IDEXX Laboratories Receives FDA Comments on Nitazoxanide Application

WESTBROOK, Maine, December 20, 2002—IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (NASDAQ: IDXX), announced today that it has received a letter from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) providing comments to the Company regarding its application for approval of nitazoxanide, a product for the treatment of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM). The FDA letter stated that only the Labeling and Freedom of Information Summary portions of the Company's application remain incomplete. The Company had announced in November that launch of nitazoxanide was likely to be delayed as a result of the anticipated letter, but that the extent of the delay could not be predicted until the Company had received the letter.

"We are very encouraged by the scope of the FDA letter and are confident that we will be able to satisfactorily address the FDA's remaining comments and obtain an approval for nitazoxanide," said Jonathan W. Ayers, Chairman and CEO. "While it is difficult to predict the timing of an approval, we are optimistic that the product will be launched commercially before the end of 2003."

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. is a worldwide leader in the development and commercialization of innovative, technology-based products and services for animal health. The Company's largest business is focused on companion animal health, combining biotechnology, medical device technology and information technology to aid veterinarians in providing better medicine while building successful practices. IDEXX Laboratories is also focused on employing innovative technologies to monitor production animal health and the safety and quality of drinking water and milk. Headquartered in Westbrook, Maine, IDEXX Laboratories employs more than 2,100 people and offers products to customers in more than 50 countries.

This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on management's current expectations of future events, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate, actual results could vary materially from management's expectations. Risks and uncertainties include timing and success of new product introductions, competition and technological change, government regulation and obtaining government approvals, product demand and market acceptance, availability of products and raw materials, and litigation. A further description of these risks and uncertainties and other factors can be found in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2002, in the section captioned "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations." You may view these factors in detail in the most recent Form 10Q. The information is located in the "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition" under the Future Operations Results section. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events or developments.