CuraGen Corporation Announces Appointment of Sean Cass...( BRANFORD Conn. Dec. 20 /- CuraGen...)

BRANFORD, Conn., Dec. 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- CuraGen Corporation (Nasdaq: CRGN), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on oncology, today announced the appointment of Sean Cassidy, as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer effective January 1, 2008. CuraGen also announced today that David M. Wurzer will step down from his position effective January 1, 2008 to pursue other opportunities, but will remain with the Company through March 2008, as an advisor to the Company.

"We are pleased to welcome Sean to the CuraGen team," commented Timothy Shannon, President and Chief Executive Officer. "We believe that Sean's accounting and financial expertise in the life sciences sector, combined with his historical knowledge of CuraGen, will be beneficial as we advance our development pipeline towards commercialization."

Dr. Shannon further commented, "On behalf of the entire board and employees of CuraGen, I would like to thank Dave Wurzer for his more than 10 years of service to CuraGen during which he made substantial contributions across the organization. Dave will continue to work with CuraGen over the next few months to ensure a smooth and effective transition."

Previously, Mr. Cassidy served as Corporate Controller of 454 Life Sciences Corporation (454) since September 2002. Mr. Cassidy joined 454 when it was a development stage company and supported its growth into a successful commercial entity. During this time, Mr. Cassidy assisted 454 in a private round of financing in 2003, entering into a comprehensive License, Supply and Distribution Agreement with Roche Applied Science in 2005 and in the acquisition of 454 by Roche Applied Science in 2007. Prior to joining 454, Mr. Cassidy served as Manager of
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