Incyte Genomics and the University of Cambridge Report New Cause of Severe Insulin Resistance Findings Have Implications for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Palo Alto, CA, July 15, 2002 - Incyte Genomics, Inc. (Nasdaq: INCY), today reported the publication of a paper on July 15, 2002 in the scientific journal Nature Genetics titled, "Digenic Inheritance of Severe Insulin Resistance in a Human Pedigree." The study findings are the result of an ongoing collaboration between Incyte Genomics and world-renowned researchers at the University of Cambridge Departments of Clinical Biochemistry, Medicine, and Public Health, at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, UK. In studies aimed at elucidating the mechanisms underlying type-2 Diabetes Mellitus, the authors describe the genetic basis for one inherited form of severe insulin resistance. The finding confirms the importance of the protein PPAR gamma (the target of insulin-sensitizing drugs such as ACTOS and AVANDIA, reported to underlie some forms of insulin-resistance by Incyte Genomics and Cambridge University researchers in Nature in 1999) and also implicates a second gene, PPP1R3A, which encodes a regulatory subunit for Protein Phosphatase 1. Protein phosphatases are known to be involved in modulating insulin signaling. In the affected diabetics, defects in both of these genes produce severely impaired insulin responsiveness. These findings clarify the pathways involved in insulin responsiveness and point to possible avenues of improved diagnosis and novel therapeutic strategies. "These results illustrate the potential for genomic and genetic studies to shed light on the mechanisms of disease and to offer opportunities to define novel targets for innovative drug discovery," said Robert B. Stein, M.D., Ph.D., Incyte's President and Chief Scientific Officer. Incyte Genomics, Inc. has the largest commercial portfolio of issued United States patents covering human, full-length genes and the proteins they encode and is leveraging its leading intellectual property and genomic information position to be a leader in discovering and developing therapeutic small molecules, secreted proteins and antibodies. In addition, Incyte has also 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 licenses pharmaceutically relevant intellectual property. These offerings facilitate pharmaceutical and biotechnology researchers in their 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. For more information, visit Incyte's web site at http://www.incyte.com. Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release, including statements as to whether the findings evidenced will ultimately lead to improved diagnoses and novel therapeutic strategies for type-2 Diabetes Mellitus, the role of genomic and genetic research in better understanding disease and in identifying novel drug targets, Incyte's ability to leverage its intellectual property position to become a leader in therapeutic small molecule, secreted protein and antibody discoveries, and the ability of Incyte's product offerings to enhance the drug discovery and development efforts of its customers, 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 impact of other scientific discoveries and medical advancements; the impact of competition and alternative technologies, processes and approaches; Incyte's ability to compete against competitors that may have greater financial or other resources; changes in consumer demand for Incyte's product offerings; changes in Incyte's business plan; Incyte's ability to obtain patent protection for its discoveries and to continue to be effective in expanding its patent coverage and in licensing its intellectual property; 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 March 31, 2002. Incyte disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.