Document:

<PAGE>   1
                                  EXHIBIT 10.8

          License Agreement between the Regents of the University of
          California and Molecular Dynamics dated September 15, 1993.

<PAGE>   2
                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.8

THE SYMBOL "[*]" IS USED TO INDICATE THAT A PORTION OF THE EXHIBIT HAS BEEN
OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE COMMISSION. CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS
BEEN REQUESTED WITH RESPECT TO THE OMITTED PORTIONS.

October 20, 1993

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY               [UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOGO]

OFFICE OF TECHNOLOGY LICENSING

================================================================================

                          EXCLUSIVE LICENSE AGREEMENT

                 CAPILLARY ARRAY CONFOCAL FLUORESCENSE SCANNER

                                   AND METHOD

                                    BETWEEN

                  THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA

                                      AND

                               MOLECULAR DYNAMICS

                             UC Case No.: B92-024-1

================================================================================
<PAGE>   3
October 20, 1993

                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ARTICLE     TITLE                                                           PAGE
-------     -----                                                           ----
<S>         <C>                                                             <C>
1.          BACKGROUND ................................................       1
2.          DEFINITIONS ...............................................       2
3.          GRANT .....................................................       4
4.          SUBLICENSES ...............................................       5
5.          LICENSE ISSUE FEE .........................................       6
6.          ROYALTIES .................................................       7
7.          DUE DILIGENCE .............................................       9
8.          PROGRESS AND ROYALTY REPORTS ..............................      11
9.          BOOKS AND RECORDS .........................................      12
10.         LIFE OF THE AGREEMENT .....................................      13
11.         TERMINATION BY REGENTS ....................................      13
12.         TERMINATION BY LICENSEE ...................................      14
13.         DISPOSITION OF LICENSED PRODUCTS ON HAND UPON TERMINATION .      14
14.         PATENT PROSECUTION AND MAINTENANCE ........................      14
15.         MARKING ...................................................      17
16.         USE OF NAMES AND TRADEMARKS ...............................      17
17.         LIMITED WARRANTIES ........................................      17
18.         PATENT INFRINGEMENT .......................................      18
19.         INDEMNIFICATION ...........................................      20
20.         EXPORT CONTROLS ...........................................      22
21.         FOREIGN GOVERNMENTAL APPROVAL OR REGISTRATION .............      22
22.         ASSIGNMENT ................................................      22
23.         NOTICES ...................................................      22
24.         LATE PAYMENTS .............................................      23
25.         WAIVER ....................................................      23
26.         CONFIDENTIALITY ...........................................      23
27.         FAILURE TO PERFORM ........................................      25
28.         FORCE MAJEURE .............................................      25
29.         SEVERABILITY ..............................................      25
30.         APPLICABLE LAW ............................................      26
31.         SCOPE OF AGREEMENT ........................................      26
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   4

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY               [University of California SEAL]
OFFICE OF TECHNOLOGY LICENSING

================================================================================
                          EXCLUSIVE LICENSE AGREEMENT
          FOR CAPILLARY ARRAY CONFOCAL FLUORESCENCE SCANNER AND METHOD
                                                          UC Case No.: B92-024-1
================================================================================

Effective September 15, 1993, THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, a
California Corporation, whose legal address is 300 Lakeside Drive, Oakland,
California 94612-3550, acting through its Office of Technology Licensing, at
the University of California, Berkeley, 2150 Shattuck Avenue, Suite 510,
Berkeley, CA 94704-1318, ("REGENTS") and MOLECULAR DYNAMICS having a principal
place of business at 880 East Arques Ave., Sunnyvale, Ca. 94086 ("LICENSEE"),
agree as follows:

1.    BACKGROUND

      1.1   REGENTS have an assignment of "Capillary Array Confocal Fluorescence
            Scanner and Method" ("INVENTION"), as described in REGENTS' Case No.
            B92-024-1 and LICENSED PATENTS as defined below, which are directed
            to the INVENTION.

      1.2   LICENSEE entered into a Confidential Disclosure Agreement with
            REGENTS effective September 13, 1991, and terminating on September
            13, 1996 for the purpose of evaluating the INVENTION.

      1.3   LICENSEE further entered into a Letter Agreement effective
            February 24, 1992 covering the LICENSEE's commitment to reimburse
            REGENTS' patent costs during the period of good-faith negotiation
            for an exclusive license.

      1.4   The development of the INVENTION was sponsored in part by the US
            Department of Energy and as a consequence, title is passed to
            REGENTS and REGENTS in turn, grants back to the U.S. Government a
            non-exclusive, non-transferrable, irrevocable, paid-up license to
            practice or have practiced the

                               Page 1 of 26 Pages                  BP 2024
                                                                   MolDyn, 1993
<PAGE>   5

            INVENTION for or on behalf of the United States Government
            throughout the world.

      1.5   Both parties recognize and agree that royalties due hereunder will
            be paid to REGENTS on both pending patent applications and issued
            patents.

      1.6   REGENTS are desirous to have said INVENTION perfected and marketed
            at the earliest possible time in order that products resulting
            therefrom may be available for public use and benefit.
      1.7   LICENSEE has executed an exclusive license agreement with REGENTS
            for US Patent No. 5,091,652 entitled "Laser Excited Confocal
            Microscope Fluorescence Scanner and Method" and corresponding
            foreign patents and patent applications described in UC Case No.
            B90-001-2, effective January 16, 1991 (hereinafter referred to as
            1991 LICENSE AGREEMENT).

      1.8   LICENSEE will execute a non-exclusive license agreement with REGENTS
            for US Patent Application Serial No. 07/854,375 entitled "Multiple
            Tag Labeling Method for DNA Sequencing" and corresponding foreign
            patents and patent applications described in UC Case No. B92-057-1,
            effective August 15, 1993 (hereinafter referred to as 1993
            NON-EXCLUSIVE LICENSE AGREEMENT).

      1.9   LICENSEE wishes to acquire a license under the LICENSED PATENTS, for
            the purpose of undertaking development, to manufacture, use, sell
            and distribute LICENSED PRODUCTS as defined below.

      1.10  REGENTS have disclosed to LICENSEE certain information and technical
            data pertaining to the INVENTION and such disclosure gives the
            LICENSEE an economic advantage in bringing the INVENTION to market.

2.    DEFINITIONS

      2.1   "LICENSED PATENTS" means any Letters Patent issued upon REGENTS'
            U.S. Patent Application, Serial Number 07/840,501 entitled
            "Capillary Array Confocal Fluorescence Scanner and Method" filed
            February 24, 1992, by

                               Page 2 of 26 Pages                  BP 2024
                                                                   MolDyn, 1993
<PAGE>   6

     Professor Richard Mathies, Xiaohua Chen Huang and Mark A. Quesada and
     assigned to REGENTS; and continuing applications thereof including
     divisions, substitutions, extensions and continuation-in-part applications
     (only to the extent, however, that claims in the continuation-in-part
     applications are entitled to the priority filing date of the parent patent
     application; but excluding all other continuations-in-part), any patents
     issuing on said application or continuing applications including reissues;
     and any corresponding foreign patents or applications.

2.2  "LICENSED PRODUCTS" means any product, apparatus, or component part thereof
     or other material produced by the LICENSED METHOD to the extent the
     manufacture, use or sale of which is in a particular country:
     (a)  Is covered by a valid claim of an issued, unexpired patent under the
          LICENSED PATENTS  in that country in which such patent has issued
          (claim of an issued, unexpired LICENSED PATENTS shall be presumed to
          be valid unless and until it has been held to be invalid by a final
          judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction from which no appeal can
          be or is taken) or;
     (b)  Is covered by a pending claim being prosecuted in a pending patent
          application under the LICENSED PATENTS in that country in which such
          application is pending.

2.3  "LICENSED METHOD" means any process or method that is covered by the
     LICENSED PATENTS in the country in which such process or method is used to
     make LICENSED PRODUCTS or the use or practice would constitute, but for the
     license granted to the LICENSEE pursuant to this Agreement, an infringement
     of any issued or pending claim within LICENSED PATENTS in that country in
     which the LICENSED METHOD is used or practiced.

2.4  "LICENSED FIELD-OF-USE" means the manufacture, use, sale or distribution of
     any LICENSED PRODUCTS in any instrumentation.

2.5  "NET SALES" means the gross revenue of the LICENSED PRODUCTS in the form in
     which it is sold, leased, used, or distributed, whether or not assembled
     (and without excluding therefrom any components or subassemblies thereof,

                               Page 3 of 26 Pages                  BP 2024
                                                                   MolDyn, 1993
<PAGE>   7

          whatever their origin and whether or not patent impacted, except that
          all separate optional items and products such as, without limitation,
          printers, external storage devices, application software, network
          connections or reagent kits which are not LICENSED PRODUCTS but which
          are sold, leased, used or distributed for use in connection with the
          system comprising LICENSED PRODUCTS shall be excluded), less the
          following items but only insofar as they actually pertain to the
          disposition of such LICENSED PRODUCTS by LICENSEE and are included in
          such gross income, and (except Item d) are separately billed:

          (a)  Import, export, excise, and sales taxes, plus custom duties; If
               custom duties are part of the sales price, REGENTS will accept
               Licensee's statement to that effect provided accounting statement
               is supplied, identifying each item and duty amount included.

          (b)  Costs of insurance, packing, and transportation from the place of
               manufacture to the customer's premises or point of installation;

          (c)  Costs of installation at the place of use;

          (d)  Credit for returns, allowances, or trades; and

          (e)  Rebate paid to distribution on LICENSED PRODUCTS.

     2.6  "LICENSED TERRITORY" means worldwide.

3.   GRANT

     3.1  Subject to the limitations set forth in this Agreement, REGENTS hereby
          grant and LICENSEE hereby accepts an exclusive license under the
          LICENSED PATENTS and within the LICENSED FIELD-OF-USE to make, have
          made, use, lease, distribute and/or sell LICENSED PRODUCTS and to
          practice LICENSED METHOD in the LICENSED TERRITORY.

     3.2  Said license shall be EXCLUSIVE in the LICENSED FIELD-OF-USE for a
          term commencing as of the effective date of this Agreement and ending
          on the date of the last to expire patent under the LICENSED PATENTS.

     3.3  REGENTS expressly reserve the right to use the INVENTION for
          educational and research purposes.

                               Page 4 of 26 Pages                  BP 2024
                                                                   MolDyn, 1993
<PAGE>   8
4.   SUBLICENSES

     4.1  LICENSEE shall have the right to sublicense to third parties to make,
          have made, use, lease, distribute and/or sell LICENSED PRODUCTS and to
          practice the LICENSED METHOD provided that LICENSEE has current
          exclusive rights under this Agreement. Every such sublicense shall
          contain at least the following:

          (a)  A statement setting forth the date  upon which LICENSEE's
               exclusive rights, privileges, and license hereunder shall expire.

          (b)  A statement such that, to the extent applicable, the obligations
               of this Agreement shall be binding upon the sublicensee as if it
               were in place of LICENSEE, except that:

               (i)    Earned royalty rate and minimum royalties may be at higher
                      rates than this Agreement;

               (ii)   Sublicensee(s) shall be precluded from granting further
                      sublicenses; and

               (iii)  Sublicensee(s) shall not be required to assume the
                      obligations due to REGENTS under Paragraph 6.5 and
                      Articles 5, 7, 14 and 21 of this Agreement. However, under
                      any sublicense, sublicensee shall at least be obligated to
                      LICENSEE under Articles 15 and 21.

          (c)  The same provision for indemnification of REGENTS as has been
               provided for in this Agreement.

     4.2  LICENSEE shall notify REGENTS of each sublicense granted hereunder and
          furnish to REGENTS a summary of the material terms of each such
          sublicense agreements.

     4.3  LICENSEE shall collect and guarantee payment of all royalties due
          REGENTS from sublicensees; and deliver all reports due REGENTS and
          received from sublicensees.

                               Page 5 of 26 Pages                  BP 2024
                                                                   MolDyn, 1993
<PAGE>   9
THE SYMBOL "[*]" IS USED TO INDICATE THAT A PORTION OF THE EXHIBIT HAS BEEN
OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE COMMISSION. CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS
BEEN REQUESTED WITH RESPECT TO THE OMITTED PORTIONS.

     4.4  Upon termination of this Agreement for any reason, all sublicenses
          that are granted by LICENSEE pursuant to this Agreement shall
          remain in effect and shall be assigned to REGENTS except that
          REGENTS shall not be bound to perform any duties or obligations
          set forth in any sublicenses that extend beyond the duties and
          obligations of REGENTS set forth in this Agreement.

5.   LICENSE ISSUE FEE
     5.1  LICENSEE shall pay to REGENTS a non-creditable, non-refundable
          license issue fee of [*] Dollars ($[*]) according to the following
          schedule:

          5.1.a [*] Dollars ($[*]) due upon signing of this Agreement;

          5.1.b. [*] Dollars ($[*]) due in four months of the effective date of
          this Agreement;

          5.1.c [*] Dollars ($[*]) due on the anniversary day of the effective
          date of this Agreement; and

          5.1.d. [*] Dollars ($[*]) due within forty-five (45) days of written
          notification to Licensee by REGENTS of Notice of Allowance from the US
          Patent and Trademark Office of US Patent Application serial no.
          07/840,501, or its continuation or divisional whichever is first to
          occur.
     5.2  This fee is non-refundable and not an advance against royalties.
          However, in the event this Agreement is terminated for any reason
          whatsoever on or before the one (1) year anniversary of the effective
          date of this Agreement, LICENSEE shall not be obligated to pay to
          REGENTS the payment specified in Paragraph 5.1.c above; in addition,
          in the event this Agreement is terminated on or before the four (4)
          month anniversary of the effective date of this Agreement due to
          either REGENTS' breach of this Agreement or invalidity of a LICENSED
          PATENT or any claim thereof, LICENSEE shall not be obligated to pay
          to the REGENTS the payment specified in Paragraph 5.1.b above.
                               Page 6 of 26 Pages                  BP 2024
                                                                   MolDyn, 1993
<PAGE>   10
THE SYMBOL "[*]" IS USED TO INDICATE THAT A PORTION OF THE EXHIBIT HAS BEEN
OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE COMMISSION. CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS
BEEN REQUESTED WITH RESPECT TO THE OMITTED PORTIONS.

6.   ROYALTIES
     6.1  LICENSEE shall pay to REGENTS earned royalties at the rate of
          [*] percent ([*]%) of the NET SALES OF LICENSED PRODUCTS.
     6.2  Royalties shall be payable on LICENSED PRODUCTS and LICENSED METHODS
          covered by both pending patent applications and issued patents.

     6.3  If, after seven (7) years from the effective date of this Agreement or
          seven (7) years from the filing date of the patent application
          covered by LICENSED PATENTS in a particular country, whichever is
          longer, no patent under LICENSED PATENTS has issued in a particular
          country covering LICENSED PRODUCTS, then the royalty and minimum
          royalty set forth in Paragraphs 6.1 and 6.5 due REGENTS in connection
          with the sale of LICENSED PRODUCTS in such country will be suspended
          from that date. Upon issuance of a patent in a particular country
          under LICENSED PATENTS covering LICENSED PRODUCTS, LICENSEE's
          obligation to pay to REGENTS earned royalties in accordance with the
          royalty rate on the NET SALES of LICENSED PRODUCTS as specified in
          Paragraph 6.1. and the minimum annual royalties set forth in Paragraph
          6.5 shall resume only in connection with the LICENSED PRODUCTS that
          would, but for the license granted herein, infringe a valid claim of
          such issued, unexpired patent in such country, provided, however, that
          the minimum annual royalties for the year in which such patent has
          issued shall be pro-rated based upon the date of issuance of such
          patent, and further provided that REGENTS shall forgive the minimum
          annual royalties otherwise due REGENTS during the period of
          suspension.

     6.4  Royalties accruing to REGENTS shall be paid to REGENTS quarterly
          commencing June 30, 1995, according to the schedule stated in
          Paragraph 8.3 or, if production schedule is accelerated, on an earlier
          date mutually agreed upon by REGENTS and LICENSEE.
     6.5  For as long as the license granted herein is exclusive, the LICENSEE
          shall pay REGENTS a minimum annual royalty of [*] ([*]).

                               Page 7 of 26 Pages                  BP 2024
                                                                   MolDyn, 1993
<PAGE>   11
THE SYMBOL "[*]" IS USED TO INDICATE THAT A PORTION OF THE EXHIBIT HAS BEEN
OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE COMMISSION. CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS
BEEN REQUESTED WITH RESPECT TO THE OMITTED PORTIONS.

          [*] annually by February 28 of each year commencing January 1, 1995,
          and such minimum annual royalty shall be credited until fully
          exhausted against the earned royalty due and owing for the calendar
          year in which the minimum annual royalty payment is made.

     6.6  LICENSEE shall make all payments under this Agreement by check
          payable to "The Regents of the University of California" and forward
          it to REGENTS at the address shown in Article 23.

     6.7  Royalties earned with respect to NET SALES of LICENSED PRODUCTS
          occurring in any country outside the United States shall not be
          reduced by any value-added taxes, fees, or other charges imposed by
          the government of such country on the remittance of royalty income.
          LICENSEE shall also be responsible for all bank transfer charges.

     6.8  In the event that any patent or any claim thereof included within
          the LICENSED PATENTS expires or shall be held invalid in a final
          decision by a court of competent jurisdiction and last resort and from
          which no appeal has been or can be taken, all obligation to pay
          royalties for LICENSED PRODUCTS based on, covered by, or made using
          such patent or claims or any claims patentability indistinct therefrom
          shall cease as of the date of such expiration or final decision.
          LICENSEE shall not, however, be relieved from paying any royalties for
          LICENSED PRODUCTS that accrued before such expiration or decision or
          that are based on another valid patent or claim not expired or
          involved in such decision.
     6.9  If it is necessary for LICENSEE to obtain licenses from third
          parties such that the combined royalty rates paid on any one
          particular LICENSED PRODUCT, covered by 1991 LICENSE AGREEMENT
          (Article 1.7), 1993 NON-EXCLUSIVE AGREEMENT (Article 1.8), this
          Agreement and other necessary agreements from third parties, exceeds
          [*] percent ([*]%), REGENTS shall re-negotiate in good-faith with
          LICENSEE to reduce the royalty rate due REGENTS. However, under no
          circumstances for as long as this Agreement is in effect will the
          total combined royalty due REGENTS under this Agreement, the 1991
          LICENSE AGREEMENT and the 1993 NON-

                               Page 8 of 26 Pages                  BP 2024
                                                                   MolDyn, 1993
<PAGE>   12
THE SYMBOL "[*]" IS USED TO INDICATE THAT A PORTION OF THE EXHIBIT HAS BEEN
OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE COMMISSION. CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS
BEEN REQUESTED WITH RESPECT TO THE OMITTED PORTIONS.

          EXCLUSIVE AGREEMENT be less than [*] percent ([*]%) on the NET SALES
          of a given LICENSED PRODUCT.

7.   DUE DILIGENCE

     7.1  LICENSEE, upon execution of this Agreement, shall use diligent
          commercial efforts to proceed with the development, manufacture, and
          sale of LICENSED PRODUCTS and shall use diligent commercial efforts to
          market them according to Schedule A in quantities sufficient to meet
          the market demand. LICENSEE shall be entitled to exercise prudent and
          reasonable business judgment in meeting its due diligence obligations
          hereinunder.

                                   Schedule A
                                   ----------
                             Performance Milestones

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
               Activity                                              Dates
               --------                                              -----
          <S>  <C>                                                   <C>
          1.   Complete Feasibility Study & Initiate Full Staffing   10/01/93
          2.   First Prototype Completed                              4/01/94
          3.   Domestic and International Product Introduction       10/01/94
          4.   Ship Demonstration Units                               1/01/95
          5.   First Customer Shipment from Manufacturing             4/01/95
</TABLE>

     7.2  If LICENSEE is unable to meet the First Customer Shipment milestone
          set forth in Schedule A in Paragraph 7.1 then REGENTS shall so notify
          LICENSEE of failure to perform. LICENSEE shall have the right and
          option to extend the target date of First Customer Shipment for a
          period of 12 months or 24 months upon the payment of [*] within
          thirty (30) days of the extension date, for each 12 months extension
          option exercised by LICENSEE. These payments are in addition to the
          minimum royalty payments specified in Paragraph 6.5. Should LICENSEE
          opt not to extend the milestone or fail to meet First Customer
          Shipment by the extended target date of April 1, 1997, then REGENTS
          shall have the right and option either to terminate this Agreement or
          to reduce the LICENSEE's exclusive license to a non-exclusive royalty
          bearing license. This right, if exercised by REGENTS, supersedes the
          rights granted in Article 3. The right to terminate this Agreement or
          reduce LICENSEE's exclusive license granted hereunder to a

                               Page 9 of 26 Pages                  BP 2024
                                                                   MolDyn, 1993
<PAGE>   13
          non-exclusive license shall be REGENTS' sole remedy for breach of
          Article 7. However, if LICENSEE is unable to perform any of the
          performance milestones set forth in Schedule A due to hardships beyond
          LICENSEE's control while LICENSEE has demonstrated diligent commercial
          efforts to achieve these milestones, then REGENTS shall extent the
          dates as appropriate (after conferring with LICENSEE in good faith
          and, in any event, on at least a day for day basis) in writing to
          LICENSEE, and REGENTS shall not terminate this Agreement or reduce
          LICENSEE's exclusive license to a non-exclusive license.

     7.3  At the request of either party, any controversy or claim arising out
          of or relating to the diligence provisions of this Agreement shall be
          settled by arbitration conducted in San Francisco, CA in accordance
          with the then current Licensing Agreement Arbitration Rules of the
          American Arbitration Association. Judgment upon the award rendered by
          the Arbitrator(s) shall be binding on the parties and may be entered
          by either party in the court or forum, state or federal, having
          jurisdiction. In determination of due diligence, the arbitrator may
          determine solely the issues of fact or law with respect to termination
          of LICENSEE's or REGENTS' respective rights under this Agreement but
          shall not have the authority to award monetary damages or grant
          equitable relief.

     7.4  To exercise either the right to terminate this Agreement or to reduce
          the licenses to non-exclusive licenses for lack of diligence required
          in Paragraph 7.1, REGENTS must give the LICENSEE written notice of the
          deficiency. The LICENSEE thereafter has sixty (60) days to cure the
          deficiency or to request arbitration. If REGENTS has not received a
          written request for arbitration or satisfactory tangible evidence that
          the deficiency has been cured by the end of the sixty (60) day
          period, then REGENTS may, at its option, either terminate this
          Agreement or reduce LICENSEE's exclusive licenses to non-exclusive
          licenses by giving written notice to LICENSEE. These notices shall be
          subject to Article 23 (Notices).

     7.5  If REGENTS exercise its option to reduce LICENSEE's exclusive licenses
          to non-exclusive licenses for lack of diligence, required in Paragraph
          7.1, and

                               Page 10 of 26 Pages                 BP 2024
                                                                   MolDyn, 1993

<PAGE>   14
          thereafter REGENTS grants to a third party under another agreement
          non-exclusive licenses to manufacture, use, sell, and/or distribute
          LICENSED PRODUCTS and/or practice LICENSED METHOD at royalty rates
          more favorable than those contained herein, then LICENSEE shall have
          the option for a period of one year after notice from REGENTS of such
          rates to substitute all royalty rates of the other agreements for all
          corresponding royalty rates of this Agreement provided the LICENSEE
          becomes obligated to substantially the same material terms and
          conditions (except diligence provisions and any other inapplicable
          provisions) of the other license.

8.   PROGRESS AND ROYALTY REPORTS

     8.1  Beginning January 31, 1994, and semi-annually thereafter, LICENSEE
          shall submit to REGENTS a progress report covering LICENSEE's
          activities related to the development and testing of all LICENSED
          PRODUCTS and the obtaining of the governmental approvals necessary,
          if any, for marketing in the United States. These progress reports
          shall be made for each LICENSED PRODUCTS until the first commercial
          sale of that LICENSED PRODUCTS occurs in the United States.

     8.2  LICENSEE also agrees to report to REGENTS in its immediately
          subsequent progress and royalty reports the date of first commercial
          sale of LICENSED PRODUCTS.

     8.3  After the first commercial sale of LICENSED PRODUCTS anywhere in the
          world, LICENSEE will make quarterly royalty reports to REGENTS within
          sixty (60) days after the quarters ending March 31, June 30,
          September 30, and December 31, of each year. Each such royalty report
          shall include at least the following:
          (a)  The number of LICENSED PRODUCTS manufactured and the number sold;
          (b)  Gross revenue for LICENSED PRODUCTS sold;
          (c)  NET SALES pursuant to Paragraph 2.5;
          (d)  Total royalties due REGENTS; and

                               Page 11 of 26 Pages                 BP 2024
                                                                   MolDyn, 1993

<PAGE>   15
          (e)  Names and addresses of new sublicensees along with a summary of
               the material terms of each new sublicense agreement entered into
               during the reporting quarter.

     8.4  If no sales of LICENSED PRODUCTS has been made during any report
          period, a statement to this effect shall be required.

9.   BOOKS AND RECORDS

     9.1  LICENSEE shall keep full, true, and accurate books of accounts
          containing all particulars that may be necessary for the purpose of
          showing the amount of royalties payable to REGENTS. Said books of
          accounts shall be kept at LICENSEE's principal place of business or
          the principal place of business of the appropriate division of
          LICENSEE to which this Agreement relates. Said books and the
          supporting data shall be open to all reasonable times during the
          normal business hours upon reasonable notice, for five (5) years
          following the end of the calendar year to which they pertain, to the
          inspection and audit by an independent certified public accountant
          retained by the REGENTS for the purpose of verifying LICENSEE's
          royalty statement or compliance in other respects with this
          Agreement. Such independent certified accountant shall be bound to
          hold all information in confidence except as necessary to communicate
          LICENSEE's non-compliance with this AGREEMENT to REGENTS.

     9.2  The fees and expenses of REGENTS' representatives performing such an
          examination shall be borne by REGENTS. However, if an error in
          underpaid royalties to REGENTS of more than five percent (5%) of the
          total royalties due for any year is discovered, then the fees and
          expenses of these representatives shall be borne by LICENSEE.

                               Page 12 of 26 Pages                 BP 2024
                                                                   MolDyn, 1993
<PAGE>   16
10.  LIFE OF THE AGREEMENT

     10.1  Unless otherwise terminated by operation of law or by acts of the
           parties in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, this
           Agreement shall be in force from the effective date recited on page
           one and shall remain in effect for the life of the last-to-expire
           patent licensed under this Agreement.

     10.2  Any termination of this Agreement shall not affect the rights and
           obligations set forth in the following articles and paragraphs:

              Article 9       Books and Records
              Article 13      Disposition of Licensed Products on Hand Upon
                              Termination
            Paragraph 14.1    Patent Prosecution and Maintenance
              Article 16      Use of Names
              Article 19      Indemnification
              Article 24      Late Payment
              Article 26      Confidentiality
              Article 27      Failure to Perform

11.  TERMINATION BY REGENTS

     If LICENSEE should violate or fail to perform any term or covenant of this
     Agreement, then REGENTS may give written notice of such default (Notice of
     Default) to LICENSEE. If LICENSEE should fail to repair such default within
     sixty (60) days of the effective date such notice, REGENTS shall have the
     right to terminate this Agreement and the licenses herein by a second
     written notice (Notice of Termination) to LICENSEE. If a Notice of
     Termination is sent to the LICENSEE, this Agreement shall automatically
     terminate on the effective date of such notice. Such termination shall not
     relieve LICENSEE of its obligation to pay any royalty or license fees owing
     at the time of such termination and shall not impair any accrued right of
     REGENTS. These notices shall be subject to Article 23 (Notices).

                               Page 13 of 26 Pages                 BP 2024
                                                                   MolDyn, 1993
<PAGE>   17
12.  TERMINATION BY LICENSE

     12.1 LICENSEE shall have the right at any time to terminate this Agreement
          in whole or as to any portion of LICENSED PATENTS by giving notice in
          writing to REGENTS. Such notice of termination shall be subject to
          Article 23 (Notice) and termination of this Agreement shall be
          effective ninety (90) days from the effective date of such notice.

     12.2 Any termination pursuant to the above paragraph shall not relieve
          LICENSEE of any obligation or liability accrued hereunder prior to
          such termination or rescind anything done by LICENSEE or any payments
          made to REGENTS hereunder prior to the time such termination becomes
          effective, and such termination shall not affect in any manner any
          rights of REGENTS arising under this Agreement prior to such
          termination.

     12.3 In the event that LICENSEE terminates this Agreement and does not
          terminate 1991 LICENSE AGREEMENT (Article 1.7), LICENSEE shall
          consider opening negotiations in good-faith with REGENTS to enable
          REGENTS to license LICENSED PATENTS to a third party or third parties.

13.  DISPOSITION OF LICENSED PRODUCTS ON HAND UPON TERMINATION

     13.1 Upon termination of this Agreement LICENSEE shall have the privilege
          of disposing of all previously made or partially made LICENSED
          PRODUCTS, but no more, within a period of one hundred and twenty (120)
          days following the effective date of termination, provided, however,
          that the sale of such LICENSED PRODUCTS shall be subject to the terms
          of this Agreement including, but not limited to, the payment of
          royalties at the rate and at the time provided herein and the
          rendering of reports thereon.

14.  PATENT PROSECUTION AND MAINTENANCE

     14.1 REGENTS shall diligently prosecute and maintain the United States and
          foreign patent applications and patents under LICENSED PATENTS using
          counsel of its choice reasonably acceptable to LICENSEE. If LICENSEE

                               Page 14 of 26 Pages                 BP 2024
                                                                   MolDyn, 1993
<PAGE>   18
          rejects three choices of REGENTS' counsel, then REGENTS may choose
          counsel without LICENSEE's assent. REGENTS counsel as of the effective
          date of the Agreement is acceptable to Licensee. REGENTS can always
          act to preserve rights. REGENTS shall promptly provide LICENSEE with
          copies of all relevant documentation so that the LICENSEE may be
          currently informed and apprised of the continuing prosecution and the
          LICENSEE agrees to keep this documentation confidential in accordance
          with Article 26 herein. LICENSEE may comment upon such documentation,
          provided, however, that if LICENSEE has not commented upon such
          documentation prior to the deadline for filing a response with the
          relevant government patent office, REGENTS shall be free to respond
          appropriately without consideration of LICENSEE's comments. REGENTS'
          counsel will take instructions only from REGENTS unless otherwise
          authorized by REGENTS in writing.

     14.2 REGENTS shall use all reasonable efforts to prepare or amend any
          patent application to include claims reasonably requested by LICENSEE
          to protect the products contemplated to be sold, or methods or
          procedures to be practiced under this Agreement.

     14.3 Subject to Paragraphs 14.4 and 14.6, all past, present, and future
          reasonable costs for preparing, filing, prosecuting, and maintaining
          all United States and foreign patent applications, and patents issuing
          thereon and contemplated by the executed Letter Agreement dated
          February 24, 1992 and this Agreement and not paid for by a third party
          shall be borne by LICENSEE, so long as the licenses granted to
          LICENSEE herein are exclusive. If, however, REGENTS reduces the
          exclusive licenses granted herein to non-exclusive licenses pursuant
          to Paragraphs 7.2, 7.3, or 7.4 and REGENTS grants additional
          license(s), the costs of preparing, filing, prosecuting and
          maintaining such patent applications and patents shall be divided
          equally among the licensed parties from the effective date of each
          subsequently granted license agreement.

     14.4 REGENTS shall file prosecute and maintain, at the request of LICENSEE,
          patent applications and patents covered by LICENSED PATENTS in foreign

                               Page 15 of 26 Pages                 BP 2024
                                                                   MolDyn, 1993
<PAGE>   19

                                                                  Exhibit 10.8

          countries if available and if LICENSEE so desires. LICENSEE must
          notify REGENTS within nine (9) months of the filing of the
          corresponding United States application of its decision to obtain
          foreign patents. The notice concerning foreign filing shall be in
          writing and must identify the countries desired. The absence of such a
          notice from LICENSEE to REGENTS within such nine (9) month period
          shall be considered an election not to secure foreign rights. REGENTS
          shall have the right to file patent applications at its own expense in
          any country in which LICENSEE has not included in the list of desired
          countries and such application and resultant patents shall not be
          subject to this Agreement unless LICENSEE pays to REGENTS an amount
          equal to the costs LICENSEE would otherwise have been obligated to pay
          and provided that such patent applications and patents and have not
          been exclusively licensed to a third party subsequent to LICENSEE's
          decision not to secure foreign protection in that country.
     14.5 All patents and patent applications under this Agreement shall be held
          in the name of REGENTS, shall be obtained using counsel of REGENTS'
          choice reasonably acceptable to LICENSEE, and shall be subject to the
          terms and provisions hereof. If LICENSEE rejects three choices of
          REGENTS' counsel, then REGENTS may choose counsel without LICENSEE's
          assent. REGENTS counsel as of the effective date of the Agreement is
          acceptable to Licensee...REGENTS can always act to preserve rights.
          REGENTS shall take into consideration LICENSEE'S reasonable
          suggestions in the preparation and prosecution of LICENSED PATENTS
          covering INVENTION in order to obtain the broadest claims and
          protection.

     14.6 LICENSEE's obligation to underwrite and to pay all domestic and
          foreign patent filing, prosecution, and maintenance costs shall
          continue for so long as this Agreement remains in effect, provided,
          however, that LICENSEE may terminate its obligations with respect to
          any given patent application or patent in any or all designated
          countries upon three (3) months written notice to REGENTS. If REGENTS
          initiates any action subsequent to the written notice from LICENSEE,
          REGENTS shall bear all costs associated with such action. REGENTS will
          use its best efforts to curtail patent costs when such a notice is
          received from LICENSEE. REGENTS may continue prosecution

                                Page 16 of 26 Pages                 BP 2024
                                                                   MolDyn, 1993
<PAGE>   20
              and/or maintenance of such application(s) or patent(s) at its sole
              discretion and expense; provided, however, that LICENSEE shall
              have no further right or licenses thereunder unless LICENSEE pays
              to REGENTS an amount equal to the costs LICENSEE would otherwise
              have been obligated therefor, and provided that REGENTS has not
              granted or are not in bonafide negotiation to grant an exclusive
              license to a third party in such patent application(s) and
              patent(s) subsequent to LICENSEE's written notice.

15.  MARKING

     Prior to the issuance of patents under LICENSED PATENTS, LICENSEE agrees to
     mark LICENSED PRODUCTS (or their containers or labels) made, sold, or
     otherwise disposed of by it in the United States under the license granted
     in this Agreement with the words "Patent Pending," and following the
     issuance in the United States of one or more patents under LICENSED
     PATENTS, with the numbers of the LICENSED PATENTS. ALL LICENSED PRODUCTS
     shipped to, manufactured, or sold in other countries shall be marked in
     such manner as to conform with the patent laws and practices of such
     countries.

16.  USE OF NAMES AND TRADEMARKS

     Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed as conferring any
     right to use in advertising, publicity or other promotional activities any
     name, trademark, trade name, or other designation of either party hereto
     (including any contraction, abbreviation, or simulation of any of the
     foregoing). Unless required by law or consented to in writing by REGENTS,
     the use of the name "The Regents of the University of California" or the
     name of any University of California campus is expressly prohibited.

17.  LIMITED WARRANTIES

     17.1 REGENTS warrants to LICENSEE that it has the lawful right to
          grant this license.

                               Page 17 of 26 Pages                 BP 2024
                                                                   MolDyn, 1993
<PAGE>   21
     17.2 These licenses and the associated INVENTION are provided without
          WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR
          ANY OTHER WARRANTY, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED. REGENTS MAKE NO
          REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES THAT THE LICENSED PRODUCTS OR LICENSED
          METHOD WILL NOT INFRINGE ANY PATENT OR OTHER PROPRIETARY RIGHTS.

     17.3 IN NO EVENT WILL REGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL OR
          CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM EXERCISE OF THE LICENSE GRANTED
          HEREUNDER OR THE USE OF THE INVENTION OR LICENSED PRODUCTS.

     17.4 Nothing in this Agreement is or shall be construed as:

          (a)  A warranty or representation by REGENTS as to the validity or
               scope of any LICENSED PATENTS; or

          (b)  A warranty or representation that anything made, used, sold, or
               otherwise disposed of under any license granted in this Agreement
               is or will be free from infringement of patents of third parties;
               or

          (c)  An obligation to bring or prosecute actions or suits against
               third parties for patent infringement, except as provided in
               Article 18; or

          (d)  Conferring by implication, estoppel, or otherwise any license or
               rights under any patents of REGENTS other than LICENSED PATENTS
               as defined herein; or

          (e)  An obligation to furnish any know how, not provided in REGENTS'
               LICENSED PATENTS.

18.  PATENT INFRINGEMENT

     18.1 In the event that the LICENSEE shall learn of the substantial
          infringement of any LICENSED PATENTS under this Agreement, the
          LICENSEE shall promptly inform REGENTS with reasonable evidence of
          such infringement. Both parties to this Agreement agree that during
          the period and in a jurisdiction where the LICENSEE has exclusive
          rights under this Agreement, neither will notify a third party of the
          infringement without first obtaining consent of the other party, which
          consent shall not be unreasonably denied.

                               Page 18 of 26 Pages                 BP 2024
                                                                   MolDyn, 1993
<PAGE>   22
          Both parties shall use their best efforts, in cooperation with each
          other, to terminate such infringement without litigation.
     18.2 The LICENSEE may request that REGENTS take legal action against the
          infringement. Such request shall be made in writing and shall include
          reasonable evidence of such infringement and damages to the LICENSEE.
          If the infringing activity has not been abated within ninety (90) days
          following the effective date of such request, REGENTS shall have the
          right to:
          (a)  Commence suit on their own account; or

          (b)  Refuse to participate in such suit.

          REGENTS shall give notice of their election in writing to LICENSEE by
          the end of the one-hundredth (100th) day after receiving notice of
          such request from the LICENSEE and absent refusal to participate in
          such suit, shall commence suit promptly thereafter. The LICENSEE may
          thereafter bring suit for patent infringement if, and only if, REGENTS
          elect not to commence suit and if the infringement occurred during the
          period and in a jurisdiction where LICENSEE had exclusive rights under
          this Agreement. In such event, LICENSEE shall have sole control and
          sole decision making authority with respect to defending and enforcing
          the LICENSED PATENTS solely in connection with such suit, provided
          REGENTS does not thereafter join such suit. However, in the event the
          LICENSEE elects to bring suit in accordance with this paragraph,
          REGENTS may thereafter join such suit at their own expense and, in the
          event REGENTS commences suit on their own account in accordance with
          this paragraph, LICENSEE may thereafter intervene in such suit on its
          own account and at its expense, provided that before application to
          intervene is made to the court, LICENSEE shall first meet with REGENTS
          and discuss fully and in good faith LICENSEE's reason for such
          intervention. In the event LICENSEE elects to bring suit in accordance
          with this paragraph and REGENTS does not join such suit as provided in
          this paragraph, (i) as between LICENSEE and REGENTS, LICENSEE shall
          have the sole right to prosecute such action and recover damages for
          infringement (including, without limitation, past infringement) and
          (ii) REGENTS acknowledge they will be bound by the result of such
          action, will refrain from duplicative litigation involving such
          infringement by the infringing party, will reasonably cooperate with
          LICENSEE, at LICENSEE's expense, in

                               Page 19 of 26 Pages                 BP 2024
                                                                   MolDyn, 1993
<PAGE>   23

THE SYMBOLS "[*]" IS USED TO INDICATE THAT A PORTION OF THE EXHIBIT HAS BEEN
OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE COMMISSION. CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS
BEEN REQUESTED WITH RESPECT TO THE OMITTED PORTIONS.

          responding to discovery requests by the infringing party relevant to
          issues of patent validity and enforceability and, upon LICENSEE's
          request, will submit to the court an affidavit to the foregoing
          effects.

     18.3 [*]

     18.4 Each party agrees to cooperate with the other in legal proceedings
          instituted hereunder but at the expense of the party on account of
          whom suit is brought. Such legal proceedings shall be controlled by
          the party bringing the action, except that REGENTS may be represented
          by counsel of their choice, at its sole expense, in any action
          brought by LICENSEE and LICENSEE may be represented by counsel of
          its choice, at its sole expense, in any action brought by REGENTS in
          which LICENSEE intervenes.

19.  INDEMNIFICATION

     19.1 LICENSEE agrees, and agrees to require its sublicensees, to
          indemnify, hold harmless, and defend REGENTS and their officers,
          employees, and agents; sponsor(s) of the research that led to the
          INVENTION; and the inventors of the patents and patent applications
          in LICENSED PATENTS and their employees against any and all
          liability, claims, suits, losses, damages, costs, fees, and expenses
          for death, illness, personal injury, property damage, and improper
          business practices arising out of the manufacture, use, sale, lease,
          or other disposition of INVENTION, LICENSED PATENTS, or LICENSED
          PRODUCTS by LICENSEE, by its sublicensees, or each of their customers.

                               Page 20 of 26 Pages                 BP 2024
                                                                   MolDyn, 1993
<PAGE>   24

          REGENTS shall promptly notify LICENSEE in writing of any claim or suit
          or any perceived threat thereof brought against REGENTS for which
          REGENTS intends to invoke the provisions of this Paragraph 19.1. and
          LICENSEE shall have sole control of the defense thereof provided that
          LICENSEE shall not settle any such claim or suit that admits liability
          on the part of REGENTS or its employees without REGENTS prior written
          consent. No settlement of any claim, suit or perceived threat thereof
          received by REGENTS shall be made without prior written approval of
          LICENSEE if indemnification is sought by REGENTS hereunder.

     19.2 The LICENSEE, at its sole costs and expense, shall insure its
          activities in connection with the work under this Agreement and
          obtain, keep in force and maintain Comprehensive Insurance or
          Commercial Form General Liability Insurance (contractual liability and
          products liability included) with limits as follows:

<TABLE>
          <S>   <C>                                           <C>
          (a)   Each Occurrence                               $1,000,000
          (b)   Products/Completed Operations Aggregate       $5,000,000
          (c)   Personal and Advertising Injury               $1,000,000
          (d)   General Aggregate (commercial form only)      $5,000,000.
</TABLE>

          It should be expressly understood, however, that the coverages and
          limits referred to under the above shall not in any way limit the
          liability of LICENSEE. Upon REGENTS' request, LICENSEE shall furnish
          REGENTS with certificates of insurance evidencing compliance with all
          requirements.

     19.3 Insurance coverage, as required under Paragraph 18.2 above, shall:

          (a)  Provide for thirty (30) day advance written notice to REGENTS of
               cancellation or of any modification;

          (b)  Indicate that "The Regents of the University of California" and
               their officers, employees, students, agents, have been endorsed
               as additional insured; and

          (c)  Include a provision that the coverages will be primary and will
               not participate with, nor will be excess over, any valid and
               collectible insurance or program of self-insurance carried or
               maintained by REGENTS.
                               Page 21 of 26 Pages                 BP 2024
                                                                   MolDyn, 1993
<PAGE>   25
20.  EXPORT CONTROLS

     LICENSEE understands that REGENTS are subject to United States Laws and
     regulations (including the Arms Export Control Act, as amended, and the
     Export Administration Act of 1979), controlling the export of technical
     data, computer software, laboratory prototypes and other commodities, and
     REGENTS' obligations under this Agreement are contingent on compliance with
     such laws and regulations. The transfer of certain technical data and
     commodities may require a license from the cognizant agency of the United
     States Government and/or written assurances by LICENSEE that LICENSEE shall
     not export such technical data and/or commodities to certain foreign
     countries without prior approval of such agency. REGENTS neither represent
     that a license shall not be required nor that, if required, it shall be
     issued.

21.  FOREIGN GOVERNMENTAL APPROVAL OR REGISTRATION

     If this Agreement or any associated transaction is required by the law of
     any nation to be either approved or registered with any governmental
     agency, LICENSEE shall assume all legal obligations to do so.

22.  ASSIGNMENT

     This Agreement is binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the
     parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns, provided,
     however, this Agreement shall be personal to the LICENSEE and assignable by
     the LICENSEE only with the written consent of REGENTS, which consent shall
     not be unreasonably withheld, except that LICENSEE may freely assign this
     Agreement to an acquiror of all or substantially all of LICENSEE's stock,
     assets or business.

23.  NOTICES

     All notices under this Agreement shall be deemed to have been fully given
     when done in writing and deposited in the United States mail, registered or
     certified, and addressed as follows:

                               Page 22 of 26 Pages                 BP 2024
                                                                   MolDyn, 1993
<PAGE>   26
     To REGENTS:    Office of Technology Licensing
                    2150 Shattuck Avenue, Suite 510
                    Berkeley, CA 94704-1318
                    Attn.: Director (UC Case No.: B92-024-1)

     To LICENSEE:   Molecular Dynamics
                    880 East Arques Ave.
                    Sunnyvale, CA 94086
                    Attn.: President

     Either party may change its address upon written notice to the other party.

24.  LATE PAYMENTS

     In the event royalty payments or fees are not received by REGENTS when due,
     LICENSEE shall pay to REGENTS interest charges at a rate of the percent
     (10%) per annum. Such interest shall be calculated from the date payment
     was due until actually received by REGENTS.

25.  WAIVER

     25.1  The failure of either party to assert a right hereunder or to insist
           upon compliance with any term or condition of this Agreement shall
           not constitute a waiver of that right or excuse a similar subsequent
           failure to perform any such term or condition by the other party.

     25.2  None of the terms, covenants, and conditions of this Agreement can be
           waived except by the written consent of the party waiving compliance.

26.  CONFIDENTIALITY

     26.1  LICENSEE and REGENTS respectively shall hold the other party's
           proprietary business, terms of this Agreement, patent prosecution
           material, and technical information and other proprietary information
           in confidence and against disclosure to third parties with at least
           the same degree of care as it exercises to protect its own data and
           license agreements of a similar nature.

                               Page 23 of 26 Pages                 BP 2024
                                                                   MolDyn, 1993
<PAGE>   27

     26.2 Nothing contained herein shall in any way restrict or impair the
          right of LICENSEE or REGENTS to use, disclose, or otherwise deal with
          any information or data which it can document:

          (a)  at the time of disclosure to a receiving party is generally
               available to the public or thereafter becomes generally available
               to the public by publication or otherwise through no act of the
               receiving party;

          (b)  the receiving party can show by written record was in its
               possession prior to the time of disclosure to it hereunder and
               was not acquired directly or indirectly from the disclosing
               party;

          (c)  is independently made available to the receiving party without
               restrictions as a matter of right by a third party;

          (d)  is subject to disclosure under the California Public Records Act
               or other requirements of law;

          (e)  was independently developed by the receiving party by employees
               without the use of or access to the disclosing party's
               proprietary information as shown by records; and/or;

          (f)  is furnished to a third party by the receiving party with similar
               confidentiality restrictions imposed on such third party, as
               evidenced in writing.

     26.3 It is understood that REGENTS shall be free to release to the
          inventors and senior administrators employed by REGENTS the terms and
          conditions of this Agreement upon their request. If such release is
          made, REGENTS shall inform such employees of the confidentiality
          obligations set forth above and shall request and use its best efforts
          to ensure that they do not disclose such terms and conditions to
          others. It is further understood that should a third party inquire
          whether a license to LICENSED PATENTS is available, REGENTS may
          disclose the existence of this Agreement and the extent of the grant
          in Article 3 to such third party, but shall not disclose the name of
          LICENSEE, except where REGENTS are required to release information
          under either the California Public Records Act or other applicable
          law, provided REGENTS shall give prior written notice to LICENSEE of
          such disclosure.

                               Page 24 of 26 Pages                 BP 2024
                                                                   MolDyn, 1993
<PAGE>   28
     26.4 LICENSEE and REGENTS agree to destroy or return to the disclosing
          party proprietary information received from the other in its
          possession within fifteen (15) days following the effective date of
          termination. However, each party may retain one copy of proprietary
          information of the other solely for archival purposes in non-working
          files for the sole purpose of verifying the ownership of the
          proprietary information, provided such proprietary information shall
          be subject to the confidentiality provisions set forth in Paragraph
          26.1. LICENSEE and REGENTS agree to provide each other, within thirty
          (30) days following termination, with a written notice that
          proprietary information has been returned or destroyed.

     26.5 The terms of this Article 26 (Confidentiality) shall expire in five
          (5) years from the official date of termination of this Agreement.

27.  FAILURE TO PERFORM

     In the event of a failure of performance due under the terms of this
     Agreement and if it becomes necessary for either party to undertake legal
     action against the other on account thereof, then the prevailing party
     shall be entitled to reasonable attorney's fees in addition to costs and
     necessary disbursements.

28.  FORCE MAJEURE

     The parties to this Agreement shall be excused from any performance
     required hereunder if such performance is rendered impossible or
     unfeasible due to any catastrophes or other major events beyond their
     reasonable control, including, without limitation, war, riot, and
     insurrection; laws, proclamations, edicts, ordinances, or regulations;
     strikes, lockouts, or other serious labor disputes; and floods, fires,
     explosions, or other natural disasters. When such events have abated, the
     parties' respective obligations hereunder shall resume.

29.  SEVERABILITY

     The provisions of this Agreement are severable, and in the event that any
     provision of this Agreement shall be determined to be invalid or
     unenforceable under any

                               Page 25 of 26 Pages                 BP 2024
                                                                   MolDyn, 1993
<PAGE>   29
     controlling body of law, such invalidity or enforceability shall not in any
     way affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions
     hereof.

30.  APPLICABLE LAW

     THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE CONSTRUED, INTERPRETED, AND APPLIED IN ACCORDANCE
     WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA. QUESTIONS CONCERNING THE LAW AND
     EFFECT OF THE LICENSED PATENTS SHALL BE DETERMINED BY THE LAW OF THE
     COUNTRY IN WHICH THE PATENT WAS GRANTED.

31.  SCOPE OF AGREEMENT

     This Agreement (except for Confidential Disclosure Agreement dated February
     14, 1992 and Letter Agreement dated November 15, 1991, which shall continue
     to the extent it is not inconsistent with this Agreement) incorporates the
     entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter
     hereof, and this Agreement may be altered or modified only by written
     amendment duly executed by the parties hereto.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, THE PARTIES HERETO HAVE EXECUTED THIS AGREEMENT IN DUPLICATE
ORIGINALS BY THEIR DULY AUTHORIZED OFFICERS OR REPRESENTATIVES.

THE REGENTS OF THE                           MOLECULAR DYNAMICS
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA

By /s/ William A. Hoskins               By /s/ Jay Flatley
   -------------------------------         -------------------------------
   William A. Hoskins
   Director
   Office of Technology Licensing       Printed Name Jay Flatley
                                                     ---------------------

Date Feb 9, 1994                        Title President
     -----------------------------            ----------------------------

                                        Date 11/9/93
                                             -----------------------------

                               Page 26 of 26 Pages                 BP 2024
                                                                   MolDyn, 1993<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.9

THE SYMBOL "[*]" IS USED TO INDICATE THAT A PORTION OF THE EXHIBIT HAS BEEN
OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE COMMISSION. CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS
BEEN REQUESTED WITH RESPECT TO THE OMITTED PORTIONS.

October 9, 1995

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA , BERKELEY
OFFICE OF TECHNOLOGY LICENSING                   [UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA SEAL]

================================================================================

                               EXCLUSIVE LICENSE

                                    BETWEEN

                           AMERSHAM LIFE SCIENCE INC.

                                      AND

                  THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA

                                      FOR

                     ENERGY TRANSFER DYES FOR DNA ANALYSIS

                                               UC Case Nos.: B94-034 and B96-001
                                               U.S. Patent applications
                                               Serial Nos.: 08/189,924,
                                               08/410,808, 08/411,573 and
                                               08/_________________

================================================================================
<PAGE>   2
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                       <C>
1.   BACKGROUND                                                             1

2.   DEFINITIONS                                                            2

3.   GRANT                                                                  5

4.   SUBLICENSES                                                            5

5.   LICENSE ISSUE FEE                                                      6

6.   ROYALTIES                                                              7

7.   DUE DILIGENCE                                                          9

8.   PROGRESS AND ROYALTY REPORTS                                          11

9.   BOOKS AND RECORDS                                                     11

10.  LIFE OF THE AGREEMENT                                                 12

11.  TERMINATION BY REGENTS                                                13

12.  TERMINATION BY LICENSEE                                               13

13.  DISPOSITION OF PRODUCTS ON HAND UPON TERMINATION                      14

14.  PATENT PROSECUTION AND MAINTENANCE                                    14

15.  MARKING                                                               16

16.  USE OF NAMES AND TRADEMARKS                                           16

17.  LIMITED WARRANTIES                                                    17

18.  PATENT INFRINGEMENT                                                   18

19.  INDEMNIFICATION                                                       19

20.  EXPORT CONTROLS                                                       19

21.  FOREIGN GOVERNMENTAL APPROVAL OR REGISTRATION                         20

22.  ASSIGNMENT                                                            20

23.  NOTICES                                                               20

24.  LATE PAYMENTS                                                         21

25.  WAIVER                                                                21
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   3
<TABLE>
<S> <C>                           <C>
26.  CONFIDENTIALITY               21

27.  FORCE MAJEURE                 23

28.  SEVERABILITY                  23

29.  APPLICABLE LAW                23

30.  SCOPE OF AGREEMENT            23
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   4
October 9, 1995

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY
OFFICE OF TECHNOLOGY LICENSING              [The University of California Seal]

================================================================================

                        EXCLUSIVE LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR
                     ENERGY TRANSFER DYES FOR DNA ANALYSIS

                                                  U.C. Case No.: B94-034
                                                  U.S. patent applications
                                                  Serial Nos.: 08/189,924,
                                                  08/410,808 and 08/411,573
                                                  And U.C. Case No.: B96-001

================================================================================

Effective October 1, 1995, THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, a
California corporation, whose legal address is 300 Lakeside Drive, Oakland,
California 94612-3550, acting through its Office of Technology Licensing, at
the University of California, Berkeley, 2150 Shattuck Avenue, Suite 510,
Berkeley, CA 94720-1620 ("REGENTS") and AMERSHAM LIFE SCIENCE INC., a U.S.
corporation having a principal place of business at 2636 South Clearbrook
Drive, Arlington Heights, IL 60005 ("LICENSEE"), agree as follows:

1.   BACKGROUND

     1.1  REGENTS has an assignment of the Energy Transfer Dyes for DNA
          Sequencing invented by Drs. Richard A. Mathies, Jingyue Ju and
          Alexander N. Glazer, of the University of California at Berkeley,
          and ("INVENTION"), as described in REGENTS' Case No. B94-034 and
          REGENTS' PATENT RIGHTS as defined below, which are directed to
          the INVENTION.

     1.2  LICENSEE entered into an Option and Bailment Agreement on
          August 15, 1994, expiring on November 15, 1995 for the purpose of
          evaluating the commercial potential of the INVENTION, and granting
          LICENSEE an exclusive right to negotiate an exclusive license to
          the INVENTION.

     1.3  LICENSEE has provided REGENTS with a plan of commercialization
          outlining the business strategy for commercialization of the
          INVENTION.

U.C. Case No.: B94-034, B96-001   Page 1    Proprietary and Confidential
Amersham                                    University of California, Berkeley
<PAGE>   5

     1.4  The INVENTION was developed in part under sponsorship by United
          States Biochemical Corporation/Amersham Life Science, Inc. and in
          part by the United States Department of Energy contract number
          DE-FG03-91ER61125 and as a consequence, the U.S. Government has
          been granted a NON-EXCLUSIVE, non-transferable, irrevocable, paid-up
          license to use the INVENTION for or on behalf of the United States
          throughout the world.

     1.5  Both parties recognize and agree that royalties due hereunder will
          be paid to REGENTS on both pending patent applications and issued
          patents.

     1.6  REGENTS wish to have said INVENTION perfected and marketed in a
          timely manner to provide products for public use and benefit.

     1.7  LICENSEE wishes to acquire an exclusive field of use license under
          the REGENTS' PATENT RIGHTS for the purpose of undertaking
          development and to manufacture, use, and distribute LICENSED PRODUCTS
          as defined below.

2.   DEFINITIONS

     2.1  "REGENTS' PATENT RIGHTS" means the following U.S. patent applications:

          a) U.C. Case No.: B94-034-1, Serial Number 08/189,924 entitled,
          "Probes labeled with energy transfer coupled dyes" filed on
          February 1, 1994 by Drs. Mathies, Ju and Glazer and assigned to the
          REGENTS, and;

          b) U.C. Case No.: B94-034-2 Continuation in part application Serial
          Number 08/410,808 entitled, "Primers labeled with energy transfer
          coupled dyes for DNA sequencing" filed on March 27, 1995 by Drs.
          Mathies, Ju and Glazer and assigned to the REGENTS, and;

          c) U.C. Case No.: B94-034-3 Continuation in part application Serial
          Number 08/411,573 entitled "Primers labeled with energy transfer

U.C. Case No.: B94-034, B96-001   Page 2    Proprietary and Confidential
Amersham                                    University of California, Berkeley

<PAGE>   6

      coupled dyes for DNA sequencing" filed on March 27, 1995 by Drs. Mathies,
      Ju and Glazer and assigned to the REGENTS, and;

      d) U.C. Case No.: B96-001, U.S. Application entitled, "Universal
      Spacer/Energy Transfer Dyes" filed on September 20, 1995 by Drs. Mathies,
      Ju and Glazer and assigned to the REGENTS, and;

      e) continuing applications of a), b), c) and d) above, including
      divisions, substitutions, extensions and continuation-in-part applications
      only to the extent, however, that claims in the continuation-in-part
      applications are entitled to the priority filing date of patent
      application a) and are claimed or described in patent application a), and;

      f) any U.S. patents issuing on the applications and the continuing
      applications in a) through e) above, including reissues; and any
      corresponding foreign patents or applications.

2.2   "LICENSED PRODUCTS" means any product, service, apparatus, kit or
      component part thereof or other material produced by, or used in, the
      LICENSED METHOD or the manufacture, use or sale of which in a particular
      country:

      (a) Is covered by a valid claim of an issued, unexpired patent under the
          REGENTS' PATENT RIGHTS in that country in which such patent has issued
          (claim of an issued, unexpired REGENTS' PATENT RIGHTS shall be
          presumed to be valid unless and until it has been held invalid by
          a final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction from which no
          appeal can be or is taken) or;

      (b) Is covered by a pending claim being prosecuted in a pending patent
          application under the REGENTS' PATENT RIGHTS in that country in which
          such application is pending.

2.3   "LICENSED METHOD" means any process or method that is covered by the
      REGENTS' PATENT RIGHTS in the country in which such process or method is
      used to make LICENSED PRODUCTS or the use or practice would constitute,
      but for the license granted to the LICENSEE pursuant to this Agreement, an
      infringement of any

U.C. Case No.:B94-034, B96-001         Page 3     Proprietary and Confidential
Amersham                                     University of California, Berkeley
<PAGE>   7

     issued or pending claim within REGENTS' PATENT RIGHTS in that country in
     which the LICENSED METHOD is used or practiced.

2.4  "LICENSED FIELD OF USE" means use for energy transfer primer technology in
     DNA analysis.

2.5  "NET SALES" means the gross revenue of the LICENSED PRODUCTS in the form in
     which it is sold, leased, used or distributed under license, whether or not
     assembled (and without excluding therefrom any components or subassemblies
     thereof, whatever their origin and whether or not patent impacted), less
     the following items but only insofar as they actually pertain to the
     disposition of such LICENSED PRODUCTS by LICENSEE and are included in such
     gross income, and (except Item d) are separately billed:

     (a)  Import, export, excise, and sales taxes, plus custom duties; if custom
          duties are part of the licensed price, REGENTS will accept LICENSEE's
          statement to that effect provided accounting statement is supplied,
          identifying each item and duty amount included.

     (b)  Costs if insurance, packing, and transportation from the place of
          manufacture to the customer's premises or point of installation;

     (c)  Costs of installation at the place of use; and

     (d)  Credit for returns, allowances, or trades.

2.6  "LICENSED TERRITORY" means United States of America, its territories and
     possessions, any foreign countries where REGENTS have filed or obtained
     corresponding foreign patents or applications, and any other foreign
     countries throughout the world for which REGENTS may lawfully grant a
     license of REGENTS' PATENT RIGHTS.

2.7  AFFILIATES means any company controlled by, controlling, or under common
     control with LICENSEE and includes:

     (a)  any company a majority share of whose voting stock or participating
          profit interest is owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, in
          whatever country organized, by LICENSEE and,

                                     Page 4
U.C. Case No.: B94-034, B96-001               Proprietary and Confidential
Amersham                                      University of California, Berkeley
<PAGE>   8
          (b)  any company which controls, directly or indirectly a majority
          share of the voting stock of LICENSEE and,

          (c)  any company which LICENSEE or a company owned or controlled by
          or owning or controlling LICENSEE at the maximum control or
          ownership right permitted in the country where the company exists
          and shall include any AFFILIATES of AFFILIATES.

3.   GRANT

     3.1  Subject to the limitations set forth in this Agreement and subject to
          the license granted to the U.S. Government, REGENTS hereby grants and
          LICENSEE and AFFILIATES hereby accepts an exclusive license under the
          REGENTS' PATENT RIGHTS to make, have made, use, and sell LICENSED
          PRODUCTS and to practice LICENSED METHOD in the LICENSED FIELD OF USE
          in the LICENSED TERRITORY.

     3.2  The license under Article 3.1 shall be exclusive for a term
          commencing as of the effective date of this Agreement and ending on
          the date of the last to expire patent under the REGENTS' PATENT
          RIGHTS.

     3.3  REGENTS expressly reserves the right to use the INVENTION and related
          technology solely for educational and research purposes.

     3.4  LICENSEE shall have a continuing responsibility to keep the REGENTS
          informed of its large/small entity status (as defined by the United
          States Patent and Trademark Office) of itself and its sublicensees.

4.   SUBLICENSES

     4.1  LICENSEE shall have the right to sublicense third parties to make,
          have made, use, and sell LICENSED PRODUCTS and to practice the
          LICENSED METHOD in the LICENSED FIELD OF USE provided that LICENSEE
          has current exclusive rights under this AGREEMENT. Every such
          sublicense shall contain at least the following:

U.C. Case No.: B94-034, B96-001       Page 5       Proprietary and Confidential
Amersham                                           University of California,
                                                   Berkeley

<PAGE>   9
THE SYMBOL "[*]" IS USED TO INDICATE THAT A PORTION OF THE EXHIBIT HAS BEEN
OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE COMMISSION. CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS
BEEN REQUESTED WITH RESPECT TO THE OMITTED PORTIONS.

          (a)  A statement setting forth the date upon which LICENSEE's
               exclusive rights, privileges, and license hereunder shall expire.

          (b)  A statement such that, to the extent applicable, the obligations
               of this Agreement shall be binding upon the sublicensee as if it
               were in place of LICENSEE, except that:

               (i)  Earned royalty rate and minimum royalties may be at higher
                    rates than this Agreement; and

               (ii) Sublicensee(s) shall be precluded from granting further
                    sublicenses.

          (c)  The same provision for indemnification of REGENTS as has been
               provided for in this Agreement.

     4.2  LICENSEE shall notify REGENTS of each sublicense granted hereunder and
          furnish to REGENTS a summary of the material terms of each such
          sublicense agreement.

     4.3  LICENSEE shall collect and guarantee payment of all royalties due
          REGENTS from sublicensees; and deliver all reports due REGENTS and
          received from sublicensees.

     4.4  Upon termination of this Agreement for any reason, all sublicenses
          that are granted by LICENSEE pursuant to this Agreement shall remain
          in effect and shall be assigned to REGENTS except that REGENTS shall
          not be bound to perform any duties or obligations set forth in any
          sublicenses that extend beyond the duties and obligations of REGENTS
          set forth in this Agreement.

5.  LICENSE ISSUE FEE
     5.1  LICENSEE shall pay to REGENTS a non-creditable, non-refundable license
          issue fee of $[*] as follows;
          $[*] for patents under U.C. Case No. B94-034, and
          $[*] for U.C. Case No.: B96-001.

     5.2  $[*] when the first patent in THE REGENTS' PATENT RIGHTS
          is allowed by either the US or European patents office.
     This fee is non-refundable and not an advance against royalties.

U.C. Case No.: B94-034, B96-001     Page 6    Proprietary and Confidential
Amersham                                      University of California, Berkeley

<PAGE>   10
THE SYMBOL "[*]" IS USED TO INDICATE THAT A PORTION OF THE EXHIBIT HAS BEEN
OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE COMMISSION. CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS
BEEN REQUESTED WITH RESPECT TO THE OMITTED PORTIONS.

6.  ROYALTIES

    6.1  LICENSEE shall pay to REGENTS earned royalties at the rate of:

         (a)  Where LICENSED PRODUCTS are not sold as products in combination
         with other materials having biological activity:
         [*] percent ([*]%) of the NET SALES of LICENSED PRODUCTS by LICENSEE
         or any AFFILIATES of LICENSEE to end users, and

         [*] percent ([*]%) of the NET SALES of LICENSED PRODUCTS by LICENSEE
         or any AFFILIATES of LICENSEE to distributors, and,

         (b)  Where LICENSED PRODUCTS are sold as products in combination with
         other materials having biological activity:

         [*] percent ([*]%) of the NET SALES of LICENSED PRODUCTS by LICENSEE or
         any AFFILIATES of LICENSEE to end users, and,

         [*] percent ([*]%) of the NET SALES of LICENSED PRODUCTS by LICENSEE
         or any AFFILIATES of LICENSEE to distributors.

    6.2  Royalties shall be payable on LICENSED PRODUCTS and LICENSED METHODS
         covered by both pending patent applications and issued patents.

    6.3  Royalties accruing to the REGENTS shall be paid to the REGENTS
         semi-annually on or before the following dates of each calendar year:

              May 31 for the period ending March 31

              November 30 for the period ending September 30

    6.4  LICENSEE shall pay to the REGENTS a minimum annual royalty of $[*]
         on or before October 1 for each year for the life of this
                                     Page 7

U.C. Case No.:B94-034, B96-001                Proprietary and Confidential
Amersham                                      University of California, Berkeley

<PAGE>   11
          Agreement. The first minimum annual royalty will be payable on or
          before October 1, 1996. This minimum annual royalty will be credited
          against the earned royalty due and owing for the next twelve months
          ending on September 30 of each year.

     6.5  All royalties due the REGENTS shall be payable in United States funds
          collectible at par in San Francisco, California. When LICENSED
          PRODUCTS are sold for monies other than United States dollars, the
          earned royalties will first be determined in the foreign currency of
          the country in which the LICENSED PRODUCTS were licensed and then
          converted into equivalent United States funds. The exchange rate will
          be that rate quoted in the Wall Street Journal on the last business
          day of the reporting period.

     6.6. Earned royalties on licensed distribution of LICENSED PRODUCTS
          occurring in any country outside the United States shall not be
          reduced by any taxes, fees, or other charges imposed by the government
          of such country on the remittance of royalty income. The LICENSEE
          shall also be responsible for all bank transfer charges.

     6.7  LICENSEE shall make all payments under this Agreement to "The Regents
          of the University of California" and forward it to REGENTS at the
          address shown in Article 23.

     6.8  In the event that any patent or any claim thereof included within the
          REGENTS' PATENT RIGHTS expires or shall be held invalid in a final
          decision by a court of competent jurisdiction and last resort and from
          which no appeal has been or can be taken, all obligation to pay
          royalties for LICENSED PRODUCTS based on, covered by, or made using
          such patent or claims or any claims patentably indistinct therefrom
          shall cease as of the date of such expiration or final decision.
          LICENSEE shall not, however, be relieved from paying any royalties for
          LICENSED PRODUCTS that accrued before such expiration or decision or
          that are based on another valid patent or claim not expired or
          involved in such decision.

     6.9  No royalties will be collected or paid hereunder on LICENSED PRODUCTS
          distributed to or used by the United States Government.

U.C. Case No.: B94-034, B96-001   Page 8     Proprietary and Confidential
Amersham                                     University of California, Berkeley
<PAGE>   12
THE SYMBOL "[*]" IS USED TO INDICATE THAT A PORTION OF THE EXHIBIT HAS BEEN
OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE COMMISSION. CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS
BEEN REQUESTED WITH RESPECT TO THE OMITTED PORTIONS.

          LICENSEE agrees to reduce the amount charged for LICENSED PRODUCTS
          distributed to the United States Government by an amount equal to the
          royalty for such LICENSED PRODUCTS otherwise due the REGENTS as
          provided herein.

7.   DUE DILIGENCE

     7.1  LICENSEE, upon execution of this Agreement, shall use diligent
          commercial efforts to proceed with the development, manufacture, and
          distribution under license of LICENSED PRODUCTS and shall use diligent
          commercial efforts to market them in quantities sufficient to meet the
          market demand. LICENSEE shall be entitled to exercise prudent and
          reasonable business judgment in meeting its due diligence obligations
          hereunder.

     7.2  LICENSEE specifically commits to achieving the following objectives in
          its due diligence activities hereunder:

          (a)  Initiate automated kit development in the fourth calendar quarter
               of 1995.

          (b)  Full product automated ET-primer kit availability in the first
               six months of 1996.

          (c)  First product introduction by September 1, 1996.
     7.3  If LICENSEE is unable to meet any of its due diligence obligations set
          forth in Article 7.2, then LICENSEE shall so notify REGENTS of failure
          to perform. LICENSEE shall have the right and option to extend the
          target date of such due diligence obligation for a period of six (6)
          months upon the payment of $[*] within thirty (30) days of the
          extension date for each six (6) months extension option exercised by
          LICENSEE. Each target date may be extended two times upon payment of
          the $[*] extension fee. These payments are creditable toward the
          minimum royalty payments specified in Article 6.4. Should LICENSEE opt
          not to extend the obligation or fail to meet it by the extended target
          date, then REGENTS shall have the right and option either to terminate
          this Agreement or to reduce the LICENSEE's

U.C. Case No.: B94-034, B96-001       Page 9        Proprietary and Confidential
Amersham                                      University of California, Berkeley
<PAGE>   13
          exclusive license to a non-exclusive royalty bearing license. This
          right, if exercised by REGENTS, supersedes the rights granted in
          Article 3. The right to terminate this Agreement or reduce LICENSEE's
          exclusive license granted hereunder to a non-exclusive license shall
          be REGENTS' sole remedy for breach of Article 7. However, if LICENSEE
          is unable to perform any of the due diligence obligations set forth
          in Article 7.2 due to hardships beyond LICENSEE's control, including
          but not limited to delay while LICENSEE is obtaining a license
          covering patents owned by a third party, while LICENSEE has
          demonstrated diligent commercial efforts to perform these
          obligations, then REGENTS will extend the dates as appropriate (after
          conferring with LICENSEE in good faith and, in any event, on at least
          a day to day basis) in writing to LICENSEE, and REGENTS shall not
          terminate this Agreement or reduce LICENSEE's exclusive license to a
          non-exclusive license.

     7.4  At the request of either party, any controversy or claim arising out
          of or relating to the diligence provisions of Article 7.2 shall be
          settled by arbitration conducted in San Francisco, CA in accordance
          with the then current Licensing Agreement Arbitration Rules of the
          American Arbitration Association. Judgment upon the award rendered by
          the arbitrator(s) shall be binding on the parties and may be entered
          by either party in the court or forum, state or federal, having
          jurisdiction. In determination of due diligence, the arbitrator may
          determine solely the issues of fact or law with respect to
          termination of LICENSEE's or REGENTS' respective rights under this
          Agreement but shall not have the authority to award monetary damages
          or grant equitable relief.

     7.5  To exercise either the right to terminate this Agreement or to reduce
          the license to a non-exclusive license for lack of diligence required
          in Article 7.2, REGENTS must give LICENSEE written notice of the
          deficiency. The LICENSEE thereafter has sixty (60) days to cure the
          deficiency or to request arbitration. If REGENTS has not received a
          written request for arbitration or satisfactory tangible evidence
          that the deficiency has been cured by the end of the sixty (60) day
          period, then REGENTS may, at its option, either terminate the
          Agreement or reduce LICENSEE's exclusive license to a non-exclusive
          license by giving written notice to LICENSEE. These notices shall be
          subject to Article 23 (Notices).

U.C. Case No.: B94-034, B96-001     Page 10    Proprietary and Confidential
Amersham                                       University of California, Berkley
<PAGE>   14

8.   PROGRESS AND ROYALTY REPORTS

     8.1  Beginning March 1, 1996, and semi-annually thereafter, LICENSEE shall
          submit to REGENTS a progress report covering LICENSEE's activities
          related to the development and testing of all LICENSED PRODUCTS and
          the obtaining of the governmental approvals necessary, if any, for
          marketing in the United States. These progress reports shall be made
          for all LICENSED PRODUCTS until the first commercial sale of such
          LICENSED PRODUCTS occurs in the United States.

     8.2  LICENSEE also agrees to report to REGENTS in its immediately
          subsequent progress and royalty reports, the date of first commercial
          distribution under license of LICENSED PRODUCTS.

     8.3  After the first commercial sale of LICENSED PRODUCTS anywhere in the
          world, LICENSEE will make quarterly royalty reports to REGENTS within
          sixty (60) days after the quarters ending March 31, June 30,
          September 30, and December 31, of each year. Each such royalty report
          shall include at least the following:
          (a)  The number of LICENSED PRODUCTS manufactured and the number sold;
          (b)  Gross revenue for LICENSED PRODUCTS;
          (c)  NET SALES pursuant to Article 2.4;
          (d)  Total royalties due REGENTS; and
          (e)  Names and addresses of any new sublicensees along with a summary
               of the material terms of each new sublicense agreement entered
               into during the reporting quarter.

     8.4  If no distribution under license of LICENSED PRODUCTS has been made
          during the report period, a statement to this effect is required.

9.   BOOKS AND RECORDS

     9.1  LICENSEE shall keep full, true, and accurate books of accounts
          containing all particulars that may be necessary for the purpose of
          showing the amount of royalties payable to REGENTS. Said books of

U.C. Case No.: B94-034, B96-001    Page 11    Proprietary and Confidential
Amersham                                      University of California, Berkeley
<PAGE>   15
          accounts shall be kept at LICENSEE's principal place of business or
          the principal place of business of the appropriate division of
          LICENSEE to which this Agreement relates. Said books and the
          supporting data shall be open at all reasonable times during normal
          business hours upon reasonable notice, for three (3) years following
          the end of the calendar year to which they pertain, to the inspection
          and audit by an independent certified public accountant retained by
          REGENTS for the purpose of verifying LICENSEE's royalty statement or
          compliance in other respects with this Agreement. Such independent
          certified accountant shall be bound to hold all information in
          confidence except as necessary to communicate LICENSEE's
          non-compliance with this AGREEMENT to REGENTS.

    9.2   The fees and expenses of REGENT's representatives performing such an
          examination shall be borne by REGENTS. However, if an error in
          underpaid royalties to REGENTS of more than five percent (5%) of the
          total royalties due for any year is discovered, then the fees and
          expenses of these representatives shall be borne by LICENSEE.

10. LIFE OF THE AGREEMENT

    10.1  Unless otherwise terminated by the operation of law or by acts of the
          parties in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, this Agreement
          shall be in force from the effective date recited on page one and
          shall remain in effect for the life of the last-to-expire patent
          licensed under this Agreement.

    10.2  In the event this Agreement is terminated for any reason whatsoever
          not including expiration, LICENSEE shall provide to REGENTS, in
          writing and at no cost to REGENTS, all technical information, data,
          and know how that has been reduced to some tangible form and developed
          by LICENSEE and directly relating to the LICENSED PRODUCTS, but
          specifically excluding proprietary technology belonging to LICENSEE,
          within ninety (90) days of such termination. LICENSEE hereby grants to
          REGENTS a non-exclusive right to use, and sublicense others the right
          to use the technical information, data, and know-how, and LICENSEE
          reserves the right to use, sublicense others to use, and otherwise
          exploit all such technical information,

U.C. Case No.: B94-034, B96-001    Page 12    Proprietary and Confidential
Amersham                                      University of California, Berkeley
<PAGE>   16
          data and know-how to the extent that such use does not conflict with
          the other provisions of this Agreement.

     10.3 Any termination of this Agreement shall not affect the rights and
          obligations set forth in the following articles:

               Article 4      Sublicenses
               Article 9      Books and Records
               Article 10     Life of the Agreement
               Article 13     Disposition of PRODUCTS on
                              Hand Upon Termination
               Article 16     Use of Names and Trademarks
               Article 19     Indemnification
               Article 24     Late Payments
               Article 26     Confidentiality

     10.4 Any termination of this Agreement shall not relieve LICENSEE of its
          obligation to pay any monies due or owing at the time of such
          termination and shall not relieve any obligations, of either party to
          the other party, established prior to termination.

11.  TERMINATION BY REGENTS

     If LICENSEE should violate or fail to perform any term or covenant of this
     Agreement, then REGENTS may give written notice of such default ("Notice of
     Default") to LICENSEE. If LICENSEE should fail to repair such default
     within sixty (60) days of the effective date of such notice, REGENTS shall
     have the right to terminate this Agreement and the licenses herein by a
     second written notice ("Notice of Termination") to LICENSEE. If a Notice of
     Termination is sent to LICENSEE, this Agreement shall automatically
     terminate on the effective date of such notice. Such termination shall not
     relieve LICENSEE of it obligation to pay any royalty or license fees owing
     at the time of such termination and shall not impair any accrued rights of
     REGENTS. These notices shall be subject to Article 23 (Notices).

12.  TERMINATION BY LICENSEE

                                    Page 13
U.C. Case No.: B94-034, B96-001               Proprietary and Confidential
Amersham                                      University of California, Berkeley
<PAGE>   17
     12.1 LICENSEE shall have the right at any time to terminate this Agreement
          in whole or as to any portion of REGENTS' PATENT RIGHTS by giving
          notice in writing to REGENTS. Such notice of termination shall be
          subject to Article 23 (Notices) and termination of this Agreement
          shall be effective ninety (90) days from the effective date of such
          notice.

     12.2 Any termination pursuant to the above paragraph shall not relieve
          LICENSEE of any obligation or liability accrued hereunder prior to
          such termination or rescind anything done by LICENSEE or any payments
          made to REGENTS hereunder prior to the time such termination becomes
          effective, and such termination shall not affect in any manner any
          rights of REGENTS arising under this Agreement prior to such
          termination.

13.  DISPOSITION OF PRODUCTS ON HAND UPON TERMINATION

     Upon termination of this Agreement LICENSEE shall have the privilege of
     disposing of all previously made or partially made LICENSED PRODUCTS, but
     no more, within a period of one hundred and twenty (120) days following the
     effective date of termination, provided, however, that the sale of such
     LICENSED PRODUCTS shall be subject to the terms of this Agreement
     including, but not limited to, the payment of royalties at the rate and at
     the time provided herein and the rendering of reports thereon.
14.   PATENT PROSECUTION AND MAINTENANCE
     14.1 REGENTS shall diligently prosecute and maintain the United States and
          foreign patent applications and patents under REGENTS' PATENT RIGHTS
          using counsel of its choice, provided that the continued use of such
          counsel at any point in the patent prosecution process subsequent to
          initial filing of a U.S. patent application covering the INVENTION,
          including preparation and filing of divisions, substitutions,
          extensions, continuation-in-part applications, and corresponding
          foreign applications, shall be subject to the approval of LICENSEE.
          REGENTS shall promptly provide LICENSEE with copies of all relevant
          documentation so that LICENSEE may be currently informed and apprised
          of the continuing prosecution and LICENSEE

U.C. Case No.: B94-034, B96-001    Page 14    Proprietary and Confidential
Amersham                                      University of California, Berkeley
<PAGE>   18
          agrees to keep this documentation confidential in accordance with
          Article 26 herein. LICENSEE may comment upon such documentation,
          provided, however, that if LICENSEE has not commented upon such
          documentation prior to the deadline for filing a response with the
          relevant government patent office, REGENTS shall be free to respond
          appropriately without consideration of LICENSEE's comments. LICENSEE
          and LICENSEE's patent counsel shall have the right to consult with
          patent counsel chosen by REGENTS.

     14.2 REGENTS shall use all reasonable efforts to prepare or amend any
          patent application to include claims reasonably requested by LICENSEE
          to protect the products contemplated to be sold, or methods or
          procedures to be practiced under this Agreement.

     14.3 Subject to Articles 14.4 and 14.6, all past, present, and future costs
          for preparing, filing, prosecuting, and maintaining all United States
          and foreign patent applications, and patents issuing thereon and
          contemplated by the executed Letter Agreement dated January 13, 1995,
          and this Agreement shall be borne by LICENSEE, so long as the licenses
          granted to LICENSEE herein are exclusive. If, however, REGENTS reduces
          the exclusive licenses granted herein to nonexclusive licenses
          pursuant to Articles 7.3, 7.4, or 7.5 and REGENTS grants additional
          license(s), the costs of preparing, filing, prosecuting and
          maintaining such patent applications and patents shall be divided
          equally among the licensed parties from the effective date of each
          subsequently granted license agreement.

     14.4 REGENTS shall file, prosecute and maintain, at the request of
          LICENSEE, patent applications and patents covered by REGENTS' PATENT
          RIGHTS in foreign countries, if available, and if LICENSEE so desires.
          LICENSEE must notify REGENTS within nine (9) months of the filing of
          the corresponding United States application of its decision to obtain
          foreign patents. The notice concerning foreign filing shall be in
          writing and must identify the countries desired. The absence of such a
          notice from LICENSEE to REGENTS within such nine (9) month period
          shall be considered an election not to secure foreign rights. REGENTS
          shall have the right to file patent applications at its own expense in
          any country which LICENSEE has

U.C. Case No.: B94-034, B96-001    Page 15    Proprietary and Confidential
Amersham                                      University of California, Berkeley

<PAGE>   19
          not included in the list of desired countries and such application and
          resultant patents shall not be subject to this Agreement.

     14.5 All patents and patent applications under this Agreement shall be held
          in the name of REGENTS, and shall be subject to the terms and
          provisions hereof. REGENTS shall take into consideration LICENSEE's
          reasonable suggestions in the preparation and prosecution of REGENTS'
          PATENT RIGHTS covering the INVENTION in order to obtain the broadest
          claims and protection.

     14.6 LICENSEE's obligation to underwrite and to pay all domestic and
          foreign patent filing, prosecution, and maintenance costs shall
          continue for so long as this Agreement remains in effect, provided,
          however, that LICENSEE may terminate its obligations with respect to
          any given patent application or patent in any or all designated
          countries upon three (3) months written notice to REGENTS. REGENTS
          will use its best efforts to curtail patent costs when such a notice
          is received from LICENSEE. REGENTS may continue prosecution and/or
          maintenance of such application(s) or patent(s) at its sole
          discretion and expense; provided, however, that LICENSEE shall have no
          further right or licenses thereunder.

15.  MARKING

     Prior to the issuance of patents under REGENTS' PATENT RIGHTS, LICENSEE
     agrees to mark LICENSED PRODUCTS (or their containers or labels) made,
     sold, licensed or otherwise disposed of by it in the United States under
     the license granted in this Agreement with the words "Patent Pending," and
     following the issuance in the United States of one or more patents under
     REGENTS' PATENT RIGHTS, with the numbers of the REGENTS' PATENT RIGHTS.

16.  USE OF NAMES AND TRADEMARKS

     Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed as conferring any
     right to use in advertising, publicity or other promotional activities any
     name, trademark, trade name, or other designation of either party hereto
     (including any contraction, abbreviation, or simulation of any of the

U.C. Case No.: B94-034, B96-001    Page 16    Proprietary and Confidential
Amersham                                      University of California, Berkeley

<PAGE>   20
     foregoing). Unless required by law or consented to in writing by REGENTS,
     the use of the name "The Regents of the University of California" or the
     name of any University of California campus is expressly prohibited.

17.  LIMITED WARRANTIES

     17.1  REGENTS warrants to LICENSEE that it has the lawful right to grant
           this license.

     17.2  These licenses and the associated INVENTION are provided without
           WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR
           ANY OTHER WARRANTY, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED. REGENTS MAKES NO
           REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES THAT THE LICENSED PRODUCTS OR LICENSED
           METHOD WILL NOT INFRINGE ANY PATENT OR OTHER PROPRIETARY RIGHTS.

     17.3  IN NO EVENT WILL REGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL OR
           CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM EXERCISE OF THE LICENSE GRANTED
           HEREUNDER OR THE USE OF THE INVENTION OR LICENSED PRODUCTS.

     17.4  Nothing in this Agreement is or shall be construed as:

           (a) A warranty or representation by REGENTS as to the validity or
               scope of any REGENTS' PATENT RIGHTS; or

           (b) A warranty or representation that anything made, used, sold, or
               otherwise disposed of under any license granted in this Agreement
               is or will be free from infringement of patents of third parties;
               or

           (c) An obligation to bring or prosecute actions or suits against
               third parties for patent infringement, except as provided in
               Article 18; or

           (d) Conferring by implication, estoppel, or otherwise any license or
               rights under any patents of REGENTS other than REGENTS' PATENT
               RIGHTS as defined herein; or

           (e) An obligation to furnish any know how, not provided in REGENTS'
               PATENT RIGHTS.

U.C. Case No.: B94-034, B96-001    Page 17   Proprietary and Confidential
Amersham                                     University of California, Berkeley

<PAGE>   21

THE SYMBOL "[*]" IS USED TO INDICATE THAT A PORTION OF THE EXHIBIT HAS BEEN
OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE COMMISSION. CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS
BEEN REQUESTED WITH RESPECT TO THE OMITTED PORTIONS.

18.  PATENT INFRINGEMENT

     18.1  In the event that LICENSEE shall learn of the substantial
           infringement of any REGENTS' PATENT RIGHTS under this Agreement,
           LICENSEE shall promptly inform REGENTS with reasonable evidence of
           such infringement. Both parties to this Agreement agree that during
           the period and in a jurisdiction where LICENSEE has exclusive rights
           under this Agreement, neither will notify a third party of the
           infringement without first obtaining consent of the other party,
           which consent shall not be unreasonably denied. Both parties, in
           cooperation with each other shall agree on a mutually acceptable
           approach to terminate such infringement without litigation.

     18.2  LICENSEE may request that REGENTS take legal action against the
           infringement. Such request shall be made in writing and shall include
           reasonable evidence of such infringement and damages to LICENSEE. If
           the infringing activity has not been abated within ninety (90) days
           following the effective date of such request, REGENTS shall have the
           right to:
           (a)  Commence suit on its own account; or
           (b)  Refuse to participate in such suit.
           REGENTS shall give notice of its election in writing to LICENSEE
           within ninety (90) days after receiving such request from LICENSEE
           and absent refusal to participate in such suit, shall commence suit
           promptly thereafter. LICENSEE shall have the right to join or
           intervene at its own expense in any such suit commenced by REGENTS.
           LICENSEE may bring suit for patent infringement if, and only if,
           REGENTS elects not to commence suit and if the infringement occurred
           during the period and in a jurisdiction where LICENSEE had exclusive
           rights under this Agreement. However, in the event LICENSEE elects to
           bring suit in accordance with this paragraph, REGENTS may thereafter
           join such suit at its own expense.

     18.3  [*]

U.C. Case No.: B94-034, B96-001   Page 18     Proprietary and Confidential
Amersham                                      University of California, Berkeley
<PAGE>   22

THE SYMBOL "[*]" IS USED TO INDICATE THAT A PORTION OF THE EXHIBIT HAS BEEN
OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE COMMISSION. CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS
BEEN REQUESTED WITH RESPECT TO THE OMITTED PORTIONS.

          [*]

     18.4 Each party agrees to cooperate with the other in legal proceedings
          instituted hereunder but at the expense of the party on account of
          whom suit is brought. Such legal proceedings shall be controlled by
          the party bringing the action, except that REGENTS may be represented
          by counsel of its choice, at its sole expense, in any action brought
          by LICENSEE and LICENSEE may be represented by counsel of its choice,
          at its sole expense, in any action brought by REGENTS.

19.  INDEMNIFICATION

     LICENSEE agrees, and agrees to require its sublicensees, to indemnify, hold
     harmless, and defend REGENTS and its officers, employees, and agents;
     sponsor(s) of the research that led to the INVENTION; and the inventors of
     the patents and patent applications in REGENTS' PATENT RIGHTS and their
     employees against any and all liability, claims, suits, losses, damages,
     costs, fees, and expenses for death, illness, personal injury, property
     damage, and improper business practices arising out of the manufacture,
     use, sale, lease or other disposition of the INVENTION, REGENTS' PATENT
     RIGHTS, or LICENSED PRODUCTS by LICENSEE, by its sublicensees, or each of
     their customers except to the extent such arises from the negligence or
     default of REGENTS whereupon the obligation to indemnify contained in this
     clause should be reduced in proportion to such negligence or default.

20.  EXPORT CONTROLS

     LICENSEE understands that REGENTS are subject to United States laws and
     regulations (including the Arms Export Control Act, as amended, and the
     Export Administration Act of 1979), controlling the export of technical
     data, computer software, laboratory prototypes and other commodities, and
     REGENTS' obligations under this Agreement are contingent on compliance with
     such laws and regulations. The transfer of certain technical data and
     commodities may require a license from the cognizant agency of the United

U.C. Case No.: B94-034, B96-001     Page 19   Proprietary and Confidential
Amersham                                      University of California, Berkeley

<PAGE>   23
     States Government and/or written assurances by LICENSEE that LICENSEE shall
     not export such technical data and/or commodities to certain foreign
     countries without prior approval of such agency. REGENTS neither represent
     that a license shall not be required nor that, if required, it shall be
     issued.

21.  FOREIGN GOVERNMENTAL APPROVAL OR REGISTRATION

     If this Agreement or any associated transaction is required by the law of
     any nation to be either approved or registered with any governmental
     agency, LICENSEE shall assume all legal obligations to do so.

22.  ASSIGNMENT

     This Agreement is binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of REGENTS,
     its successors and assigns, provided, however, this Agreement shall be
     personal to LICENSEE and AFFILIATES and assignable by LICENSEE only with
     the written consent of REGENTS, which consent shall not be unreasonably
     withheld, except that LICENSEE may freely assign this Agreement to an
     acquirer of all or substantially all of LICENSEE's stock, assets or
     business.

23.  NOTICES

     All notices under this Agreement shall be deemed to have been fully given
     when done in writing and deposited in the United States mail, registered or
     certified, and addressed as follows:

     To REGENTS:    Office of Technology Licensing
                    2150 Shattuck Avenue, Suite 510
                    Berkeley, CA 94720-1620
                    Attn.: Director (UC Case No.: B94-034)

     To LICENSEE:   Amersham Life Science Inc.
                    2636 S. Clearbrook Drive
                    Arlington Heights, IL U.S.A. 60005

U.C. Case No.: B94-034, B96-001     Page 20   Proprietary and Confidential
Amersham                                      University of California, Berkeley

<PAGE>   24
                                Attn.: President

     Either party may change its address upon written notice to the other party.

24.  LATE PAYMENTS

     In the event royalty payments or fees are not received by REGENTS when due,
     LICENSEE shall pay to REGENTS interest charges at a rate of ten percent
     (10%) per annum. Such interest shall be calculated from the date payment
     was due until actually received by REGENTS.

25.  WAIVER

     25.1 The failure of either party to assert a right hereunder or to insist
          upon compliance with any term or condition of this Agreement shall not
          constitute a waiver of that right or excuse a similar subsequent
          failure to perform any such term or condition by the other party.

     25.2 None of the terms, covenants, and conditions of this Agreement can be
          waived except by the written consent of the party waiving compliance.

26.  CONFIDENTIALITY

     26.1 LICENSEE and REGENTS respectively shall hold the other party's
          proprietary business, terms of this Agreement, patent prosecution
          material, and technical information and other proprietary information
          in confidence and against disclosure to third parties with at least
          the same degree of care as it exercises to protect its own data and
          license agreements of a similar nature.

     26.2 Nothing contained herein shall in any way restrict or impair the right
          of LICENSEE or REGENTS to use, disclose, or otherwise deal with any
          information or data which:

          (a)  at the time of disclosure to a receiving party is generally
               available to the public or thereafter becomes generally available
               to the public by publication or otherwise through no act of the
               receiving party;

U.C. Case No.: B94-034, B96-001     Page 21   Proprietary and Confidential
Amersham                                      University of California, Berkeley

<PAGE>   25

     (b)  the receiving party can show by written record was in its possession
          prior to the time of disclosure to it hereunder and was not acquired
          directly or indirectly from the disclosing party;

     (c)  is independently made available to the receiving party without
          restrictions as a matter of right by a third party;

     (d)  is subject to disclosure under the California Public Records Act or
          other requirements of law.

26.3 It is understood that REGENTS shall be free to release to the inventors and
     senior administrators employed by REGENTS the terms and conditions of this
     Agreement upon their request. If such release is made, REGENTS shall inform
     such employees of the confidentiality obligations set forth above and shall
     request and use its best efforts to ensure that they do not disclose such
     terms and conditions to others. It is further understood that should a
     third party inquire whether a license to REGENTS' PATENT RIGHTS is
     available, REGENTS may disclose the existence of this Agreement and the
     extent of the grant in Article 3 to such third party, but shall not
     disclose the name of LICENSEE, except where REGENTS are required to release
     information under either the California Public Records Act or other
     applicable law, provided REGENTS shall give prior written notice to
     LICENSEE of such disclosure.

26.4 LICENSEE and REGENTS agree to destroy or return to the disclosing party
     proprietary information received from the other in its possession within
     fifteen (15) days following the effective date of termination of this
     Agreement. However, each party may retain one copy of proprietary
     information of the other solely for archival purposes in non-working files
     for the sole purpose of verifying the ownership of the proprietary
     information, provided such proprietary information shall be subject to the
     confidentiality provisions set forth in Article 26.1. LICENSEE and REGENTS
     agree to provide each other, within thirty (30) days following termination
     of this Agreement, with a written notice that proprietary information has
     been returned or destroyed.

26.5 The terms of this Article 26 (Confidentiality) shall expire in five (5)
     years from the official date of termination of this Agreement.

U.C. Case No.: B94-034, B96-001    Page 22    Proprietary and Confidential
Amersham                                      University of California, Berkeley
<PAGE>   26
27.  FORCE MAJEURE

     The parties to this Agreement shall be excused from any performance
     required hereunder if such performance is rendered impossible or unfeasible
     due to any catastrophes or other major events beyond their reasonable
     control, including, without limitation, war, riot, and insurrection; laws,
     proclamations, edicts, ordinances, or regulations; strikes, lockouts, or
     other serious labor disputes; and floods, fires, explosions, or other
     natural disasters. When such events have abated, the parties' respective
     obligations hereunder shall resume.

28.  SEVERABILITY

     The provisions of this Agreement are severable, and in the event that any
     provision of this Agreement shall be determined to be invalid or
     unenforceable under any controlling body of law, such invalidity or
     enforceability shall not in any way affect the validity or enforceability
     of the remaining provisions hereof.

29.  APPLICABLE LAW

     THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE CONSTRUED, INTERPRETED, AND APPLIED IN ACCORDANCE
     WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA. QUESTIONS CONCERNING THE LAW AND
     EFFECT OF THE REGENTS' PATENT RIGHTS SHALL BE DETERMINED BY THE LAW OF THE
     COUNTRY IN WHICH THE PATENT WAS GRANTED.

30.  SCOPE OF AGREEMENT

     This Agreement (except for the Letter Agreement dated January 13, 1995 and
     extension thereof, which shall continue to the extent it is not
     inconsistent with this Agreement) incorporates the entire agreement between
     the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and this Agreement
     may be altered or modified only by written amendment duly executed by the
     parties hereto.

U.C. Case No.: B94-034, B96-001     Page 23   Proprietary and Confidential
Amersham                                      University of California, Berkeley
<PAGE>   27

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement in
duplicate originals by their duly authorized officers or representatives.

THE REGENTS OF THE                      AMERSHAM LIFE SCIENCE, INC.
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA

By /s/ William A. Hoskins               By /s/ C.G. Marlow
  ------------------------------           --------------------------------
  William A. Hoskins                      C. G. Marlow
  Director                                President
  Office of Technology Licensing

Date  Oct. 30, 1995                     Date  10/16/95
    ----------------------------            -------------------------------

U.C. Case No.: B94-034,B96-001    Page 24     Proprietary and Confidential
Amersham                                      University of California, Berkeley
<PAGE>   28

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY
OFFICE OF TECHNOLOGY LICENSING                                      [SEAL]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   AMENDMENT #1 TO
                         EXCLUSIVE LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR
                     ENERGY TRANSFER DYES FOR DNA ANALYSES

                                                          U.C. Case No.: B94-094
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Effective April 2, 1998, THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, a
California corporation, whose legal address is 300 Lakeside Drive, Oakland,
California 94612-3550, acting through its Office of Technology Licensing, at
the University of California, Berkeley, 2150 Shattuck Avenue, Suite 510,
Berkeley, CA 94720-1620 ("REGENTS") and AMERSHAM PHARMACIA BIOTECH, INC. a U.S.
corporation having a principal place of business at 2636 South Clearbrook
Drive, Arlington Heights, IL 60005 ("LICENSEE"), agree as follows:

Article 2.4: Substitute the following:

     2.4 "LICENSED FIELD OF USE" means use for energy transfer technology in
         DNA analysis.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement in
duplicate originals by their duly authorized officers or representatives.

THE REGENTS OF THE                 AMERSHAM PHARMACIA BIOTECH, INC.
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA          (formerly known as AMERSHAM LIFE SCIENCE, INC)

By: /s/ William A. Hoskins          By: /s/ R.E. Long
    -----------------------------       --------------------------------
    William A. Hoskins                  R.E. Long
    Director                            Director
    Office of Technology Licensing

Date:       April 3rd, 1998         Date:        April 3rd, 1998
      ---------------------------         ------------------------------

U.C. Case No.: B94-094 B95-001      Proprietary and Confidential
Amersham                            University of California, Berkeley

                                    Page 1

Source: [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00015-of-00352.parquet"}, [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00015-of-00352.parquet"}]]