Five Sangamo Scientists Recognized By Thomson Reuters Among Most Highly Cited Researchers Worldwide Of 2014

RICHMOND, Calif., Aug. 5, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Sangamo BioSciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: SGMO) announced that five members of the Company's research and development team were recently named among Thomson Reuters' list of "The World's Most Influential Scientific Minds 2014", ranking among the top one percent of scientists most cited in their subject field. Among biotechnology companies, Sangamo had the highest number of scientists named to the list. The Sangamo scientists earning the distinction include Philip Gregory, D.Phil., Senior Vice President of Research and CSO; Edward Rebar, Ph.D., Vice President of Technology; Michael Holmes, Ph.D., Senior Director of Therapeutic Gene Modification; Fyodor Urnov, Ph.D., Senior Scientist; and Jeffrey Miller, Ph.D., Team Leader, Design.

"Since the company's inception, we have based the development of our zinc finger DNA-binding protein (ZFP) technology on innovative and cutting-edge science," said Edward Lanphier, Sangamo's president and CEO. "Sangamo scientists have led the field in developing genome-engineering using ZFP nucleases (ZFNs), which enable precise and specific changes to be made in the genome of cells. We are using this powerful technology to develop ZFP Therapeutics^® to treat unmet medical needs such as monogenic diseases and infectious diseases such as HIV. I would like to congratulate Philip, Ed, Mike, Fyodor, Jeff and Sangamo's entire scientific team for this well-deserved honor."

Thomson Reuters recognized over three thousand researchers, from both academic and commercial organizations, in its roster of "The World's Most Influential Scientific Minds" for 2014. Those earning the distinction have published work with the highest impact over the last 11 years, as measured by the number of times their research papers were acknowledged by their peers and cited in other publications.

The report states: "It is precisely this type of recognition, recognition by peers, in the form of citations, that makes their status meaningful. The identification of these individuals is rooted in the collective, objective opinions of the scientific community. Fellow scientists, through their citations, give credit to these people and their work."

"On behalf of our team members who were listed, it is an honor to be included in this group of scientists, all of whom have made significant contributions in their fields," said Dr. Gregory. "The development of Sangamo's ZFP technology platform and recent advances that have been made in its application, would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of Ed, Michael, Fyodor, and Jeff, as well as critical contributions from Sangamo's exceptionally talented research and development team. It is a pleasure to work with this outstanding group of scientists as we advance our ZFP technology and develop ZFP Therapeutics as genetic cures for monogenic diseases."

About Sangamo
Sangamo BioSciences, Inc. is focused on Engineering Genetic Cures^TM for monogenic and infectious diseases by deploying its novel DNA-binding protein technology platform in therapeutic gene regulation and genome editing. The Company has ongoing Phase 2 clinical trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel ZFP Therapeutic^® for the treatment of HIV/AIDS (SB-728-T) and NGF-AAV for Alzheimer's disease (CERE-110). Sangamo's other therapeutic programs are focused on monogenic and rare diseases. The company has formed a strategic collaboration with Shire International GmbH to develop therapeutics for hemophilia, Huntington's disease and other monogenic diseases, and with Biogen Idec for hemoglobinopathies, such as sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia. It has also established strategic partnerships with companies in non-therapeutic applications of its technology, including Dow AgroSciences and Sigma-Aldrich Corporation. For more information about Sangamo, visit the Company's website at www.sangamo.com.

ZFP Therapeutic® is a registered trademark of Sangamo BioSciences, Inc.

This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding Sangamo's current expectations. These forward looking statements include, without limitation, references to the research and development of ZFP TFs and ZFNs and therapeutic applications of Sangamo's ZFP technology platform. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include the early stage of ZFP Therapeutic development, uncertainties related to the timing of initiation and completion of clinical trials, and whether clinical trial results will validate and support the safety and efficacy of ZFP Therapeutics. Further, there can be no assurance that the necessary regulatory approvals will be obtained or that Sangamo will be able to develop commercially viable gene-based therapeutics. Actual results may differ from those projected in forward-looking statements due to risks and uncertainties that exist in the company's operations and business environments. These risks and uncertainties are described more fully in Sangamo's Annual Reports on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date and will not be updated.

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SOURCE Sangamo BioSciences, Inc.