FierceBiotech Names Agios Pharmaceuticals as One of the "Fierce 15" Biotech Companies of 2009

-Agios Pharmaceuticals is "Fierce," on Leading Edge of Biotech-

Cambridge, MA – June 29, 2009 –Agios Pharmaceuticals announced today that it has been named to the annual FierceBiotech "Fierce 15" list, designating it as one of the top biotech companies of 2009. The editors of FierceBiotech evaluated hundreds of privately-held firms based on Agios Pharmaceuticals vision, revenue potential, quality of deals, strength of technology, partnerships, and competitive market position. Agios Pharmaceuticals was determined to be one of the "fiercest," proven by its creativity and innovations in the industry.

An internationally recognized daily newsletter reaching more than 65,000 biotech and pharma industry professionals, FierceBiotech provides subscribers with a quick authoritative briefing on the day's top stories, with a special focus on drug discovery and clinical trials.

"Agios is all about talent. From its scientific founders to its newly-recruited CEO, Genentech cancer star David Scheinkein, this company demonstrates once again that great biotech companies spring from great minds. And it's no accident that a large number of them are based in and around Cambridge," said John Carroll, Editor of FierceBiotech.

Agios Pharmaceuticals is the first biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing novel drugs in the rapidly emerging field of cancer metabolism. In 2008, Agios closed a $33 million Series A financing. Since then, Agios has put in place a world-class scientific team of more than 40 people, built a fully integrated cell metabolism platform within the largest research laboratory dedicated to cancer metabolism and created an emerging product development pipeline including a lead program targeted to enter the clinic within 12 months.

"Being selected as a member of the 'Fierce 15' is a strong validation of the strength of our company vision and the excitement and potential surrounding our technology" said David Schenkein, M.D., incoming Chief Executive Officer of Agios. "The speed and decisiveness with which Agios has built a commanding presence in this space within a short period of time has contributed to this excitement. We look forward to continuing our leadership role in developing breakthrough therapies based on cancer metabolism that will ultimately change how cancer patients are treated."

The Fierce 15 celebrates the spirit of being "fierce" – championing innovation and creativity, even in the face of intense competition. The complete list of 'Fierce 15' companies is available in today's issue of FierceBiotech and on the FierceBiotech Web site at www.fiercebiotech.com.

About Agios Pharmaceuticals
Agios Pharmaceuticals is the first biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development of novel therapeutics in the emerging field of cancer metabolism, which represents a breakthrough understanding of how cancer cells adapt to use more nutrients than normal cells to promote their survival and growth. Agios' primary focus is in oncology, but the company's platform will also be applicable to other therapeutics areas including autoimmune, inflammatory and neurological diseases. The Company's founders represent the core thought leaders in the field of cancer metabolism, responsible for key advances, insights and discoveries in the field. Agios Pharmaceuticals is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. For more information, please visit the company's website at www.agios.com. Agios was founded by three of the foremost authorities and leaders within the field of cancer metabolism: Lewis C. Cantley, Ph.D., Director of the Cancer Center at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Professor of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School; Tak W. Mak, Ph.D., Director of The Campbell Family Institute for Cancer Research and Professor of The University of Toronto; and Craig B. Thompson, M.D., Director, Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania.

About FierceMarkets
FierceMarkets is a digital business media Agios Pharmaceuticals serving vertical markets with email newsletters, web sites, and live events. Based in Washington, DC, FierceMarkets publications reach more than 450,000 executives in over 100 countries every business day. Current publications include The Business VoIP Report, FierceBioResearcher, FierceBiotech, FierceBroadbandWireless, FierceCIO, Fierce CIO: Tech Watch, FierceDeveloper, FierceFinance, FierceFinanceIT, FierceHealthCare, FierceHealthFinance, FierceHealthIT, FierceIPTV, FierceMobileContent, FierceMobileIT, FierceOnlineVideo, FiercePharma, FierceSarbox, FierceTelecom, FierceVaccines, FierceVoIP, FierceWireless, and FierceWireless: Europe).

Media Contacts:
Heather Cox
FierceMarkets, Inc.
202-628-8778 x13
heather@fiercemarkets.com

Barbara Yates
Yates Public Relations
781-258-6153
yatesoffice@aol.com

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