June 10^th 2004

> NextGen Sciences Ltd announces the purchase of an expressionfactory^TM by GlaxoSmithKline.

NextGen Sciences Ltd (Cambridgeshire, UK and Boston, USA) today announced the first sale of an expressionfactory in the UK. The system was purchased by the global pharmaceutical company, GlaxoSmithKline, and will become one of the key components in the company’s Gene Expression and Protein Biochemistry Department.

The expressionfactory fully automates protein expression on a single platform from “gene-to-protein.” Beginning with a gene, gene fragment or domain, the advanced system expresses each gene in parallel in a variety of vectors. Uniquely, the expressionfactory also grows each of the newly created cell lines in parallel, before purifying all of the different versions of each protein. This is achieved automatically, without user supervision or intervention. The expressionfactory allows a matrix approach for the cloning and expression of any gene, increasing the chances of successfully isolating useful protein in amounts sufficient for research.

“The expressionfactory has been four years in development, and we are delighted that GSK has purchased the first system in the UK. Our objective is to provide integrated solutions to automate and improve protein research, and we are proud of the unique capabilities of the expressionfactory.” Commented Dr Grant Cameron, Commercial Director, NextGen Sciences.

About NextGen Sciences Ltd

NextGen Sciences Ltd (Cambridgeshire, UK and Boston, US) is a leading provider of integrated solutions for protein research. The company’s advanced technologies fully automate established, complex research techniques, improving results and accelerating discovery.

With a team of skilled individuals comprising expert discovery scientists, software and design engineers, NextGen Sciences is uniquely positioned to rapidly progress technology solutions from design concept to market. The company has a strong track record of launching first to market products and has achieved an international reputation for successfully commercialising technology.

Further information can be found at: www.nextgensciences.com

Contact Lorna Watson, Marketing Manager lorna.watson@nextgensciences.com

Photo: The expressionfactory^TM