Next Generation Biological Detection System Developed by ANP Technologies Leverages Cogent Systems' ASIC and Pattern Recognition Technology

Business Wire, March 2, 2005

NEWARK, Del. & SOUTH PASADENA, Calif. -- ANP Technologies Awards Cogent an Initial $500K Contract for Advancing Its Technology into Biological Agent Detection

ANP Technologies, Inc., a leading prime contractor for the U.S. Army, specializing in nanobiotechnology, today announced its partnership with Cogent Systems (Nasdaq:COGT) in developing a low-cost, rapid biological detection system. ANP Technologies has developed a next generation Nano-Intelligent Detection System (NIDS(TM)) based low-cost, rapid, multiplexed assay for the identification and quantitative analysis of various biological agents and biomarkers to the U.S. Government and pharmaceutical industries.

Utilizing Cogent's cutting-edge miniaturized ASIC, which includes the Dimensional Digital Signal Processor (D2SP) and its innovative pattern recognition algorithm, ANP has recently constructed a detection system for the identification and quantification of various biological agents including B. anthracis spores and botulinum toxin, as well as biomarkers related to certain diseases or disease states. In addition, Cogent provides integration of automated data management and data mining software. The initial contract value is for $500,000.

The assay and detection system will be initially utilized by leading Department of Defense programs and agencies such as the Joint Service Agent Water Monitor (JSAWM) program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), and Naval Medical Research Center (NMRC). NIDS(TM) provides the throughput, cost effectiveness and flexibility necessary for military personnel in the battlefield for both "Detect to Warn" and "Detect to Treat" purposes.

"Our revolutionary biological detection system, which combines our patented nanobiotechnology and Cogent's state-of-the-art pattern recognition technology, dramatically cuts down the response time for detecting biological agents at a fraction of the cost," commented Tom Bodnar, VP for Business Operations at ANP Technologies. "This same system has vast potential to revolutionize translational medicine by enabling scientists, both in the life sciences and pharmaceuticals industries, to literally perform billions of experiments utilizing less time and reagents to produce similar results relative to technologies in existence today, thereby providing valuable medical information from which to extend their research efforts. This technology has the capability to extend into personalized medicine by providing rapid diagnostic results, correlating drug efficacies within specific patient groups through protein profiling, and enabling better choices of drugs for individual patients."

"We are excited to work with ANP Technologies on such a revolutionary program and believe it offers tangible evidence of the applicability of our technology across multiple industries," commented Ming Hsieh, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cogent. "Our detection system leverages the power of our ASIC technology and our pattern recognition software to deliver a much more powerful and cost-effective solution. We are seeing increasing opportunities like this to leverage our biometric technology into promising growth areas."

About ANP Technologies, Inc.

ANP Technologies is a leading provider of nanobiotechnology based products for biodefense, drug discovery, translational medicine, point of care diagnostics, therapeutic effect monitoring, and drug delivery. ANP's mission is to develop cutting-edge technology platforms at the nano/bio interface and market them to the U.S. Government and large pharmaceutical/biotechnology companies. Founded in 2002, ANP is headquartered in Newark, Delaware and has received numerous government contracts, grants, awards and commercial contracts that has allowed for complete organic growth and profitability throughout its existence as a privately-held corporation. Additional information about ANP Technologies can be found at www.anptinc.com.

About Cogent Systems, Inc.

Cogent is a leading provider of Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems, or AFIS, and other fingerprint biometric solutions to governments, law enforcement agencies and other organizations worldwide. Cogent's AFIS solutions enable customers to capture fingerprint images electronically, encode fingerprints into searchable files and accurately compare a set of fingerprints to a database containing potentially millions of fingerprints in seconds.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains, in addition to historical information, forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on management's current estimates and expectations and are subject to a number of uncertainties and risks that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Cogent is providing this information as of the date of this press release, and expressly disclaims any duty to update information contained in this press release.

Forward-looking statements in this press release include, without limitation, express and implied statements regarding the continuation and success of Cogent's relationship with ANP and growth in the market for commercial nanobiotechnology products. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied here. Readers are referred to Cogent's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed by Cogent with the Securities and Exchange Commission which identifies important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: failure of the biometrics market to experience significant growth; failure of Cogent's products to achieve broad acceptance; failure to successfully compete; failure to comply with government regulations; negative publicity and/or loss of clients due to security breaches resulting in the disclosure of confidential information; loss of export licenses or changes in export laws; rapid technology change in the biometrics market; loss of a key member of management team; loss of limited source suppliers; failure to protect intellectual property; and exposure to intellectual property and product liability claims. The information contained in this press release is a statement of Cogent's present intention, belief or expectation and is based upon, among other things, existing industry conditions, market conditions, the economy in general and Cogent's assumptions. Cogent may change its intention, belief or expectation, at any time and without notice, based upon any changes in such factors, in its assumptions or otherwise. Cogent undertakes no obligation to review or confirm analysts' expectations or estimates or to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.