Orchid Cellmark Announces U.K. Genotyping Agreement With Animal Health Leader Merial

PRINCETON, N.J. and ABINGDON, England, Nov. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Orchid Cellmark Inc. , a leading worldwide provider of identity DNA testing services, today announced it has been awarded a contract in the U.K. to provide cattle genotyping for the animal health company Merial, a joint venture between sanofi-aventis and Merck. The genotyping conducted by Orchid Cellmark will support Merial's IGENITY(TM) service, which provides breeders with genetic data relating to such characteristics as meat quality and milk production. Under this two-year development and service agreement, genotyping is expected to begin before the end of 2005. Financial details were not disclosed.

"With a proven record for developing and implementing new DNA testing services, we are well equipped to deliver this important animal genotyping program for Merial," said David Hartshorne, commercial director of Orchid Cellmark's European business. "As the leading provider of scrapie genotyping services in Europe, we have successfully genotyped more than 1.7 million sheep and have developed a highly efficient and reliable laboratory service. We look forward to working with Merial so that cattle farmers can harness the power of DNA analysis in their breeding programs."

Merial is a world-leading, innovation-driven animal health company providing a comprehensive range of products to enhance the health, well-being and performance of a wide range of animals. Merial employs approximately 5,000 people and operates in more than 150 countries worldwide. Its 2004 sales were in excess of $1.8 billion. Its innovative IGENITY service (http://www.igenity.com/) provides QTL (Qualitative Trait Loci) information about meat quality and milk production to cattle farmers.

"IGENITY is entering a new growth phase and this new relationship with Orchid Cellmark will play an important part in ensuring its success," said Nigel Otter, Merial's IGENITY Head for Europe.

Orchid Cellmark established its European headquarters in 2001 through the acquisition of U.K.-based Cellmark Diagnostics, among the world's first commercial DNA testing laboratories. Under the Cellmark brand, it is one of the largest providers of paternity and relationship testing services in Europe, providing testing to the general public as well as under contract to a number of government departments including the U.K. Child Support Agency and the U.K. Government's Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Orchid Cellmark is also a leading supplier of forensic DNA profiling for criminal investigation, a rapidly growing area in which the U.K. is a world leader. In addition, Orchid Cellmark is a major developer and supplier of agricultural genotyping services for genetic markers associated with disease resistance, breeding traits and animal traceability. More information about the range of DNA testing services and products available from Orchid Cellmark's European business can be found at http://www.orchideurope.com/.

About Orchid Cellmark Inc.

Orchid Cellmark is a leading provider of identity DNA testing services for the human identity and agriculture markets. In the human identity area, the company provides DNA testing services for forensic, family relationship and security applications. In the agriculture field, Orchid Cellmark provides DNA testing services for agricultural selective trait breeding. Orchid Cellmark's strong market positions in these segments reflect the company's accredited laboratories in the U.S. and U.K., its innovative genetic analysis technologies and expertise, and the world-renowned Cellmark brand that has been associated with exceptional quality, reliability and customer service for nearly two decades. More information on Orchid Cellmark can be found at http://www.orchid.com/.

IGENITY is a trademark of Merial Ltd

All statements in this press release that are not historical are forward- looking statements within the meaning of Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding: Orchid Cellmark's expectation that genotyping under the contract with Merial will begin before the end of 2005; and Orchid Cellmark's belief that it can work with Merial so that cattle farmers can harness the power of DNA analysis in their breeding programs. Such statements are subject to the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected, including, but not limited to, uncertainties relating to technologies, product development, manufacturing, market acceptance, cost and pricing of Orchid Cellmark products and services, dependence on government funding and collaborations, regulatory approvals, competition, intellectual property of others, patent protection and litigation. These risks and other additional factors affecting Orchid Cellmark's business are discussed under the headings "Risks Related to Our Business" and "Risks Associated with Our Common Stock" in Orchid Cellmark's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and in other filings made by Orchid Cellmark with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. Orchid Cellmark expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in Orchid Cellmark's expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statements are based, except as may be required by law.

Contacts Media: [phone] Stephen Gendel GendeLLindheim BioCom Partners U.K. Media and Customers: [phone] David Hartshorne Orchid Cellmark Europe Investors: [phone] Tracy J. Henrikson Orchid Cellmark Inc.