Decode Genetics related Press Releases

Announcing the New deCODE

Maureen Martino — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 11:58:07 -0500

Reykjavik, ICELAND, January 21, 2010 - deCODE genetics ehf today emerged as a newly financed, private company focused on advancing the science of human genetics and its application to products and services that improve human health. The new company will be building on the scientific leadership in genetics it developed over more than a decade as a subsidiary of deCODE genetics, Inc. deCODE ehf was this week purchased from its former parent company by Saga Investments LLC, a consortium that includes Polaris Ventures and ARCH Venture Partners, two leading life science investors. deCODE will continue all of its operations and product lines in this field, including its deCODE diagnostics disease risk tests; deCODEmeTM personal genome scans; and contract service offerings including genotyping, sequencing and data analysis. Going forward, deCODE will concentrate on translating its science into medically and commercially important products and services. The company will be led by a two-man executive committee comprised of Earl "Duke" Collier, previously an executive vice president at Genzyme Corp.,who will serve as CEO, and Kari Stefansson, who will serve as executive chairman and president of research.

deCODE operates the most productive human gene discovery engine in the world. It is driven by genetic and medical data from 500,000 participants from around the globe taking part in its gene discovery work; comprehensive genealogies linking the 140,000 Icelandic participants; a major CLIA- and CAP-certified genotyping and sequencing facility; and statistical and informatics tools for mining large datasets, for maximizing the information derived from genotyping and sequencing data, and for visualizing genetic and disease data in research, in the clinic, and for subscribers to its genome scans.

"deCODE has led the world in discovering variants in the sequence of the human genome that affect the risk of common diseases. Our resources and expertise have also enabled us to develop the leading analytical tools in the field, and we are putting all of this to work to provide unique value for patients, physicians and researchers. As we enter the era of sequencing entire genomes, we believe our ability to make sense of ever larger amounts of data will continue to keep us in the lead in discovery. And with our now solid financial backing and the splendid addition of Duke Collier to our management, we will be taking a lead in the translation of our science into powerful products and services." said Kari Stefansson.

"I am pleased to be joining Kari and the outstanding scientific team at deCODE," said Duke Collier. "deCODE combines world class science devoted to human genetics, unmatched access to genetic data, and a powerful set of tools for managing and analyzing this data. SNP genotyping, and now genomic sequencing, is taking human genetics into an ever expanding world of research, discovery and translation. With its scientific skill and industrial scale analytical capacity, deCODE will be an invaluable partner to investigators, labs and companies working at the highest levels of sophistication in this exciting field. I am thrilled by the challenge and the opportunity."

About deCODE

Headquartered in Reykjavik, Iceland, deCODE is a global leader in analyzing and understanding the human genome. Using its unique expertise and population resources, deCODE has discovered key genetic risk factors for dozens of common diseases ranging from cardiovascular disease to cancer. deCODE employs its capabilities to develop DNA-based tests and personal genome scans to better understand individual risk and empower prevention. It also licenses its tests, intellectual property and analytical tools to partners, and provides comprehensive genotyping, sequencing and data analysis services to companies and research institutions around the globe. Through its CLIA- and CAP-certified laboratory deCODE offers DNA-based tests for gauging risk and empowering prevention of common diseases, including deCODE T2TM for type 2 diabetes; deCODE AFTM for atrial fibrillation and stroke; deCODE MITM for heart attack; deCODE ProstateCancerTM for prostate cancer; deCODE GlaucomaTM for a major type of glaucoma; and deCODE BreastCancer, for the common forms of breast cancer. Through its pioneering personal genome analysis service deCODEmeTM, deCODE enables individuals to better understand their risk of dozens of common diseases and to learn about their ancestry and other traits. Visit us on the web at www.decode.com; at www.decodediagnostics.com; at www.decodeme.com; and on our blog at www.decodeyou.com.

deCODE Breakthrough in Thyroid Cancer May Enable More Targeted Risk Assessment and Earlier Intervention

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 17:22:09 -0500

deCODE Breakthrough in Thyroid Cancer May Enable More Targeted Risk Assessment and Earlier Intervention

REYKJAVIK, Iceland, Feb. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Scientists at deCODE genetics (Nasdaq: DCGN) today present the discovery of two single letter variations in the sequence of the human genome (SNPs) conferring substantial increased risk of thyroid cancer. The two SNPs, located on chromosomes 9q22 and 14q13, are the first common variants replicated in multiple populations ever associated with increased risk of the disease. They were found through the analysis of the genomes of a total of more than 40,000 patients and control subjects from Iceland, the United States and Spain. Approximately 4 percent of people of European descent carry two copies of the at-risk versions of both SNPs, putting them at a 5.7-times greater risk of thyroid cancer than individuals who carry no copies of either. These variants contribute to an estimated 57 percent of all cases of the disease, and they associate with altered levels of key thyroid hormones.

"This is an important discovery with a clear medical utility. Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine cancer, and about 1 percent of the general population will develop it at some point in their lifetime. But if detected early enough it is in general a treatable disease. Screening for the at-risk SNPs may therefore provide a new means of identifying those who are at highest risk, enabling closer monitoring of those individuals with an emphasis on addressing other risk factors and promoting early intervention if cancer is detected. We are already including these risk variants in our deCODEme full genome scan and deCODEme Cancer scan, and are analyzing the possibility of putting them into a reference laboratory diagnostic test," said Kari Stefansson, CEO of deCODE and senior author on the study.

The paper, "Common variants on 9q22.33 and 14q13.3 predispose to thyroid cancer in European populations," is published today in the online edition of Nature Genetics, at http://www.nature.com/ng.

deCODE would like to thank all those who participated in this study, as well as the collaborating clinicians and scientists from the National- University Hospital in Reykjavik, Ohio State University and the University of Zaragoza. This project was funded in part by the US National Institutes of Health under contracts CA16058 and CA124570.

About deCODE

deCODE is a bio-pharmaceutical company developing drugs and DNA-based tests to improve the treatment, diagnosis and prevention of common diseases. Its lead therapeutic programs, which leverage the company's expertise in chemistry and structural biology, include DG041, an antiplatelet compound being developed for the prevention of arterial thrombosis; DG051 and DG031, compounds targeting the leukotriene pathway for the prevention of heart attack; and DG071 and a platform for other PDE4 modulators with therapeutic applications in Alzheimer's disease and other conditions. deCODE is a global leader in human genetics, and has identified key variations in the genome (SNPs) conferring increased risk of major public health challenges from cardiovascular disease to cancer. Based upon these discoveries deCODE has brought to market a growing range of DNA-based tests for gauging risk and empowering prevention of common diseases. Through its CLIA-registered laboratory, deCODE is offers deCODE T2(TM) for type 2 diabetes; deCODE AF(TM) for atrial fibrillation and stroke; deCODE MI(TM) for heart attack; deCODE ProstateCancer(TM) for prostate cancer; deCODE Glaucoma(TM) for a major type of glaucoma; and deCODE BreastCancer(TM), for the common forms of breast cancer. deCODE is delivering on the promise of the new genetics(SM). Visit us on the web at http://www.decode.com; on our diagnostics site at http://www.decodediagnostics.com; for our pioneering personal genome analysis service and new Cardio and Cancer scans, integrating the genetic variants included in these tests and those linked to another twenty common diseases, at http://www.decodeme.com; and on our blog at http://www.decodeyou.com.

Any statements contained in this presentation that relate to future plans, events or performance are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, and the timing of events, to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among others, those relating to our ability to obtain financing and to form collaborative relationships, the effects of the transfer of our common stock from the Nasdaq Global Market to the Nasdaq Capital Market and the potential delisting of our common stock from the Nasdaq Capital Market, our ability to develop and market diagnostic products, the level of third party reimbursement for our products, risks related to preclinical and clinical development of pharmaceutical products, including the identification of compounds and the completion of clinical trials, the effect of government regulation and the regulatory approval processes, market acceptance, our ability to obtain and protect intellectual property rights for our products, dependence on collaborative relationships, the effect of competitive products, industry trends and other risks identified in deCODE's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, without limitation, the risk factors identified in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any updates to those risk factors filed from time to time in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q or Current Reports on Form 8-K. deCODE undertakes no obligation to update or alter these forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOURCE deCODE Genetics Inc

deCODE Discovers Common Genetic Variations Contributing to Low Bone Mineral Density and Risk of Osteoporosis

Calisha Myers — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 10:19:40 -0500

deCODE Discovers Common Genetic Variations Contributing to Low Bone Mineral Density and Risk of Osteoporosis

REYKJAVIK, Iceland, December 15 deCODE

REYKJAVIK, Iceland, December 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --

- Findings Point to Potential Therapeutic Pathways and Provide Widening
Basis for the Development of a Risk Assessment Test

Scientists from deCODE genetics (Nasdaq:DCGN) and colleagues from
Australia and Denmark today report the discovery of common single-letter
variations (SNPs) in the human genome linked to low bone mineral density
(BMD), the clinical measurement used to diagnose osteoporosis. deCODE had
previously identified five sites in the genome harboring SNPs with influence
on BMD, and today's study has added four more. They were identified through
the correlation of BMD measurements with more than 300,000 SNPs across the
genomes of 7,000 study participants in Iceland. The findings were then
followed up and replicated in more than 5,000 participants from Denmark and
Australia. The paper, "New sequence variants associated with bone mineral
density," is published today in the online edition of Nature Genetics at
http://www.nature.com/ng, and will appear in an upcoming print edition of the
journal.

The new variants reported today are located on chromosomes 17q21, 14q32,
12q13 and 18q21. Like the variants previously discovered by deCODE, certain
of those reported today are known to be involved in bone and skeletal
development. The SNPs on chromosome 17 are adjacent to the SOST gene, which
encodes sclerostin, a protein involved in the formation of bone. And the SNP
on chromosome 18 lies close to the TNFRSF11A gene that has been implicated in
Paget's disease, a disorder causing localized bone deformities and weakness.

"This study expands our understanding of the genetic factors contributing
to low bone mineral density, propensity to fractures, and osteoporosis. And
the genetics is clearly pointing us toward valuable novel drug targets. The
next steps in this work are to analyze how these variants contribute to low
BMD and related disorders, and to identify additional common as well as rare
variants with a high impact on bone density. Once we do, we may well bring
together genetic risk factors accounting for a sufficient proportion of risk
of osteoporosis to develop a clinically useful DNA-based risk assessment
test. This could be a valuable tool, since peak bone density is achieved by
early adulthood. Those at high risk of osteoporosis could therefore take
concrete measures including appropriate diet and exercise regimes, to
maximize their bone mass in youth and lower their risk of the disease later
in life," said Kari Stefansson, CEO of deCODE.

deCODE would like to thank the Icelandic participants, as well as the
participants and scientists from the Danish Prospective Epidemiological risk
Factor (PERF) study and the Australian Dubbo Osteoporosis Epidemiological
Study (DOES), for making this study possible.

About deCODE

deCODE is a bio-pharmaceutical company developing drugs and DNA-based
tests to improve the treatment, diagnosis and prevention of common diseases.
Its lead therapeutic programs, which leverage the company's expertise in
chemistry and structural biology, include DG041, an antiplatelet compound
being developed for the prevention of arterial thrombosis; DG051 and DG031,
compounds targeting the leukotriene pathway for the prevention of heart
attack; and DG071 and a platform for other PDE4 modulators with therapeutic
applications in Alzheimer's disease and other conditions. deCODE is a global
leader in human genetics, and has identified key variations in the genome
(SNPs) conferring increased risk of major public health challenges from
cardiovascular disease to cancer. Based upon these discoveries deCODE has
brought to market a growing range of DNA-based tests for gauging risk and
empowering prevention of common diseases. Through its CLIA-registered
laboratory, deCODE is offers deCODE T2(TM) for type 2 diabetes; deCODE AF(TM)
for atrial fibrillation and stroke; deCODE MI(TM) for heart attack; deCODE
ProstateCancer(TM) for prostate cancer; deCODE Glaucoma(TM) for a major type
of glaucoma; and deCODE BreastCancer(TM), for the common forms of breast
cancer. deCODE is delivering on the promise of the new genetics.SM Visit us
on the web at http://www.decode.com; on our diagnostics site at
http://www.decodediagnostics.com; for our pioneering personal genome analysis
service, integrating the genetic variants included in these tests and those
linked to another twenty common diseases, at http://www.decodeme.com; and on
our blog at http://www.decodeyou.com.

Any statements contained in this presentation that relate to future
plans, events or performance are forward-looking statements within the
meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These
forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties
that could cause actual results, and the timing of events, to differ
materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. These
risks and uncertainties include, among others, those relating to our ability
to obtain financing and to form collaborative relationships, the effect of a
potential delisting of our common stock from The Nasdaq Global Market,
uncertainty regarding potential future deterioration in the market for
auction rate securities which could negatively affect our cash position and
result in additional permanent impairment charges, our ability to develop and
market diagnostic products, the level of third party reimbursement for our
products, risks related to preclinical and clinical development of
pharmaceutical products, including the identification of compounds and the
completion of clinical trials, the effect of government regulation and the
regulatory approval processes, market acceptance, our ability to obtain and
protect intellectual property rights for our products, dependence on
collaborative relationships, the effect of competitive products, industry
trends and other risks identified in deCODE's filings with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, including, without limitation, the risk factors
identified in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any updates to
those risk factors filed from time to time in our Quarterly Reports on Form
10-Q or Current Reports on Form 8-K. deCODE undertakes no obligation to
update or alter these forward-looking statements as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise.

Contacts:

Edward Farmer,
+354-570-2819,
edward.farmer@decode.is .

Gisli Arnason,
+354-570-1825,
gisli.arnason@decode.is .

Joy Bessenger,
+1-212-481-3891,
joy.bessenger@decode.is .

SOURCE deCODE genetics Inc

Major deCODE-led Study Underscores Role of the Brain in Obesity

Sun, 14 Dec 2008 17:19:52 -0500

REYKJAVIK, Iceland, December 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In one of the largest studies of its kind, a multinational team led by scientists from deCODE genetics (Nasdaq:DCGN) today report the discovery of common variations at seven new sites in the human genome found to influence obesity. The study analyzed more than 300,000 single-letter variations (SNPs) across the genome of more than 30,000 people from Iceland, the Netherlands, and the United States, and confirmed the findings in data from more than 40,000 individuals from Denmark and the US-based GIANT Consortium. deCODE is incorporating the novel SNPs on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 6, 11, 12 and 19 reported today in its deCODEme(TM) personal genome analysis service, and subscribers will receive an update to their personal profiles. The paper, entitled "Genome-wide association yields new sequence variants at seven loci that associate with measures of obesity," is published today in the online edition of Nature Genetics at http://www.nature.com/ng, and will appear in an upcoming print edition of the journal.

"This study essentially doubles in one fell swoop the number of known and replicated genetic factors contributing to obesity as a public health problem. And what we are seeing in obesity are a large number of common genetic risk factors with a relatively modest impact on disease. One of the most notable aspects of these discoveries is that most of these new risk factors are near genes that regulate processes in the brain. This suggests that as we work to develop better means of combating obesity, including using these discoveries as the first step in developing new drugs, we need to focus on the regulation of appetite at least as much as on the metabolic factors of how the body uses and stores energy," said Kari Stefansson, CEO of deCODE and senior author on the paper.

"Today's findings also underscore our ability to employ our population-based resources and statistical knowhow in Iceland as a cornerstone of large-scale multinational collaborations to identify and replicate the inherited causes of the most complex phenotypes. These new variants may point to valuable new drug targets, and we are already integrating them into deCODEme.(TM) We look forward to expanding upon our productive collaboration with colleagues in the US and Europe to continue to increase our understanding of the biology that underlies obesity," Dr. Stefansson added.

About obesity and this study

Obesity results from the consumption of more calories than the body uses, and it represents a growing public health problem worldwide, particularly in industrialized countries. Obesity is a major risk factor for diseases such as type 2 diabetes, a range of cardiovascular conditions, and even some forms of cancer. One third of the population of the United States is now classified as obese, and the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that around the world as many as 400 million people are obese.

Obesity is a quintessentially complex condition. Behavioral factors such as diet, eating habits and lack of exercise play a major role, but these interact with genetic factors that influence the regulation of appetite as well as how the body uses energy and stores it as fat. The aim of the study published today was to identify more of these genetic factors as a means of better understanding the biological processes that contribute to obesity. This information can be used to inform efforts to develop better means of combatting it. The discovery phase of the study published today correlated more than 300,000 SNPs with data on weight and body mass index (BMI). BMI is a measure used to relate weight to height, calculated as an individual's weight in kilograms divided by their height in meters squared, and individuals with a BMI greater than 30 are defined as obese. The 43 SNPs identified in this first scan were then analyzed in 5,500 Danes and genotypic data from the 33,000 participants in the GIANT Consortium's research. This analysis yielded SNPs linked to overweight and obesity at seven regions of the genome not previously known to be involved in obesity; identified new SNPs at previously known obesity-linked sites in the genome; and confirmed and refined the impact on obesity of previously published SNPs at four other sites in the genome.

deCODE and the authors would like to thank the participants in this study, and to acknowledge the fruitful collaboration with the GIANT Consortium, which included data from this study in its own meta-analysis also published today. The research performed at deCODE was partly funded through the European Community's ENGAGE project, grant agreement HEALTH-F4-2007-201413. Support for the US research was provided by the US National Institutes of Health, and for the Danish research by the Lundbeck Foundation Centre of Applied Medical Genomics and the Danish Health Research Council.

About deCODE

deCODE is a bio-pharmaceutical company developing drugs and DNA-based tests to improve the treatment, diagnosis and prevention of common diseases. Its lead therapeutic programs, which leverage the company's expertise in chemistry and structural biology, include DG041, an antiplatelet compound being developed for the prevention of arterial thrombosis; DG051 and DG031, compounds targeting the leukotriene pathway for the prevention of heart attack; and DG071 and a platform for other PDE4 modulators with therapeutic applications in Alzheimer's disease and other conditions. deCODE is a global leader in human genetics, and has identified key variations in the genome (SNPs) conferring increased risk of major public health challenges from cardiovascular disease to cancer. Based upon these discoveries deCODE has brought to market a growing range of DNA-based tests for gauging risk and empowering prevention of common diseases. Through its CLIA-registered laboratory, deCODE is offers deCODE T2(TM) for type 2 diabetes; deCODE AF(TM) for atrial fibrillation and stroke; deCODE MI(TM) for heart attack; deCODE ProCa(TM) for prostate cancer; deCODE Glaucoma(TM) for a major type of glaucoma; and deCODE BreastCancer(TM), for the common forms of breast cancer. deCODE is delivering on the promise of the new genetics.SM Visit us on the web at http://www.decode.com; on our diagnostics site at http://www.decodediagnostics.com; for our pioneering personal genome analysis service, integrating the genetic variants included in these tests and those linked to another twenty common diseases, at http://www.decodeme.com; and on our blog at http://www.decodeyou.com.

Any statements contained in this presentation that relate to future plans, events or performance are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, and the timing of events, to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among others, those relating to our ability to obtain financing and to form collaborative relationships, the effect of a potential delisting of our common stock from The Nasdaq Global Market, uncertainty regarding potential future deterioration in the market for auction rate securities which could negatively affect our cash position and result in additional permanent impairment charges, our ability to develop and market diagnostic products, the level of third party reimbursement for our products, risks related to preclinical and clinical development of pharmaceutical products, including the identification of compounds and the completion of clinical trials, the effect of government regulation and the regulatory approval processes, market acceptance, our ability to obtain and protect intellectual property rights for our products, dependence on collaborative relationships, the effect of competitive products, industry trends and other risks identified in deCODE's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, without limitation, the risk factors identified in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any updates to those risk factors filed from time to time in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q or Current Reports on Form 8-K. deCODE undertakes no obligation to update or alter these forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOURCE deCODE genetics Inc

Positive Results from Phase IIa Study Pave Way for Phase IIb Trial of DG051 for the Prevention of Heart Attack

Maureen Martino — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 13:04:32 -0500

Positive Results from Phase IIa Study Pave Way for Phase IIb Trial of DG051 for the Prevention of Heart Attack

Reykjavik, ICELAND, January 9, 2008 â€“ deCODE genetics (Nasdaq:DCGN) today announced positive topline results from its Phase IIa clinical trial for DG051, the companyâ€™s leukotriene A4 hydrolase inhibitor being developed for the prevention of heart attack. With these results, the company has finalized the design of a Phase IIb trial for which it expects to begin enrolling patients this spring. The company will discuss the development of DG051 and the rest of its product portfolio in its presentation at the JP Morgan 26th Annual Healthcare Conference. The presentation, to be delivered on Thursday January 10 at 11:30am PST/2:30pm EST/7:30pm GMT, will be webcast live via the investorsâ€™ section of the companyâ€™s website at www.decode.com.

In several studies conducted in healthy volunteers last year, DG051 was shown to reduce the production of leukotriene B4 (LTB4) in a dose-dependent manner. LTB4 is a pro-inflammatory molecule that deCODEâ€™s gene discovery and functional biology work identified as a one of the factors modulating risk of heart attack. The results of the double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase IIa study completed last month confirm that DG051 also delivers significant dose-dependent reductions in LTB4 in patients with a history of heart attack or coronary artery disease and who were taking a variety of concomitant medications. The pharmacokinetic and safety profiles of the compound were favorable and similar to those seen in previous studies in healthy volunteers.Â There were no serious adverse events in the study.Â Â The Phase IIb study, that will begin in the spring, will be a 400 patient, double-blind placebo-controlled study further examining its pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters, as well as safety and tolerability.

â€œDG051 offers a novel approach to preventing the leading cause of death in the industrialized world. Our gene discovery work pointed us to the branch of the leukotriene pathway producing LTB4 as a major mechanism involved in promoting inflammation in atherosclerotic plaque and thereby increasing risk of heart attack. DG051 has been shown to bring this pathway under control and with a very satisfactory safety and tolerability profile. We look forward to getting our Phase IIb trial underway, and to advancing DG051 as a new approach to treating one of the major underlying causes of heart attack,â€ said Kari Stefansson, CEO of deCODE.

About DG051
DG051 is a first-in-class, small-molecule inhibitor of leukotriene A4 hydrolase (LTA4H) discovered by deCODEâ€™s chemistry unit and is being developed for the prevention of heart attack. LTA4H is encoded by one of the genes deCODE has linked to increased risk of heart attack. The at-risk versions of these genes confer increased risk of heart attack by increasing the production of the pro-inflammatory molecule LTB4. DG051 is designed to decrease risk of heart attack by decreasing the production of LTB4.Â

About deCODE
deCODE genetics (Nasdaq:DCGN) is a global leader in applying human genetics to develop drugs and diagnostics for common diseases. Our population approach has enabled us to discover and target key biological pathways involved in conditions ranging from heart attack to cancer. We are turning these discoveries into new medicine to better treat and prevent many of the biggest challenges to public health. deCODE is delivering on the promise of the new genetics.SM Visit us on the web at www.decode.com, on our diagnostics site at www.decodediagnostics.com, and for personal genome analysis at www.deCODEme.com.

deCODE Launches deCODEme(TM)

Fri, 16 Nov 2007 10:18:49 -0500

REYKJAVIK, Iceland, Nov. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- deCODE genetics (Nasdaq: DCGN) today announced the launch of deCODEme(TM), a pioneering service that enables individuals to get a detailed look at their own genome.

Through your subscription to deCODEme(TM), you can learn what your DNA says about your ancestry, your body --traits such as hair and eye color-- as well as whether you may have genetic variants that have been associated with higher or lower than average risk of a range of common diseases. This information will be continually updated as new discoveries are made.

Subscribers will create a secure password-controlled personal account. Just a few weeks after sending in a simple cheek swab, customers will receive expert analysis of more than a million key variants across their genome, accessible through an easy-to-use and intuitive user interface.

With deCODEme(TM), your DNA is in the hands of a global leader in human genetics. In more than a decade of pioneering research, deCODE has analyzed the genomes of hundreds of thousands of people from around the world, developing an unrivalled track record in gene discovery, in systems for genetic analysis, as well as data and privacy protection. deCODEme(TM) puts this expertise to work for you. The introductory promotional price of a subscription to deCODEme is $985. Starting today, deCODEme(TM) is accepting subscription orders and we will be soliciting feedback from these first customers to optimize the service experience. To learn more about deCODEme(TM) and how to order, visit www.deCODEme.com, and watch the webcast announcement today at 9AM am EST through deCODE's website, www.decode.com.

"We are pleased to announce the launch of this ground breaking service. Just a few short years after the first completed sequencing of a human genome in 2003, it is now possible to analyze on a single computer chip a large proportion of all of the variations in the genome that make each and every one of us unique. Your genome is yours to discover. In an era when we are encouraged to take greater personal control of our lifestyle and health, we believe we should all have the opportunity to learn what our own genome can tell us about ourselves," said Kari Stefansson, MD, PhD, CEO of deCODE. "You have the opportunity to take advantage of the best that science has to offer when you learn about disease risks associated with your genetic variations and ancestry with deCODEme(TM) and you have the opportunity to engage in a fun and interesting exchange when you compare your results to those of your friends. This service is about you, and so we will integrate the feedback that we get from our first subscribers to continue to optimize it, to make deCODEme(TM) what you want it to be. We invite you to learn more about the service and yourself."

deCODEme(TM) - It's all about you

deCODEme(TM) is a unique way to get to know yourself better -- from the inside out. Our genomes are more than 99% identical, but in that one percent are millions of tiny variations that make you unique. Through deCODEme(TM) you can take steps toward learning how your genome makes you unique, in the context of cutting edge science and in ways that are both fascinating and informative. You can learn about your ancestry, about obvious and potentially quirky traits, and whether you have certain genetic variations that are known to be associated with an above or below average risk of certain common diseases. You can even decide with family and friends to compare genomes and discover which blocks of DNA code you share. As new discoveries are made, you will receive updates and be able to check your genome against the breakthroughs in the headlines.

When you open your deCODEme(TM) account you create your own username and password and have full control of information and data comparison with your friends and family. You can even create an anonymous account if you wish. And if you have questions, you can consult with our experts at no additional cost. Best of all, you have the peace of mind of knowing that deCODEme(TM) is offered by deCODE genetics - a proven leader in the field. When your DNA comes to us, our expert staff analyze it and post it to a secure web portal right here at deCODE. Neither your sample nor any of your data will be accessible to or shared with anyone but you and those that you designate.

About deCODE

deCODE genetics (Nasdaq: DCGN) is a global leader in applying human genetics to develop drugs and diagnostics for common diseases. Our population approach has enabled us to discover and target key biological pathways involved in conditions ranging from heart attack to cancer. We are turning these discoveries into new medicine to better treat and prevent many of the biggest challenges to public health. deCODE is delivering on the promise of the new genetics(SM). Visit us on the web at www.decode.com, and on our diagnostics site at www.decodediagnostics.com.

The deCODEme services are being offered by deCODE's Icelandic subsidiary, deCODE genetics ehf.

SOURCE deCODE genetics