Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada and Monrovia, California, United States – Chromos Molecular Systems Inc. (“Chromos“ TSX: CHR) and Xencor announced today that they have entered into a non-exclusive research license agreement to develop cell lines that express Xencor’s monoclonal antibodies and other recombinant protein product candidates. Under the terms of the agreement, Xencor will use the ACE System platform to generate cell lines expressing proteins derived from its Protein Design Automation (PDA) technology. Xencor also receives an option to negotiate a commercial license for manufacturing its clinical products. PDA technology is used to identify and optimize novel protein lead candidates. Chromos will receive an upfront payment and annual maintenance fees. Further financial details were not disclosed.

“This relationship is significant to Chromos as it further demonstrates the versatility of our ACE System in the product development pathway,“ said Chromos president and CEO Alistair Duncan. “Our ability to rapidly and efficiently generate high expressing cell lines provides our partners with a potentially seamless process for protein production from pre-clinical research through to commercial manufacturing. This deal is another step towards positioning the ACE System as the industry’s platform of choice for protein production.“

“Xencor’s capabilities will be significantly broadened by access to Chromos’ ACE System for enabling expression of our therapeutic candidates,“ said Bassil Dahiyat, Ph.D., president and CEO of Xencor. “The combination of our PDA technology linked to Chromos’ protein expression platform will enhance our ability to rapidly identify and advance protein candidates through the product development pathway.“

About Xencor

Xencor discovers and develops protein therapeutics using its proprietary rational protein design platform. Xencor’s platform applies high performance computing and advanced cell biology to rapidly discover drugs with novel mechanisms and improved safety and efficacy. Xencor is a privately held biopharmaceutical company located in Monrovia, CA. Additional information is available at www.xencor.com.

About Chromos

Chromos Molecular Systems Inc. is a public, Canadian biotechnology company leading the development of innovative therapies using a proprietary gene delivery and expression system for the production of therapeutic proteins and cell-mediated gene therapies. Chromos is achieving this objective with a unique mammalian chromosome technology platform from which multiple product candidates can be developed. Chromos’ technology, referred to as the ACE System (artificial chromosome expression), is a unique and powerful vehicle for carrying genes into cells. It offers competitive advantages over current systems in that it permits the rapid and efficient insertion of selected genes, allows for the long term and stable expression of large, single or multiple proteins, and provides a means to selectively and predictably control protein expression.

Note: Certan of the statements contained in this press release are forward-looking statements which involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Chromos, or industry results, to be materially different fromany future results, performance or achievemens expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

For further information please contact:

Helen Zeitler
Director, Investor Relations Communications
Tel: 604-415-7100
Email: hzeitler@chromos.com
Website: www.chromos.com

Bassil Dahiyat, PhD
President and CEO
Tel: 626-305-5900
Website: www.xencor.com