Gene Express Enters Into Japanese Distribution Agreement With Funakoshi Co., Ltd.

WILMINGTON, NC--(Marketwire - January 15, 2009) -

Gene Express, Inc. announced today that it has entered into an Distribution Agreement with Funakoshi Co., Ltd. for the distribution of Gene Express, Inc.'s Standardized RT-PCR reagents (StaRT-PCR™) and research molecular diagnostic tools. The non-exclusive agreement provides Funakoshi with the rights to distribute in Japan.

Jonathan Rowe, PhD, Chief Operating Officer for Gene Express, Inc., stated, “The partnership between Funakoshi and Gene Express is extremely valuable as Funakoshi has the experience and capability to bring Gene Express’ patented standardized gene expression technology to Japanese researchers. We are confident that the Gene Express tests and reagents will be widely accepted in the Japanese research market.”

Dr. Ryoya Funakoshi, President & CEO of Funakoshi Co., Ltd., stated, “We are delighted with this distribution agreement. Gene Express’ proprietary and patented technology known as StaRT-PCR™ perfectly complements our range of top quality products and services, and will enable us to meet the high demand for standardization of multi-gene Transcript Abundance (TA) measurement in Japan.”

Among the StaRT-PCR™ based research molecular tools are kits for Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (bcr-abl), Lung Cancer Risk Prediction and Inflammation/Rheumatoid Arthritis. The reagents include a selection of more than six hundred StaRT-PCR™ internal standards.

About Funakoshi Co., Ltd.

Funakoshi Co., Ltd. has contributed as a leader to distribute research reagents and instruments for researchers in life science fields since its foundation. The mission of Funakoshi is offering many useful tools with leading edge technologies for Japanese researchers from all over the world to support and develop their research. For more information, visit Funakoshi’s website: www.funakoshi.co.jp.

About Gene Express, Inc.

Gene Express, Inc. is a molecular diagnostic company that integrates personalized medicine into clinical care by enabling the generation of standardized, comparable and quality controlled data for molecular diagnostic testing. The Company’s proprietary and patented StaRT-PCR™ (Standardized Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction) platform technology for measuring gene expression levels in cells, clinical biopsies and blood is being used to develop proprietary molecular diagnostics and to develop the molecular diagnostics capabilities of other companies. The Company’s $3 billion focus market for licensing and contract services includes the drug development, academic and molecular diagnostics segments. Additional information is available on the Company’s website at www.geneexpressinc.com.

Any forecasts, plans, projections and other information contained in this press release describing events or results that may occur in the future are “forward-looking statements” as defined in the United States Private Securities litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and important factors that are beyond the control of the Company that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from the results presently anticipated or projected. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements and any such forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to this cautionary statement. All forward-looking statements contained herein speak only as of the date of this release and are based on current expectations. The Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements.