Berlin, Germany, December 2, 2004
Epigenomics AG (Frankfurt, Prime Standard: ECX), a molecular diagnostics company developing tests based on DNA methylation, announced today that the Company has agreed to terms with Roche Diagnostics for an amendment to detail the research & development (R&D) structure of its ongoing collaboration. Under the new terms, the validation process for all candidate tests will be redesigned and expanded.

Epigenomics will increase the number of blood or tissue samples to be studied to more than 1000 per test. Each test consists of a panel of DNA methylation biomarkers, substances in the body that may indicate the presence or molecular classification of disease. By increasing the number and variation of samples against which the biomarker panels are tested, the companies believe that more robust clinical data on sensitivity and specificity and the best information allowing for the most competitive tests will be obtained at an earlier stage. Epigenomics will receive additional R&D payments of up to €2 million for its expanded role in the collaboration, the first tranche of which has already been committed with the initiation of transfer to Roche of the Breast Cancer Tamoxifen Response Test, which is the first one currently undergoing this expanded process.

"Together, we have reviewed a number of technical processes involved with the validation of our tests and - as indicated already in our IPO prospectus - successfully adjusted them accordingly. With these changes, Epigenomics will play a larger role in R&D than was outlined in our original agreement," stated Gary Schweikhardt, Head of the SBU Diagnostics of Epigenomics. "We believe our expanded involvement demonstrates the continued commitment by Roche in our product development programs and we look forward to the continued success of the collaboration."

Epigenomics’ collaboration with Roche Diagnostics, a world leader in molecular diagnostics, involves the development of tests to diagnose prostate, colon and breast cancer; a test for molecular classification of prostate cancer; and a pharmacodiagnostic test to predict the probability of relapse in women treated with the standard breast cancer treatment, tamoxifen. The Company anticipates this clinical validation data on the colon and prostate cancer screening tests to become available from the second half of 2005 onwards.

DNA Methylation

Methylation is a natural epigenetic process that occurs when a methyl group binds to one of DNA’s four bases, cytosine. The presence of methylation is responsible for controlling the activity of genes by turning them off, like a switch, when not needed. By measuring the differences in the methylation patterns between healthy and diseased tissue, a change in gene activity that could trigger diseases such as cancer is detected. Epigenomics has developed an industrial process that is able to read and interpret these methylation patterns.

About Epigenomics

Epigenomics is a molecular diagnostic company with a focus on the development of novel products for cancer. By detecting and interpreting DNA methylation patterns, Epigenomics’ tests can potentially diagnose disease at an early stage and help guide physicians to select an appropriate therapy. Epigenomics collaborates with Roche Diagnostics on the development of several diagnostic and pharmacodiagnostic products in cancer. The company has its headquarters in Berlin, Germany, and a wholly owned subsidiary in Seattle, USA.

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Disclaimer

This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning Epigenomics AG and its business. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of Epigenomics AG to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Epigenomics AG is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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