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{\pard\f0\li0\ri0\sa360\sl360\fs22 Basel, 1 September 2004\line \line {\b First 
chip-based test for broad diagnostic use in European Union has CE mark} \line AmpliChip 
CYP450 is the first microarray technology based test for comprehensive analyses of two genes that can 
influence drug efficacy and adverse drug reactions\line \line Roche announced today 
that its AmpliChip CYP450 Test, which analyzes variations in two genes that play a major role in the 
metabolism of many widely prescribed drugs, now has the CE mark ("Conformit\u233? Europ\u233?ene"), 
allowing the test to be used for diagnostic purposes in the European Union. The test detects genetic 
variations in the Cytochrome P450 2D6 and 2C19 genes and provides the associated predictive phenotype 
(poor, intermediate, extensive, or ultra-rapid metabolizer). Results can be used by physicians as an 
aid for selecting drugs and individualizing treatment doses for drugs primarily metabolized by the enzymes 
these genes encode. It is the first CE in vitro diagnostic test "Powered by Affymetrix" microarray 
technology.\line \line "This specific test is the first representative of an 
exciting new technology which holds great potential 
for diagnostic applications," said Heino von Prondzynski, Head of Roche Diagnostics and Member 
of the Roche Executive Committee. "With the CE mark for the AmpliChip CYP450 Test, we are on our 
way to 
helping physicians move toward a more personalized approach to therapy, and to building our new line 
of chip-based 
diagnostics products."\line \line The AmpliChip CYP450 Test uses two industry 
gold-standards, Roche polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification technology and Affymetrix high-density 
microarray 
technology (glass chips arrayed with tens of thousands of DNA fragments yet no bigger than a thumbnail). 
Affymetrix announced today that its GeneChip\u174? System 3000Dx instrumentation, on which the AmpliChip 
CYP450 Test is run, is now also CE marked and available for diagnostic use in the European Union.\line \line Enzymes 
encoded by the CYP2D6 gene metabolize many anti-depressants, anti-psychotics, anti-arrhythmics, pain 
drugs, anti-emetics, and beta-blockers (beta-adrenergic receptor blocker drugs). Enzymes encoded by 
the CYP2C19 gene metabolizes drugs from a variety of classes, including anti-convulsants, proton pump 
inhibitors, anti-coagulants, benzodiazepines, and anti-malarials. \line \line Poor 
metabolizers treated with drugs that are extensively dependent on certain "normal" enzyme 
activity are at increased risk for excessive or prolonged levels of the drug in their blood (excessive 
or prolonged 
therapeutic effect) and toxicity, while ultra-rapid metabolizers may not achieve sufficient therapeutic 
levels in their blood with standard dosing. In the case of pro-drugs (these are drugs that require enzymatic 
action before they become the therapeutic compound in the body), the opposite phenomenon occurs. In 
addition, drugs taken at the same time (concurrent medications) and other environmental factors such 
as diet can inhibit or induce Cytochrome P450 enzyme activity. \line \line To allow 
highly accurate prediction of patient phenotype, the AmpliChip CYP450 Test has the ability to detect 
not just the presence of CYP2D6 gene duplications, but also to discern which variation of the gene (allele) 
has been duplicated. This specificity is important in correctly predicting the ultra-rapid metabolizer 
phenotype and avoiding potential mis-classification of the patients tested. \line \line {\b About 
Roche} \line Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Roche is one of the world\u8217?s leading 
research-intensive healthcare groups. Its core businesses are pharmaceuticals and diagnostics. As a 
supplier of innovative products and services for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease, 
the Group contributes on a broad range of fronts to improving people\u8217?s health and quality of life. Roche 
is number one in the global diagnostics market, the leading supplier of medicines for cancer and transplantation 
and a market leader in virology. In 2003, the Pharmaceuticals Division generated 19.8 billion Swiss 
francs in prescription drug sales, while the Diagnostics Division posted sales of 7.4 billion Swiss 
francs. Roche employs roughly 65,000 people in 150 countries and has R&D agreements and strategic 
alliances with numerous partners, including majority ownership interests in Genentech and Chugai.{\pard\f0\li0\ri0\sa360\sl360\fs18 \line \par}\line {\b Further 
information:} \line - Roche Diagnostics (http://www.roche.com/div_diag.htm): www.roche-diagnostics.com\line - 
Link to the AmpliChip press kit (http://www.roche.com/products.htm): \line  \u160?www.roche-diagnostics.com/press_lounge/amplichip_cyp450.html\line \par}
{\pard \par}
{\pard\sb180\f1\fs22 {\b F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd}\line 4070 Basel\line Switzerland \par}
{\pard\sb180\f1\fs22 Corporate Communications\line Roche Group Media Relations \par}
{\pard\sb180\f1\fs22 Tel. +41 61 688 88 88\line Fax +41 61 688 27 75\line www.roche.com \par}
}