ARTEMIS and Taconic Acquire Chemical Genetics Technology From CGI Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
"ASKA" Technology Represents Powerful Tool for Validating and Testing Protein Kinases as Drug Targets

Press Release, May 2., 2007

Hudson, NY and Cologne, Germany -- Taconic Farms, Inc. (Hudson, NY, USA) and ARTEMIS Pharmaceuticals GmbH (Cologne, Germany) today announced that they have jointly acquired the worldwide rights to the ASKA technology from CGI Pharmaceuticals Inc. ("CGI"' Branford, CT, USA). Representing a cutting-edge approach to in vivo kinase-related drug discovery, ASKA technology is based on the replacement of a normal kinase with a selectively modified kinase or "ASKA" (Analogue Sens itive Kinase Allele) in genetically modified mice.

Under the terms of the transaction, ARTEMIS and Taconic are assigned the entire portfolio of ASKA intellectual property rights (including all ASKA IP that CGI had previously licensed exclusively from Princeton University) as well as know-how, trade secrets and materials developed by CGI. Included are the rights to patents ba sed on the chemistry and molecular biology work of Dr. Kevan Shokat, inventor of the ASKA technology. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.

Through their existing strategic alliance for delivering genetically modified mice to researchers, ARTEMIS and Taconic will generate, market and distribute ASKA tr ansgenic mouse models in which a fully functional ASKA replaces the normal kinase gene in the murine genome. The availability of ASKA mice will provide a significa nt contribution to kinase-related drug discovery, as they represent the most relevant in-vivo models to date for validating and testing the function of kinases as drug targets for a wide range of human diseases including cancer, cardiovascular and degenerative brain diseases. Protein kinases are a major family of drug target s across a broad range of clinical indications and are considered the largest single class of drug targets.

"We are very excited about the acquisition of ASKA by the ARTEMIS-Taconic Alliance," said Dr. Peter Stadler, Managing Director, ARTEMIS. "ASKA represents the gold standard for kinase target validation and provides us with greater access to chemical genetics. As a result, it considerably strengthens the ARTEMIS-Taconic Allia nce's leading technology position in mouse genetics and functional genomics, and augments our offerings to customers in the pharmaceutical industry and academia."

"The acquisition of ASKA technology tremendously increases the value of the ARTEMIS-Taconic Alliance by further improving researchers' access to vital genetically modified models through the use of cutting-edge technology," said Samuel Phelan, Chief Executive Officer, Taconic. "By adding ASKA technology to our repertoire, th e Alliance can now provide multiple solutions to clients needing ASKA mice. These solutions include both commercially available models and custom-generated models plus licenses for in-house use of the technology."

About the Taconic-ARTEMIS Alliance

In 2005, Taconic and ARTEMIS formed a strategic alliance for the generation, marketing and delivery of genetically modified mice. This unique alliance combines Artemis' leading technology platform in mouse genetics and genomics with Taconic's industry leading expertise in rodent breeding, quality control, global marketing, and distribution.

About ARTEMIS

ARTEMIS Pharmaceuticals offers custom made genetically engineered mice as in-vivo genetic model systems for use at various stages of the drug discovery process or in academic research. Mouse models produced by the ArteMice™ platform are being used to provide highly relevant in vivo- data for gene target function, compound e fficacy and on/off target-related side effects; these data contribute in a significant way to reducing attrition in drug research. Artemis customers include most o f the leading pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms and many academic institutions in Europe, the United States and Japan. Artemis has been wholly owned by Exeli xis, Inc. (Nasdaq:EXEL) since 2001.

About Taconic

Taconic Farms, Inc. was founded in 1952 as a family-owned business in New York's Hudson River Valley. Since then, the company has become one of the largest laborat ory rodent providers in the world with a reputation for consistently producing high quality, well-defined rats and mice. Taconic's expertise in breeding, barrier s ystems, genetics and animal health supports researchers focused on drug development using in-vivo models. Taconic has five breeding facilities and three service la boratories in the USA and Europe, a staff of over 700, and a commitment to technological innovation.

About CGI

CGI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (formerly Cellular Genomics, Inc.), is a privately held pharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of kinase inhibit ors for allergy/autoimmune/inflammatory diseases as well as oncology indications. Utilizing proprietary chemistry, structural biology, and chemical genetics, CGI has successfully advanced two exciting lead programs into preclinical development. CGI has utilized the ASKA technology for an in-depth understanding of a number of clinically relevant kinase targets and signal transduction pathways, and has provided ASKA mouse models to partners such as Pfizer, Schering AG, and Serono.
In October 2006, CGI initiated an exclusive drug discovery and development partnership with Genentech.

For further information please contact

ARTEMIS:
Monika Hahn
Tel: +49(0)221-96453-10
Mail:

Taconic Farms, Inc.
Company Contacts: Donna Gulezian
Media Inquiries: Doug Stone
Phone: +1+518-537-5200
www.taconic.com

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