Incyte Genomics and Epoch Biosciences Enter into License, Development and Supply Alliance PALO ALTO, CA, and BOTHELL, WA, October 10, 2001 - Incyte Genomics, Inc (Nasdaq: INCY), the leading genomics information company, and Epoch Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: EBIO), a leading provider of proprietary chemistries and reagents that enable genomic research, announced today an alliance designed to leverage the intellectual property assets of both companies. The alliance consists of three elements: Incyte's license to Epoch for access to LifeSeq® Gold and ZooSeq™ to allow development of oligonucleotide probes based upon Incyte's unique gene content; establishment of Epoch as the preferred provider of unique, custom oligonucleotide probes, and a supply of Epoch Eclipse™ Probe Systems for Incyte internal development purposes. Financial terms were not disclosed. "Epoch is recognized for its leading technologies related to the development of enhanced genetic analysis tools," said Roy A. Whitfield, Chief Executive Officer of Incyte. "This alliance with Epoch leverages their probe design and manufacturing capabilities and provides our users of LifeSeq Gold with a source of reliable probes to enhance their genetic analysis and research efforts." "To partner with the recognized leader of gene information products and genomic intellectual property is a significant building block in Epoch's strategy of commercializing its technology as well as an important validation of our Eclipse Probe products," commented William Gerber, M.D., Epoch's Chief Executive Officer. "The combination of Incyte's extensive gene content and Epoch's Eclipse Probe Systems will result in highly effective genetic analysis tools for Incyte's academic, biotech and pharmaceutical research customers." Information on the elements of the alliance follows: Access to Incyte Databases Epoch will receive access to gene sequence content from Incyte's LifeSeq Gold and ZooSeq databases for the design, manufacture, and sale of Eclipse probe products. Preferred Probe Provider Epoch will be identified as the preferred provider of custom oligonucleotides and other proprietary hybridization probes to Incyte's users of LifeSeq Gold. Supply of Eclipse Probe Systems to Incyte Epoch will supply Incyte with Eclipse Probe Systems for their internal development purposes. About Epoch Biosciences Epoch Biosciences develops proprietary products with commercial applications in the genomics and molecular diagnostics fields. Epoch's technology has numerous applications including the detection of inherited diseases and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to identify individuals at risk for disease or adverse drug reactions. The Company's chemical reagents enhance the performance of genetic analysis procedures, and are compatible with the majority of DNA analysis systems currently employed or under development for research and diagnostic uses. The Company licenses its chemistries to leading genomics companies for incorporation in their systems and distribution to end-users. Epoch also manufactures and sells specialty oligonucleotides and genetic detection systems employing its proprietary chemistry. Information about Epoch is available at www.epochbio.com. About Incyte Genomics Incyte Genomics, Inc. has developed the leading integrated platform of genomic technologies designed to aid in the understanding of the molecular basis of disease. Incyte develops and markets genomic databases and partnership programs, genomic data management software, microarray-based gene expression services, related reagents and services. These products, programs and services assist pharmaceutical and biotechnology researchers with all phases of drug discovery and development including gene discovery, understanding disease pathways, identifying new disease targets and the discovery and correlation of gene sequence variation to disease. In addition, Incyte has the largest portfolio of issued United States patents covering human full-length genes and the proteins they encode and is leveraging its intellectual property position to be a leader in therapeutic discoveries. For more information, visit Incyte's web site at http://www.incyte.com. This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to the possibility that the potential products utilizing Epoch Biosciences' technologies may be ineffective or, although effective, may be uneconomical to market; or, that third parties hold proprietary rights that preclude Epoch or its licensees from marketing them; or, that third parties market a superior product. These factors and others may cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results. Additional information about potential risk factors that could affect Epoch's business and financial results is included in Epoch's annual report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2000 and in other reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements speak only as to the date of this release and Epoch undertakes no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release, including, without limitation, the ultimate value and reliability of the probes generated by Epoch through this alliance as genetic analysis tools for academic, biotech and pharmaceutical customers of Incyte, the ability of Incyte's products and services to enhance the research efforts of its customers, and Incyte's success in leveraging its intellectual property position to become a leader in therapeutic discoveries) are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially, including the ability of the parties to meet the goals of the alliance; the ability of the parties to meet production requirements; the impact of technological and scientific advances; the impact of competition and the ability of the parties to market competitive products at competitive prices; Incyte's ability to enforce gene patents and changes in laws as they affect such patents; and other risks detailed from time to time in Incyte's SEC reports, including its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2001. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. Incyte disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.