New Multi-Million Dollar Pact Builds on Relationship Initiated in 1998

Lynx Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: LYNX) has signed a new multi-year, multi-million dollar services agreement with DuPont. Through this agreement, DuPont will be able to continue using Lynx technology to enhance discovery and development of new agricultural traits and products.

Lynx and DuPont currently work together under a five-year agreement initiated in 1998. Both the current and new agreements focus on use of Lynx's Massively Parallel Signature Sequencing (MPSS(TM)) technology.

"We are extremely pleased that DuPont continues to believe strongly that Lynx MPSS(TM) technology contributes to their well-established track-record of using new technology to enhance its product development programs," said Kevin P. Corcoran, president and chief executive officer at Lynx. "We are enthusiastic about our continuing work with DuPont and look forward to ongoing productive and mutually beneficial interactions."

DuPont subsidiary, Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. -- the first agricultural plant genetics company to enter into the field of genomics for plant development -- has been utilizing the Lynx MPSS(TM) technology for rapid identification and characterization of genes involved in controlling plant traits. Pioneer will continue to use this key technology to characterize gene expression in commercially important crops, and to build a comprehensive catalog of gene expression, accelerating the development of new agricultural products for Pioneer customers worldwide.

"The Lynx technology has proven to be a powerful tool for DuPont researchers developing superior products," said Bill Niebur, vice president, DuPont crop genetics research. "The high sensitivity of this technology brings strength to our genomics program by providing us with a view of gene expression that other technologies don't offer."

DuPont is a science company headquartered in Wilmington, Del. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by solving problems and creating solutions that make people's lives better, safer and easier. Operating in more than 70 countries, the company offers a wide range of products and services to markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation, apparel, home and textiles. Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., a subsidiary of DuPont, is the world's leading source of customized solutions for farmers, livestock producers and grain and oilseed processors. With headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa, Pioneer provides access to advanced plant genetics, crop protection solutions and quality crop systems to customers.

Lynx is a leader in the development and application of novel genomics analysis solutions that provide comprehensive and quantitative digital gene expression information important to modern systems biology research in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and agricultural industries. These solutions are based on Megaclone(TM) and MPSS(TM), Lynx's unique and proprietary cloning and sequencing technologies.

MPSS(TM) is a trademark of Lynx Therapeutics, Inc.