Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) today announced that it has entered into an agreement to supply customizable DNA microarrays to Exelixis Inc. (Nasdaq: EXEL), a leader in the fields of model system genetics and comparative genomics. Exelixis will use Agilent's flexible microarray platform for expression profiling experiments in various model organisms to supplement existing Exelixis platforms for high-throughput functional genomics analysis. Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.

"We are pleased to have Exelixis, a pioneer in the field of comparative genomics, select Agilent's microarrays as research tools to perform high-throughput gene expression profiling analysis," said Bill Buffington, vice president of Agilent's Life Sciences Business Unit. "As a leading provider of customized microarray solutions, consulting services, informatics software and tools for gene expression analysis, Agilent is well placed to help Exelixis identify those key pathways associated with diseases or biologies."

"The Agilent technology provides another tool in our powerful array of integrated genetics and genomics technologies," said Geoffrey Duyk, M.D., Ph.D., chief scientific officer of Exelixis Inc. "We can use the expression profiling analysis in a variety of ways, including our 'Mechanism of Action program,' to study toxicological profiles of drugs, or as a step in validating our proprietary targets in therapeutic areas, such as oncology and inflammation."

Agilent Technologies in Gene Expression

Agilent Technologies is a leading provider of solutions including consulting services, informatics software and tools for gene expression analysis, a fast-growing field of study that allows researchers to identify key gene transcriptional regulatory events or pathways associated with diseases or biologies. Researchers can do rapid, iterative, hypothesis-driven gene expression research by first determining their research goals and then having custom-designed microarrays developed by Agilent to be delivered within days. Agilent is also a leading original equipment manufacturer of high-quality bioanalyzers and microarray scanners. Agilent supports the collaborative research efforts by the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) and others to analyze genome-wide patterns of mRNA expression, and is actively driving open data standards for gene expression research in alliance with Rosetta Inpharmatics Inc.

About Exelixis, Inc.

Exelixis, Inc. is a leading life sciences biotechnology company focused on product development through its expertise in comparative genomics and model system genetics. These technologies provide a rapid, efficient and cost effective way to move from DNA sequence data to knowledge about the function of genes and the proteins that they encode. The company's technology is broadly applicable to all life science industries including pharmaceutical, diagnostic, agricultural biotechnology and animal health. Exelixis has partnerships with Bayer, Pharmacia, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Dow AgroSciences and is building its internal development program in the area of oncology. For more information, please visit the company's web site at www.exelixis.com.

Exelixis and the Exelixis logo are registered US trademarks.

About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is a diversified technology company with approximately 46,000 employees serving customers in more than 120 countries. Agilent is a global leader in designing and manufacturing test, measurement and monitoring instruments, systems and solutions, and semiconductor and optical components. In fiscal year 1999, Agilent had net revenue of more than $8.3 billion. The company serves markets that include communications, electronics, life sciences and healthcare.

Information about Agilent Technologies can be found on the Web at www.agilent.com.