Roche Applied Science Announces CGX Arrays Designed by Signature Genomics for Microarray-based Cytogenetic Analysis

MADISON, Wis.--(Business Wire)--
Roche Applied Science (SWX:RO) (SWX:ROG) (Pink Sheets: RHHBY) will announce the
European and Asia Pacific launch of the NimbleGen CGX arrays for
microarray-based cytogenetic analysis at a workshop series in four European
cities and seven cities in Asia Pacific. The CGX arrays are designed by
Signature Genomic Laboratories (Signature Genomics) and provide high-resolution,
genome-wide analysis of chromosomal abnormalities.

Roche NimbleGen will provide arrays with the Signature Genomics design in
multiplex array formats to accommodate the simultaneous processing and analysis
of 3, 6, or 12 samples. The CGX arrays are supported by a comprehensive
microarray workflow from Roche that includes NimbleGen reagents and
instrumentation. Signature Genomics will offer full support for data analysis
using its Genoglyphix software.

Dr. Lisa G. Shaffer, President and CEO of Signature Genomics and keynote speaker
at the workshop events in Europe said, "As one of the pioneers in the field of
genomic analysis, we continuously work toward innovation and improvement in the
products and services we provide. We feel that the Roche partnership is a
synergistic fit between two great organizations. Like us, Roche is focused on
technical excellence and delivering valuable and relevant scientific
information."

"We, at Roche, are excited to be partnering with Signature Genomics, the market
leader in molecular cytogenetic analysis," said Dr. Gerd Maass, CEO of Roche
NimbleGen. "This collaboration signifies Roche`s incredible progress in the last
year towards designing and manufacturing high-quality microarrays with
supporting comprehensive workflow solutions that meet the specific needs of
researchers in the field of genetic analysis."

For more information about Roche NimbleGen, please access the company`s website
at: www.nimblegen.com.

About Roche

Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Roche is a leader in research-focused
healthcare with combined strengths in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics. Roche is
the world`s largest biotech company with truly differentiated medicines in
oncology, virology, inflammation, metabolism and CNS. Roche is also the world
leader in in-vitro diagnostics, tissue-based cancer diagnostics and a pioneer in
diabetes management. Roche`s personalised healthcare strategy aims at providing
medicines and diagnostic tools that enable tangible improvements in the health,
quality of life and survival of patients.

In 2008, Roche had over 80,000 employees worldwide and invested almost 9 billion
Swiss francs in R&D. The Group posted sales of 45.6 billion Swiss francs.
Genentech, United States, is a wholly owned member of the Roche Group. Roche has
a majority stake in Chugai Pharmaceutical, Japan. For more information:
www.roche.com.

About Signature Genomic Laboratories

Signature Genomics, with headquarters in Spokane Washington, is a pioneer in
genomic analysis related to human disease. Signature Genomics provides
comprehensive genetic analysis and innovative software and support to research
organizations and genetic professionals worldwide.

As a leader in the industry, Signature Genomics has established methodologies
that are now the standard for microarray analysis. In 2003, the company became
the first to provide commercially viable microarray testing and analysis to the
healthcare and research services market. With personnel throughout the U.S.,
Signature Genomics has over 120 employees, including leading scientists and
cytogeneticists. As a leader in array based CGH for analysis of chromosomal
abnormalities, Signature provides its clients with the assistance and expertise
to understand and interpret complex genomic research studies.

The success of Signature Genomics` business resides with its experience,
knowledge, service, and support in handling nearly 40,000 individual studies to
date. Additionally, the results from these studies have been incorporated into
the company`s proprietary software, Genoglyphix, a web- portal that enables
researchers to analyze and understand the meaning of genetic alteration and
disease.

For more information about Signature Genomics, please access the company`s
website at www.signaturegenomics.com.

For life science research only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

NIMBLEGEN is a trademark of Roche.

Other brands or product names are trademarks of their respective holders.

Roche Diagnostics
Dr. Burkhard Ziebolz
Phone: +49 8856 604830
Email: burkhard.ziebolz@roche.com
or
Roche NimbleGen
Kary Staples
Phone: +1 608 218 7623
Email: kary.staples@roche.com
or
Signature Genomics Genomic Laboratories
Andy Olson
Phone:+ 1 509 944 4229

Copyright Business Wire 2009