Helicos Announces First-Ever Direct Sequencing of Single Molecules of RNA

Helicos BioSciences Corporation (NASDAQ: HLCS), a life science company focused on innovative genetic analysis technologies, today announced the publication of a landmark study in which Helicos’ True Single Molecule Sequencing (tSMS)™ technology was used to directly sequence individual molecules of RNA. The paper appeared yesterday in the on-line edition of Nature and will appear in an upcoming 2009 print issue of Nature.

The study consists of the accurate sequencing and quantitation of RNA molecules obtained directly from a biological sample without amplification, ligation or cDNA synthesis.

“Direct RNA sequencing is the first example of the innovative methods that can only be performed using true single molecule sequencing.” stated Patrice Milos, PhD, VP and Chief Scientific Officer. “Scientists, for the first time, will be able to analyze the RNA from their samples directly, completely eliminating the biases inherent to traditional RNA analysis techniques that rely on copying cDNA from RNA.”

Scientists at Helicos developed the methodology using synthetic oligoribonucleotides and applied it to the direct sequencing of PolyA+ RNA from the well-characterized yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This Direct RNA sequencing approach revealed new biological findings in the form of polyadenylated small nucleolar RNAs and heterogeneity in the 3’ polyadenylation sites in yeast transcripts.

“This exciting work demonstrates that our technology enables a new set of methods and applications that were previously impossible, and that Helicos’ single-molecule sequencing system is truly unique in the genetic analysis market.” said Ron Lowy, CEO of Helicos. “Simple RNA analysis, only available through tSMS, will open up new market areas for Helicos. Until now, customers could not access these types of applications due to the cost and complexity of competing next-gen sequencers.”

The Helicos® Genetic Analysis System is the world's first and only commercially available, single molecule sequencing technology, and enables scientists to conduct revolutionary studies in the fields of genome biology, cancer research, common diseases, and microbiology without DNA ligation or amplification. Genetic analysis with Helicos' technology eliminates the biases, complexity and errors introduced by nucleic acid amplification, requires minute amounts of starting material, and provides the most direct and accurate view of biological samples.

About Helicos BioSciences:

Helicos BioSciences is a life science company focused on innovative genetic analysis technologies for the research, drug discovery, and diagnostic markets. Helicos' proprietary True Single Molecule Sequencing, tSMS(TM), technology allows direct measurement of billions of strands of DNA enabling scientists to perform experiments and ask questions never before possible. Helicos is a recipient of the $1,000 genome grant and committed to providing scientists the tools to unlock the era of genomic medicine. The company's corporate headquarters are located at One Kendall Square, Building 700, Cambridge, MA 02139, and its telephone number is (617) 264-1800. For more information, please visit www.helicosbio.com

Certain statements made in this press release that are not based on historical information are forward-looking statements which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This press release contains express or implied forward-looking statements relating to, among other things, the anticipated commercial and scientific benefits of Helicos’ Direct RNA sequencing approach discussed in this press release, and management's plans, objectives and strategies. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Helicos's control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in these forward-looking statements. In particular, the risks and uncertainties include, among other things, our ability to successfully complete and/or scale the manufacturing and commercialization process for the Helicos Genetic Analysis System; our history of operating losses and ability to achieve profitability; our ability to sustain and scale our manufacturing capabilities; the research and development spending levels of academic, clinical and governmental research institutions and pharmaceutical, biotechnology and agriculture companies who may purchase our Helicos Genetic Analysis System; our reliance on third-party suppliers; competition; changing technology and customer requirements; our ability to operate in an emerging market; market acceptance of our technology; the length of our sales and implementation cycles; our dependence on large contracts for the sale and implementation of our Helicos Genetic Analysis System; failure of our technology and products; our ability to maintain customer relationships and contracts; ethical, legal and social concerns surrounding the use of genetic information; our ability to retain our personnel and hire additional skilled personnel; our ability to manage our growth while operating with limited resources; our ability to control our operating expenses; general economic and business conditions; our ability to obtain capital when desired on favorable terms; and the volatility of the market price of our common stock. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Helicos undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information contained in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise. For additional disclosure regarding these and other risks faced by Helicos, see the disclosure contained in Helicos' public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Investor Relations:
Helicos BioSciences Corporation
Susan Shepard, 617-264-1850