CAMBRIDGE, Massachusetts — Jan. 10, 2008 — Knome, a leading personal genomics company, and the Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI) today announced that they have entered into an exclusive worldwide strategic alliance.

For private individuals seeking whole-genome sequencing services, Knome will have exclusive access to BGI’s world-class genome sequencing, assembly, and annotation capabilities. In combination with Knome’s analytic tools, security protocols, and genetic interpretation services, this alliance introduces an unmatched level of technology and service to the personal genomics industry.

“We are thrilled to announce this collaboration,” said Knome’s CEO Jorge Conde. “BGI was the ideal choice for the establishment of a long-term partnership for providing whole-genome sequencing and bioinformatic services. Not only do they have the largest installations of advanced sequencers in the world and a team of over 100 highly experienced bioinformaticians, but they are actually one of only three groups in the world that have completely sequenced a human genome.”

Knome’s whole-genome sequencing and analysis services are being marketed globally to private individuals. Knome is initially offering 20 individuals the opportunity to participate in its first sequencing flight. Pricing for the service starts at $350,000, and includes whole-genome sequencing and a comprehensive analysis from a team of leading geneticists, clinicians and bioinformaticians. Core to the fundamental principals of the company, Knome will have sole responsibility for maintaining clients’ personal information under strict confidentiality. Clients will retain full ownership of their personal genome and have the ability to anonymously share all or portions of their genome with researchers and other medical professionals.

“Our institute is very proud to work with Knome in bringing our sequencing and analytical expertise to private individuals around the world. We have made a tremendous investment in capital and people over the last 10 years,” said Zhuo Li, who is responsible for international collaboration at BGI, “and we are now in a position to work with Knome to bring not only the most cutting-edge technology to bear, but to do so at the most competitive cost possible.”

Established in 1999 and headquartered in Shenzhen, China, the Beijing Genomics Institute is the largest genetic sequencing center in Asia. BGI has been a core participant in all major international sequencing efforts, including the International Human Genome Project and the International HapMap Consortium. The Institute has one of the largest bioinformatics teams in the world and has made a significant investment in state-of-the-art sequencing technologies, deploying over 120 sequencing machines, 10 supercomputers, and 500 terabytes of storage. Please visit www.genomics.org.cn for more information.

Based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Knome has the distinction of being the first personal genomics company to commercially offer whole-genome sequencing and analysis services for individuals. Whole-genome sequencing decodes nearly all of the 6 billion bits of information that make up an individual’s genome—unlike genome scanning or “SNP chip” technologies that decode only 0.02% of an individual’s genome. Working alongside leading geneticists, clinicians and bioinformaticians from Harvard and MIT, Knome enables its clients to obtain, understand, and share their genomic information in a manner that is both anonymous and secure. Knome is a privately funded company. Please visit www.knome.com for more information.