ROCKVILLE, Md., and SEATTLE, June 27 /PRNewswire/ --
Celera Genomics (NYSE: CRA), a PE Corporation business, and
Immunex Corporation (Nasdaq: IMNX) today announced that they have entered into
a five-year comprehensive genomics agreement including a subscription to all
of Celera's current database products.
The database subscription by Immunex gives its researchers access to
four databases developed by Celera until 2005. All four of Celera's databases
include Celera proprietary information as well as publicly available data.
First, the Celera Human Gene Index provides customers with the set of human
genes derived from EST sequencing programs. Second, Celera's Human Genome
Database is expected to provide the complete sequence of the human genome and
the entire collection of human genes with links to associated biological and
disease information. Third, the Drosophila Genome Database provides the
complete sequence of the Drosophila melanogaster genome sequence generated by
Celera's whole genome shotgun sequencing strategy. The Drosophila genome
database is extensively annotated with gene, protein and biological
information. Fourth, the Mouse Genome Database being generated by Celera
should allow for comparative analysis with the human genome that may be
especially significant for the identification of genes and gene regulatory
regions of importance to understanding human biology. Access to the databases
also provides Immunex with associated comprehensive bioinformatics systems and
tools for viewing, browsing, and analyzing genomic information.
"The subscription agreement between Immunex and Celera demonstrates the
next step in realizing the significance of gene discovery," said
Craig Venter, Ph.D., Celera's president and chief scientific officer. "It is
important because it brings together the research and development resources at
Immunex with Celera's unique ability to provide researchers with accurate
human genome sequence, tools to identify and understand genes and regulatory
functions, qualitative comparisons with other genomic sequences, and powerful
bioinformatics capabilities."
"Celera's genomic databases represent an important milestone in the
sequencing of the human genome," said Doug Williams, executive vice president
and chief technology officer of Immunex. "This information should provide
Immunex researchers with a valuable tool for identifying important genes
involved in disease areas in which Immunex has proven expertise. The quality
of the sequencing data and the bioinformatics capabilities that Celera should
provide will significantly accelerate our own research and discovery
processes."
PE Corporation comprises two operating groups. The Celera Genomics Group,
headquartered in Rockville, MD, intends to become the definitive source of
genomic and related medical information. The PE Biosystems Group (NYSE: PEB),
headquartered in Foster City, CA and with sales of $1.2 billion during fiscal
1999, develops and markets instrument-based systems, reagents, software, and
contract related services to the life science industry and research community.
Information about the company, including reports and other information filed
by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), is available
on the World Wide Web at http://www.pecorporation.com or by phoning
800-762-6923.
Immunex Corporation is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to improving
lives through immune system science innovations.
American Home Products owns a majority interest in Immunex. AHP is one of
the world's largest research-based pharmaceutical and health care products
companies. It is a leader in the discovery, development, manufacturing and
marketing of prescription drugs, including biotechnological and vaccine
products, animal health care products and over-the-counter medications.
This release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and
uncertainties, including risks associated with clinical development,
regulatory approvals, patent litigation, product commercialization and other
risks described from time to time in the SEC reports filed by Immunex,
including the most recently filed 10-K and 10-Q forms. For more information,
please refer to http://www.immunex.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," "anticipate," "should," "intend," "planned," "estimated,"
and "potential," among others. These forward-looking statements are based on
PE Corporation'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,
PE Corporation 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. The risks and
uncertainties that may affect the operations, performance, development, and
results of Celera Genomics' businesses include but are not limited to
(1) operating losses to date; (2) a unique and developing business plan;
(3) dependence on the timely completion of the sequencing and assembly of the
human genome; (4) uncertainty of revenue growth; (5) unproven use of genomics
information to develop products; (6) intense competition in the evolving
genomics industry; (7) dependence on customers in and subject to the risks of
the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries; (8) heavy reliance on
strategic relationship with the PE Biosystems group; (9) potential product
liability claims; (10) liabilities related to use of hazardous materials;
(11) lengthy sales cycle; (12) dependence on the unique expertise of its
scientific and management staff; (13) uncertainty of patent, copyright and
intellectual property protection; (14) dependence on computer hardware,
software, and internet applications; (15) access to biological materials;
(16) legal, ethical and social issues affecting demand for products;
(17) disruptions caused by rapid growth of the business; (18) government
regulation of its products and services; (19) risks of future acquisitions;
and (20) other factors that might be described from time to time in
PE Corporation's filings with the SEC.
NOTE: Celera, Celera Genomics, and PE Biosystems are trademarks of
PE Corporation.
SOURCE Immunex Corporation
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Related links:
http://www.immunex.com
Company News On-Call:
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/434644.html or fax,
800-758-5804, ext. 434644
CONTACT:
media, Heather E. Kowalski, 240-453-3343, or
investors, Charles Poole, 203-761-5400, both for Celera Genomics;
or media, Kris Greco, 206-470-4871, or investors, Mark Leahy,
206-389-4363, both for Immunex Corporation
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