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U.S. Genomics and Northrop Grumman Sign Teaming Agreement

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Woburn, MA, December 19, 2006 - Contacts:

Northrop Grumman
Paul Cabellon
Marketing Communications Manager
Government Systems Division
410-765-7192
paul.cabellon@ngc.com

U.S Genomics Inc. and the Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) have signed a teaming agreement to work together to commercialize U.S. Genomics' single molecule detection technology.

Under the terms of the agreement, U.S. Genomics will work with Northrop Grumman Security Systems LLC to complete the development of its technology and secure contracts for its deployment to meet biodetection needs for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and related biological detection applications.

U.S. Genomics has been awarded Phase I and II contracts by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency (HSARPA) for the development of a sophisticated biological sensor. Under these contracts, U. S. Genomics has received approximately $23 million in funding for development and prototyping of its system for the detection and identification of a wide range of airborne pathogens and toxins using proprietary DNA mapping technology. The technology's detection limits are sensitive to the single-molecule level with the potential to yield extremely low false positive rates. Using a universal reagent set, the technology produces a genomic signature unique to each DNA fragment in the sample, enabling identification of the organism from which the DNA originated.

Unlike other detection technologies, U.S. Genomics' detection platform does not require amplification or the use of pathogen-specific reagents for detection of each threat organism. Additionally, U.S. Genomics' approach has the potential to identify genetically modified species, such as those that may have been deliberately engineered to elude traditional detection methods.

“U.S. Genomics is very excited about the opportunity to work with Northrop Grumman on this important program. This agreement represents the next logical step in moving our technology from the laboratory toward providing real protection from biological attacks.” said John J. Canepa, Chief Executive Officer of U.S. Genomics. “We believe that our single molecule detection technology is uniquely qualified to meet the stringent requirements of a broadly deployed biodefense network and we look forward to delivering a system that can meet the needs of our customers.”

“Northrop Grumman is committed to enhancing our nation's defenses against terrorist threats, including the threat of bioterrorism. U.S. Genomics' unique broadband detection technology has great potential in providing highly sensitive detection against a broad set of threats, including engineered organisms,” said Dave Tilles, Vice President of Homeland Security Programs for Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems.

About Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a $30 billion global defense and technology company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in information and services, electronics, aerospace and shipbuilding to government and commercial customers worldwide.

About U.S. Genomics

U.S. Genomics is pioneering single molecule biology technologies for life science and biodefense applications by combining advances in microfluidics, optics, engineering, and novel molecular labeling strategies. Using its DNA mapping technology, the Company is developing sophisticated biosensors for the detection and identification of pathogens and biomarkers in the air, human serum and other biologically relevant materials. The Company's biodefense focus on airborne pathogens has been funded in part by $26 million in contracts from the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The Company's Trilogy® 2020 platform enables the direct detection and analysis of individual molecules of DNA, RNA, and proteins without the need for amplification. U.S. Genomics' portfolio of products will further a greater understanding of genetics and disease pathways and will ultimately lead to more effective therapeutics, diagnostics, and biodefense solutions. For more information about U.S. Genomics, please visit http://usgenomics.com/

Trilogy® is a registered trademark and Direct™ (as in Direct miRNA) and U.S. Genomics™ are trademarks of U.S. Genomics, Inc.