December 9, 2002

For More Information Contact:

Susan Rhode, American Angus Association, (816) 383-5100 or srhode@angus.org

Mary Ellen DeFrancesco, MetaMorphix, Inc., (301) 617-9080 ext 227 or med@metamorphixinc.com

AMERICAN ANGUS ASSOCIATION SELECTS

MMI GENOMICS AS PARENT VERIFICATION PROVIDER

The American Angus Association, St. Joseph, Mo., has recently chosen MMI Genomics Inc., Davis, Calif., as the organization’s provider of DNA-based parent verification services. MMI Genomics, a wholly-owned subsidiary of MetaMorphix, Inc., will work closely with both Association members and staff to determine parentage on registered Angus cattle.

“We’re excited about establishing this new relationship with MMI Genomics and look forward to the services they can provide to our membership through DNA-based parent verification,” says Bryce Schumann, director of member services for the American Angus Association. “MMI Genomics has the technology and tools we need to accurately and efficiently determine parentage, which is required for donor dams used in embryo transfer programs, sires used by artificial insemination and animals produced from cell-clone transfer.”

Breeders who need to determine parent verification on an animal will collect a blood sample from the animal and place a drop on a card provided by the Association. The breeder will submit the sample directly to MMI Genomics for processing. The results of the DNA test are then returned to the Association’s member services department for official recording and then provided to the member.

In special cases where parentage can be verified only by using a blood typing test, blood typing services will continue to be available through the Ohio State University.

“We are very pleased to be chosen as the DNA parentage and ID service provider for the American Angus Association,” says Stephen Bates, General Manager of MMI Genomics, Inc. “As a leader in livestock genotyping , it is exciting for us to be working with one of the most progressive and successful beef cattle associations. We are entering a dynamic time with new powerful DNA technologies on the horizon. This relationship will pave the way for Angus breeders to access and benefit from these innovative genomic tools.”

MMI Genomics Inc., formerly the animal genomic, proteomic and genotyping business of Celera Genomics, was acquired by MetaMorphix Inc. in March 2002. MMI Genomics is the discovery and commercialization division for MetaMorphix Inc.’s core genomic and proteomic platforms.

Founded in 1994 and based in Savage, Md., MetaMorphix, Inc., a privately held life sciences company, is dedicated to discovering and commercializing multiple technology platforms to naturally improve the food supply and human health.

Drawing on three distinct technology platforms – growth differentiation factors (GDFs), genomics/proteomics and immunopharmaceuticals – MetaMorphix has more than a dozen products in various stages of development. These products are intended to vastly improve livestock breeding and production and to create more nutritious, consistent quality meat. Further, the company is leveraging a partnership, using its GDF technology platform, to research potential applications to serious human health conditions.

The American Angus Association is the world’s largest beef breed organization, providing programs and services for thousands of commercial producers and more than 35,000 members nationwide. For more information about DNA parent verification testing or other services offered to members, contact Bryce Schumann at the American Angus Association at (816) 383-5100 or bschumann@angus.org or go to www.angus.org.

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