EXHIBIT 99.1
INCYTE GENOMICS ANNOUNCES NEW ROLE
FOR COMPANY PRESIDENT AS CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
Dr. Scott and Incyte Announce Intent to Create New E-Health Company
Palo Alto, CA August 23, 2000 -- Incyte Genomics, Inc. (Nasdaq: INCY), the
leading genomic information company, announced today that Dr. Randy Scott will
assume the role of Chairman of the Board and launch a new
e-health company that is expected to be closely affiliated with Incyte.
The Incyte Board of Directors has begun a nationwide search for a new president
and hopes to name a replacement later this year.
Dr. Scott, 42, is one of Incyte's 10 co-founders and has been chief scientific
officer since the company's inception. He assumed the presidency in 1997 and has
been instrumental in developing the company's vision and business strategy in
the rapidly evolving genomics industry.
In his new role Dr. Scott will continue to provide strategic direction for
Incyte, while overseeing the board. He also has begun the formation of a new
technology company based upon the application of Incyte's technology and
databases. The new e-health entity will link individuals with genomic
information to help them understand their disease and participate in the search
for a cure.
"For the past 10 years we have watched Incyte grow and mature into the world's
leading genomics information company, and there continues to be amazing
opportunity for expansion," Dr. Scott said. "I am looking forward to continuing
my role in providing strategic guidance, while expanding my involvement at the
board level."
"At the same time I am equally excited about beginning a new phase in my life as
head of a new company that will bring genomics to the general public," Dr. Scott
said. "Every day researchers are discovering new ways to harness the power of
genomics to improve health care. This new entity will be on the cutting edge of
that health care revolution."
Roy A. Whitfield, Incyte's Chief Executive Officer, praised Dr. Scott for his
contributions as president and chief scientific officer.
"Randy's dedication, along with his leadership, strategic and scientific skills
have been a major reason for Incyte's success," Whitfield said, adding that he
is confident his fellow co-founder can duplicate that success with the new
venture.
"This year has been exceptional at Incyte and Randy's new role and company will
help ensure that our success and progress continue," Whitfield said. "As we
continue to increase our market share in the genomics industry with innovative
approaches like the recently announced www.incyte.com, we look forward to
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becoming a major force in the dissemination of genomic information to consumers.
Randy's new company represents an intriguing option for Incyte to pursue this
new market."
Incyte's CEO thanked the retiring board chairman, Jeff Collinson, for his
numerous contributions to the company.
"Jeff has been at the helm of the board since its inception and has been
instrumental in the development of Incyte, not only as a founding investor, but
also as a key player in creating our industry revolutionizing business model,"
Whitfield said. "His firm belief in the company, his senior counsel and his
ongoing support have made Incyte the genomics powerhouse that it is, and for
that we are grateful."
On September 1, Dr. Scott will assume his new role and Mr. Collinson will
continue serving as an Incyte board member.
Incyte Genomics, Inc. is the leading provider of an integrated platform of
genomic technologies designed to aid in the understanding of the molecular basis
of disease. Incyte develops and markets genomic databases and partnership
programs, genomic data management software, microarray-based gene expression
services, related reagents and services. These products, programs and services
assist pharmaceutical and biotechnology researchers with all phases of drug
discovery and development including gene discovery, understanding disease
pathways, identifying new disease targets and the discovery and correlation of
gene sequence variation to disease. For more information, visit Incyte's web
site at www.incyte.com.
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Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in
this press release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the
"safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995. These forward-looking statements, including statements regarding
anticipated business relationships, the utility of genomics for consumer
applications, and the size of the market opportunity are subject to risks and
uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially, including the
ability of the company or any new company to meet product development and
release goals, possible regulatory and public policy risks, and the negotiation
of definitive agreements, and other risks detailed from time to time in Incyte's
SEC reports, including its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
June 30, 2000. Incyte disclaims any intent or obligation to update these
forward-looking statements.
--
Angela R. Parker
Investor Relations
Incyte Genomics, Inc.
3160 Porter Drive
Palo Alto, CA 94304
(650) 845-4106 direct
(650) 621-7645 fax
http://www.incyte.com
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