For Immediate Release

EPOCH BIOSCIENCES RANKED 107TH FASTEST GROWING TECHNOLOGY COMPANY IN NORTH AMERICA ON THE 2002 DELOITTE & TOUCHE TECHNOLOGY FAST 500

Epoch Attributes its 3,901 % Percent Revenue Growth to Innovative Technologies

October 16, 2002

BOTHELL, WA -- Epoch Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: EBIO), a provider of proprietary products that accelerate genomic analysis, today announced that it ranked Number 107 on the 2002 Deloitte & Touche Technology Fast 500, a ranking of the 500 fastest growing technology companies in North America. Rankings are based on percentage revenue growth over five years, from 1997-2001. Epoch Biosciences' revenues grew 3,901 percent during this period. William G. Gerber, chief executive officer, credited Epoch's revenue growth over the past five years to the company's focus and commitment to developing and effectively commercializing innovative technologies. Gerber said, "The Epoch team has created cutting edge genomics and molecular diagnostics tools that deliver real value to customers and partners. Our employees have done a superb job of listening to market needs and translating those needs into robust enabling solutions."

"Because a field like ours is moving so fast, we could not accomplish our goals without strong and dynamic collaborations with our customers, suppliers and strategic partners, Gerber said. "We also are indebted to our board and shareholders for their support and perseverance as we built the foundation for revenue growth."

Mark Evans, managing director, Deloitte & Touche Technology, Media & Telecommunications Group, said, "Because the Deloitte & Touche Technology Fast 500 measures sustained revenue growth over five years, being one of the 500 fastest growing technology companies in North America is an impressive accomplishment. We are proud to honor Epoch Biosciences as a Deloitte & Touche Technology Fast 500 winner."

In addition to ranking on the Deloitte & Touche Technology Fast 500, Epoch Biosciences ranked ninth on the Washington State Technology Fast 50, which is a ranking of the 50 fastest growing technology firms in Washington state.

Fast 500 Selection and Qualifications

The Fast 500 list is compiled from three sources: Deloitte & Touche's 20 regional North American Fast 50 programs, nominations submitted directly to the Fast 500, and public company database research. To qualify for the Fast 500, companies must have had 1997 operating revenues of at least $50,000 USD and $75,000 CD, for United States and Canada respectively, must be public or private companies headquartered in North America, and be "technology companies" defined as companies that own proprietary technology that contributes to a significant portion of the company's operating revenues or devote a high percentage of effort to research and development of technology.

About Epoch Biosciences

Epoch Biosciences develops proprietary products with commercial applications in the genomics and molecular diagnostics fields. Epoch's technology has numerous applications including the detection of inherited diseases and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to identify individuals at risk for disease or adverse drug reactions. The Company's chemical reagents enhance the performance of genetic analysis procedures, and are compatible with the majority of DNA analysis systems currently employed or under development for research and diagnostic uses. The Company licenses its chemistries to leading genomics companies for incorporation in their systems and distribution to end-users. Epoch also manufactures and sells specialty oligonucleotides and genetic detection systems employing its proprietary chemistry. Information about Epoch is available at www.epochbio.com.

About Deloitte & Touche

Deloitte & Touche, one of the nation's leading professional services firms, provides assurance and advisory, tax, and management consulting services through nearly 30,000 people in more than 100 U.S. cities. The firm is dedicated to helping its clients and its people excel. Known as an employer of choice for innovative human resources programs, Deloitte & Touche has been recognized as one of the "100 Best Companies to Work for in America" by Fortune magazine for five consecutive years. Deloitte & Touche refers to Deloitte & Touche LLP and its related entities. Deloitte & Touche is the U.S. national practice of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu. Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu is a Swiss Verein, and each of its national practices is a separate and independent legal entity. For more information, please visit Deloitte & Touche's Web site at www.deloitte.com.

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