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.

VeriChip Corporation Granted Exclusive License for Patents Used in Virus Triage Detection System for H1N1 Virus

VeriChip Corporation (“VeriChip”) (NASDAQ: CHIP) and its development partner RECEPTORS LLC, a technology company whose AFFINITY by DESIGN™ chemistry platform can be applied to the development of selective binding products, announced today that VeriChip has been granted an exclusive license to RECEPTORS' Patent No. 7,504,364 titled “Methods of Making Arrays and Artificial Receptors” and Patent No. 7,469,076 “Sensors Employing Combinatorial Artificial Receptors,” in their application to the development of the virus triage detection system for the H1N1 virus. The patents can also be applied to detection systems for other viruses and biological threats such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Helicos Sells Multiple HeliScope Sequencers to RIKEN Institute

Helicos BioSciences Corporation (NASDAQ: HLCS) today announced that the RIKEN Yokohama Institute Omics Science Center (OSC) has agreed to purchase four Helicos™ Genetic Analysis Systems. The transaction represents the first multisystem sale of the Helicos system to a large genome center. Shipments are expected to take place in September, with one system remaining in Cambridge to be used in a scientific collaboration between the two parties that began last year.

RIKEN’s OSC recently received funding from the Japanese government to assume the role of the country’s primary national DNA sequencing center. As part of Japan’s renowned RIKEN, the OSC has the unifying objective of developing a multi-purpose, large-scale analysis center to elucidate molecular networks in biological systems. A major component of the national project for the RIKEN OSC is the “Cell Innovation Project”, which is aimed at understanding cell function at the molecular level using next-generation and single-molecule sequencing technologies.

Helicos BioSciences Provides Q2 2009 Operating Highlights and Strategic Update

Helicos BioSciences Corporation (NASDAQ: HLCS) announced today its operating highlights for the quarter ended June 30, 2009 and other recent developments following the filing of its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2009.

“In the second quarter of 2009, we continued to deploy our Helicos™ Genetic Analysis System and to advance our technology. The number of installation sites doubled during the second quarter following the installation of our systems in some of the world’s most distinguished research sites. We also proudly congratulate the Stanford team for using their HeliScope™ Sequencer to publish the first ever single-molecule view of a whole human genome. I am pleased to see Helicos gaining commercial momentum in the marketplace and our technology producing scientific results that distinguish single molecule sequencing,” said Ronald A. Lowy, Helicos Chief Executive Officer.