DCGN Decode Genetics (MM)

REYKJAVIK, Iceland, Dec. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- deCODE genetics (NASDAQ:DCGN) today announced that Jean-Francois Formela will be leaving the company's Board of Directors, effective today. Dr. Formela, a Senior Partner at Atlas Venture, has served on deCODE's board since the formation of the company in 1996 and plans to devote his time to a new Atlas fund. "Jean-Francois has been a great friend of deCODE since the very beginning. Atlas was a key member of the group of venture firms that got deCODE off the ground almost a decade ago, and since that time Jean Francois has been ready to pitch in with ideas and effort whenever needed. We will miss his presence and wealth of experience in our industry. We thank him heartily for his help, hard work and support, and wish him the best in all his future endeavours," said Kari Stefansson, CEO of deCODE. "This was clearly a difficult decision especially as the company continues to gain momentum based on the fruits of its pioneering work in human genetics. It has been an exciting journey and I have truly enjoyed working with Kari and his team to realize his vision. I wish him and the company continued success as more programs enter the clinic in the coming years," said Dr. Formela. About deCODE deCODE genetics (NASDAQ:DCGN) is a biopharmaceutical company applying its discoveries in human genetics to the development of drugs for common diseases. deCODE is a global leader in gene discovery - our population approach and resources have enabled us to isolate key genes contributing to major public health challenges from cardiovascular disease to cancer, genes that are providing us with drug targets rooted in the basic biology of disease. deCODE is also leveraging its expertise in human genetics and integrated drug discovery and development capabilities to offer innovative products and services in DNA-based diagnostics, bioinformatics, genotyping, structural biology, drug discovery and clinical development. deCODE is delivering on the promise of the new genetics.(SM) Visit us on the web at http://www.decode.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 to differ materially from those described in the forward- looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among others, those relating to technology and product development, integration of acquired businesses, market acceptance, government regulation and regulatory approval processes, intellectual property rights and litigation, dependence on collaborative relationships, ability to obtain financing, competitive products, industry trends and other risks identified in deCODE's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. deCODE undertakes no obligation to update or alter these forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Contact: deCODE genetics Edward Farmer Joy Bessenger +1 212 343 2819 +1 212 481 3891 DATASOURCE: deCODE genetics CONTACT: Edward Farmer, +1-212-343-2819, , or Joy Bessenger, +1-212-481-3891, , both of deCODE genetics Web site: http://www.decode.com/

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