NEWS BRIEFS

Geneva, SWITZERLAND — Geneva Proteomics, Inc. announced it has selected Compaq Computer Corporation as its exclusive IT partner for the company’s two major research Proteomics factories in Geneva, Switzerland, and in the United States. As part of the agreement, Geneva Proteomics will use Compaq Global Services, StorageWorks storage systems, and industry-leading AlphaServer systems running Tru64 UNIX to power and manage critical aspects of the company’s pioneering proteomic research facilities. The contract value is expected to exceed $70 million over a period of four years.

Geneva Proteomics is in the process of establishing the world’s first large-scale proteomics research facility in Geneva. The company’s research into proteomics looks at the total protein profile of a cell or tissue at a given time and this can vary during the development of an organism, maturation of cell types and tissues and progression of a disease.

The company also said that Compaq intends to make an equity investment in Geneva Proteomics. The planned deal will be managed under Compaq’s $100 million Genomics Investment Program unveiled last week. The program is designed to promote the development of life sciences companies through financial support and access to its high-performance AlphaServer systems, Tru64 UNIX and StorageWorks storage systems for use in genomics, bioinformatics and other related activities.

“GeneProt has selected Compaq as its preferred IT supplier because of its leadership in supplying industry-leading technology products and services to the genomics market,” said CÈdric Loiret-Bernal, MD, Chief Executive Officer of GeneProt. “We chose Compaq based on our strong assessment that it is uniquely able to help Geneva Proteomics accomplish its ambitious plan in Geneva and ultimately in the United States.”

Compaq’s planned equity investment in GeneProt underscores the Company’s commitment to the high performance technical computing market. Compaq believes in the growth prospects for genomics and proteomics start-ups and it is focused on being a strategic information technology partner to enterprises in this fast-moving segment.

“As a leading proteomics company, Geneva Proteomics’ decision to use our products and services is a testament to Compaq’s strength in this arena,” said Bill Blake, Compaq’s worldwide Vice-President for High Performance Technical Computing. “We look forward to a long and expanding business relationship with GeneProt.”

The GeneProt project in Geneva will start in October 2000 and its objective is to have the first Proteomics factory fully operational by the end of March 2001. The 2nd proteomics in the United States will be established in the second half of 2001.

Geneva Proteomics, Inc. (GeneProt) is poised to become the international leader in proteomics. GeneProt intends to generate and commercialise proteomic and related biological and medical information to accelerate the understanding of biological processes, and to assist pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. To achieve the company’s goal, it plans to obtain massive quantities of proteomic data by mass spectrometry analysis of chosen biological fluids and tissues in healthy and sick individuals, enhance the value of the information obtained through bioinformatics, and synthesize small novel proteins and peptides.

============================================================