analyses. The Company has currently sold more than 100 systems worldwide, across all major market segments including pharmaceutical and biotech companies as well as academic research institutions. For more information on The Stanford Genome Technology Center, visit http://sequence-www.stanford.edu. About Pyrosequencing AB Pyrosequencing AB develops, manufactures and sells complete solutions for applied genetic analysis based on its proprietary Pyrosequencingtm technology, a simple-to-use DNA sequencing technique. In the post-genome era, Pyrosequencing's technology has established the Company as one of the leading suppliers of solutions for accurate, consistent DNA analysis in research institutions and pharmaceutical, genomics and agbiotech companies. For the analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), the PSQtm96 System with SNP Software and Reagent Kits is used by customers such as AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, the Harvard Center for Cancer Prevention, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Karolinska Institute and DuPont Agriculture. The Company's Sequence Analysis Software and Reagent Kits together with the PSQ 96 System are used for the identification of gene-specific DNA sequences for applications such as bacterial and viral typing where speed and ease of use are essential. The Company is headquartered in Uppsala, Sweden with North American operations located in Westborough, Massachusetts. Pyrosequencing AB also has sales offices and distribution partners in Europe, Asia Pacific and the Middle East. Pyrosequencing AB is listed on the OM Stockholm Exchange. The Company's web address is www.pyrosequencing.com. 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," "intend," "anticipate," "should," "planned," "estimated," and "potential," among others. These forward-looking statements are based on Pyrosequencing'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, Pyrosequencing 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. Such uncertainties and risks include, but are not limited to, risks associated with management of growth and international operations (including the effects of currency fluctuations), variability of operating results, the commercial development of the DNA sequencing and genomics market, nucleic acid-based molecular diagnostics market, and genetic vaccination and gene therapy markets, competition, rapid or unexpected changes in technologies, fluctuations in demand for Pyrosequencing's products (including seasonal fluctuations), difficulties in successfully adapting the Company's products to integrated solutions and producing such products, and the Company's ability to identify and develop new products and to differentiate its products from competitors. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Pyrosequencing AB Erik Walldén Theresa McNeely, Sr. Director President & CEO Investor and Public Relations erik.wallden@pyrosequencing.com theresa.mcneely@pyrosequencing.com Phone: +46 18 565902 or 070-326 98 70 Phone: +1 877 797 6767 Stanford Genome Technology Center Donna Bowe dbowe@sequence.stanford.edu Phone: +1 650 812-2021 ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net The following files are available for download: http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2001/08/06/20010806BIT00320/bit0001.doc http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2001/08/06/20010806BIT00320/bit0001.pdf