Press Release

BGI Purchases 128 Illumina HiSeq(TM) 2000 Sequencing Systems

Acquisition Puts Beijing Genomics Institute on Path to Become World's Largest Sequencing Facility

SAN DIEGO, Jan 12, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Illumina, Inc. (NASDAQ:ILMN) announced today that the BGI (formerly known as the Beijing Genomics Institute) has purchased 128 HiSeq 2000 sequencing systems, representing the largest single order for next-generation sequencing systems to date. Most of the units will be installed in BGI's new state-of-the-art genome center in Hong Kong.

"BGI's investment in Illumina's new HiSeq 2000 system is an important step in our effort to develop a premier sequencing facility that serves scientists globally," said Xiuqing Zhang, vice president of BGI. "Our goal is to build partnerships and collaborations around the world that contribute to the overall improvement of our global society. Creating solutions that enhance agriculture and food production, for example, are a key focus for us, as well as more region-specific programs, such as the development of the personal genomics field in China."

BGI is among the world's leading scientific organizations committed to understanding biology and medicine through the use of large-scale sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. BGI has research centers in the United States, Europe, and Hong Kong, and seven genome research centers in mainland China for scientific collaboration and sequencing services. Last month, BGI signed a long-term agreement with China Development Bank. The initial funding (1.5 billion US$) will help BGI build research and application platforms for sustainable development in healthcare, agriculture, bio-energy, environmental protection, and related fields.

"We are deeply honored that BGI has selected Illumina as its partner for sequencing technology. Our company is strongly committed to helping the Institute achieve its ambitious vision of providing sequencing resources to public and private entities throughout the world," said Matt Posard, vice president of Global Sales at Illumina. "Illumina is thrilled that BGI selected our recently launched HiSeq 2000 sequencer to enable their vision."

Installations of HiSeq 2000 systems will begin in the first quarter and continue over the subsequent three quarters. Revenue related to the sale of these instruments is expected to be recognized over the next three years. For more information about the HiSeq 2000 sequencing system, please visit Illumina's website at http://illumina.com/HiSeq2000.

About Illumina

Illumina (http://www.illumina.com) is a leading developer, manufacturer, and marketer of next-generation life-science tools and integrated systems for the analysis of genetic variation and biological function. Using our proprietary technologies, we provide a comprehensive line of products and services that currently serve the sequencing, genotyping, and gene expression markets, and we expect to enter the market for molecular diagnostics. Our customers include leading genomic research centers, pharmaceutical companies, academic institutions, clinical research organizations, and biotechnology companies. Our tools provide researchers around the world with the performance, throughput, cost effectiveness, and flexibility necessary to perform the billions of genetic tests needed to extract valuable medical information from advances in genomics and proteomics. We believe this information will enable researchers to correlate genetic variation and biological function, which will enhance drug discovery and clinical research, allow diseases to be detected earlier, and permit better choices of drugs for individual patients.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements we make regarding when system installations are to begin and when revenue is expected to be realized. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in any forward-looking statements include challenges inherent in new product development and manufacturing and the other factors that are detailed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our most recent filings on Forms 10-K and 10-Q, or in information disclosed in public conference calls, the date and time of which are released beforehand. We undertake no obligation, and do not intend, to update any forward-looking statements after the date of this release.

SOURCE: Illumina, Inc.

Illumina, Inc.
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