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June 12, 2002

AnVil, Inc. Announces Collaboration with Applied Biosystems in Hunt for "Dark Genes"

Life sciences discovery pioneer to assist in validation and visualization of computationally-predicted expressed genes

Burlington, MA - June 12, 2002 - As part of the continuing quest to analyze the human genome, life sciences discovery pioneer AnVil, Inc. today announced a collaboration with Applied Biosystems Group (NYSE: ABI), an Applera Corporation business, to explore the final frontier of genomics - verifying the existence of "dark genes" predicted by computers, but whose presence have not yet been confirmed.

The "Dark Side" of the genome consists of those genes hidden away in the "dark", unexplored recesses of human chromosomes, and which have very few, if any, traces of evidence to confirm their existence. The number of "dark genes" ranges between 20-60% of unconfirmed genes in each of the 22 human chromosomes. The most elusive of the "dark genes," those that have almost zero traces of evidence, ranges between 10-20%.

Working from the Celera Genomics' human genome DNA sequence, Applied Biosystems is gathering multiple lines of experimental data to confirm the prediction of so-called "dark side" human genes. In this effort, AnVil is expected to apply its analytical and high-dimensional visualization technologies to the challenge of tracking down these unknown genes, whose discovery could contribute greatly to further understanding of the genome.

AnVil plans to provide their analytics expertise in confirming methods for gene expression analysis and subsequent integration with DNA sequencing and Applied Biosystem's Taqman® data.

"We're delighted to work with Applied Biosystems in the search for the 'dark side' of the genome," said Dr. Richard D. Gill, President and CEO of AnVil. He added, "Applied Biosystems' gene expression validation work remains the gold standard of the industry for its accuracy. We look forward to contributing to their groundbreaking explorations."

"Anvil's expertise in analysis and visualization is a powerful complement to Applied Biosystems data," said Dennis Gilbert, Ph.D., Vice President of Genomics Applications for Applied Biosystems. "We look forward to the possibility of discovering compelling evidence for 'dark genes'. We believe that novel approaches to exploring gene expression patterns could emerge from our work together."

About AnVil
AnVil is a pioneering life sciences discovery company that turns data into knowledge. AnVil partners with life sciences, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and healthcare companies, enabling them to see and interpret multiple data sets in integrated, information-rich views. This approach turns data into decision-quality information, generating informed decisions faster and more accurately. AnVil's combination of scientific perspective, expertise and high-dimensional technology uncovers the limitless possibilities within complex data sets.

AnVil is based in Burlington, Massachusetts. For more information, visit www.anvilinfo.com, or call 1-781-272-1600. E-mail inquiries should be sent to: William Wiegler at wwiegler@anvilinfo.com.

About Applera Corporation and Applied Biosystems
Applera Corporation comprises two operating groups. The Applied Biosystems Group develops and markets instrument-based systems, reagents, software, and contract services to the life science industry and research community. Customers use these tools to analyze nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), small molecules, and proteins to make scientific discoveries, leading to the development of new pharmaceuticals, and to conduct standardized testing. Applied Biosystems is headquartered in Foster City, CA, and reported sales of $1.6 billion during fiscal 2001. The Celera Genomics Group (NYSE:CRA), located in Rockville, MD and South San Francisco, CA, is engaged principally in integrating advanced technologies to discover and develop new therapeutics. Celera intends to leverage its genomic and proteomic technology platforms to identify drug targets and diagnostic marker candidates and to discover novel therapeutics. Its Celera Discovery System™ online platform, to be marketed exclusively through the Knowledge Business of Applied Biosystems, is an integrated source of information based on the human genome and other biological and medical sources. Celera Diagnostics, a joint venture between Applied Biosystems and Celera Genomics, is focused on discovery, development, and commercialization of novel diagnostics tests. Information about Applera Corporation, including reports and other information filed by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, is available on the World Wide Web at www.applera.com, or by telephoning 800.762.6923. Information about Applied Biosystems is available on the World Wide Web at www.appliedbiosystems.com.

Copyright© 2002. Applera Corporation. All rights reserved. Applied Biosystems is a registered trademark and Applera, Celera, Celera Diagnostics, and Celera Genomics are trademarks of Applera Corporation or its subsidiaries in the US and certain other countries.

Copyright © 2002 AnVil, Inc. All rights reserved.

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