Exhibit 99.1

    TRANSGENOMIC INC. CONTINUES TO PROVIDE SPECIALTY NUCLEIC ACID PRODUCTS TO
                                GERON CORPORATION

       ONGOING SUPPORT FOR MANUFACTURE OF GERON'S NOVEL CANCER THERAPEUTIC

    OMAHA, Neb., April 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Transgenomic Inc.
(Nasdaq: TBIO) announced today it has agreed to provide additional quantities
of modified nucleic acid building block compounds to Geron Corporation
(Nasdaq: GERN) under terms of a new addendum to an existing Master Supply
Agreement between the two companies.  The compounds will be used in the
synthesis of Geron's anti-cancer drug GRN163L.  GRN163L is a thio-
phosphoramidate oligonucleotide, a class of synthetic nucleic acid that has a
number of potential advantages over earlier-generation synthetic nucleic acid
chemistries, including enhanced sequence-specific DNA and RNA binding
activity, high resistance to degradation, and improved uptake and
biodistribution properties.  Product shipments under the new addendum will be
completed in the second half of 2005.

    "We are pleased to have the opportunity to provide ongoing manufacturing
support to Geron as they continue to develop their novel cancer therapeutics,"
said Collin D'Silva, Transgenomic's CEO.  D'Silva continued, "We have
sharpened our nucleic acid building block manufacturing operation's focus on
supporting the manufacture of innovative, next-generation synthetic nucleic
acids, a market segment in which we have a significant competitive edge."

    About Transgenomic

    Transgenomic provides versatile and innovative research tools and related
consumable products.  Transgenomic's BioSystems segment offers its WAVE(R)
Systems and associated consumables.  These systems are specifically designed
for use in genetic variation detection and single- and double-strand DNA/RNA
analysis and purification.  These systems have broad applicability to genetic
research and molecular diagnostics.  To date there have been approximately one
thousand systems installed in over 30 countries around the world.  In
addition, the BioSystems segment offers WAVE-based biomarker discovery and
validation services in support of translational research, pre-clinical and
clinical studies.  Through its Nucleic Acids business segment, Transgenomic
provides specialty chemicals, including advanced nucleic acid building blocks
and associated reagents used in the manufacture of synthetic oligonucleotides.
For more information about the innovative genomics research tools developed
and marketed by Transgenomic, please visit the company's Web site at
www.transgenomic.com.



    Forward-Looking Statement

    Certain statements in this press release constitute "forward-looking
statements" of Transgenomic within the meaning of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve known and unknown risks,
uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results to be
materially different from any future results, performance or achievements
expressed or implied by such statements.  Forward-looking statements include,
but are not limited to, those with respect to management's current views and
estimates of future economic circumstances, industry conditions, company
performance and financial results, including claims of significant competitive
edge in certain market segments.  The known risks, uncertainties and other
factors affecting these forward-looking statements are described from time to
time in Transgenomic's reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Any
change in such factors, risks and uncertainties may cause the actual results,
events and performance to differ materially from those referred to in such
statements.  Accordingly, the company claims the protection of the safe harbor
for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995 with respect to all statements contained in this press
release.  All information in this press release is as of the date of the
release and Transgenomic does not undertake any duty to update this
information, including any forward-looking statements, unless required by law.

SOURCE  Transgenomic Inc.
    -0-                             04/20/2005
    /CONTACT:  Mitchell L. Murphy, +1-402-452-5418, mmurphy@transgenomic.com,
or Robert J. Pogulis, Ph.D., +1-845-782-9617, rpogulis@transgenomic.com, both
of Transgenomic, Inc./
    /Web site:  http://www.transgenomic.com /
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