March 25, 2004

News Release: Tm Bioscience CFTR 40+4 Tag-It(TM) Mutation Kit Receives 2004 Frost &Sullivan Clinical Diagnostics Product of the Year Award

Tm Bioscience Corporation (Toronto, Ontario; TSX Venture: TMC), an emerging leader in DNA-based diagnostic testing, received the 2004 Frost &Sullivan Clinical Diagnostics Product of the Year Award for its Tag-It(TM) Mutation Kit detecting 40 mutations in the CFTR (cystic fibrosis - CF) gene.

The award-winning CFTR genetic screening test is part of Tm's suite of Tag-It(TM) Mutation Detection Kits developed to increase throughput with cost- effective multiplex genotyping. The test screens individuals for the world's most common and North American-prevalent CFTR mutations. 'This award recognizes our DNA diagnostic technology as an economical and reliable solution for commercial laboratories performing high volume testing' states Greg Hines, CEO of Tm Bioscience. 'We are honored to receive the award and proud that our Tag-It(TM) Mutation Kits are helping to screen for such prevalent genetic mutations, which affect approximately 30,000 adults and children in North America alone.'

According to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 1 in 25 Americans carries a mutation in the cystic fibrosis gene. Inheriting a mutation in the cystic fibrosis gene from both parents causes the disease. If both parents are carriers of the mutation, there is a 1 in 4 chance of inheriting the disease and a 1 in 2 chance of being a carrier of the disease. The American College of Medical Genetics recommends that individuals be tested for 25 different mutations in the cystic fibrosis gene.

About Tag-It(TM) genetic tests

Tm Bioscience is commercializing a menu of tests for the rapidly growing genetic testing market. The Company has already commercialized a series of Tag-It(TM) tests for coagulation genes, launched in December 2002; the Tag-It(TM) P450-2D6 test, first in a series of tests for drug metabolism genes; and the Tag-It(TM) CFTR 40+4 test, launched in September 2003. The Company's pre-commercial pipeline includes the Tag-It(TM) P450-2C9 and P450-2C19 drug metabolism gene tests and a test panel combining several common hereditary disease gene tests.

All genetic tests from Tm Bioscience are based on the Tag-It(TM) Universal Array platform and operate on the Luminex xMAP(R) system. The Universal Array enables the rapid production of flexible, highly accurate, high-throughput, low-cost DNA-based tests.

About Tm Bioscience - Putting the Human Genome to Work(TM)

Tm Bioscience is a DNA-based diagnostics company developing a suite of genetic tests. Tm Bioscience's product pipeline includes tests for genetic mutations related to hematology, cystic fibrosis, toxicology and other debilitating genetic disorders. Tm Bioscience is located in Toronto, Ontario. Additional information about Tm Bioscience can be found at www.tmbioscience.com.

About Frost &Sullivan

Frost &Sullivan is a global leader in international strategic growth consulting. Frost &Sullivan Awards are presented to companies that demonstrate excellence in their industry, commending the diligence, commitment and innovative business strategies required to advance in the global marketplace. Frost &Sullivan rigorously analyzes specific criteria to determine award recipients in a vast variety of industries and landscapes. Founded in 1961, Frost &Sullivan is headquartered in San Jose, Calif., with offices located worldwide. For further information, visit www.frost.com.

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For further information: INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACTS: Equicom GroupContact (Canada): James Smith, The Equicom Group, Tel.: (416) 815-0700,Fax: (416) 815-0080, Email: jsmith(at)equicomgroup.com; Euro RSCG Life NRPContact (U.S.): Sharon Weinstein, Account Supervisor, Euro RSCG Life NRP,Tel.: (212) 845-4271, Fax: (212) 845-4260, Email:sharon.weinstein(at)eurorscg.com;

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