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                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.36

                             PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE
                COOPERATIVE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT

This Cooperative Research and Development Agreement, hereinafter referred to as
the "CRADA," consists of this Cover Page, an attached Agreement, and various
Appendices referenced in the Agreement.  This Cover Page serves to identify the
Parties to this CRADA:

     (1) the following Bureau(s), Institute(s), Center(s) or Division(s) of the
National Institutes of Health ("NIH"), the Food and Drug Administration ("FDA"),
and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ("CDC"):  Inherited Disease
Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), hereinafter singly or
collectively referred to as the Public Health Service ("PHS"); and

     (2) Sequenom, Inc, which has offices at I1 555 Sorrento Valley Road, San
Diego, CA 92121-0345, hereinafter referred to as the 'Collaborator."

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                COOPERATIVE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT

Article 1. Introduction

This Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) between PHS and the
Collaborator will be effective when signed by all Parties.  The research and
development activities which will be undertaken by each of the Parties in the
course of this CRADA are detailed in the Research Plan (RP) which is attached as
Appendix A. The funding and staffing commitments of the Parties are set forth in
Appendix B. Any exceptions or changes to the CRADA are set forth in Appendix C.
This CRADA is made under the authority of the Federal Technology Transfer Act,
15 U.S.C. (S)37 10a and is governed by its terms.

Article 2. Definitions

As used in this CRADA, the following terms shall have the indicated meanings:

2.1  "Affiliate" means any corporation or other business entity controlled by,
     controlling, or under common control with Collaborator.  For this purpose,
     "control" means direct or indirect beneficial ownership of at least fifty
     (50) percent of the voting stock or at least fifty (50) percent interest in
     the income of such corporation or other business.

2.2  "Cooperative Research and Development Agreement" or "CRADA" means this
     Agreement entered into by PHS pursuant to the Federal Technology Transfer
     Act of 1986, as amended, 15 U.S.C. 37 10a et. seq. and Executive Order
                                               --------
     12591 of October 10, 1987.

2.3  "Government" means the Government of the United States as represented
     through the PHS agency that is a Party to this agreement.

2.4  "IP" means intellectual property.

2.5  "Invention" means any invention or discovery which is or may be patentable
     or otherwise protected under title 35, United States Code, or any novel
     variety or plant which is or may be protectable under the Plant Variety
     Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 2321 et. seq.).
                                   --------

2.6  "Principal Investigator(s)" or "PIs" means the persons designated
     respectively by the Parties to this CRADA who will be responsible for the
     scientific and technical conduct of the RP.

2.7  "Proprietary/Confidential Information" means confidential scientific,
     business, or financial information provided that such information does not
     include:

     2.7.1  information that is publicly known or available from other sources
            who are not under a confidentiality obligation to the source of the
            information;

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     2.7.2  information which has been made available by its owners to others
            without a confidentiality obligation;

     2.7.3  information which is already known by or available to the receiving
            Party without a confidentiality obligation; or

     2.7.4  information which relates to potential hazards or cautionary
            warnings associated with the production, handling or use of the
            subject matter of the Research Plan of this CRADA.

2.8  "Research Materials" means all tangible materials other than Subject Data
     first produced in the performance of this CRADA.

2.9  "Research Plan" or "RP" means the statement in Appendix A of the respective
     research and development commitments of the Parties to this CRADA.

2.10 "Subject Invention" means any Invention of the Parties, conceived or first
     actually reduced to practice in the performance of the Research Plan of
     this CRADA.

2.11 "Subject Data" means all recorded information first produced in the
     performance of this CRADA by the Parties.

Article 3. Cooperative Research

3.1  Principal Investigators.  PHS research work under this CRADA will be
     performed by the PHS laboratory identified in the RP, and the PHS Principal
     Investigator (PI) designated in the RP will be responsible for the
     scientific and technical conduct of this project on behalf of PHS.  Also
     designated in the RP is the Collaborator PI who will be responsible for the
     scientific and technical conduct of this project on behalf of the
     Collaborator.

3.2  Research Plan Change.  The RP may be modified by mutual written consent of
     the Principal Investigators.  Substantial changes in the scope of the RP
     will be treated as amendments under Article 13.6.

Article 4. Reports

4.1  Interim Reports.  The Parties shall exchange formal written interim
     progress reports on a schedule agreed to by the PIs, but at least within
     twelve (12) months after this CRADA becomes effective and at least within
     every twelve (12) months thereafter. Such reports shall set forth the
     technical progress made, identifying such problems as may have been
     encountered and establishing goals and objectives requiring further effort,
     any modifications to the Research Plan pursuant to Article 3.2, and all
     CRADA-related patent applications filed.

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4.2  Final Reports.  The Parties shall exchange final reports of their results
     within four (4) months after completing the projects described in the RP or
     after the expiration or termination of this CRADA.

Article 5. Financial and Staffing Obligations

5.1  PHS and Collaborator Contributions.  The contributions of the Parties,
     including payment schedules, if applicable, are set forth in Appendix B.
     PHS shall not be obligated to perform any of the research specified herein
     or to take any other action required by this CRADA if the funding is not
     provided as set forth in Appendix B. PHS shall return excess funds to the
     Collaborator when it sends its final fiscal report pursuant to Article 5.2,
     except for staffing support pursuant to Article 10.3. Collaborator
     acknowledges that the U.S. Government will have the authority to retain and
     expend any excess funds for up to one (1) year subsequent to the expiration
     or termination of the CRADA to cover any costs incurred during the term of
     the CRADA.in undertaking the work set forth in the RP.

5.2  Accounting Records.  PHS shall maintain separate and distinct current
     accounts, records, and other evidence supporting all its obligations under
     this CRADA, and shall provide the Collaborator a final fiscal report
     pursuant to Article 4.2.

5.3  Capital Equipment.  Equipment purchased by PHS with funds provided by the
     Collaborator shall be the property of PHS.  All capital equipment provided
     under this CRADA by one party for the use of another Party remains the
     property of the providing Party unless other disposition is mutually agreed
     upon by in writing by the Parties.  If title to this equipment remains with
     the providing Party, that Party is responsible for maintenance of the
     equipment and the costs of its transportation to and from the site where it
     will be used.

Article 6. Patent Applications

6.1  Reporting.  The Parties shall promptly report to each other in writing each
     Subject Invention and any patent applications filed thereon resulting from
     the research conducted under this CRADA that is reported to them by their
     respective employees.  Each Party shall report all Subject Inventions to
     the other Party in sufficient detail to determine inventorship.  Such
     reports shall be treated as Proprietary/Confidential Information in
     accordance with Article 8.4.

6.2  Filing of Patent Applications.  Each party shall be responsible for filing
     patent or other EP applications in a timely manner and at its own expense.
     The Parties will consult and mutually determine a filing strategy for
     jointly owned subject inventions.

6.3  Patent Expenses.  The expenses attendant to the filing of patent or other
     IP applications generally shall be paid by the Party filing such
     application.  If an exclusive license to any Subject Invention is granted
     to the Collaborator, the Collaborator shall be responsible for all past and
     future out-of-pocket expenses in connection with the preparation, filing,

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     prosecution and maintenance of any applications claiming such exclusively
     licensed inventions and any patents or other IP grants that may issue on
     such applications.  The Collaborator may waive its exclusive license rights
     on any application, patent or other IP grant at any time, and incur no
     subsequent compensation obligation for that application, patent or IP
     grant.

6.4  Prosecution of Intellectual Property Applications.  Within one month of
     -------------------------------------------------
     receipt or filing, each Party shall provide the other Party with copies of
     the applications and all documents received from or filed with the relevant
     patent or other EP office in connection with the prosecution of such
     applications.  Each Party shall also provide the other Party with the power
     to inspect and make copies of all documents retained in the patent or other
     IP application files by the applicable patent or other IP office.  Where
     licensing is contemplated by Collaborator, the Parties agree to consult
     with each other with respect to the prosecution of applications for PHS
     Subject Inventions described in Article 6.3 and joint Subject Inventions
     described in Article 6.4. If the Collaborator elects to file and prosecute
     IP applications on joint Subject Inventions pursuant to Article 6.4, PHS
     will be granted an associate power of attorney (or its equivalent) on such
     IP applications.

Article 7. Licensing

7.1  Option for Commercialization License.  With respect to Government IP rights
     to any Subject Invention not made solely by the Collaborator's employees
     for which a patent or other IP application is filed, PHS hereby grants to
     the Collaborator an exclusive option to elect an exclusive or nonexclusive
     commercialization license, which is substantially in the form of the
     appropriate model PHS license agreement.  This option does not apply to
     Subject Inventions conceived prior to the effective date of this CRADA that
     are reduced to practice under this CRADA, if prior to that reduction to
     practice, PHS has filed a patent application on the invention and has
     licensed it or offered to license it to a third party.  The terms of the
     license will fairly reflect the nature of the invention, the relative
     contributions of the Parties to the invention and the CRADA, the risks
     incurred by the Collaborator and the costs of subsequent research and
     development needed to bring the invention to the marketplace.  The field of
     use of the license will be commensurate with the scope of the RP.

7.2  Exercise of License Option.  The option of Article 7.1 must be exercised by
     written notice mailed within three (3) months after either (i) Collaborator
     receives written notice from PHS that the patent or other IP application
     has been filed; or (ii) the date Collaborator files such IP application.
     Exercise of this option by the Collaborator initiates a negotiation period
     that expires nine (9) months after the exercise of the option.  If the last
     proposal by the Collaborator has not been responded to in writing by PHS
     within this nine (9) month period, the negotiation period shall be extended
     to expire one (1) month after PHS so responds, during which month the
     Collaborator may accept in writing the final license proposal of PHS.  In
     the absence of such acceptance, or an extension of the time limits by PHS,
     PHS will be free to license such IP rights to others.

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     In the event that the Collaborator elects the option for an exclusive
     license, but no such license is executed during the negotiation period, PHS
     agrees not to make an offer for an exclusive license on more favorable
     terms to a third party for a period of six (6) months without first
     offering Collaborator those more favorable terms. These times may be
     extended at the sole discretion of PHS upon good cause shown in writing by
     the Collaborator.

7.3  License for PHS Employee Inventions and Joint Inventions.  Pursuant to 15
     U.S.C. (S) 37 10a(b)(1)(A), for Subject Inventions made under this CRADA by
     a PHS employee(s) or jointly by such employee(s) and employees of the
     Collaborator pursuant to Articles 6.3 and 6.4 and licensed pursuant to the
     option of Article 7.1, the Collaborator grants to the Government a
     nonexclusive, nontransferable, irrevocable, paid-up license to practice the
     invention or have the invention practiced throughout the world by or on
     behalf of the Government.  In the exercise of such license, the Government
     shall not publicly disclose trade secrets or commercial or financial
     information that is privileged or confidential within the meaning of 5
     U.S.C. 552(b)(4) or which would be considered as such if it had been
     obtained from a non-Federal party.

7.4  License in Collaborator Inventions.  Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. (S) 3710a(b)(2),
     for inventions made solely by Collaborator employees under this CRADA
     pursuant to Article 6.2, the Collaborator grants to the Government a
     nonexclusive, nontransferable, irrevocable, paid-up license to practice the
     invention or have the invention practiced throughout the world by or on
     behalf of the Government for research or other Government purposes.

7.5  Third Party License.  Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. (S) 3710a(b)(1)(B), if PHS
     grants an exclusive license to a Subject Invention made wholly by PHS
     employees or jointly with a Collaborator under this CRADA, pursuant to
     Articles 6.3 and 6.4, the Government shall retain the right to require the
     Collaborator to grant to a responsible applicant a nonexclusive, partially
     exclusive, or exclusive sublicense to use the invention in Collaborator's
     licensed field of use on terms that are reasonable under the circumstances;
     or if the Collaborator fails to grant such a license, to grant the license
     itself.  The exercise of such rights by the Government shall only be in
     exceptional circumstances and only if the Government determines (i) the
     action is necessary to meet health or safety needs that are not reasonably
     satisfied by Collaborator, (ii) the action is necessary to meet
     requirements for public use specified by Federal regulations, and such
     requirements are not reasonably satisfied by the Collaborator; or (iii) the
     Collaborator has failed to comply with an agreement containing provisions
     described in 15 U.S.C. 3710a(c)(4)(B).  The determination made by the
     Government under this Article is subject to administrative appeal and
     judicial review under 35 U.S.C. 203(2).

7.6  Joint Inventions Not Exclusively Licensed.  In the event that the
     Collaborator does not acquire an exclusive commercialization license to EP
     rights in all fields in joint Subject Inventions described in Article 6.4,
     then each Party shall have the right to use the joint

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     Subject Invention and to license its use to others in all fields not
     exclusively licensed to Collaborator. The Parties may agree to a joint
     licensing approach for such EP rights.

Article 8. Proprietary Rights and Publication

8.1  Right of Access.  PHS and the Collaborator agree to exchange all Subject
     Data produced in the course of research under this CRADA.  Research
     Materials will be shared equally by the Parties to the CRADA unless other
     disposition is agreed to by the Parties.

All Parties to this CRADA will be free to utilize Subject Data and Research
Materials for their own purposes, consistent with their obligations under this
CRADA.

8.2  Ownership of Subject Data and Research Materials.  Subject to the sharing
     requirements of Paragraph 8.1 and the regulatory filing requirements of
     Paragraph 8.3, the producing Party will retain ownership of and title to
     all Subject Inventions, all Subject Data and all Research Materials
     produced solely by their investigators.  Jointly developed Subject
     Inventions, Subject Data and Research Materials will be jointly owned.

8.3  Dissemination of Subject Data and Research Materials.  To the extent
     permitted by law, the Collaborator and PHS agree to use reasonable efforts
     to keep Subject Data and Research Materials confidential until published or
     until corresponding patent applications are filed.  Any information that
     would identify human subjects of research or patients will always be
     maintained confidentially.  To the extent permitted by law, the
     Collaborator shall have the exclusive right to use any and all CRADA
     Subject Data in and for any regulatory filing by or on behalf of
     Collaborator, except that PHS shall have the exclusive right to use Subject
     Data for that purpose, and authorize others to do so, if the CRADA is
     terminated or if Collaborator abandons its commercialization efforts.
     Collaborator acknowledges the basic research mission of the PHS, and agrees
     that after publication, PHS may make unpatented research materials arising
     out of this CRADA available to third parties for further research.

8.4  Proprietary/Confidential Information.  Each Party agrees to limit its
     disclosure of Proprietary/Confidential Information to the amount necessary
     to carry out the Research Plan of this CRADA, and shall place a
     confidentiality notice on all such information.  Confidential oral
     communications shall be reduced to writing within 30 days by the disclosing
     Party. Each Party receiving Proprietary/Confidential Information agrees
     that any information so designated shall be used by it only for the
     purposes described in the attached Research Plan. Any Party may object to
     the designation of information as Proprietary/Confidential Information by
     another Party. Subject Data and Research Materials developed solely by the
     Collaborator may be designated as Proprietary/Confidential Information when
     they are wholly separable from the Subject Data and Research Materials
     developed jointly with PHS investigators, and advance designation of such
     data and material categories is set forth in the RP. 'Me exchange of other
     confidential information, e.g., patient-identifying data, should be
     similarly limited and treated. Jointly developed Subject Data and Research
     Material derived from the

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     Research Plan may be disclosed by Collaborator to a third party under a
     confidentiality agreement for the purpose of possible sublicensing pursuant
     to the Licensing Agreement and subject to Article 8.7.

8.5  Protection of Proprietary/Confidential Information.
     Proprietary/Confidential Information shall not be disclosed, copied,
     reproduced or otherwise made available to any other person or entity
     without the consent of the owning Party except as required under court
     order or the Freedom of information Act (5 U.S.C. 1 552). Each Party agrees
     to use its best efforts to maintain the confidentiality of
     Proprietary/Confidential Information. Each Party agrees that the other
     Party is not liable for the disclosure of Proprietary/Confidential
     Information which, after notice to and consultation with the concerned
     Party, the other Party in possession of the Proprietary/Confidential
     Information determines may not be lawfully withheld, provided the concerned
     Party has been given an opportunity to seek a court order to enjoin
     disclosure.

8.6  Duration of Confidentiality Obligation.  The obligation to maintain the
     confidentiality of Proprietary/Confidential Information shall expire at the
     earlier of the date when the information is no longer Proprietary
     Information as defined in Article 2.7 or three (3) years after the
     expiration or termination date of this CRADA.  The Collaborator may request
     an extension to this term when necessary to protect
     Proprietary/Confidential Information relating to products not yet
     commercialized.

8.7  Publication.  The Parties are encouraged to make publicly available the
     results of their research.  Before either Party submits a paper or abstract
     for publication or otherwise intends to publicly disclose information about
     a Subject Invention, Subject Data or Research Materials, the other Party
     shall be provided thirty (30) days to review the proposed publication or
     disclosure to assure that Proprietary/Confidential Information is
     protected.  The publication or other disclosure shall be delayed for up to
     thirty (30) additional days upon written request by any Party as necessary
     to preserve U.S. or foreign patent or other IP rights.

Article 9. Representations and Warranties

9.1  Representations and Warranties of PHS.  PHS hereby represents and warrants
     to the Collaborator that the official signing this CRADA has authority to
     do so.

9.2  Representations and Warranties of the Collaborator.

     (a)  The Collaborator hereby represents and warrants to PHS that the
     Collaborator has the requisite power and authority to enter into this CRADA
     and to perform according to its terms, and that the Collaborator's official
     signing this CRADA has authority to do so.  The Collaborator further
     represents that it is financially able to satisfy any funding commitments
     made in Appendix B.

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     (b)  The Collaborator certifies that the statements herein are true,
     complete, and accurate to the best of its knowledge.  The Collaborator is
     aware that any false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements or claims may
     subject it to criminal, civil, or administrative penalties.

Article 10.  Termination

10.1 Termination By Mutual Consent. PHS and the Collaborator may terminate this
     CRADA, or portions thereof, at any time by mutual written consent. In such
     event the Parties shall specify the disposition of all property,
     inventions, patent or other EP applications and other results of work
     accomplished or in progress, arising from or performed under this CRADA,
     all in accordance with the rights granted to the Parties under the terms of
     this Agreement.

10.2 Unilateral Termination. Either PHS or the Collaborator may unilaterally
     terminate this entire CRADA at any time by giving written notice at least
     thirty (30) days prior to the desired termination date, and any rights
     accrued in property, patents or other IP rights shall be disposed of as
     provided in paragraph 10.1.

10.3 Staffing. If this CRADA is mutually or unilaterally terminated prior to its
     expiration, funds will nevertheless remain available to PHS for continuing
     any staffing commitment made by the Collaborator pursuant to Article 5.1
     above and Appendix B, if applicable, for a period of six (6) months after
     such termination. If there are insufficient funds to cover this expense,
     the Collaborator agrees to pay the difference.

10.4 New Commitments. No Party shall make new commitments related to this CRADA
     after a mutual termination or notice of a unilateral termination and shall,
     to the extent feasible, cancel all outstanding commitments and contracts by
     the termination date.

10.5 Termination Costs. Concurrently with the exchange of final reports pursuant
     to Articles 4.2 and 5.2, PHS shall submit to the Collaborator for payment a
     statement of all costs incurred prior to the date of termination and for
     all reasonable termination costs including the cost of returning
     Collaborator property or removal of abandoned property, for which
     Collaborator shall be responsible.

Article 11.  Disputes

11.1 Settlement. Any dispute arising under this CRADA which is not disposed of
     by agreement of the Principal Investigators shall be submitted jointly to
     the signatories of this CRADA. If the signatories are unable to jointly
     resolve the dispute within thirty (30) days after notification thereof, the
     Assistant Secretary for Health (or his/her designee or successor) shall
     propose a resolution. Nothing in this Article shall prevent any Party from
     pursuing any additional administrative remedies that may be available and,
     after exhaustion of such administrative remedies, pursuing all available
     judicial remedies.

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11.2 Continuation of Work. Pending the resolution of any dispute or claim
     pursuant to this Article, the Parties agree that performance of all
     obligations shall be pursued diligently in accordance with the direction of
     the PHS signatory.

Article 12.  Liability

12.1 Property. The U.S. Government shall not be responsible for damages to any
     Collaborator property provided to PHS, where Collaborator retains title to
     the property, or any property acquired by Collaborator for its own use
     pursuant to this CRADA.

12.2 NO WARRANTIES. EXCEPT AS SPECIFICALLY STATED IN ARTICLE 9, THE PARTIES MAKE
     NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY AS TO ANY MATTER WHATSOEVER, INCLUDING THE
     CONDITIONS OF THE RESEARCH OR ANY INVENTION OR PRODUCT, WHETHER TANGIBLE OR
     INTANGIBLE, MADE, OR DEVELOPED UNDER THIS CRADA, OR THE OWNERSHIP,
     MERCHANTABILITY, OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OF THE RESEARCH OR ANY
     INVENTION OR PRODUCT.

12.3 Indemnification. The Collaborator agrees to hold the U.S. Government
     harmless and to indemnify the Government for all liabilities, demands,
     damages, expenses and losses arising out of the use by die Collaborator for
     any purpose of the Subject Data, Research Materials and/or Subject
     Inventions produced in whole or part by PHS employees under this CRADA,
     unless due to the negligence or willful misconduct of PHS, its employees,
     or agents. The Collaborator shall be liable for any claims or damages it
     incurs in connection with this CRADA. PHS has no authority to indemnify the
     Collaborator.

12.4 Force Majeure. Neither Party shall be liable for any unforeseeable event
     beyond its reasonable control not caused by the fault or negligence of such
     Party, which causes such Party to be unable to perform its obligations
     under this CRADA, and which it has been unable to overcome by the exercise
     of due diligence. In the event of the occurrence of such a force majeure
     event, the Party unable to perform shall promptly notify the other Party.
     It shall further use its best efforts to resume performance as quickly as
     possible and shall suspend performance only for such period of time as is
     necessary as a result of the force majeure event.

Article 13.  Miscellaneous

13.1 Governing Law. The construction, validity, performance and effect of this
     CRADA shall be governed by Federal law, as applied by the Federal Courts in
     the District of Columbia. Federal law and regulations will preempt any
     conflicting or inconsistent provisions in this CRADA.

13.2 Entire Agreement. This CRADA constitutes the entire agreement between the
     Parties concerning the subject matter of this CRADA and supersedes any
     prior understanding or written or oral agreement.

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13.3  Headings. Tides and headings of the articles and subarticles of this CRADA
      arc for convenient reference only, do not form a part of this CRADA, and
      shall in no way affect its interpretation. The PHS component that is the
      Party for all purposes of this CRADA is the Bureau(s), Institute(s),
      Center(s) or Division(s) listed on the Cover Page herein.

13.4  Waivers. None of the provisions of this CRADA shall be considered waived
      by any Party unless such waiver is given in writing to the other Party.
      The failure of a Party to insist upon strict performance of any of the
      terms and conditions hereof, or failure or delay to exercise any rights
      provided herein or by law, shall not be deemed a waiver of any rights of
      any Party.

13.5  Severability. The illegality or invalidity of any provisions of this CRADA
      shall not impair, affect, or invalidate the other provisions of this
      CRADA.

13.6  Amendments. If either Party desires a modification to this CRADA, the
      Parties shall, upon reasonable notice of the proposed modification or
      extension by the Party desiring the change, confer in good faith to
      determine the desirability of such modification or extension. Such
      modification shall not be effective until a written amendment is signed by
      the signatories to this CRADA or by their representatives duly authorized
      to execute such amendment.

13.7  Assignment. Neither this CRADA nor any rights or obligations of any Party
      hereunder shall be assigned or otherwise transferred by either Party
      without the prior written consent of die other Party.

13.8  Notices. All notices pertaining to or required by this CRADA shall be in
      writing and shall be signed by an authorized representative and shall be
      delivered by hand or sent by certified mail, return receipt requested,
      with postage prepaid, to the addresses indicated on the signature page for
      each Party. Notices regarding the exercise of license options shall be
      made pursuant to Article 7.2. Any Party may change such address by notice
      given to the other Party in the manner set forth above.

13.9  Independent Contractors. The relationship of the Parties to this CRADA is
      that of independent contractors and not agents of each other or joint
      venturers or partners. Each Party shall maintain sole and exclusive
      control over its personnel and operations. Collaborator employees who will
      be working at PHS facilities may be asked to sign a Guest Researcher or
      Special Volunteer Agreement appropriately modified in view of the terms of
      this CRADA.

13.10 Use of Name or Endorsements. By entering into this CRADA, PHS does not
      directly or indirectly endorse any product or service provided, or to be
      provided, whether directly or indirectly related to either this CRADA or
      to any patent or other EP license or agreement which implements this CRADA
      by its successors, assignees, or licensees. The Collaborator shall not in
      any way state or imply that this CRADA is an endorsement of any such
      product or service by the U.S. Government or any of its organizational
      units or

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      employees.  Collaborator issued press releases that reference or rely upon
      the work of PHS under this CRADA shall be made available to PHS at least 7
      days prior to publication for review and comment.

13.11 Exceptions to this CRADA. Any exceptions or modifications to this CRADA
      that are agreed to by the Parties prior to their execution of this CRADA
      are set forth in Appendix C.

13.12 Reasonable Consent. Whenever a Party's consent or permission is required
      under this CRADA, such consent or permission shall not be unreasonably
      withheld.

Article 14.  Duration of Agreement

14.1  Duration. It is mutually recognized that the duration of this project
cannot be rigidly defined in advance, and that the contemplated time periods for
various phases of the RP are only good faith guidelines subject to adjustment by
mutual agreement to fit circumstances as the RP proceeds. In no case will the
term of this CRADA extend beyond the term indicated in the RP unless it is
revised in accordance with Article 13.6.

14.2  Survivability. The provisions of Articles 4.2, 5-8, 10.3-10.5, 11.1, 12.2-
12.4, 13.1, 13.10 and 14.2 shall survive the termination of this CRADA.

                       SIGNATURES BEGIN ON THE NEXT PAGE

                                NHGRI-Sequenom
                            PHS CRADA Model 3/15/99
                                 Page 12 of 13
<PAGE>

                             CRADA SIGNATURE PAGE

FOR PHS:

      /s/ Michael M. Gottesman                             9/23/99
------------------------------------             --------------------------
Michael M. Gottesman, M.D.                       Date
Deputy Director for Intramural Research
National Institutes of Health

Mailing Address for Notices:

Technology Transfer Office
National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)
National Institutes of Health
45 Center Drive MSC 6320
Building 45, Room 3As43
Bethesda, MD 20892-6320
Tel. (301) 435-0042
Fax (301) 402-9722

FOR COLLABORATOR

      /s/ Hubert Koster                                    9/17/99
------------------------------------             --------------------------
Hubert Koster, Ph.D.,                            Date
President and CEO
Sequenom, Inc.

Mailing Address for Notices:

Sequenom, Inc.
11555 Sorrento Valley Road
San Diego, CA 92121-1331
Tel. (619) 359-0345
Fax (619) 350-0344

                                NHGRI-Sequenom
                            PHS CRADA Model 3/15/99
                                 Page 13 of 13
<PAGE>

                                  APPENDIX A

                                 RESEARCH PLAN

TITLE OF CRADA: Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Genotyping by Mass Spectroscopy
                --------------------------------------------------------------

PHS CO-PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORS: Robert L. Nussbaum M.D. and Francis S.  Collins,
                                ------------------------------------------------
M.D., Ph.D.
-----------

his/her Laboratory: Inherited Disease Research Branch (IDRB) and the Genetic and
                    ------------------------------------------------------------
Molecular Biology Branch (GMBB).  National Human Genome Research Institute
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
(NHGRI),  National Institutes of Health (NIH)
---------------------------------------------

COMPANY CO-PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORS: Daniel P. Little, Ph.D. and Andreas Braun,
                                    ------------------------------------------
Ph.D., M.D., Sequenom, Inc.
---------------------------

TERM OF CRADA: Three (3) years.
-------------------------------

The Research Plan which follows this page should be concise but of sufficient
detail to permit reviewers of this CRADA to evaluate the scientific merit of the
proposed collaboration. The RP should explain the scientific importance of the
collaboration and the research goals of PHS and the COMPANY. The respective
contributions in terms of expertise and/or research materials of each of the
Parties should be summarized. Initial and subsequent projects contemplated under
the RP, and the time periods estimated for their completion, should be described
and pertinent methodological considerations summarized. Pertinent literature
references may be cited and additional relevant information included. Include
additional pages to identify the Principal Investigators of all other Parties to
this CRADA.

                             NHGRI-Sequenom CRADA
                          Appendix A (Research Plan)
                                  Page 1 of 9

<PAGE>

SINGLE NUCLEOTIDE POLYMORPHISM GENOTYPING BY MASS SPECTROSCOPY

Robert L. Nussbaum, M.D.
Inherited Disease Research Branch (IDRB)
National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Bethesda, MD

Francis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D.
The Genetic and Molecular Biology Branch (GMBB)
National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Bethesda, MD

Daniel P. Little, Ph.D.
Sequenom, Inc.
Boston, MA

Andreas Braun, Ph.D., M.D.
Sequenom, Inc.
San Diego, CA

1) GOALS OF THIS CRADA

This CRADA is a two-way research collaboration between 1) the IDRB/NHGRI/NIH
(Principal Investigator (PI): Robert L. Nussbaum) and Sequenom, Inc. of San
Diego, CA (PI: Daniel Little) and 2) GMBB/NHGRI/NIH (PI: Francis S. Collins) and
Sequenom, Inc. (PI: Andreas Braun).

The major CRADA goals are to:

                                      ***

                             NHGRI-Sequenom CRADA
                          Appendix A (Research Plan)
                                  Page 2 of 9

***  Portions of this page have been omitted pursuant to a request for
Confidential Treatment and filed separately with the commission.
<PAGE>

                                      ***

2)   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE CRADA RESEARCH PLAN

A.   IDRB Research Plan: Background and Significance

          "Genetic factors appear to contribute to virtually every human
       disease. Multiple genes and environmental factors influence most common
       diseases. A dense map of DNA sequence variants should allow the
       identification of alleles associated with disease, even for these complex
       diseases."[1]

          SNP stands for "single nucleotide polymorphism. SNPs are the most
       common genetic variations and occur once every 100 to 300 bases. A key
       aspect of research in genetics is the association of sequence variation
       with heritable phenotypes. It is expected that SNPs will accelerate the
       identification of disease genes by allowing researchers to look for
       associations between a disease and specific differences (SNPs) in a
       ------------
       population. This differs from the more typical approach of pedigree
       analysis, which track transmission of a disease through a family. It is
       much easier to obtain DNA samples from a random set of individuals in a
       population than it is to obtain them from every member of a family over
       several generations."[2]

          The importance of using SNPs for identifying DNA variations associated
       with disease is underscored by the NHGRI SNP initiative. Anonymized DNA
       and cell lines from 450 individuals from various ethnic backgrounds are
       being made available for SNP discovery efforts. Researchers who discover
       SNPs are encouraged to place the sequence information in the public
       domain in the NCBI SNP database [3].

                             NHGRI-Sequenom CRADA
                          Appendix A (Research Plan)
                                  Page 3 of 9

***  Portions of this page have been omitted pursuant to a request for
Confidential Treatment and filed separately with the commission.

<PAGE>

          "Once discovered, these polymorphisms can be used by additional
     laboratories, using the sequence information around the polymorphism and
     the specific experimental conditions."[2]

     A number of public databases are already in operation, including NCBI's
dbSNP, (4360 SNPs as of April 1999), University of Uppsala's HgBase (3220 SNPs
as of 3/3/99) and the University of Washington (unknown number of SNPs as of May
1, 1999).

     In order to make SNP genotyping possible on a large-enough scale to allow
genome-wide association studies, assays need to be developed that allow the
genotyping to be done in a massively parallel manner. Genotyping one locus per
individual is not compatible with the need to carry out the tens of thousands of
genotypes per individual in a sample of perhaps hundreds of individuals with a
particular phenotype and an equal number of controls.

     SNP genotyping technology is a rapidly moving field with many methods being
developed and tested. One promising method is to harness the precision of mass
spectroscopy (MS) to detect the sequence variants represented by SNPs (see also
Figure I). MS provides a rapid, highly discriminating, and automatable detection
system that requires very small amounts of input DNA. The disadvantage of MS is
that only one sample can be assayed at one time (although in quick succession).
To make mass spectroscopy assays parallel; it is necessary first to design
assays so that multiple loci can be assayed at one time in such a way that the
alleles generated by the different loci are easily discriminated. Second, the
upfront processing of DNA for mass spectroscopy genotyping needs to be
multiplexed so that multiple loci can be processed for MS assay.

     Sequenom has already developed considerable expertise in designing primers
that allow discrimination by mass spectroscometry (MS) of oligonucleotides whose
length (and therefore mass) differ just sufficiently to allow robust,
unequivocal determination of genotypes (see also http://www.sequenom.com). The
design of these assays is now done routinely but on an ad hoc basis, one assay
at a time, without attention to how multiplexing the PCR of loci and
multiplexing the MS detection could lead to interference between
oligonucleotides. PCR failures, or inability of MS to resolve alleles occurring
at different loci.

                                      ***

     As more and more SNPs enter the public domain and more SNP assays are
developed that rely on MS to detect the alleles, reliable software is needed to
automatically scan new loci as they come along and to design primers and assays
in a way that attempts to maximize our ability to multiplex the PCR and the
allele detection in the context of a large and growing body of already existing
multiplexed assays. With tens of thousands of SNPs becoming available, the
ability to add new loci to increase map density will quickly outstrip any design
method that does not rely on computerized algorithms.

                             NHGRI-Sequenom CRADA
                          Appendix A (Research Plan)
                                  Page 4 of 9

***  Portions of this page have been omitted pursuant to a request for
Confidential Treatment and filed separately with the commission.
<PAGE>

     IDRB can easily assay SNPs one locus at a time using any number of
techniques, including single nucleotide extension, allele specific
oligonucleotide hybridization, allele specific restriction enzyme digestion.
These approaches are generally cumbersome, in that they require gel
electrophoresis, are difficult to automate, and are often difficult to
multiplex. The MassArray instrument, applied to multiplexed oligonucleotide
extension reactions, will allow high automated, high throughput genotyping. One
instrument, fed with appropriately multiplexed reactions, could easily generate
greater than 4 million genotypes per year at a fraction of the labor costs now
required to set up electrophoretic instruments and clean the data coming out of
electrophoretic assays. DNA MassArray(TM) is a platform technology that is
proprietary to the Collaborator and it will be utilized to carry out the CRADA
Research Plan. Improvements, upgrades and/or derivatives of the MassArray(TM)
instrument itself (excluding software) are not within the scope of this CRADA
Research Plan and therefore remain the property of Sequenom.

B. GMBB Research Plan: Background and Significance

The Finland-United States Investigation of non-insulin dependent diabetes
mellitus (NIDDM) FUSION project was initiated five years ago to search for genes
conferring susceptibility to Type 2 diabetes. The FUSION project is being
conducted in the GMBB. Families have been collected in Finland because of the
limited founder pool of that country, as well as the superb medical records
system. In Phase 1 of this study, clinical collaborators, led by Dr. Jaakko
Tuomilehto, have collected 2,500 DNA samples, including 716 affected sibling
pairs and a number of unaffected relatives. Detailed phenotyping has been
carried out on both the affecteds and unaffecteds, allowing determination of
various parameters of insulin metabolism, obesity, blood pressure, and a variety
of other potentially linked phenotypes. The study design has been published
(Diabetes Care 1998: 21:949-958). A follow up set ("FUSION II") of an additional
2,500 DNA samples has now been collected. This includes a replication study as
well as useful extensions of the initial families.

A 10cM genome scan, using microsatellite markers, has been carried out on the
initial 2,500 DNA samples, and sophisticated statistical genetic analyses have
been carried out to look for evidence of diabetes susceptibility genes or other
related quantitative traits. The most promising findings occur on chromosome 20,
where there is evidence for two and possibly three susceptibility genes
(Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences USA 1999; 96:2198-2203). Other
interesting regions occur on chromosomes 1, 3, 10 and 11.

As with all studies on polygenic disease, the challenge is now to go from these
encouraging indications of linkage to the actual responsible gene and the
variant within that gene which confers susceptibility.  Using a variety of
statistical methodologies, it has been possible to narrow the three most
interesting regions on chromosome 20, and the best region on chromosome 11, to
roughly five centiMorgans each. One centiMorgan corresponds to roughly one
million base pairs. One can anticipate that the diabetes susceptibility gene
may be travelling on a discernable haplotype that extends across tens (or
possibly hundreds) of kilobases.

                                      ***

                             NHGRI-Sequenom CRADA
                          Appendix A (Research Plan)
                                  Page 5 of 9

***  Portions of this page have been omitted pursuant to a request for
Confidential Treatment and filed separately with the commission.

<PAGE>

                                      ***

Based on our early unpublished data on linkage disequilibrium in Finland, we
believe that 100 SNPs in an interval of 5 centiMorgans (corresponding roughly to
a spacing of 50 kilobases) should be sufficient to discern a haplotype if one
exists. This would amount to a total of 400 SNPs. Fortunately, with the rapid
progress of the human genome project, SNPs are becoming available across the
genome, although not quite at this density. However, it is anticipated that
those will be appearing, and efforts will also be made by the FUSION group to
derive new ones in our area of greatest interest.

In addition to these localized efforts, which are guided by our own linkage
results, numerous examples of variations in candidate genes are coming to light.
It is important to test each of those to see whether they confer some degree of
susceptibility to diabetes or a related trait. We would expect as many as 100
candidate gene variants to appear over the next 12 months.

Thus we anticipate the need to type a total of 500 single nucleotide
polymorphisms over the next 12-18 months. Each of these, in order to be
optimally evaluated, would need to be tested against roughly 600 to 800 DNA
samples, these being carefully chosen from the complete FUSION set in order to
maximize the likelihood of success without carrying out an unnecessarily large
amount of genotyping.

The Sequenom mass spectrometry assay for SNPs is a particularly attractive
platform for carrying out this analysis, given the potential for very low error
rate and high throughput. If multiplexing of up to 10 SNPs in one tube can be
accomplished, the attractiveness of the system will be even greater. In many
ways, the goals of this collaborative effort are similar and synergistic with
the research plan described by Dr. Nussabaum (IDRB), which aims to develop and
test roughly 3,000 SNPs across the genome. GMBB's somewhat more modest effort,
targeted at 500 SNPs, would emphasize particular candidate regions for diabetes.

                             NHGRI-Sequenom CRADA
                          Appendix A (Research Plan)
                                  Page 6 of 9

***  Portions of this page have been omitted pursuant to a request for
Confidential Treatment and filed separately with the commission

<PAGE>

                                  REFERENCES

1.   NHGRI website
     http://www.nhgri.nih.gov/Grant_info/Funding/discover_polymorphisms.html
     -----------------------------------------------------------------------

2.   NCBI web site FAQ
     http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/SNP/get_html.cgi?whichHtml=faq#db descr

3.   Francis S. Collins, Lisa D. Brooks, and Aravinda Chakravarti. A DNA
     Polymorphism Discovery Resource for Research on Human Genetic Variation.
     Genome Research Vol. 8, Issue 12, 1229-1231, December 1998.

3)   RESPECTIVE CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE PARTIES

NHGRI Contributions (both IDRB and GMBB laboratories):

1.   Development of PCR assays and internal oligonucleotide assays for 3000 SNPs
     distributed throughout the genome.
2.   Technology transfer of oligonucleotide sequences used for contribution (1)
     above.
3.   Development of software to automate oligonucleotide design to allow
     multiplex assays and multiplex PCR so that many DNA samples can be
     processed and assayed in parallel.
4.   Personnel dedicated to the IDRB project:

     Principal investigator (15%), four FTE (100%) positions. These include two
     molecular biologist laboratory scientists, one computer programmer, and one
     mass spectroscopist.

     Personnel dedicated to the GMBB project: Two FTE (100% positions).

Sequenom Contributions:

1.   Technology transfer (advice on reagents, etc.) for internal oligonucleotide
     assays including previous experience with oligonucleotide design and
     software programs for running pipetting robots used in sample preparation
     and handling.
2.   Use of a DNA MassArray(TM) Basic System: a modular, semi-automated system
     made up of a proprietary matrix (a miniaturized DNA array called the
     SpectroChip(TM)) and nanospotter technology to prepare samples for matrix
     assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry analysis of
     mixtures of oligonucleotides.
3.   Provide expert advice and consultation on optimum primer design. The
     company's expertise in this area, which can only be obtained by first-hand
     experience in designing these assays specifically for MS, will be necessary
     in order to optimize multiplexing while still insuring robust, high-
     resolution discrimination of alleles at multiplexed loci.

                             NHGRI-Sequenom CRADA
                          Appendix A (Research Plan)
                                  Page 7 of 9

<PAGE>

    these assays specifically for MS, will be necessary in order to optimize
    multiplexing while still insuring robust, high-resolution discrimination of
    alleles at multiplexed loci.

4)  ABSTRACT OF THE RESEARCH PLAN FOR PUBLIC RELEASE

This is a two-way CRADA between two NHGRI laboratories (IDRB and GMBB) and
Sequenom, Inc. to develop SNP genotyping assays suitable for mass spectroscopy
such that multiple loci can be genotyped in parallel.  The IDRB aims to develop
and test approximately 3,000 SNPs across the genome whereas the GMBB's main goal
is to identify and test approximately 500 SNPs targeted in candidate regions for
diabetes. Publicly available anonymous and intragenic polymorphisms may be
targeted for assay development.

5)  RELATED CRADAs

None

6)  RELATED MTAs

None

7)  Related patent applications and patents

None

8)  CRADA Conflict of Interest and Fair Access Form

Attached.

                             NHGRI-Sequenom CRADA
                          Appendix A (Research Plan)
                                  Page 8 of 9
<PAGE>

FIGURE 1

[ARTWORK DESCRIPTION]              SNP GENOTYPING
                                   BY MASS
                                   SPECTROMETRY

Anneal flanking oligos one of which is biotinylated, and perform PCR

[ARTWORK DESCRIPTION]

Denature and capture biotinylated strand while removing other strand and unused
PCR primers

[ARTWORK DESCRIPTION]

Anneal oligonucleotide and extend with mixtures of dideoxynucleotides &
deoxynucleotides to generate products that differ between the alleles

[ARTWORK DESCRIPTION]         Oligonucleotides of different masses representing
                              the two alleles

                Separate by mass spectrometry

                                                  Legend
[ARTWORK DESCRIPTION]
                                       SNP: allele 1 . allele 2 .

                                       double stranded DNA [ARTWORK DESCRIPTION]

                                       oligonucleotide [ARTWORK DESCRIPTION]

                                       biotin modification B

                            NHGRI - Sequenom CRADA
                          Appendix A (Research Plan)
                                  Page 9 of 9
<PAGE>

                                  APPENDIX B

           FINANCIAL AND STAFFING CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE CRADA PARTIES

There will be no funds transferred from Sequenom, Inc. to NHGRI.

I. Staffing
-----------

A. Sequenom, Inc. personnel contributions (FTEs) to the CRADA:

1  FTE (senior scientist (100%))

B. IDB/NHGRI/NIH personnel contributions (FTEs) to the CRADA:

4.15 FTEs (in total)

Robert Nussbaum (15%)-Principal Investigator
2 Molecular biologists; 1 computer programmer and 1 mass spectroscopist (all
  100%)

C. FUSION personnel contributions (FTEs) to the CRADA:

2  FTEs

II. Equipment and Supplies
--------------------------

Sequenom, Inc. will be providing one DNA MassArray(TM) Basic System to NHGRI (on
site in Dr. Nussbaum's laboratory) under a separate lease-to-own contract
agreement.

Sequenom will supply all needed consumables for the CRADA Research Plan-related
use of the DNA MassArray(TM) Basic System (which includes approximately 40-50
SpectroChips(TM)/month) and handle the support and maintenance of the DNA
MassArray(TM) Basic System instrument.

                                NHGRI-Sequenom
                            Appendix B, Page 1 of 1

<PAGE>

                                  APPENDIX C

                   EXCEPTIONS OR MODIFICATIONS TO THIS CRADA

1)   Modify the definition of 2.10 Subject Invention by adding ***. Furthermore
     it is understood that DNA MassArray(TM), defined as nucleic acid analysis
     from arrays by mass spectrometry, which includes existing processes,
     methods, instrumentation that are proprietary to the Collaborator, is a
     platform technology that will be utilized to carry out the Research Plan."
     to the end of the first sentence.

     Paragraph 2.10 reads as follows:

     2.10 "Subject Invention" means any Invention of the Parties, conceived or
          first actually reduced to practice in the performance of the Research
          Plan of this CRADA, ***. Furthermore it is understood that DNA
          MassArray(TM), defined as nucleic acid analysis from arrays by mass
          spectrometry, which includes existing processes, methods,
          instrumentation that are proprietary to the Collaborator, is a
          platform technology that will be utilized to carry out the Research
          Plan.

2)   Within Article 6 Patent Applications add new subarticles 6.2 Collaborator
     Employee Inventions, 6.3 PHS Employee Inventions and 6.4 Joint Inventions.
     Renumber all subsequent subparagraphs of Paragraph 6 (e.g., 6.2-6.4
     renumbered as 6.5-6.7, respectively).

     6.2  Collaborator Employee Inventions.  Collaborator may elect to retain
          intellectual property rights to each Subject Invention made solely by
          Collaborator employees.  If Collaborator does not elect to retain its
          intellectual property rights, Collaborator shall offer to assign these
          intellectual property rights to the Subject Invention to the other
          Party pursuant to Article 6.5.  If PHS declines such assignment,
          Collaborator may release its intellectual property rights as it may
          determine.

                                NHGRI-Sequenom
                Appendix C--Modifications to PHS 3/15/99 model
                                  Page 1 of 5

     *** Portions of this page have been omitted pursuant to a request for
Confidential Treatment and filed separately with the commission.
<PAGE>

     6.3  PHS Employee Inventions. PHS on behalf of the U.S. Government may
          elect to retain intellectual property rights to each Subject Invention
          made solely by PHS employees. If PHS does not elect to retain
          intellectual property rights, PHS shall offer to assign these
          intellectual property rights to such Subject Invention to the other
          Party pursuant to Article 6.5. If Collaborator declines such
          assignment, PHS may release intellectual property rights in such
          Subject Invention to its employee inventors pursuant to Article 6.5.

     6.4  Joint Inventions.  Each Subject Invention made jointly by PHS and
          Collaborator shall be jointly owned by the PHS and Collaborator.  If
          any Party decides not to retain its intellectual property rights to a
          jointly owned Subject Invention, it shall offer to assign its rights
          to the other inventing Party pursuant to Article 6.6.  If the other
          Parties declines such assignment, the offering Party may dispose of
          its intellectual property rights as provided in Articles 6.2, 6.3 and
          6.5.

3)   Add the following two sentences to the beginning of Paragraph 6.5 Filing of
     Patent Applications: "It is understood by Collaborator that it is the
     policy of NIH to consider filing patent applications only on discoveries
     where there is a clear demonstration that patent protection and
     commercialization of these discoveries will result in a benefit to the
     public health.  In NIH's view, raw genomic DNA sequence, in the absence of
     demonstrated biological information, lacks demonstrated specific utility
     and therefore such information and/or discoveries are considered
     inappropriate material for patent filing."

     Paragraph 6.5 reads as follows:

     6.5  Filing of Patent Applications. It is understood by Collaborator that
          it is the policy of NIH to consider filing patent applications only on
          discoveries where there is a clear demonstration that patent
          protection and commercialization of these discoveries will result in a
          benefit to the public health. In NIH's view, raw genomic DNA sequence,
          in the absence of demonstrated biological information, lacks
          demonstrated specific utility and therefore such information and/or
          discoveries are considered inappropriate material for patent filing.
          Each party shall be responsible for filing patent or other IP
          applications in a timely manner and at its own expense and after
          consultation with the other Party. The Parties will consult and
          mutually determine a filing strategy for jointly owned subject
          inventions.

4)   In the last sentence of 6.6 Patent Expenses add "or nonexclusive" after
     "Collaborator may waive its exclusive" and before "...license rights on any
     application, patent or other intellectual property grant."

     Paragraph 6.6 reads as follows:

                                NHGRI-Sequenom
                Appendix C--Modifications to PHS 3/15/99 model
                                  Page 2 of 5
<PAGE>

     6.6  Patent Expenses. The Party filing such application generally shall pay
          the expense attendant to the filing of patent or other intellectual
          property applications. If an exclusive license to any Subject
          Invention is granted to Collaborator, Collaborator shall be
          responsible for all past and future out-of-pocket expenses in
          connection with the preparation, filing, prosecution and maintenance
          of any applications claiming such exclusively-licensed inventions and
          any patents or other intellectual property grants that may issue on
          such applications. Collaborator may waive its exclusive or
          nonexclusive license rights on any application, patent or other
          intellectual property grant at any time, and incur no subsequent
          compensation obligation for that application, patent or intellectual
          property grant.

5)   Add the following new second sentence to Article 7.1 Option for
     Commercialization License: "The exclusive commercialization license option
     only applies to DNA MassArray(TM) specific Subject Inventions generated
     under this CRADA."

Article 7.1 now reads as follows:

     7.1  Option for Commercialization License. With respect to Government IP
          rights to any Subject Invention not made solely by the Collaborator's
          employees for which a patent or other IP application is filed, PHS
          hereby grants to the Collaborator an exclusive option to elect an
          exclusive or nonexclusive commercialization license, which is
          substantially in the form of the appropriate model PHS license
          agreement The exclusive commercialization license option only applies
          to DNA MassArray(TM) -specific Subject Inventions generated under this
          CRADA. This option does not apply to Subject Inventions conceived
          prior to the effective date of this CRADA that are reduced to practice
          under this CRADA, if prior to that reduction to practice, PHS has
          filed a patent application on the invention and has licensed it or
          offered to license it to a third party. The terms of the license will
          fairly reflect the nature of the invention, the relative contributions
          of the Parties to the invention and the CRADA, the risks incurred by
          the Collaborator and the costs of subsequent research and development
          needed to bring the invention to the marketplace. The field of use of
          the license will be commensurate with the scope of the RP.

6)   In the first sentence of Article 7.5-Third Party license add the word
     "Collaborator's" after "...or exclusive sublicense to use the invention in"
     and before "licensed field of use on terms that are reasonable under the
     circumstances; or if the Collaborator fails to grant such a license, to
     grant the license itself."

     Article 7.5 reads as follows:

                                NHGRI-Sequenom
                Appendix C--Modifications to PHS 3/15/99 model
                                  Page 3 of 5
<PAGE>

     7.5  Third Party License.  Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. (S) 3710a(b)(1)(B), if PHS
          grants an exclusive license to a Subject Invention made wholly by PHS
          employees or jointly with a Collaborator under this CRADA, pursuant to
          Articles 6.3 and 6.4, the Government shall retain the right to require
          the Collaborator to grant to a responsible applicant a nonexclusive,
          partially exclusive, or exclusive sublicense to use the invention in
          Collaborator's licensed field of use on terms that are reasonable
          under the circumstances; or if the Collaborator fails to grant such a
          license, to grant the license itself.  The exercise of such rights by
          the Government shall only be in exceptional circumstances and only if
          the Government determines (i) the action is necessary to meet health
          or safety needs that are not reasonably satisfied by Collaborator,
          (ii) the action is necessary to meet requirements for public use
          specified by Federal regulations, and such requirements are not
          reasonably satisfied by the Collaborator; or (iii) the Collaborator
          has failed to comply with an agreement containing provisions described
          in 15 U.S.C. 3710a(c)(4)(B).  The determination made by the Government
          under this Article is subject to administrative appeal and judicial
          review under 35 U.S.C. 203(2).

7)   Add the following three sentences to the end of Article 8.1 Right of
     Access: "The Parties agree that DNA sequence information (such as SNPs and
     related genotype and/or phenotype information), associated research
     reagents, methodologies and/or data previously generated by NIH, or newly
     generated under this CRADA by NIH, are Research Resources.  NIH reserves
     the right to distribute such resources and researches tools to others and
     use them for their own purposes.  The Parties further agree that data
     generated by any Party through the use of such Research Resources with
     anyone other than the Parties to this Agreement does not constitute Subject
     Data."

     Article 8.1 now reads as follows:

     8.1  Right of Access. PHS and the Collaborator agree to exchange all
          Subject Data produced in the course of research under this CRADA.
          Research Materials will be shared equally by the Parties to the CRADA
          unless other disposition is agreed to by the Parties. The Parties
          agree that DNA sequence information (such as SNPs and related genotype
          and/or phenotype information), associated research reagents,
          methodologies and/or data previously generated by NIH, or newly
          generated under this CRADA by NIH, are Research Resources. NIH
          reserves the right to distribute such resources and researches tools
          to others and use them for their own purposes. The Parties further
          agree that data generated by any Party through the use of such
          Research Resources with anyone other than the Parties to this
          Agreement does not constitute Subject Data.

8)   In the last sentence of 8.2 Ownership of Subject Data and Research
     Materials add "...except that any Research Resources and/or data generated
     under this CRADA are subject to NIH's right to distribute them to others
     and use them for its own purposes"

                                NHGRI-Sequenom
                Appendix C--Modifications to PHS 3/15/99 model
                                  Page 4 of 5
<PAGE>

     after "Jointly developed Subject Inventions, Subject Data and Research
     Materials will be jointly owned."

     Article 8.2 reads as follows:

     8.2  Ownership of Subject Data and Research Materials. Subject to the
          sharing requirements of Paragraph 8.1 and the regulatory filing
          requirements of Paragraph 8.3, the producing Party will retain
          ownership of and title to all Subject Inventions, all Subject Data and
          all Research Materials produced solely by their investigators. Jointly
          developed Subject Inventions, Subject Data and Research Materials will
          be jointly owned except that any Research Resources and/or data
          generated under this CRADA are subject to NIH's right to distribute
          them to others and use them for its own purposes.

9)   In the first sentence of 8.6 Duration of Confidentiality Obligation change
     the term from three (3) years to five (5) years.

     Article 8.6 reads as follows:

     8.6  Duration of Confidentiality Obligation. The obligation to maintain the
          confidentiality of Proprietary/Confidential Information shall expire
          at the earlier of the date when the information is no longer
          Proprietary Information as defined in Article 2.7 or five (5) years
          after the expiration or termination date of this CRADA. The
          Collaborator may request an extension to this term when necessary to
          protect Proprietary/Confidential Information relating to products not
          yet commercialized.

                                NHGRI-Sequenom
                Appendix C--Modifications to PHS 3/15/99 model
                                  Page 5 of 5<PAGE>

                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.39

                         CONSULTING SERVICES AGREEMENT

     THIS AGREEMENT is entered into this 1st day of October, 1996, by and
between Sequenom, Inc. of Boston, MA/USA and Sequenom Instruments GmbH of
Hamburg/Germany (the "Company") and Prof. Dr. Franz Hillenkamp ("Consultant").

     NOW, THEREFORE, it is agreed as follows:

      1.  Definitions
          As used herein:

          (a)  The term "Products" shall mean the devices, reagents, kits and
diagnostic services proposed to be developed by, or with the assistance of,
Consultant hereunder as defined, and with the specifications set forth in
Exhibit A hereto.

          (b)  The term "Technology" shall mean the results and product
(interim and/or final) of the consulting services performed by Consultant
hereunder, whether tangible or intangible, including, without limitation, each
and every invention, formula, trade secret, software program (including without
limitation, object code, source code, flow charts, algorithms and related
documentation), listing, routine, manual, specification, technique, product,
concept, know-how, or similar property, whether or not patentable or
copyrightable, and whether or not embodied in any Products that are made,
developed, perfected, designed conceived or first reduced by practice by
Consultant, either solely or jointly with others, in the course and scope of the
consulting services performed hereunder.

      2.  Engagement or Performance of Services

          (a)  Engagement
               ----------
               The Company hereby engages Consultant to perform consulting
services in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement. The
specific tasks and services to be performed by Consultant are set forth in
Exhibit A attached hereto. If such services include the development of specific
Products, the specifications of such Products are set forth in Exhibit A
attached hereto.

          (b)  Facilities, Equipment and Supplies
               ----------------------------------
               The Company will provide to the Consultant the facilities,
equipment and supplies specified in Exhibit A attached hereto. The Company and
Consultant shall submit joint proposals to suitable funding agencies such as the
Commission of the European Communities or the German Federal Department of
Education and Research (BMBF), to cover all added costs incurred through the
joint research project conducted under this Agreement and deemed necessary to
achieve the milestones defined in Exhibit B (6). Consultant shall, at his own
cost and expense, provide all other facilities, equipment and supplies necessary
to perform the consulting services hereunder.

          (c)  Other Services
               --------------
               The Company acknowledges and agrees that, subject to its
obligations hereunder, Consultant shall have the right to engage in researches
and development and consulting activities in all areas other than MALDI analysis
of nucleic acids. Such activities in the field of MALDI analysis of nucleic
acids are permissible, provided, however, that Consultant
<PAGE>

shall not perform any consulting services for an actual or potential competitor
of the Company during the term of this Agreement and for a period of one (1)
year after termination of this Agreement.

          (d)  Primary Duty
               ------------
               The Company and the Consultant recognize that Consultant's
primary duty as a member of the University of Munster (the "University") is to
the University. The Company and the Consultant agree that the University's
policies and Consultant's obligations to the University shall be observed in the
event a conflict arises with this Agreement. The same applies to funding
agencies who fund Consultant's research through research contracts with the
University of Munster or by funds administered by the University of Munster.

          (e)  Compensation
               ------------
               As compensation for the consulting services provided by
Consultant hereunder, the Company shall pay to Consultant the amounts specified,
at the time(s) specified, on Exhibit B attached hereto.

          (f)  Expenses
               --------
               In addition to the compensation specified in subsection 2(e), the
Company will pay reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Consultant and
approved in advance by the Company in the furtherance of or in connection with
the performance of consulting services hereunder.

          (g)  No Violation of Others' Rights
               ------------------------------
               Consultant represents and warrants that in the course of
performing services hereunder Consultant will not infringe or wrongfully
appropriate any patents, copyrights, trade secret rights, or other intellectual
property rights of any person or entity anywhere in the world.

      3.  Protection of Confidential Information

          On or before the date hereof, the Company and the Consultant shall
have entered into a separate agreement regarding Consultant's use of
confidential information (attached as Exhibit C).

      4.  Property Rights
          All rights, title and interest in and to the Products (if any) and the
Technology developed under this Agreement shall at all times be and remain the
sole and exclusive property of the Company, and the Products and the Technology
shall be deemed to works make for hire.  The parties agree that any patents,
trademarks or copyrights that may issue relating to any of the Products or the
Technology shall be in the name of and assigned to the Company.  Patents and
rights resulting from research and development, the results of which are
disclosed to the Company before or at the time of signature of this Agreement
can be licensed and/or sold by Company only with Consultant's written consent.
In case the Company has an interest in developing the technology, a license
agreement shall be negotiated according to standard and fair marketing
conditions.
<PAGE>

      5.  Term and Termination
          The term of this Agreement shall be as set forth in Exhibit A attached
hereto.  Unless otherwise specified in Exhibit A, either party may terminate
this Agreement at any time upon thirty ( 30) days written notice delivered to
the other.  The provision of Sections 3 and 4 hereof shall survive the
termination of this Agreement.

      6.  Miscellaneous
          (a)  Use of University's Name
               ------------------------
               With the limited exception of citing Consultant's faculty title,
the Company and its affiliates will not use the names, likeness, or logos of the
University, any of its schools or divisions in any of their fund raising or in
investment documents, general publications, advertisements, or marketing and
promotional materials without the prior written permission of the University.

          (b)  Relationship of Parties
               -----------------------
               Consultant shall at all times during the performance of his
services hereunder be an independent contractor, maintaining sole and exclusive
control over its business and operations. At no time will either party hold
itself out to be the agent, employee, lessee, sublessee, partner or joint
venturer of the other party. Neither party hereto shall have the express or
implied right or authority to assume or create any obligation on behalf of or in
the name of the other party, or to bind the other party in regard to any
contract, agreement or undertaking with any third party.

          (c)  Entire Agreement
               ----------------
               This Agreement, together with the exhibits attached hereto,
constitutes the entire Agreement between the parties relating to the subject
matter hereof and supersedes all prior written or oral negotiations,
representations or agreements.  No modification of this Agreement shall be
binding on either party unless it is in writing and signed by both parties.

          (d)  Severability
               ------------
               The provisions of this Agreement are severable, and if one or
more provisions are judicially determined to be illegal or otherwise
unenforceable, in whole or in part, the remaining provisions or portions of this
Agreement shall nevertheless be binding on and enforceable by and between the
parties hereto.

          (e)  Assignment
               ----------
               This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon
the successors and assigns of the parties hereto; provided, however, that
Consultant and Company shall not transfer or assign this Agreement without the
prior written consent of the other party.

          (f)  Governing Law
               -------------
               The rights and obligations of the parties to this Agreement shall
be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts.

          (g)  Headings
               --------
               Section headings are for convenience of reference only and shall
not be considered in the interpretation of this Agreement.
<PAGE>

          (h)  Unavoidable Delays
               ------------------
               Either party shall be excused for any delays or defaults in the
performance of this Agreement (except the payment of amounts due and payable
hereunder) unavoidably caused by the act of the other, the act of any agent of
the other, the act of any governmental authority, acts of God, the elements, war
litigation, strikes, walkouts, or any other cause beyond its reasonable control.
Each party shall use all reasonable diligence to avoid any such delay or default
and to resume performance under this Agreement as soon as practicable after such
delay or default.

          (i)  Notices
               -------
               All notices, requests, demands and other communications to be
given pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have
been duly given if delivered by hand or mailed by registered or certified mail,
return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or by facsimile transmission if a
true and correct copy is sent the same day by first class mail, postage prepaid,
or by dispatch by in internationally recognized express courier service, and in
each case addressed as follows:

               If to Consultant:   Prof. Dr. Franz Hillenkamp
               ----------------    Bahlmannstr. 5
                                   D-48147 Munster

               If to the Company:  Sequenom, Inc.
               -----------------   c/o Sequenom Instruments GmbH
                                   Mendelssohnstrasse 15 D
                                   D-22761 Hamburg/Germany
                                   Attn.:  Prof.  Dr. Hubert Koester

               with copy to:       Foley, Hoag & Eliot
               ------------        One Post Office Square
                                   Boston, MA 02109/USA
                                   Attn.: David Pearson, Esq.

or such other address as either party hereto shall have designated by notice in
writing to the other party.

          (j)  Attorney's Fees and Costs
               -------------------------
               Should litigation arise concerning the enforcement or
interpretation of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to
recover its reasonable attorney's fees and costs as determined by the court.
<PAGE>

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Agreement on the
date first above written.

SEQUENOM, Inc.                                   CONSULTANT:

By:  /s/  Fareed Kureshy                          /s/    Franz Hillenkamp
   ----------------------------                  -----------------------------
Title: President                                 9/1/96
      -------------------------

                           SEQUENOM Instrument GmbH:

                           By:  /s/  Helmut Shuhsler
                               ------------------------
Title:                         illegible
                               ------------------------

                           Sequenom Instruments GmbH
                             Mendelssohnstr. 15 D
                                 22761 Hamburg
                             Tel. 040 - 89 96 76-0
                             Fax. 040/89 96 76-10
<PAGE>

CONSULTING AGREEMENT
Prof. Dr. F. Hillenkamp /Aug. 1996                                          -6-
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   EXHIBIT A
                                   ---------

                                     TERM

The term of the Agreement shall be the period from June 1, 1996 to May 31, 1999,
subject to termination in accordance with Section 5.

                       DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES AND TASKS

The Consultant will:

(1)  provide advice and technical assistance to Sequenom on all aspects of mass
     spectrometry of nucleic acids, including sample presentation and
     applications in the area of DNA/RNA detection, the development of
     technologies to improve reproducibility, sensitivity and resolution as well
     as extension of mass range in MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry of nucleic acids;

(2)  provide technical advice that will assist Sequenom in its applications for
     patents for technology currently developed by Sequenom, or developed by and
     for Sequenom during the period of his consultantship, in particular
     defining aspects of these technologies that distinguish them from prior
     art;

(3)  assist Sequenom in locating and recruiting for employment personnel skilled
     in mass spectrometry and related technologies, with appropriate expertise
     in instrument design, construction and specific application areas;

(4)  make every reasonable effort to attend all meetings of the Scientific
     Advisory Board and participate in all discussions and decisions related to
     strategies, technical approaches and technical progress for the overall
     project;

and, in addition to regular communication with Sequenom personnel via telephone,
fax, courier or normal mail, spend up to two days per month at Sequenom
Instruments GmbH, Hamburg/Germany, or the location of Sequenom, Inc. in the USA.
<PAGE>

CONSULTING AGREEMENT
Prof. Dr. F. Hillenkamp /Aug. 1996                                          -7-
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   EXHIBIT B
                                   ---------
                       COMPENSATION AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE

In return, Sequenom will provide to the Consultant:

(1)  ***

(2)  ***

(3)  ***

(4)  ***

(5)  options to purchase 9,000 shares of the common stock of Sequenom, with
     3,000 of such options to vest on June 30, 1997, 3,000 to vest on June 30,
     1998, and the remaining 3,000 shares to vest on June 30, 1999; such options
     shall have an exercise price per share equal to the fair market value of
     the common stock on the date of grant as determined by the Board of
     Directors;

(6)  options to purchase 15,000 shares of the common stock of Sequenom, with
     such options to be portioned in number in accordance with the priorities
     set for the three milestones below, and such options to vest in full on
     June 30, 2004, provided, however, that the vesting of the defined portions
     of such shares shall be accelerated upon completion of each of the
     following milestones:

     (a)  ***

     (b)  ***

     (c)  ***

(7)  the options shall have an exercise price per share equal to the fair market
     value of the common stock on the date of grant as determined by the Board
     of Directors.

*** Portions of this page have been ommitted pursuant to a request for
Confidential Treatment and filed separately with the commission.
<PAGE>

CONSULTING AGREEMENT
Prof. Dr. F. Hillenkamp /Aug. 1996                                          -8-
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   EXHIBIT C
                                   ---------

                           CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT

Under tile terms of tile Consulting Agreement, the Consultant is under
obligation not to disclose any business information or Company secrets to
unauthorized parties and/or to persons outside the Company.

Maintaining confidentiality is a constituent part of the Consultant's loyalty to
the Company and protects business and Company secrets.  Company secrets are data
and materials identified as confidential or those which, upon careful
consideration, a Consultant can recognize as being confidential (e.g. technical
expertise, even if not patentable, supply sources for goods, customer lists,
price schedules, calculations, investment plans, etc., including also the
Consultant's own inventions made in the performance of the Consulting Agreement.

Details of any production or analytical methods of which the Consultant may gain
knowledge and regarding which the Company as license holder is committed to
maintain strictest confidentiality are also classified as secret.  This applies
to details of production processes to which the Company has gained access in the
course of an exchange of know-how with another Company or which are classified
secret by the Company under its commitment to confidentiality with another
Company.

The Consultant further undertakes to maintain strictest confidentiality
regarding all matters of the Company's business also after termination of the
Consulting Agreement.  In this context the Consultant is obliged, if so
required, to sign a respective personal commitment to confidentiality vis-a-vis
third parties.

In the event of any violation of this Agreement to confidentiality, the Company
is entitled to impose a penalty for each violation, without prejudice to the
Company's right to claim for higher damages, or the Company's right to
termination of the Consulting Agreement.

Consultant retains the right to publish results obtained as a result of or in
connection with the services delivered under this Agreement.  Consultant shall
inform Company about intended publications at the earliest convenience and shall
provide Company with all relevant material, in particular draft manuscripts.
Company may delay publication by a maximum of three months if all or part of the
material is deemed to contain patentable material or material which can be
legally protected by other means.  Consultant shall provide Company with all
available material necessary to file for such rights.  In case of other tangible
information, both parties will make every reasonable effort to limit the
published information so as not to interfere with the justified commercial
interest of the Company under the provision that the scientific content of the
publication be retained.

Consultant:                                 /s/  Franz Hillenkamp       9/1/96
                                           -----------------------------------
                                           -----------------------------------
                                           Prof. Dr. Franz Hillenkamp

Sequenom, Inc.:                            /s/        Fareed Kureshy
                                           -----------------------------------
                                           Name   Fareed Kureshy
                                           Title: President
<PAGE>

CONSULTING AGREEMENT
Prof. Dr. F. Hillenkamp /Aug. 1996                                          -9-
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sequenom Instruments GmbH:                 /s/    Helmut Schuhsler
                                           -----------------------------------
                                           Name:  Dr. Helmut Schuhsler
                                           Title: (Illegible)

                           Sequenom Instruments GmbH
                             Mendelssohnstr. 15 D
                                 22761 Hamburg
                             Tel. 040 - 89 96 76-0
                             Fax. 040/89 96 76-10

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