Agora Sciences, Inc. to Market Customizable DNA Microarays for Genomics Research

AgoraSciences, Inc. , a startup founded by two 18 year olds, today announced its plan to market, manufacture and rapidly provide custom, high quality, oligonucleotide DNA microarrays to address the evolving needs of academic and commercial genomics research scientists. AgoraSciences's DNA microarray technology will enable the wide application of this important research tool, thereby accelerating genomic analysis and drug discovery. AgoraSciences plans to begin providing microarrays to pre-market evaluation sites this month in preparation for a commercial launch in the second half of 2001.

New York, NY, August 1, 2001 - AgoraSciences, Inc. today announced its plan to market, manufacture and rapidly provide custom, high quality, oligonucleotide DNA microarrays to address the evolving needs of academic and commercial genomics research scientists. AgoraSciences's DNA microarray technology will enable the wide application of this important research tool, thereby accelerating genomic analysis and drug discovery. AgoraSciences plans to begin providing microarrays to pre-market evaluation sites this month in preparation for a commercial launch in the second half of 2001.

DNA microarrays have become a core genomic research tool, and provide an extremely powerful means to accelerate the discovery of new targets for drug research by identifying subtle genetic variations that make individuals susceptible to particular diseases, and by measuring changes in gene activity.

"Commercial production of custom DNA microarrays has historically proven to be costly and inflexible, not allowing the individual researcher to design a tool specific to their own research needs," commented Vincent Tang, President of AgoraSciences. "By early next year we will be offering the research community the ability to custom design their own microarrays and receive them within days. Customization will facilitate a more focused approach to genomics research, thereby accelerating discovery and new product development."

AgoraSciences has developed a method to quickly manufacture custom DNA microarrays by the in situ synthesis of oligonucleotides combined with patented maskless array technology and photolithographic procedures.

"The lack of broad access to DNA microarray technologies has impeded genomic research," said Gil Bar-Nahum, Ph.D, Chief Technology Officer. "Only a small fraction of the more than 500,000 molecular biologists worldwide have adequate access to this powerful research tool. Agora Sciences' system will be pivotal in expanding the reach of this technology and overcoming this current obstacle to progress in genomics research."

Agora Sciences Laboratories, Inc., based in New York, NY, empowers the individual Life Science researcher with rapid design and delivery of customizable DNA chips for tailored genomics research solutions. The company's technology has applications in genomics and pharmacogenomics, including genotyping, detection of SNPs and genetic expression analysis. The privately held company was founded in July 2001. Information about Agora Sciences is available on the web at www.agorasciences.cjb.net