Document:

<PAGE>   1
                                                                   Exhibit 10.45

                            SERIES C PREFERRED STOCK

                                       AND

                           WARRANT PURCHASE AGREEMENT

                                     BETWEEN

                                ROCHE FINANCE LTD

                                       AND

                              DECODE GENETICS, INC.

                          DATED AS OF FEBRUARY 1, 1998
<PAGE>   2
                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             Page
                                                                             ----
<S>                                                                          <C>
1. AGREEMENT TO SELL AND PURCHASE ...................................          1
   1.1       Authorization of Shares ................................          1
   1.2       Sale and Purchase ......................................          2
   1.3       Option .................................................          2
   1.4       Purchase Price .........................................          3
   1.5       Conversion Prior to Occurrence of All Closings .........          3

2. CLOSING, DELIVERY AND PAYMENT ....................................          4
   2.1       Closing ................................................          4
   2.2       Delivery ...............................................          5

3. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF COMPANY ........................          5
   3.1       Organization, Good Standing and Qualification ..........          5
   3.2       Capitalization; Voting Rights ..........................          6
   3.3       Authorization; Binding Obligations .....................          7
   3.4       Financial Statement ....................................          7
   3.5       Liabilities ............................................          8
   3.6       Agreements; Action .....................................          8
   3.7       Obligations to, of Related Parties .....................          9
   3.8       Changes ................................................         10
   3.9       Title to Properties and Assets; Liens ..................         11
   3.10      Patents and Trademarks .................................         12
   3.11      Compliance with Other Instruments ......................         13
   3.12      Litigation .............................................         13
   3.13      Employees ..............................................         14
   3.14      Proprietary Information
             and Inventions Agreement ...............................         14
   3.15      Compliance with Laws; Permits ..........................         14
   3.16      CERCLA Superfund Requirements ..........................         15
   3.17      Offering Valid .........................................         16
   3.18      Full Disclosure ........................................         16
   3.19      Real Property Holding Corporation ......................         16
   3.20      Insurance ..............................................         16
   3.21      Board of Directors .....................................         17
   3.22      Use of Proceeds ........................................         17
   3.23      Taxes ..................................................         17
   3.24      Investments in Other Persons ...........................         17
   3.25      ERISA ..................................................         17
   3.26      Issuance of Series B Preferred .........................         18
   3.27      Initial Public Offering ................................         18
   3.28      Future Issuance of Common Stock ........................         18

4. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PURCHASER ......................         18
   4.1       Requisite Power and Authority ..........................         18
   4.2       Investment Representations .............................         19
   4.3       Transfer Restrictions ..................................         21
</TABLE>

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<TABLE>
<S>                                                                          <C>
5. CONDITIONS TO CLOSING ............................................         21
   5.1       Conditions to Purchaser's
             Obligations at Closing .................................         21
   5.2       Conditions to Obligations of the Company ...............         23

6. MISCELLANEOUS ....................................................         23
   6.1       Governing Law ..........................................         23
   6.2       Survival ...............................................         24
   6.3       Successors and Assigns .................................         24
   6.4       Entire Agreement .......................................         24
   6.5       Severability ...........................................         24
   6.6       Amendment and Waiver ...................................         24
   6.7       Delays or Omissions ....................................         24
   6.8       Indemnification ........................................         25
   6.9       Notices ................................................         25
   6.10      Expenses ...............................................         26
   6.11      Headings ...............................................         26
   6.12      Counterparts ...........................................         26
   6.13      Broker's Fees ..........................................         26
   6.14      Pronouns ...............................................         26
</TABLE>

                                    EXHIBITS

<TABLE>
<S>           <C>
EXHIBIT A     Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation

EXHIBIT B     Exercise Form

EXHIBIT C     Form of Warrant

EXHIBIT D     Investor Rights Agreement

EXHIBIT E     Schedule of Exceptions

EXHIBIT F     Stockholder List

EXHIBIT G     Financial Statements

EXHIBIT H     Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement

EXHIBIT I     Voting Agreement

EXHIBIT J     Form of Legal Opinion
</TABLE>

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                            SERIES C PREFERRED STOCK
                         AND WARRANT PURCHASE AGREEMENT

         THIS SERIES C PREFERRED STOCK AND WARRANT PURCHASE AGREEMENT (this
"Agreement") is entered into as of February 1, 1998, by and among deCODE
genetics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), having offices at
Lynghalsi 1, IS-110 Reykjavik, Iceland, and Roche Finance Ltd, a Swiss company,
and having offices at 124 Grenzacherstrasse CH-4070, Basel, Switzerland (the
"Purchaser").

                             PRELIMINARY STATEMENTS

         A. The Company and the Purchaser are entering into that certain
Research Collaboration and License Agreement (the "Research Agreement") of even
date herewith, pursuant to which, inter alia, the Company has granted to the
Purchaser certain license rights with respect to the technology identified
therein.

         B. The Company has authorized the sale and issuance of an aggregate of
up to 4,166,667 shares (the "Shares") of its Series C Preferred Stock, par value
US$0.001 per share ("Series C Preferred Stock"), and the sale and issuance of
warrants (the "Warrants") to purchase an aggregate of up to an additional
416,667 shares (the "Warrant Shares") of Series C Preferred Stock.

         C. The Company wishes to issue and sell to the Purchaser, and the
Purchaser wishes to purchase from the Company, the Shares and the Warrants on
the terms and conditions set forth herein.

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing statements and the
mutual covenants and agreements of the parties contained in this Agreement, the
parties hereto agree as follows:

         1.       AGREEMENT TO SELL AND PURCHASE.

         1.1 Authorization of Shares. On or prior to each Closing (as defined
herein), the Company shall have authorized: (i) the sale and issuance to
Purchaser of the Shares and the Warrants; (ii) the sale and issuance of the
Warrant Shares upon the exercise of the Warrants; and (iii) the issuance of such
shares of common stock of the Company, par value US$0.001 per share (the "Common
Stock"), to be issued upon conversion of the Shares and the Warrant Shares (the
"Conversion Shares"). The Shares, the Warrant Shares and the Conversion Shares
shall have the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions set forth in the
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation attached as Exhibit A (the
"Amended Certificate of Incorporation").
<PAGE>   5
         1.2 Sale and Purchase. Subject to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement, at each Closing the Company hereby agrees to issue and sell to the
Purchaser, and the Purchaser agrees to purchase from the Company:

                  (a) Upon the later of: (i) the Effective Date (as such term is
defined in the Research Agreement), or (ii) the business day immediately
following the date on which the Purchaser receives a copy of the Amended
Certificate of Incorporation filed as required under Section 5.1(d) and file
stamped by the Delaware, USA Secretary of State, 2,500,000 Shares and Warrants
to purchase 250,000 Warrant Shares, the exercise price of each Warrant Share to
equal the purchase price paid for each such Share.

                  (b) Upon the first anniversary of the later of the events
referred to in Section 1.2(a), 555,555 Shares and Warrants to purchase 55,555
Warrant Shares, the exercise price of each Warrant Share to equal the purchase
price paid for each such Share.

                  (c) Upon the mapping of a Disease (as such term is defined in
the Research Agreement) to a chromosomal location (as provided in Section
8.2(a)(i) of the Research Agreement), 555,556 Shares and Warrants to purchase
55,556 Warrant Shares, the exercise price of each Warrant Share to equal the
purchase price paid for each such Share.

         The Company shall promptly provide the Purchaser with notice of the
occurrence of the events set forth in Sections 1.2(b) and (c).

         1.3      Option.

                  (a) During the period commencing upon the Effective Date and
terminating on the third anniversary of the Effective Date (the "Option Term"),
the Purchaser shall have the right, but not the obligation (the "Option"), to
purchase from the Company, and if the Option is exercised as provided in this
Section 1.3 the Company shall sell and issue to the Purchaser, up to 555,556
Shares.

                  (b) If during the Option Term the Purchaser is interested in
exercising the Option, the Purchaser shall give the Company notice of such
interest (a "Notice of Interest").

                  (c) In the event that the Purchaser gives the Company a timely
Notice of Interest, promptly thereafter the Company shall disclose to the
Purchaser then current information with respect to the subject matter set forth
in Section 3. If following the receipt of such disclosure, the Purchaser wishes
to exercise the Option, it shall execute and deliver to the Company,
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within sixty (60) days after receipt of all such disclosure from the Company,
the exercise form (the "Exercise Form") attached as Exhibit B.

                  (d) In connection with the exercise of the Option during the
Option Term, the Company will sell to the Purchaser Warrants to purchase the
number of Warrant Shares that bears the same proportion to 55,556 as the number
of Shares purchased pursuant to the Option bears to 555,556, the exercise price
of each Warrant Share to equal the purchase price paid for each such Share.

         1.4      Purchase Price.

                  (a) The per share purchase price of the Shares to be purchased
at the First Closing (as defined herein) shall be Two U.S. Dollars (US$2.00) per
Share.

                  (b) The per share purchase price of the Shares to be purchased
at the Second Closing (as defined herein) shall be Three U.S. Dollars (US$3.00)
per Share.

                  (c) The per share purchase price of the Shares to be purchased
at the Third Closing (as defined herein) shall be Three U.S. Dollars (US$3.00)
per Share.

                  (d) The per share purchase price of the Shares to be purchased
at the Fourth Closing (as defined herein), if any, shall be Four U.S. Dollars
(US$4.00) per Share.

                  (e) The purchase price of the Warrants to be purchased at the
First Closing, Second Closing, Third Closing and Fourth Closing shall be
US$0.001 per underlying Warrant Share.

         1.5 Conversion Prior to Occurrence of All Closings. In the event that
all of the outstanding Series C Preferred Stock is, at any time prior to the
occurrence of all of the Closings, converted in accordance with the Amended
Certificate of Incorporation into shares of Common Stock, then at each Closing
thereafter: (i) the Company will issue, and the Purchaser will purchase, that
number of shares of Common Stock into which the Shares purchasable at such
Closing would have been converted upon such conversion if they had been
outstanding at the time of such conversion; and (ii) the Company will issue, and
the Purchaser will purchase, warrants to purchase that number of shares of
Common Stock into which the Warrant Shares underlying the Warrants purchasable
at such closing would have been converted upon such conversion if such Warrant
Shares had been outstanding at the time of such conversion. For purposes of this
Agreement, following any such conversion, except where context dictates
otherwise: the term "Shares" shall mean the

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aggregate number of shares of Common Stock issuable pursuant to clause (i)
above; the term "Warrants" shall mean the warrants to purchase Common Stock
issuable pursuant to clause (ii) above; and the term "Warrants Shares" shall
mean the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock issuable pursuant to the
exercise of the warrants issuable pursuant to clause (ii) above.

2.       CLOSING, DELIVERY AND PAYMENT.

         2.1      Closing.

                  (a) The closing of the sale and purchase of the Shares under
this Agreement in connection with the occurrence of the later of the events set
forth in Section 1.2(a) (such closing, the "First Closing") shall take place at
5:00 p.m. on the date of such later event (the "First Closing Date").

                  (b) The closing of the sale and purchase of the Shares and
Warrants under this Agreement in connection with the occurrence of the event set
forth in Section 1.2(b) (such closing, the "Second Closing") shall take place at
5:00 p.m. on the tenth business day following the date on which the Purchaser
receives notice of such event (the "Second Closing Date").

                  (c) The closing of the sale and purchase of the Shares and
Warrants under this Agreement in connection with the occurrence of the event set
forth in Section 1.2(c) (such closing, the "Third Closing") shall take place at
5:00 p.m. on the tenth business day immediately following the date on which the
Purchaser receives notice of such event (the "Third Closing Date").

                  (d) The closing of the sale and purchase of the Shares and
Warrants under this Agreement, if any, in connection with the Purchaser's
exercise of the Option (such closing, the "Fourth Closing") (each of the First
Closing, Second Closing, Third Closing and Fourth Closing, a "Closing" and
collectively, the "Closings") shall take place at 5:00 p.m. on the tenth
business day immediately following the date on which the Company receives the
Exercise Form executed by the Purchaser (the "Fourth Closing Date") (the First
Closing Date, Second Closing Date, Third Closing Date and Fourth Closing Date,
each a "Closing Date" and collectively, the "Closing Dates").

                  (e) Each Closing shall take place at the offices of Smith,
Stratton, Wise, Heher & Brennan, 600 College Road East, Princeton, New Jersey,
USA, or at such other time or place the Company and Purchaser may mutually
agree.

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         2.2      Delivery.

                  (a) At each Closing, subject to the terms and conditions of
this Agreement, the Company shall deliver to the Purchaser a certificate
representing the shares of Series C Preferred Stock and a certificate,
substantially in the form of Exhibit C, representing the Warrants that the
Purchaser is purchasing, against payment of the purchase price therefor by
check, wire transfer, cancellation of indebtedness, or such other form of
payment as shall be mutually agreed upon by the Purchaser and the Company. In
the event that payment by a Purchaser is made, in whole or in part, by
cancellation of indebtedness, then such Purchaser shall surrender to the Company
for cancellation at the Closing any evidence of such indebtedness or shall
execute an instrument of cancellation in form and substance acceptable to the
Company.

                  (b) At the first closing, the Company shall deliver to the
Purchaser an Investor Rights Agreement, in the form attached as Exhibit D (the
"Investor Rights Agreement"), executed by the Company and all of the other
parties thereto other than the Purchaser, and the Purchaser shall deliver to the
Company an Investor Rights Agreement, in the form attached as Exhibit D,
executed by the Purchaser.

3.       REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF COMPANY.

         Except as set forth on the Schedule of Exceptions attached as Exhibit
E, the Company hereby represents and warrants to each Purchaser as follows:

         3.1      Organization, Good Standing and Qualification. The Company is
a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the
laws of the State of Delaware, USA. The Company has all requisite corporate
power and authority to own and operate its properties and assets, to execute and
deliver this Agreement and the Investor Rights Agreement, to issue and sell the
Shares, the Warrants, the Warrant Shares and the Conversion Shares and to carry
out the provisions of this Agreement, the Investor Rights Agreement and the
Amended Certificate of Incorporation and to carry on its business as presently
conducted and as presently proposed to be conducted. The Company is duly
qualified and is authorized to do business and is in good standing as a foreign
corporation in all jurisdictions in which the nature of its activities and of
its properties (both owned and leased) makes such qualification necessary,
except for those jurisdictions in which failure to do so would not have a
material adverse effect on the Company or its business. The Company owns no
equity securities of

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any other corporation, limited partnership or similar entity. The Company is not
a participant in any joint venture, partnership or similar arrangement.

         3.2      Capitalization; Voting Rights. The authorized capital stock of
the Company, immediately prior to the First Closing, will consist of: (i)
forty-five million (45,000,000) shares of Common Stock, (A) seven million two
hundred five thousand (7,205,000) shares of which are issued and outstanding,
(B) one million nine hundred thousand (1,900,000) shares of which are reserved
for issuance to employees, officers or directors of, or consultants or advisors
to, the Company (including members of the Company's Scientific Advisory Board)
or any subsidiary, pursuant to stock purchase or stock option plans or other
arrangements that are approved by the Board of Directors of the Company, of
which shares one million one hundred seventy thousand (1,170,000) shares have
been issued and are outstanding and are reflected as such in clause (i)(A) of
this Section 3.2, (C) twelve million one hundred ninety thousand three hundred
seventy-five (12,190,375) shares of which are reserved for issuance upon
conversion into Common Stock of outstanding shares, or shares that the Company
is obligated to issue pursuant to any rights or agreements outstanding as of the
date hereof, of Series A Preferred Stock, par value US$0.001 per share (the
"Series A Preferred Stock"), and (D) one million one hundred thirty-seven
thousand eight hundred fourteen (1,137,814) shares of which are reserved for
issuance upon conversion of Series A Preferred Stock issuable upon exercise of
the outstanding warrants for Series A Preferred Stock (the "Series A Preferred
Warrants"); and (ii) thirty million (30,000,000) shares of Preferred Stock, (A)
thirteen million four hundred thousand (13,400,000) shares of which are
designated Series A Preferred Stock, eleven million eight hundred ninety
thousand three hundred seventy-five (11,890,375) shares of which are issued and
outstanding, and one million one hundred thirty-seven thousand eight hundred
fourteen (1,137,814) shares of which are reserved for issuance upon exercise of
the Series A Preferred Warrants and three hundred thousand (300,000) shares of
which are reserved for issuance pursuant to that certain Settlement Agreement by
and between the Company and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Inc. dated as
of December 31, 1997, (B) five million (5,000,000) shares of which are
designated Series B Preferred Stock, par value US$0.001 per share (the "Series B
Preferred Stock"), none of which is issued and outstanding, and (C) four million
five hundred eighty-three thousand three hundred thirty-four (4,583,334) shares
of which are designated Series C Preferred Stock, none of which is issued and
outstanding. All issued and outstanding shares of the Company's Common Stock and
Series A Preferred Stock (x) have been duly authorized and validly issued to the
persons listed on Exhibit F, (y) are fully paid and nonassessable, and (z) were
issued in

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compliance with all applicable United States federal and state laws concerning
the issuance of securities. The rights, preferences privileges and restrictions
of the Shares are as stated in the Amended Certificate of Incorporation. The
Warrant Shares and the Conversion Shares have been duly and validly reserved for
issuance. Other than as set forth on Exhibit F, and except as may be provided in
the Amended Certificate of Incorporation or granted pursuant to the Investor
Rights Agreement, there are no outstanding options, warrants, rights (including
conversion or preemptive rights and rights of first refusal), proxy or
shareholder agreements, or agreements of any kind for the purchase or
acquisition from the Company of any of its securities. When issued in compliance
with the provisions of this Agreement, the Amended Certificate of Incorporation
and the Warrants (if applicable), the Shares, Warrants, Warrant Shares and
Conversion Shares will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and will
be free of any liens or encumbrances; provided, however, that the Shares,
Warrants, Warrant Shares and Conversion Shares may be subject to restrictions on
transfer under United States federal and/or state securities laws as set forth
herein or as otherwise required by such laws at the time a transfer is proposed.

         3.3      Authorization; Binding Obligations. All corporate action on
the part of the Company, its officers, directors and stockholders necessary for
the authorization of this Agreement and the Investor Rights Agreement, the
performance of all obligations of the Company hereunder and thereunder at each
Closing and the authorization, sale, issuance and delivery of the Shares and the
Warrants pursuant to this Agreement, the Warrant Shares pursuant to the
Warrants, and the Conversion Shares pursuant to the Amended Certificate of
Incorporation has been taken or will be taken prior to the First Closing. The
Agreement and the Investor Rights Agreement, when executed and delivered, will
be valid and binding obligations of the Company enforceable in accordance with
their terms, except (i) as limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium or other laws of general application affecting
enforcement of creditors' rights; (ii) general principles of equity that
restrict the availability of equitable remedies; and (iii) to the extent that
the enforceability of the indemnification provisions in Section 2.10 of the
Investor Rights Agreement may be limited by applicable United States federal or
state laws. The sale of the Shares and the subsequent conversion of the Shares
into Conversion Shares, and the sale of the Warrants and the issuance of the
Warrant Shares are not and will not be subject to any preemptive rights or
rights of first refusal that have not been properly waived or complied with.

         3.4      Financial Statement. The Company has delivered to the
Purchaser: (i) its audited balance sheet as at December 31, 1996,

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together with its audited statements of income and cash flows for the year then
ended, and (ii) its unaudited balance sheet (the "Balance Sheet") as at
September 30, 1997 (the "Balance Sheet Date"), together with statements of
income and cash flows for the nine-month period then ended (all of the
foregoing, collectively, the "Financial Statements"), copies of which is
attached as Exhibit G. The Financial Statement, together with the notes thereto,
if any, present fairly and accurately the financial condition and position of
the Company as of the dates and for the periods to which they relate.

         3.5      Liabilities. The Company has no material liabilities, and is
not aware of any material contingent liabilities not disclosed in the Balance
Sheet, except current liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business
subsequent to the Balance Sheet Date which have not been, either in any
individual case or in the aggregate, materially adverse.

         3.6      Agreements; Action. Except for agreements explicitly
contemplated hereby:

                  (a) There are no agreements, understandings or proposed
transactions between the Company and any of its officers, directors, affiliates
or any affiliate thereof.

                  (b) There are no agreements, understandings, instruments,
contracts, proposed transactions, judgments, orders, writs or decrees to which
the Company is a party or to its knowledge by which it is bound which may
involve (i) obligations (contingent or otherwise) of, or payments to, the
Company in excess of $50,000 (other than obligations of, or payments to, the
Company arising from or entered into in the ordinary course of business), or
(ii) the license of any patent, copyright, trade secret or other proprietary
right to or from the Company (other than licenses arising from the purchase of
"off the shelf" or other standard products), or (iii) provisions restricting or
affecting the development, manufacture or distribution of the Company's products
or services, or (iv) indemnification by the Company with respect to
infringements of proprietary rights (other than indemnification obligations
arising from purchase or sale agreements entered into in the ordinary course of
business).

                  (c) The Company has not (i) declared or paid any dividends, or
authorized or made any distribution upon or with respect to any class or series
of its capital stock, (ii) incurred any indebtedness for money borrowed or any
other liabilities (other than with respect to dividend obligations,
distributions, indebtedness and other obligations incurred in the ordinary
course of business or as disclosed in the Balance Sheet) individually in

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<PAGE>   12
excess of $50,000 or, in the case of indebtedness and/or liabilities
individually less than $50,000, in excess of $100,000 in the aggregate, (iii)
made any loans or advances to any person, other than ordinary advances for
travel expenses, or (iv) sold, exchanged or otherwise disposed of any of its
assets or rights, other than the sale of its inventory in the ordinary course of
business.

                  (d) For purposes of Sections 3.6(b) and (c), all indebtedness,
liabilities, agreements, understandings, instruments, contracts and proposed
transactions involving the same person or entity (including persons or entities
that the Company has reason to believe are affiliated with such person or
entity) shall be aggregated for the purpose of meeting the individual minimum
dollar amounts of such Sections.

                  (e) The Company has not engaged in the past three (3) months,
and as of the date of this Agreement is not engaged, in any discussion (i) with
any representative of any corporation or corporations regarding the
consolidation or merger of the Company with or into any such corporation or
corporations; (ii) with any corporation, partnership, association or other
business entity or any individual regarding the sale, conveyance or disposition
of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, or a transaction or
series of transactions in which more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting
power of the Company would be disposed of; or (iii) regarding any other form of
acquisition, liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company.

         3.7      Obligations to, of Related Parties.

                  (a) There are no obligations of the Company to officers,
directors, stockholders, or employees of the Company other than (i) for payment
of salary for services rendered, (ii) reimbursement for reasonable expenses
incurred on behalf of the Company and (iii) for other standard employee benefits
made generally available to all employees (including agreements outstanding
under any stock option or stock purchase plan or other arrangement approved by
the Board). None of the officers or directors of the Company has a business
relationship (other than as a director, officer or employee) with the Company or
has any direct or indirect ownership interest in any firm or corporation with
which the Company has a business relationship; provided, however, that direct or
indirect ownership of less than a five percent (5%) interest in any entity shall
not constitute an "ownership interest" for purposes of this Section 3.7. Except
as may be disclosed in the Balance Sheet, the Company is not a guarantor or
indemnitor of any indebtedness of any other person, firm or corporation.

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<PAGE>   13
                  (b) Each employee, officer or director of or consultant to the
Company who has been issued shares of Common Stock is a signatory to, and is
bound by, a Founder's Stock Purchase Agreement, with stock transfer restrictions
and rights of first offer in favor of the Company in a form previously approved
by the Board of Directors. Each Founder's Stock Purchase Agreement contains a
vesting schedule previously approved by the Board of Directors. In addition,
each employee, officer or director of or consultant to the Company who has been
issued options, warrants or other rights to acquire shares of Common Stock
pursuant to any stock purchase or stock option plans or other arrangements that
are approved by the Board of Directors of the Company will, as a condition to
the exercise of such options, warrants or rights, execute a stock purchase
agreement or stock option agreement that contains stock transfer restrictions
and rights of first offer in favor of the Company, and a vesting schedule, all
in a form approved by the Board of Directors.

         3.8      Changes. Since the Balance Sheet Date, to the Company's
knowledge there has not been:

                  (a) Any change in the assets, liabilities, financial condition
or operations of the Company from that reflected in the Balance Sheet, other
than changes in the ordinary course of business, none of which individually or
in the aggregate has had or is expected to have a material adverse effect on
such assets, liabilities, financial condition or operations of the Company.

                  (b) Any resignation or termination of any key officers of the
Company; and the Company, to its knowledge, does not know of the impending
resignation or termination of employment of any such officer.

                  (c) Any material change, except in the ordinary course of
business, in the contingent obligations of the Company by way of guaranty,
endorsement, indemnity, warranty or otherwise.

                  (d) Any damage, destruction or loss, whether or not covered by
insurance, materially and adversely affecting the properties, business or
prospects or financial condition of the Company.

                  (e) Any waiver by the Company of any material debt owed to it.

                  (f) Any direct or indirect loans made by the Company to any
stockholder, employee, officer or director of the Company, other than advances
made in the ordinary course of business.

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<PAGE>   14
                  (g) Any material change in any compensation arrangement or
agreement with any employee, officer, director or stockholder.

                  (h) Any declaration or payment of any dividend or other
distribution of the assets of the Company.

                  (i) Any labor organization activity.

                  (j) Any debt, obligation or liability incurred, assumed or
guaranteed by the Company, except those for immaterial amounts and for current
liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business.

                  (k) Any sale, assignment or transfer of any patents,
trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets or other intangible assets.

                  (l) Any material change in any material agreement to which the
Company is a party or by which it is bound which materially and adversely
affects the business, assets, liabilities, financial condition, operations or
prospects of the Company.

                  (m) Any other event or condition of any character that, either
individually or cumulatively, has materially and adversely affected the
business, assets, liabilities, financial condition, operations or prospects of
the Company.

         3.9      Title to Properties and Assets; Liens. The Company has good
and marketable title to its properties and assets, including the properties and
assets reflected in the Balance Sheet, and good title to its leasehold estates,
in each case subject to no mortgage, pledge, lien, lease, encumbrance or charge,
other than (i) those resulting from taxes which have not yet become delinquent,
(ii) minor liens and encumbrances which do not materially detract from the value
of the property subject thereto or materially impair the operations of the
Company, and (iii) those that have otherwise arisen in the ordinary course of
business. All facilities, machinery, equipment, fixtures, vehicles and other
properties owned, leased or used by the Company are in good operating condition
and repair and are reasonably fit and usable for the purposes for which they are
being used. Each lease of real or personal property to which the Company is a
party is fully effective, affords the Company peaceful and undisturbed
possession of the subject matter of the lease and is free of any liens, claims
or encumbrances. To the knowledge of the Company (except with respect to its own
obligations and enforceability against itself), each such lease constitutes a
valid and binding obligation of, and

                                       11
<PAGE>   15
is enforceable in accordance with its terms against, the respective parties
thereto.

         3.10     Patents and Trademarks. To its knowledge, the Company owns or
possesses sufficient legal rights to all patents, trademarks, service marks,
trade names, copyrights, trade secrets, information and other proprietary rights
and processes necessary for its business as now conducted and as proposed to be
conducted (such rights as the Company owns or has a license to, collectively,
the "Intellectual Property Rights"), without any known infringement of the
rights of others. To the Company's knowledge, the Intellectual Property Rights
are valid and enforceable. There are no outstanding options, licenses or
agreements of any kind relating to the Intellectual Property Rights, nor is the
Company bound by or a party to any options, licenses or agreements of any kind
with respect to the patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights,
trade secrets, licenses, information and other proprietary rights and processes
of any other person or entity other than such licenses or agreements arising
from the purchase of "off the shelf" or standard products. The Company has not
received any communications alleging that the Company has violated or, by
conducting its business as proposed would violate, any of the patents,
trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights or trade secrets or other
proprietary rights of any other person or entity, nor is the Company aware of
any basis for any such claim. To the Company's knowledge, no person, corporation
or other entity is infringing any of the Intellectual Property Rights. The
Company is not aware that any of its employees is obligated under any contract
(including licenses, covenants or commitments of any nature) or other agreement,
or subject to any judgment, decree or order of any court or administrative
agency, that would interfere with their duties to the Company or that would
conflict with the Company's business as conducted or proposed to be conducted.
Neither the execution nor the delivery of this Agreement, nor the carrying on of
the Company's business as proposed will, to the Company's knowledge, conflict
with or result in a breach of the terms, conditions or provisions of, or
constitute a default under, any contract, covenant or instrument under which any
employee of the Company is now obligated. The Company does not believe that it
is or will be necessary to utilize any inventions, trade secrets or proprietary
information of any of its employees made prior to their employment by the
Company, except for inventions, trade secrets or proprietary information that
have been assigned to the Company. The Company has no obligation to compensate
others for use of any of the Intellectual Property Rights, nor has the Company
granted any license or other right to use, in any manner, any of the
Intellectual Property Rights, whether or not requiring the payment of royalties.

                                       12
<PAGE>   16
         3.11     Compliance with Other Instruments. The Company is not in
violation or default of any term of its certificate of incorporation as in
effect as of the date hereof, or its Bylaws or, to the knowledge of the Company,
of any provision of any mortgage, indenture, contract, agreement, instrument or
contract to which it is party or by which it is bound or of any judgment,
decree, order, writ or, to its knowledge, any statue, rule or regulation
applicable to the Company which would materially and adversely affect the
business, assets, liabilities, financial condition, operations or prospects of
the Company, and will not be in violation or default of any term of the Amended
Certificate of Incorporation, when such Certificate is filed. The execution,
delivery, and performance of and compliance with this Agreement and the Investor
Rights Agreement, and the issuance and sale of the Shares and the Warrants
pursuant hereto, the issuance of the Warrant Shares upon the exercise of the
Warrants, and the issuance of the Conversion Shares pursuant to the Amended
Certificate of Incorporation, will not, with or without the passage of time or
the giving of notice, result in any such material violation, or be in conflict
with or constitute a default under any such term, or result in the creation of
any mortgage, pledge, lien, encumbrance or charge upon any of the properties or
assets of the Company or the suspension, revocation, impairment, forfeiture or
non-renewal of any permit license, authorization or approval applicable to the
Company, its business or operations or any of its assets or properties.

         3.12     Litigation. There is no action, suit, proceeding or
investigation pending or, to the Company's knowledge, currently threatened
against the Company that questions the validity of this Agreement, or the
Investor Rights Agreement or the right of the Company to enter into any of such
agreements, or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, or
which might result, either individually or in the aggregate, in any material
adverse change in the assets, condition, affairs or prospects of the Company,
financially or otherwise, nor is the Company aware that there is any basis for
the foregoing. The foregoing includes, without limitation, actions pending or
threatened (or any basis therefor known to the Company) involving the prior
employment of any of the Company's employees, their use in connection with the
Company's business of any information or techniques allegedly proprietary to any
of their former employers, or their obligations under any agreements with prior
employers. The Company is not a party or subject to the provisions of any order,
writ, injunction, judgment or decree of any court or government agency or
instrumentality. There is no action, suit, proceeding or investigation by the
Company currently pending or which the Company intends to initiate.

                                       13
<PAGE>   17
         3.13     Employees. The Company has no collective bargaining agreements
with any of its employees. There is no labor union organizing activity pending
or, to the Company's knowledge, threatened with respect to the Company. To the
Company's knowledge, no employee of the Company, nor any consultant with whom
the Company has contracted, is in violation of any term of any employment
contract, proprietary information agreement or any other agreement relating to
the right of any such individual to be employed by, or to contract with, the
Company because of the nature of the business to be conducted by the Company;
and to the Company's knowledge, the continued employment by the Company of its
present employees, and the performance of the Company's contracts with its
independent contractors, will not result in any such violation. The Company has
not received any notice alleging that any such violation has occurred. The
Company is not aware that any officer or key employee, or that any group of key
employees, intends to terminate their employment with the Company, nor does the
Company have a present intention to terminate the employment of any officer, key
employee or group of key employees.

         3.14     Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement. Each current
employee, officer and consultant of the Company has executed a Proprietary
Information and Inventions Agreement in the form of Exhibit H attached.

         3.15     Compliance with Laws; Permits. To its knowledge, the Company
is not in violation of any applicable statute, rule, regulation, order or
restriction of any domestic or foreign government or any instrumentality or
agency thereof in respect of the conduct of its business or the ownership of its
properties which violation would materially and adversely affect the business,
assets, liabilities, financial condition, operations or prospects of the
Company. No governmental orders, permissions, consents, approvals or
authorizations are required to be obtained, and no registrations or declarations
are required to be filed, in connection with the execution and delivery of this
Agreement and the issuance of the Shares, the Warrant Shares or the Conversion
Shares, except such as has been duly and validly obtained or filed, or with
respect to any filings that must be made after the Closing(s), as will be filed
in a timely manner. The Company has all franchises, permits, licenses and any
similar authority necessary for the conduct of its business as now being
conducted by it, the lack of which could materially and adversely affect the
business, properties, prospects or financial condition of the Company and
believes it can obtain, without undue burden or expense, any similar authority
for the conduct of its business as planned to be conducted.

                                       14
<PAGE>   18
         3.16     CERCLA Superfund Requirements.

                  (a) The Company has not caused or allowed, nor has the Company
contacted with any party for, the generation, use, transportation, treatment,
storage or disposal of any Hazardous Substances (as defined below) in connection
with the operations of its business or otherwise.

                  (b) The Company, the operations of its business, and any real
property that the Company owns, leases or otherwise occupies or uses (the
"Premises") are in compliance with all applicable Environmental Laws (as defined
below) and orders or directives of any governmental authorities having
jurisdiction under such Environmental Laws including, without limitation, any
Environmental Laws or orders or directives with respect to any cleanup or
remediation of any release or threat of release of Hazardous Substances.

                  (c) The Company has not received any citation. directive,
letter or other communication, written or oral, or any notice of any
proceedings, claims or lawsuits, from any person, entity or governmental
authority arising out of the ownership or occupation of the Premises, or the
conduct of its operations, nor is it aware of any basis therefor.

                  (d) The Company has obtained and is maintaining in full force
and effect all necessary permits, licenses and approvals required by any
Environmental Laws applicable to the Premises and the business operations
conducted thereon (including operations conducted by tenants on the Premises)
and is in compliance with all such permits, licenses and approvals.

                  (e) The Company has not caused, or allowed a release, or a
threat of a release of any Hazardous Substances, nor to the best of the
Company's knowledge has the Premises or any property at or near the Premises
ever been subject to a release, or a threat of a release, of any Hazardous
Substance.

For purposes or this Section 3.16, the term "Environmental Laws" shall mean any
federal, state or local law, ordinance or regulation pertaining to the
protection of human health or the environment including, without limitation, the
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, 42 U.S.C.
Sections 9601 et seq., the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act,
42 U.S.C. Sections 1101 et seq., and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act,
42 U.S.C. Sections 6901 et seq.

For purposes of this Section 3.16, the term "Hazardous Substances" includes oil
and petroleum products, asbestos, polychlorinated

                                       15
<PAGE>   19
biphenyls and urea formaldehyde, and any other materials classified as hazardous
or toxic under any Environmental Laws.

         3.17     Offering Valid. Assuming the accuracy of the representations
and warranties of the Purchaser contained in Section 4, the offer, sale and
issuance of the Shares, the Warrants, the Warrant Shares and the Conversion
Shares will be exempt from the registration requirements of the United States
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and are exempt from
registration and qualification under the registration, permit or qualification
requirements of all applicable securities laws of any state of the United
States. Neither the Company nor any agent on its behalf has solicited or will
solicit any offers to sell or has offered to sell or will offer to sell all or
any part of the Shares or Warrants to any person or persons so as to bring the
sale of such Shares or Warrants by the Company within the registration
provisions of the Securities Act.

         3.18     Full Disclosure. This Agreement, the Exhibits hereto, the
Investor Rights Agreement and all other documents delivered by the Company to
the Purchaser or its attorneys or agents in connection herewith or therewith or
with the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, do not contain any untrue
statement of a material fact nor, to the Company's knowledge, omit to state a
material fact necessary in order to make the statements contained herein or
therein not misleading. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Business Plan (a
"Business Plan") provided to the Purchaser was prepared by the management of the
Company in a good faith effort to describe the Company's proposed business and
products and the markets therefor. The assumptions applied in preparing any
Business Plan appeared reasonable to management as of the date thereof; however,
there is no assurance that these assumptions will prove to be valid or that the
objectives set forth in the Business Plan will be achieved. To the Company's
knowledge, there are no facts which (individually or in the aggregate)
materially adversely affect the business, assets, liabilities, financial
condition, prospects or operations of the Company that have not been set forth
in this Agreement, the Exhibits hereto, the Investor Rights Agreement or in
other documents delivered to the Purchaser or its attorneys or agents in
connection herewith.

         3.19     Real Property Holding Corporation. The Company is not a real
property holding corporation within the meaning of Section 897(c)(2) of the
United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and any
regulations promulgated thereunder.

         3.20     Insurance. The Company maintains fire and casualty insurance
policies with coverage customary for companies similarly situated to the
Company. The Company is not in default with

                                       16
<PAGE>   20
respect to its obligations under any insurance policy maintained by it.

         3.21     Board of Directors. The authorized size of the Board of
Directors of the Company is seven (7), and the Board consists of the individuals
set forth on Exhibit E.

         3.22     Use of Proceeds. The proceeds from the sale of the Shares, the
Warrants and the Warrant Shares shall be used by the Company for general
corporate purposes, including research and development.

         3.23     Taxes. The Company has accurately prepared and filed within
the time prescribed by law all federal, state and local income, excise or
franchise tax returns, real estate and personal property tax returns, sales and
use tax returns, payroll tax returns and other tax returns required to be filed
by it, and has paid or made provision for the payment of all accrued and unpaid
taxes and other charges to which the Company is subject and which are not
currently due and payable. The Company has not elected to be treated as a
Subchapter S corporation pursuant to Section 1362 of the Code or as a
collapsible corporation pursuant to Section 341(f) of the Code. The Company has
never had any tax deficiency proposed or assessed against it and has not
executed any waiver of any statute of limitations on the assessment or
collection of any tax or governmental charge. The United States federal income
tax returns of the Company have never been audited by the United States Internal
Revenue Service (the "IRS"). Neither the IRS nor any other taxing authority is
now asserting or is threatening to assert against the Company any deficiency or
claim for additional taxes or interest thereon or penalties in connection
therewith, and the Company does not know of any such deficiency or any basis for
any such deficiency or claim.

         3.24     Investments in Other Persons. The Company has not made any
loan or advance to any person or entity which is outstanding on the date hereof,
nor is it committed to make any such loan or advance. The Company has never
owned or controlled, and does not currently own or control, directly or
indirectly, any subsidiaries and has never owned or controlled, and does not
currently own or control, any capital stock or other ownership interest,
directly or indirectly, in any entity.

         3.25     ERISA. The Company has not made contributions to any pension,
defined benefit or defined contribution plans of the Company, if any, for its
employees that are subject to the United States Employee Retirement Income
Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"). The Company is in compliance in all
respects with all material provisions of ERISA to the extent the Company's
pension,

                                       17
<PAGE>   21
defined benefit or defined contribution plans, if any, are subject to ERISA.

         3.26     Issuance of Series B Preferred. The Company shall not issue
and sell shares of its Series B Preferred Stock for consideration that, on a
per-share basis, is less than the per-share purchase price last paid by the
Purchaser in connection with the purchase of Shares hereunder.

         3.27     Initial Public Offering. In connection with an initial public
offering of the Common Stock pursuant to a registration statement filed with the
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act (an "IPO"), the
Company shall use its best efforts to have allocated for purchase by the
Purchaser that number of whole shares of Common Stock being registered in the
IPO obtained by dividing US$2,000,000 by the IPO per share price, subject to the
approval of the lead underwriter.

         3.28     Future Issuance of Common Stock. The Company shall reserve
thirty million (30,000,000) of the authorized shares of Common Stock for
issuance only upon conversion of shares of Preferred Stock in accordance with
the Amended Certificate of Incorporation and shall issue such shares of Common
Stock only upon such conversion, from time to time.

4.       REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PURCHASER.

         The Purchaser hereby represents and warrants to the Company, as of the
date of this Agreement, as follows (such representations and warranties not
lessening or obviating the representations or warranties of the Company set
forth in this Agreement):

         4.1      Requisite Power and Authority. All corporate action on the
part of the Purchaser, its officers, directors and stockholders, necessary for
the authorization of this Agreement and the Investor Rights Agreement, the
performance of all obligations of the Purchaser hereunder and thereunder at each
Closing and the purchase of the Shares and the Warrants pursuant to this
Agreement, have been or will be effectively taken prior to the First Closing.
Upon their execution and delivery, this Agreement and the Investor Rights
Agreement will be valid and binding obligations of the Purchaser, enforceable in
accordance with their terms, except (i) as limited by applicable bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws of general application
affecting enforcement of creditors' rights, and general principles of equity
that restrict the availability of equitable remedies, and (ii) to the extent
that the enforceability of the indemnification

                                       18
<PAGE>   22
provisions of Section 2.10 of the Investor Rights Agreement may be limited by
applicable laws.

         4.2      Investment Representations. The Purchaser understands that
neither the Shares, the Warrants, the Warrant Shares nor the Conversion Shares
have been registered under the Securities Act. The Purchaser also understands
that the Shares and the Warrants are being offered and sold pursuant to an
exemption from registration contained in the Securities Act based in part upon
the Purchaser's representations contained in this Agreement. The Purchaser
hereby represents and warrants as follows:

                  (a) The Purchaser is an entity organized and existing under
the laws of Switzerland, is not a "U.S. person" (as such term is defined in
Regulation S promulgated under the Securities Act ("Regulation S")), and was not
formed by a "U.S. person" principally for the purpose of investing in securities
not registered under the Securities Act.

                  (b) The Purchaser has substantial experience in evaluating and
investing in private placement transactions of securities in companies similar
to the Company so that it is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of its
investment in the Company and has the capacity to protect its own interests. The
Purchaser must bear the economic risk of this investment indefinitely unless the
Shares and Warrants (or the Conversion Shares or Warrant Shares, as the case may
be) are registered pursuant to the Securities Act or an exemption from such
registration is available. The Purchaser understands that the Company has no
present intention of registering the Shares, the Warrants, the Warrant Shares,
the Conversion Shares or any shares of its Common Stock. The Purchaser also
understands that there is no assurance that any exemption from registration
under the Securities Act will be available and that, even if available, such
exemption may not allow the Purchaser to transfer all or any portion of the
Shares, Warrants, Warrant Shares or the Conversion Shares under the
circumstances, in the amounts or at the times the Purchaser might propose.

                  (c) The Purchaser is acquiring the Shares, the Warrants and
the Conversion Shares for the Purchaser's own account, for investment only, and
not with a view toward their distribution. The Purchase is not acquiring the
Shares, the Warrants or the Conversion Shares for the account or benefit of any
U.S. person (as such term is defined in Regulation S).

                  (d) The Purchaser represents that by reason of its or of its
management's business or financial experience, the Purchaser has the capacity to
protect its own interests in

                                       19
<PAGE>   23
connection with the transactions contemplated in this Agreement, and the
Investor Rights Agreement.

                  (e) The Purchaser represents that it is an "accredited
investor" within the meaning of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities
Act.

                  (f) The Purchaser has received and read the Financial
Statements and Business Plans and has had an opportunity to discuss the
Company's business, management and financial affairs with directors, officers
and management of the Company and has had the opportunity to review the
Company's operations and facilities. The Purchaser has also had the opportunity
to ask questions of, and receive answers from, the Company and its management
regarding the terms and conditions of this investment. The Purchaser has had an
opportunity to obtain any additional information, to the extent that the Company
possesses such information, or can acquire it without unreasonable effort or
expense, necessary to verify the accuracy of the information given to the
Purchaser.

                  (g) The Purchaser acknowledges and agrees that the Shares and
Warrants, and, if issued, the Warrants Shares and Conversion Shares, must be
held indefinitely unless they are subsequently registered under the Securities
Act, an exemption from such registration is available or as otherwise permitted
by applicable United States federal or state law. The Purchaser has been advised
or is aware of the provisions of Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act,
which permits limited resale of shares purchased in a private placement subject
to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including, among other things: the
availability of certain current public information about the Company, the resale
occurring not less than one (1) year after a party has purchased and paid for
the security to be sold, the sale being through an unsolicited "broker's
transaction" or in transactions directly with a market maker (as said term is
defined under the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) and
the number of shares being sold during any three-month period not exceeding
specified limitations.

                  (h) The Purchaser acknowledges and agrees that each
certificate representing the Shares, Warrants, Warrant Shares and the Conversion
Shares shall bear, in addition to the legend set forth in Section 2.1(b) of the
Investor Rights Agreement, substantially the following legends (in addition to
any legends required under applicable United States state securities laws):

        THE SECURITIES EVIDENCED BY THIS CERTIFICATE MAY NOT BE
        OFFERED, SOLD OR TRANSFERRED IN THE UNITED STATES OR TO
        U.S.PERSONS UNTIL REGISTERED UNDER THE ACT OR UNLESS THE

                                       20
<PAGE>   24
        COMPANY HAS RECEIVED AN OPINION OF COUNSEL SATISFACTORY TO THE
        COMPANY AND ITS COUNSEL THAT SUCH REGISTRATION IS NOT
        REQUIRED.

        TRANSFER OF THE SECURITIES EVIDENCED BY THIS CERTIFICATE IS
        PROHIBITED EXCEPT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF
        REGULATION S PROMULGATED PURSUANT TO THE ACT.

         4.3      Transfer Restrictions.

                  (a) The Purchaser acknowledges and agrees that the Shares and
the Warrants and, if issued, the Warrant Shares and the Conversion Shares are
subject to restrictions on transfer as set forth in the Investor Rights
Agreement and in this Agreement.

                  (b) The Purchaser agrees to resell the Shares and Warrants
and, if issued, the Warrant Shares and Conversion Shares, only in accordance
with the provisions of Regulation S, or pursuant to registration under the
Securities Act or to an exemption from such registration. Furthermore, the
Purchaser acknowledges and agrees that the Company shall refuse to register any
transfer of the Shares or Warrants or, if issued, the Warrant Shares or
Conversion Shares, not made in accordance with the provisions of Regulation S.

5.       CONDITIONS TO CLOSING.

         5.1      Conditions to Purchaser's Obligations at Closing. The
Purchaser's obligations to purchase Shares and, if applicable, Warrants at each
Closing are subject to the satisfaction, at or prior to such Closing, of the
following conditions:

                  (a) The representations and warranties made by the Company in
Section 3 shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the date of
such Closing with the same force and effect as if they had been made on and as
of such date, and the Company shall have performed all obligations and
conditions herein required to be performed or observed by it on or prior to such
Closing.

                  (b) On such Closing Date, the sale and issuance of the Shares
and the proposed issuance of the Conversion Shares, and, if applicable, the
issuance of the Warrants and the proposed issuance of the Warrant Shares, shall
be legally permitted by all laws and regulations to which the Purchaser and the
Company are subject.

                                       21
<PAGE>   25
                  (c) The Company shall have obtained any and all consents,
permits and waivers necessary or appropriate for consummation of the
transactions contemplated by the Agreement and the Investor Rights Agreement
(except for such as may be properly obtained subsequent to such Closing).

                  (d) The Amended Certificate of Incorporation shall have been
filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware.

                  (e) The Company shall have delivered to the Purchaser or its
counsel copies of all corporate documents of the Company as the Purchaser shall
reasonably request.

                  (f) The Conversion Shares shall have been duly authorized and
reserved for issuance upon conversion of the Shares and the Warrant Shares, and
the Warrant Shares shall have been duly authorized and reserved for issuance
upon the exercise of the Warrants.

                  (g) The Company shall have delivered to the Purchaser a
compliance certificate, executed by the President of the Company, dated the date
of such Closing, to the effect that the conditions specified in Sections 5.1(a),
(c), (d) and (f) have been satisfied.

                  (h) The Company shall have delivered to the Purchaser a
certificate, dated the date of such Closing, of the Secretary or Assistant
Secretary of the Company certifying as to (i) the resolutions of the Board of
Directors and stockholders authorizing the execution and delivery of this
Agreement and the documents and instruments contemplated hereby, the issuance to
the Purchaser of the Shares and the Warrants and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby, and certifying that such resolutions were duly
adopted and have not been rescinded or amended as of such date; and (ii) the
name and signature of the officers of the Company authorized to sign, as
appropriate, this Agreement and the other documents and certificates to be
delivered pursuant to this Agreement by either the Company or any of its
officers.

                  (i) The Company shall have delivered an Investor Rights
Agreement in accordance with Section 2.2(b).

                  (j) The Company and the holders of at least seventy-five
percent (75%) of the Common Stock outstanding as of the date of this Agreement
shall have executed and delivered a Voting Agreement substantially in the form
attached as Exhibit I.

                                       22
<PAGE>   26
                  (k) The Purchaser shall have received from legal counsel to
the Company an opinion addressed to it, dated as of such Closing Date, in
substantially the form attached as Exhibit J, which shall include an opinion as
to the exemption of the transactions contemplated hereby from applicable United
States state securities laws.

                  (l) All corporate and other proceedings in connection with the
transactions contemplated hereby at each Closing and all documents and
instruments incident to such transactions shall be reasonably satisfactory in
substance and form to the Purchaser and its counsel, and the Purchaser and its
counsel shall have received all such counterpart originals or certified or other
copies of such documents as they may reasonably request.

         5.29     Conditions to Obligations of the Company. The Company's
obligations to issue and sell the Shares and Warrants at each Closing are
subject to the satisfaction, on or prior to such Closing, of the following
conditions:

                  (a) The representations and Warranties made by the Purchaser
in Section 4 hereof shall be true and correct in all material respects at the
date of the Closing, with the same force and effect as if they had been made on
and as of said date.

                  (b) The Purchaser shall have performed and complied with all
agreements and conditions herein required to be performed or complied with by
the Purchaser on or before such Closing.

                  (c) The Amended Certificate of Incorporation shall have been
filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware.

                  (d) The Purchaser shall have delivered an Investor Rights
Agreement in accordance with Section 2.2(b).

                  (e) The Company shall have obtained any and all consents,
permits and waivers necessary or appropriate for consummation of the
transactions contemplated by the Agreement and the Investor Rights Agreement
(except for such as may be properly obtained subsequent to such Closing).

6.       MISCELLANEOUS.

         6.1      Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed in all
respects by the laws of the State of Delaware, USA without regard to principles
of conflicts of law.

                                       23
<PAGE>   27
         6.2      Survival. The representations, warranties, covenants and
agreements made herein shall survive the closing of the transactions
contemplated hereby. All statements as to factual matters contained in any
certificate or other instrument delivered by or on behalf of the Company
pursuant hereto in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby shall be
deemed to be representations and warranties by the Company hereunder solely as
of the date of such certificate or instrument.

         6.3      Successors and Assigns. Except as otherwise expressly provided
herein, the provisions hereof shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding
upon, the successors and assigns of the parties hereto and shall inure to the
benefit of and be enforceable by each person who shall be a holder of the
Shares, the Warrant Shares or the Conversion Shares from time to time.

         6.4      Entire Agreement. This Agreement, the Exhibits hereto, the
Investor Rights Agreement and the other documents delivered pursuant hereto
constitute the full and entire understanding and agreement between the parties
with regard to the subject matter hereof and thereof, and no party shall be
liable or bound to any other in any manner by any representations, warranties,
covenants and agreements except as specifically set forth herein and therein.

         6.5      Severability. In case any provision of this Agreement shall be
invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of
the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

         6.6      Amendment and Waiver. This Agreement may be amended or
modified only upon the written consent of the Company and the Purchaser. The
obligations of one party may be waived only upon the written consent of the
other party.

         6.7      Delays or Omissions It is agreed that no delay or omission to
exercise any right, power or remedy accruing to any party, upon any breach,
default or noncompliance by another party under this Agreement, the Investor
Rights Agreement or the Amended Certificate of Incorporation shall impair any
such right, power or remedy, nor shall it be construed to be a waiver of any
such breach, default or noncompliance, or any acquiescence therein, or of or in
any similar breach, default or noncompliance thereafter occurring. It is further
agreed that any waiver, permit, consent or approval of any kind or character on
any Purchaser's part of any breach, default or noncompliance under this
Agreement, the Investor Rights Agreement or the Amended Certificate of
Incorporation or any waiver on such party's part of any provisions or conditions
of the Agreement, the Investor Rights Agreement or the Amended Certificate of
Incorporation must be in writing and shall be effective only to

                                       24
<PAGE>   28
the extent specifically set forth in such writing. All remedies, either under
this Agreement, the Investor Rights Agreement, the Amended Certificate of
Incorporation or otherwise afforded to any party, shall be cumulative and not in
the alternative.

         6.8      Indemnification. The Company shall indemnify, defend and hold
harmless the Purchaser and its directors, officers, employees, agents and
affiliates, and the directors, officers, employees and agents of such
affiliates, against any and all liabilities, losses, costs or damages, together
with all reasonable costs and expenses related thereto (including reasonable
legal and accounting fees and expenses), arising from, relating to or connected
with the untruth, inaccuracy or breach of any statement, representation,
warranty or covenant of the Company contained in this Agreement, including,
without limitation, all statements, representations, warranties or covenants
concerning environmental matters.

         6.9      Notices. Any notice or request required or permitted to be
given under or in connection with this Agreement shall be deemed to have been
sufficiently given if in writing and personally delivered or sent by certified
mail (return receipt requested), facsimile transmission (receipt verified), or
overnight express courier service (signature required), prepaid, to the party
for which such notice is intended, at the address set forth for such party
below:

                  (a)      In the case of the Purchaser, to:

                     Roche Finance Ltd
                     124 Grenzacherstrasse CH-4070
                     Basel
                     SWITZERLAND
                     Attention: CFDV Building 21 Room 292
                     Facsimile No.:  41-61-688-4169

                     With a copy to:

                     Hoffmann-La Roche Inc.
                     340 Kingsland Street
                     Nutley, NJ  07110
                     Attention: General Counsel
                     Facsimile No.: (973) 235-3500

                                       25
<PAGE>   29
                  (b)      In the case of the Company, to:

                     deCODE genetics, Inc.
                     Lynghalsi 1
                     SI-110 Reykjavik
                     ICELAND
                     Attention: President
                     Facsimile No.:  354-570-1901

or to such other address for such party as it shall have specified by like
notice to the other party, provided that notices of a change of address shall be
effective only upon receipt thereof. If delivered personally or by facsimile
transmission, the date of delivery shall be deemed to be the date on which such
notice or request was given. If sent by overnight express courier service, the
date of delivery shall be deemed to be the next business day after such notice
or request was deposited with such service. If sent by certified mail, the date
of delivery shall be deemed to be the third business day after such notice or
request was deposited with the U.S. Postal Service, or the foreign equivalent
thereto.

         6.10     Expenses. Each party shall pay all costs and expenses that it
incurs with respect to the negotiation, execution, delivery and performance of
this Agreement.

         6.11     Headings. The titles of the Sections of this Agreement are for
convenience of reference only and are not to be considered in construing this
Agreement.

         6.12     Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but all of which together
shall constitute one instrument.

         6.13     Broker's Fees. Each party hereby represents and warrants to
the other party that no agent, broker, investment banker, person or firm acting
on behalf of or under the authority of such party is or will be entitled to any
broker's or finder's fee or any other commission directly or indirectly in
connection with the transactions contemplated herein. Each party further agrees
to indemnify the other party for any claims, losses or expenses incurred by such
other party as a result of the representation in this Section 6.13 being untrue.

         6.14     Pronouns. All pronouns contained herein and any variations
thereof, shall be deemed to refer to the masculine, feminine or neutral,
singular or plural, as the identity of the person or thing referred to may
require.

                                      * * *

                                       26
<PAGE>   30
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused to be
executed by its duly authorized representative this Series C Preferred Stock and
Warrant Purchase Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

                                               deCODE genetics, Inc.

                                               By:  /s/ Kari Stefansson
                                                    ----------------------------
                                                    Kari Stefansson
                                                    President

                                                ROCHE FINANCE LTD

                                               By:   /s/ Hans Wyss
                                                     ---------------------------

                                               Name: Mr. Hans Wyss
                                                     ---------------------------

                                               Title Director
                                                     ---------------------------

                                               By:   /s/ Bruno Maier
                                                     ---------------------------

                                               Name: Dr. Bruno Maier
                                                     ---------------------------

                                               Title Director
                                                     ---------------------------
<PAGE>   31
                               (EXHIBITS OMITTED)<PAGE>   1
                                                                   Exhibit 10.46

                              deCODE GENETICS, INC.

                        FOUNDER STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT

THIS AGREEMENT is made as of the 21st day of August, 1996 by and between deCODE
GENETICS, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Corporation"), and JEFFREY R.
GULCHER (the "Purchaser").

         WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 152 of the Delaware General Corporation
Law, the Corporation desires to issue, and the Purchaser desires to acquire,
stock of the Corporation as herein described, on the terms and conditions
hereinafter set forth:

         WHEREAS, the issuance of Common Stock hereby is, where applicable, in
connection with a compensatory benefit plan for the employees, directors,
officers, advisers or consultants of the Corporation and is intended to comply
with the provisions of Rule 701 promulgated by the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "SEC") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act").

         NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS AGREED between the parties as follows:

         1. The Purchaser hereby agrees to purchase from the Corporation, and
the Corporation hereby agrees to sell to the Purchaser, an aggregate of Four
Hundred Eighty One Thousand Two Hundred (481,200) shares of the Common Stock of
the Corporation (the "Stock") at one tenth of one cent ($.001) per share, for an
aggregate purchase price of $481.200, which amount shall be payable in cash.

         2. The shares to be purchased by the Purchaser pursuant to this
Agreement (hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as the "Stock") shall
be subject to the repurchase options of the Corporation set forth in
subparagraphs (a) and (b) below ("Purchase Option"):

                                       1.
<PAGE>   2
                  (a) In the event the Purchaser ceases to be an employee of the
Corporation as a result of (1) voluntary or mutual termination of Purchaser's
employment (except as a result of bona fide medical disability); or (2)
termination of Purchaser's employment by the Company for any of the following
reasons: (A) indictment or conviction of any felony or of any crime involving
dishonesty; (B) participation in any fraud against the Company; (C) breach of
Purchaser's duties to the Company, including, without limitation, persistent
unsatisfactory performance of job duties or breach of loyalty (except as a
result of bona fide medical disability); (D) intentional damage to any Company
property; or (E) conduct by Purchaser which in the good faith and reasonable
determination of the Board demonstrates gross unfitness to serve, the
Corporation shall have the right as set forth herein, to exercise its Purchase
Option. The Corporation may, by exercising its Purchase Option at any time
within ninety (90) business days after said cessation or such longer period as
may be determined by the Company if such later repurchase is deemed necessary by
the Company for treatment of its stock as Qualified Small Business Stock under
Section 1202 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended and regulations
promulgated thereunder, repurchase from the Purchaser or his personal
representative, as the case my be, at the total price per share indicated above
as paid by the Purchaser for such Stock ("Option Price"), up to but not
exceeding the number of shares of stock which have not vested under the
provisions of paragraph (b) below. As used herein, employment with the
Corporation shall include employment with a "parent" or "subsidiary" of the
Corporation as those terms are defined in Sections 424(e) and (f) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

                  (b) The right of the Corporation to exercise its Purchase
Option as to the maximum portion of the stock specified in the event of
termination shall be by reference to the following schedule.

                                       2.
<PAGE>   3
                  (i) 10% of the stock issued to the Purchaser shall vest as of
the date of this Agreement; and

                  (ii) 1.875% of the stock issued to the Purchaser shall vest
monthly thereafter.

            (c) The Corporation shall be entitled to pay for any shares
purchased pursuant to it Purchase Option at the Corporation's option in cash or
by offset against any indebtedness owing to the Corporation by Purchaser
(including without limitation any Note given in payment for the Stock).

            (d) Nothing in this Agreement shall affect in any manner whatsoever
the right or power of the Corporation (or a parent or subsidiary of the
Corporation) to terminate Purchaser's employment.

         3. The Purchase Option shall be exercised by written notice signed by
an officer of the Corporation or by any assignee or assignees of the Corporation
and delivered or mailed as provided in paragraph 13. Such notice shall identify
the number of shares to be purchased and shall notify the Purchaser of the time,
place and date for settlement of such purchase, which shall be scheduled by the
Corporation within one hundred fifty (150) business days from the date of
cessation of employment.

         4. If, from time to time during the term of the Purchase Option:

                  (i) There is any stock dividend or other distribution of cash
and/or property, stock split or other change in the character or amount of any
of the outstanding securities of the Corporation; or

                  (ii) There is any consolidation, merger or sale of all, or
substantially all of the assets of the Corporation;

                                       3.
<PAGE>   4
then, in such event, any and all new, substituted or additional securities or
other property to which the Purchaser is entitled by reason of its ownership of
Stock shall be immediately subject to the Purchase Option and be included in the
word "Stock" for all purposes of the Purchase Option with the same force and
effect as the shares of the Stock presently subject to the Purchase Option.
While the total Option Price shall remain the same after each such event, the
Option Price per share of Stock upon exercise of the Purchase Option shall be
appropriately adjusted.

         Upon the occurrence of any event specified in clause (ii) above, the
Purchase Option may be assigned to any successor to the Corporation, and the
Purchase Option shall apply if the Purchaser does not become or shall cease for
any reason to be employed by such successor (or its parent or subsidiaries). In
such case, the references herein to the "Corporation" shall be deemed to refer
to such successor.

         5. All certificates representing any shares of Stock of the Corporation
subject to the provisions of this Agreement shall have endorsed thereon legends
in substantially the following forms (in addition to any other legend which may
be required by other agreements between the parties hereto):

                  (i) "The shares represented by this certificate are subject to
an option set forth in an agreement between the Corporation and the registered
holder, or his predecessor in interest, a copy of which is on file at the
principal office of the Corporation. Any transfer or attempted transfer of any
shares subject to such option is void without the prior express written consent
of the issuer of these shares."

                  (ii) "The securities represented by this Certificate have not
been registered under the Securities Act of 1933. They may not be sold, offered
for sale, pledged or hypothecated in the absence of an effective registration
statement as to the securities under

                                       4.
<PAGE>   5
said Act or an opinion of counsel satisfactory to the Company that such
registration is not required."

                  (iii) "The shares represented by this certificate are subject
to a right of first refusal option in favor of the corporation and/or its
assignee(s) as provided in the bylaws of the Corporation."

                  (iv) Any legend required by applicable state securities laws.

         6. Purchaser acknowledges that he is aware that the Stock to be issued
to him by the Corporation pursuant to this Agreement has not been registered
under the Act, and that the Stock is deemed to constitute "restricted
securities" under Rule 701 and Rule 144 promulgated under the Act. In this
connection, Purchaser warrants and represents to the Corporation that Purchaser
is purchasing the Stock Purchaser's own account and Purchaser has no present
intention of distributing or selling said stock except as permitted under the
Act and under applicable state securities laws. Purchaser further warrants and
represents that Purchaser has either (i) preexisting personal or business
relationships with the Corporation or any of its officers, directors or
controlling persons, or (ii) the capacity to protect his own interests in
connection with the purchase of the Stock by virtue of the business or financial
expertise of himself or of professional advisors to the Purchaser who are
unaffiliated with and who are not compensated by the Corporation or any of its
affiliates, directly or indirectly. Purchaser further acknowledges that the
exemption from registration under Rule 144 will not be available for at least
three years from the date of sale of the Stock unless at least two years from
the date of sale (i) a public trading market then exists for the Common Stock of
the Corporation, (ii) adequate information concerning the Corporation is then
available to the public, and (iii) other terms and conditions of Rule 144 are
complied with; and that any sale of the Stock may be made only in limited
amounts in accordance with such terms and conditions and that exemption from
registration

                                       5.
<PAGE>   6
under Rule 701 will not be available until ninety days after the Corporation
becomes subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that after such date the Stock may be resold
by persons other than affiliates in reliance on Rule 144 without compliance with
paragraphs (c), (d), (e) and (h) thereof, and by affiliates without compliance
with paragraph (d) thereof.

         7. The Purchaser agrees that during the one hundred eighty (180) day
period following the effective date of a registration statement of the
Corporation filed under the Act of the Purchaser shall not, to the extent
requested by the Corporation and any underwriter, sell or otherwise transfer or
dispose of (other than to donees who agree to be similarly bound), or enter into
any hedging or similar transaction with the same economic effect as a sale, any
Common Stock of the Corporation held by the Purchaser at any time during such
period (the "Purchaser's Registrable Securities") except Common Stock included
in such registration; provided, however, that:

                  (a) such agreement shall be applicable only to the first such
registration statement of the Corporation which covers Common Stock (or other
securities) to be sold on its behalf to the public in an underwritten offering;
and

                  (b) all officers and directors of the Corporation enter into
similar agreements. In order to enforce the foregoing covenant, the Corporation
may impose stop-transfer instructions with respect to the Purchaser's
Registrable Securities (and the shares or securities of every other person
subject to the foregoing restriction) until the end of such period.

         8. The Purchaser shall not transfer by sale, assignment, hypothecation,
donation or otherwise any of the Stock or any interest therein subject to the
Purchase Option without the prior express written consent of the issuer of the
shares. As security for his faithful performance of the terms of this Agreement
and to insure the availability for delivery of Purchaser's Stock

                                       6.
<PAGE>   7
upon exercise of the Purchase Option herein provided for, the Purchaser agrees,
at the closing hereunder, to deliver to and deposit with the Secretary of the
Corporation ("Escrow Agent"), as Escrow Agent in this transaction, three stock
assignments duly endorsed (with date and number of shares blank) in the form
attached hereto as Exhibit B, together with a certificate or certificates
evidencing all of the Stock subject to the Purchase Option; said documents are
to be held by the Escrow Agent and delivered by said Escrow Agent pursuant to
the Joint Escrow Instructions of the Corporation and the Purchaser set forth in
Exhibit A attached hereto and incorporated by this reference, which instructions
shall also be delivered to the Escrow Agent at the closing hereunder.

         9. The Corporation shall not be required (i) to transfer on its books
any shares of Stock of the Corporation which shall have been transferred in
violation of any of the provisions set forth in this Agreement or (ii) to treat
as owner of such shares or to accord the right to vote as such owner or to pay
dividends to any transferee to whom such shares shall have been so transferred.

         10. Subject to provisions of paragraphs 7, 8, and 9 above, the
Purchaser (but not any unapproved transferee) shall exercise all rights and
privileges of a shareholder of the Corporation with respect to the Stock.

         11. Paragraphs 2, 3 and 4 of this Agreement shall terminate upon the
exercise in full or expiration of the Purchase Option, whichever first occurs.

         12. The parties agree to execute such further instruments and to take
such further action as may reasonably be necessary to carry out the intent of
this Agreement.

         13. Any notice required or permitted hereunder shall be given in
writing and shall be deemed effectively given upon personal delivery or upon
deposit in the United States Post Office, by registered or certified mail with
postage and fees prepaid, addressed to the other party

                                       7.
<PAGE>   8
hereto at his address hereinafter shown below its signature or at such other
address as such party may designate by ten (10) days advance written notice to
the other party hereto.

         14. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of the successors and
assigns of the Corporation and, subject to the restrictions on transfer herein
set forth, be binding upon the Purchaser, its successors, and assigns. The
Purchase Option of the Corporation hereunder shall be assignable by the
Corporation at any time or from time to time, in whole or in part.

         15. The Purchaser shall reimburse the Corporation for all costs
incurred by the Corporation in enforcing the performance of, or protecting its
rights under, any part of this Agreement, including reasonable costs of
investigation and attorney's fees. It is the intention of the parties that the
Corporation, upon exercise of the Purchase Option and payment of the Option
Price, pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, shall be entitled to receive the
Stock, in specie, in order to have such Stock available for future issuance
without dilution of the holdings of other shareholders. Furthermore, it is
expressly agreed between the parties that money damages are inadequate to
compensate the Corporation for the Stock and that the Corporation shall, upon
proper exercise of the Purchase Option, be entitled to specific enforcement of
its rights to purchase and receive said Stock.

         16. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance
with the laws of the State of Delaware. The parties agree that any action
brought by either party to interpret or enforce any provision of this Agreement
shall be brought in, and each party agrees to, and does hereby, submit to the
jurisdiction and venue of, the appropriate state or federal court for the
district encompassing the Corporation's principal place of business.

         17. The parties agree to take all such further action(s) as may
reasonably be necessary to carry out and consummate this Agreement as soon as
practicable, and to take whatever steps may be necessary to obtain any
governmental approval in connection with or otherwise qualify

                                       8.
<PAGE>   9
the issuance of the securities that are the subject of this Agreement. The
closing hereunder, including payment for and delivery of the Stock, shall occur
at the offices of Cooley Godward Castro Huddleson & Tatum in Palo Alto,
California on the date hereof, or at such other time and place as the parties
may mutually agree.

         18. This Agreement is not an employment contract and nothing in this
Agreement shall be deemed to create in any way whatsoever any obligations on the
part of the Purchaser to continue in the employ of the Corporation or of the
Corporation to continue the Purchaser in the employ of the Corporation.

         19. Purchaser acknowledges that this Agreement has been prepared on
behalf of the Company by Cooley Godward Castro Huddleson & Tatum, counsel to the
Company and that Cooley Godward does not represent, and is not acting on behalf
of, Purchaser. Purchaser has been provided with an opportunity to consult with
its own counsel with respect to this Agreement.

         20. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties
with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement may not be amended,
modified or revoked, in whole or in part, except by an agreement in writing
signed by each of the parties hereto.

                                       9.
<PAGE>   10
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as
of the day and year first above written.

                                     deCODE GENETICS, INC.

                                     --------------------------------------
                                     By:      /s/ Kari Stefansson
                                              ------------------------------
                                     Title:   President and CEO
                                              ------------------------------
                                     Address:       Lynghals 1 Reykjavik
                                              ------------------------------
                                                    Iceland
                                              ------------------------------

                                     PURCHASER:

                                     By:      /s/ Jeffrey Gulcher
                                              ------------------------------

                                     Name:    Jeffrey R. Gulcher

                                     Address:       140 Sumner Rd.
                                              ------------------------------
                                                    Brookline, MA 02215
                                              ------------------------------

ATTACHMENTS:

Exhibit A         --       Joint Escrow Instructions
Exhibit B         --       Stock Assignment Separate from Certificate

                                      10.
<PAGE>   11
                                    EXHIBIT A

                            JOINT ESCROW INSTRUCTIONS

Alan C.  Mendelson, Esq.
Counsel to deCODE genetics, Inc.
c/o Cooley Godward Castro Huddleson & Tatum
Five Palo Alto Square
3000 El Camino Real
Palo Alto, CA  94306

Dear Sir:

         As Escrow Agent for both deCODE genetics, Inc., a Delaware corporation
("Corporation"), and Jeffrey R. Gulcher ("Purchaser"), you are hereby authorized
and directed to hold the documents delivered to you pursuant to the terms of
that certain Stock Purchase Agreement ("Agreement") dated as of August 21, 1996,
to which a copy of these Joint Escrow Instructions is attached as EXHIBIT A, in
accordance with the following instructions:

         1. In the event Corporation or an assignee shall elect to exercise the
Purchase Option set forth in the Agreement, the Corporation or its assignee will
give to Purchaser and you a written notice specifying the number of shares of
stock to be purchased, the purchase price, and the time for a closing thereunder
at the principal office of the Corporation. Purchaser and the Corporation hereby
irrevocably authorize and direct you to close the transaction contemplated by
such notice in accordance with the terms of said notice.

         2. At the closing, you are directed (a) to date the stock assignments
necessary for the transfer in question, (b) to fill in the number of shares
being transferred, and (c) to deliver the same, together with the certificate
evidencing the shares of stock to be transferred, to the Corporation against the
simultaneous delivery to you of the purchase price (which may include suitable
acknowledgment of cancellation of indebtedness) for the number of shares of
stock being purchased pursuant to the exercise of the Purchase Option.

         3. Purchaser irrevocably authorizes the Corporation to deposit with any
certificates evidencing shares of stock to be held by you hereunder and any
additions and substitutions to said shares as specified in the Agreement.
Purchaser does hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint you as his
attorney-in-fact and agent for the term of this escrow to execute with respect
to such securities all documents necessary or appropriate to make such
securities negotiable and complete any transaction herein contemplated,
including but not limited to any appropriate filing with state or government
officials or bank officials. Subject to the provisions of this paragraph 3,
Purchaser shall exercise all rights and privileges of a shareholder of the
Corporation while the stock is held by you.

                                       1.
<PAGE>   12
         4. This escrow shall terminate upon the exercise in full or expiration
of the Purchase Option, whichever occurs first.

         5. If at the time of termination of this escrow you should have in your
possession any documents, securities, or other property belonging to Purchaser,
you shall deliver all of the same to Purchaser and shall be discharged of all
further obligations hereunder; provided, however, that if at the time of
termination of this escrow you are advised by the Corporation that any property
subject to this escrow is the subject of a pledge or other security agreement,
you shall deliver all such property to the pledgeholder or other person
designated by the Corporation.

         6. Your duties hereunder may be altered, amended, modified or revoked
only by a writing signed by all of the parties hereto.

         7. You shall be obligated only for the performance of such duties as
are specifically set forth herein and may rely and shall be protected in relying
or refraining from acting on any instrument reasonable believed by you to be
genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties. You
shall not be personally liable for any act you may do or omit to do hereunder as
Escrow Agent or as attorney-in-fact for Purchaser while acting in good faith and
in the exercise of your own good judgment, and any act done or omitted by you
pursuant to the advice of your own attorneys shall be conclusive evidence of
such good faith.

         8. You are hereby expressly authorized to disregard any and all
warnings given by any of the parties hereto or by any other person or
corporation, excepting only orders or process of courts of law, and are hereby
expressly authorized to comply with and obey orders, judgments or decrees of any
court. In case you obey or comply with any such order, judgment or decree of any
court, you shall not be liable to any of the parties hereto or to any other
person, firm or corporation by reason of such compliance, notwithstanding any
such order, judgment or decree being subsequently reversed, modified, annulled,
set aside, vacated or found to have been entered without jurisdiction.

         9. You shall not be liable in any respect on account of the identify,
authorities or rights of the parties executing or delivering or purporting to
execute or deliver the Agreement or any documents or papers deposited or called
for hereunder.

         10. You shall not be liable for the outlawing of any rights under any
statute of limitations with respect to these Joint Escrow Instructions or any
documents deposited with you.

         11. Your responsibilities as Escrow Agent hereunder shall terminate if
you shall cease to be Counsel to the Corporation or if you shall resign by
written notice to each party. In the event of any such termination, the
Corporation shall appoint any officer or assistant officer of the Corporation as
successor Escrow Agent, and Purchaser hereby confirms the appointment of such
successor as his attorney-in-fact and agent to the full extent of your
appointment.

                                       2.
<PAGE>   13
         12. If you reasonably require other or further instruments in
connection with these Joint Escrow Instructions or obligations in respect
hereto, the necessary parties hereto shall join in furnishing such instruments.

         13. It is understood and agreed that should any dispute arise with
respect to the delivery and/or ownership or right of possession of the
securities held by you hereunder, you are authorized and directed to retain in
your possession without liability to anyone all or any part of said securities
until such dispute shall have been settled either by mutual written agreement of
the parties concerned or by a final order, decree or judgment of a court of
competent jurisdiction after the time for appeal has expired and no appeal has
been perfected, but you shall be under no duty whatsoever to institute or defend
any such proceedings.

         14. Any notice required or permitted hereunder shall be given in
writing and shall be deemed effectively given upon personal delivery, including
delivery by express courier, or four (4) days after deposit in the United States
Post Office, by registered or certified mail with postage and fees prepaid,
addressed to each of the other parties entitled to such notice at the following
addresses, or at such other addresses as a party may designate by ten days'
advance written notice to each of the other parties hereto.

         CORPORATION:      deCODE genetics, Inc.
                           Attention:  Kari Stefansson
                           Lynghals 1
                           Reykjavik 110
                           Iceland

         PURCHASER:        Jeffrey R. Gulcher
                           140 Sumner Road
                           Brookline, MA 02115

         ESCROW AGENT:     Alan C. Mendelson, Esq.
                           Cooley Godward Castro Huddleson & Tatum
                           Five Palo Alto Square
                           3000 El Camino Real
                           Palo Alto, CA 94306

         15. By signing these Joint Escrow Instructions, you become a party
hereto only for the purpose of said Joint Escrow Instructions; you do not become
a party to the Agreement.

         16. You shall be entitled to employ such legal counsel and other
experts (including, without limitation, the firm of Cooley Godward Castro
Huddleson Tatum) as you may deem necessary properly to advise you in connection
with your obligations hereunder. You may rely upon the advice of such counsel,
and you may pay such counsel reasonable compensation.

                                       3.
<PAGE>   14
         17. This instrument shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of
the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

         18. This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted and determined
in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware as such laws are applied by
Delaware courts to contracts made and to be performed entirely in Delaware by
residents of that state.

                                       Very truly yours,

                                                deCODE genetics, Inc.

                                                /s/ Kari Stefansson
                                                -------------------------------
                                                Kari Stefansson
                                                President

                                                PURCHASER:

                                                Signature:  /s/ Jeff Gulcher
                                                            -------------------
                                                Name:       Jeff Gulcher
                                                            -------------------

ESCROW AGENT:

/s/ Alan C. Mendelson
-------------------------
Alan C. Mendelson, Esq.

                                       4.
<PAGE>   15
                                    EXHIBIT B

                   STOCK ASSIGNMENT SEPARATE FROM CERTIFICATE

         FOR VALUE RECEIVED,        hereby sells, assigns, and transfers unto
deCODE genetics, Inc. a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), pursuant to the
Purchase Option under that certain Stock Purchase Agreement, dated August   ,
1996, by and between the undersigned and the Company (the "Agreement"),
shares of Common Stock of the Company standing the undersigned's name on the
books of the Company represented by Certificate No.      and does hereby
irrevocably constitute and appoint the Company's Secretary attorney to transfer
said stock on the books of the Company with full power of substitution in the
premises. This Assignment may be used only in accordance with and subject to the
terms and conditions of the Agreement, in connection with the repurchase of
shares of Common Stock issued to the undersigned pursuant to the Agreement, and
only to the extent that such shares remain subject to the Company's Purchase
Option under the Agreement.

Dated:   8-16-96
         ------------------------

                                                       /s/ Jeff Gulcher
                                                       ------------------------
                                                       (Signature)

                                                       Jeff Gulcher
                                                       ------------------------
                                                       (Name)

                                       5.

Source: [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00008-of-00352.parquet"}, [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00008-of-00352.parquet"}]]