St. Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, and Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
January 10, 2003

DNA LandMarks, Inc. and Paradigm Genetics, Inc. (Nasdaq: PDGM) today announced they have entered into a letter of intent comprising DNA Landmark's acquisition of ParaGen, the plant genotyping business of Paradigm Genetics. The ParaGen business covers marker discovery, marker-assisted breeding and variety identification. The transaction is expected to close in 30 days. Financial details were not disclosed. 

DNA LandMarks is specialized in the development of molecular breeding tools and related technologies for crops. Benoit S. Landry, Ph.D., CEO, Managing Director and Founder of DNA LandMarks, said, "The acquisition of ParaGen positions us as one of the leading providers of plant genomics services worldwide. The ParaGen business is the perfect complement of our existing genetic mapping, map-based cloning and high throughput DNA sequencing services. We are fully committed to continue providing excellent services to all ParaGen customers and others."

"Of the companies interested in purchasing ParaGen, we believe that DNA LandMarks is the best one to continue providing excellent service to ParaGen's customers and to deliver leading integrated solutions to plant breeders and seed companies," said Heinrich Gugger, Ph.D., President and CEO of Paradigm Genetics, Inc. "This sale enables us at Paradigm to better focus our core functional genomics platform on key agricultural partnerships and programs, such as crop trait discovery and crop protection research and development."

DNA LandMarks is specialized in DNA marker technologies and high throughput genetic analysis of crops. DNA LandMarks offers high quality technologies and tools for gene discovery and provides high quality plant genotyping services to its customers worldwide. DNA LandMarks is the Canadian affiliate of BASF Plant Science, the plant biotechnology company of BASF. BASF Plant Science coordinates an international research and technology platform with seven sites in four countries in Europe and North America.

Paradigm is a biotechnology company aiming to increase R&D productivity by focusing its integrated suite of technologies on the product development cycle, from target discovery to subsequent enhancement of the safety and efficacy profiles of development candidates in agriculture and human health. Paradigm chooses a system biology approach to understand gene function in the context of biological pathways, to develop assays and biomarkers for molecular diagnostic solutions tailored
to the needs of our partners.