Press Release

Palo Alto, CA October 23, 2001 - Incyte Genomics, Inc. (Nasdaq: INCY), the leading genomic information company, today announced the exclusive licensing by Genentech, Inc. (NYSE: DNA) of Incyte patent rights covering therapeutic antibodies to four proteins discovered by Incyte. Incyte is entitled to receive clinical development milestone payments for the antibodies and, if any are successful in clinical development and ultimately commercialized, Incyte will be entitled to receive royalties. Financial terms of the agreement and the intended clinical uses of the four antibodies were not disclosed.

Working from its comprehensive database of transcribed genes, Incyte scientists have compiled the industry's largest commercial patent portfolio of full-length genes, with over 600 issued to date. Incyte's claims under the majority of these patents cover not only the gene transcripts themselves, but also the proteins encoded by the gene transcripts and antibodies to those proteins.

"This agreement signals a significant milestone for Incyte in affirming the value of our scientific discoveries and intellectual property portfolio and is a tangible indicator of their significant shareholder value," said Roy A. Whitfield, Chief Executive Officer of Incyte.

About Incyte Genomics
Incyte Genomics, Inc. has developed one of the leading integrated platforms 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. In addition, Incyte has the largest portfolio of issued United States patents covering human full-length genes and the proteins they encode and is leveraging its intellectual property position to be a leader in therapeutic discoveries. For more information, visit Incyte's web site at www.incyte.com.

Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release, including statements as to the potential success in the development of therapeutic antibody products, and the revenue-generating impact that the collaboration will have for both companies, 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 are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially, including the extent to which the collaboration succeeds in identifying and commercializing therapeutic antibodies; the ability of the collaboration to provide products and services that meet market needs and that beat other substantially similar products and services to market; changes in the business plans of either company; Incyte's ability to obtain patent protection for its discoveries; and other risks detailed from time to time in Incyte's SEC reports, including its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the calendar quarter ended June 30, 2001. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. Incyte disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.