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Study Published in 'Nature Genetics' By the University of California, San Diego Utilizes SEQUENOM's MassARRAY System in a Comprehensive Analysis of Microbial Evolution

Posted on: Monday, 6 November 2006, 06:00 CST

SAN DIEGO, Nov. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- SEQUENOM, Inc. today announced that the Department of Bioengineering at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) has implemented the MassARRAY(R) system using its comparative sequencing application and its quantitative genotyping application to conduct automated high throughput mutation detection in microbial genomes and mixed microbial populations. A paper titled "Comparative Genome Sequencing of Escherichia coli Allows Observation of Bacterial Evolution on a Laboratory Timescale" has been published on the journal Nature Genetics' Web site and will be included in the November 2006 print issue. This paper provides the first report on the possibilities of a comprehensive genetical and biochemical analysis of experimentally evolved microorganisms. A link to the article will be available on Sequenom's Web site at http://www.sequenom.com/.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040415/SQNMLOGO )

"Our research team is developing models for the study of evolutionary phenomena, which can be used as tools for metabolic engineering and have the potential to provide a mechanistic basis of pathogenesis. We utilized the high-throughput capabilities of the MassARRAY system to collect genotypic datasets in E. coli in the past and identified the platform as accurate to monitor mutations in evolving populations," said Bernhard Palsson, Ph.D., Professor of Bioengineering at UCSD.

"We are proud that the analytical sensitivity of Sequenom's technology has demonstrated the feasibility of monitoring bacterial evolution," stated Charles Cantor, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer of Sequenom, Inc. "This is an essential step in the process of understanding the emergence of new pathogens and the acquisition of antibiotic resistance factors."

About Sequenom

Sequenom is committed to providing the best genetic analysis products that translate genomic science into superior solutions for biomedical research, agricultural applications, molecular medicine, and non-invasive prenatal testing. The Company's proprietary MassARRAY system is a high-performance DNA analysis platform that efficiently and precisely measures the amount of genetic target material and variations therein. The system is able to deliver reliable and specific data from complex biological samples and from genetic target material that is only available in trace amounts. The Company has exclusively licensed intellectual property rights for the development and commercialization of non-invasive prenatal genetic tests for use with the MassARRAY system and other platforms.

Sequenom(R), MassARRAY(R), and iPLEX(TM) are trademarks of SEQUENOM, Inc.

Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release, including statements regarding the possibilities of a comprehensive genetical and biochemical analysis of experimentally evolved microorganisms, and understanding the emergence of new pathogens and the acquisition of antibiotic resistance factors, 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 risks and uncertainties associated with the Company's technologies, the efforts of others, market acceptance of and demand for the Company's products, product development and commercialization, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's SEC reports, including the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 and subsequent periodic reports. These forward-looking statements are based on current information that is likely to change and speak only as of the date hereof. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward- looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, and the Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the issuance of this press release.

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SEQUENOM, Inc.

CONTACT: John Sharp, Principal Financial Officer of SEQUENOM, Inc.,+1-858-202-9032; or Investor Relations, Zachary Bryant, zbryant@lhai.com, orJody Cain, jcain@lhai.com, both of Lippert/Heilshorn & Associates,+1-310-691-7100, for SEQUENOM, Inc.

Web site: http://www.sequenom.com/

Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/124192.html

Source: PRNewswire-FirstCall

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