Tm BIOSCIENCE GRANTS EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTIONS

-Options granted following the achievement of individual and corporate objectives-
TORONTO, ON, December 9, 2002 — Tm Bioscience Corporation (TSX Venture: TMC) announced today grants of employee stock options associated with the Employee Stock Option Plan approved by the TSX Venture Exchange in April 2002. The Board of Directors of Tm Bioscience, at their regularly scheduled meeting on December 4, 2002, granted Directors and Officers of the Corporation 1,139,364 stock options. These options were granted at an exercise price of $0.30. In accordance with the Company’s Employee Stock Option Plan, the grants were for 5-year options that vest over a 4-year period. The options were granted following the achievement of previously determined individual and corporate objectives.

About Tm Bioscience – Putting the Human Genome to Work™
Tm Bioscience is a DNA-based diagnostics company developing a suite of genetic tests. Tm Bioscience’s product pipeline includes tests for genetic mutations related to hematology, cystic fibrosis, toxicology and other debilitating genetic disorders. Tm Bioscience is located in Toronto, Ontario. Additional information about Tm Bioscience can be found at www.tmbioscience.com.

CONTACT:
Alan Coley James Smith
Vice President, Investor Relations Investor and Media Inquiries
416-593-4323 ext.237 416-815-0700 ext.229
416-593-1066 fax 416-815-0080 fax

acoley@tmbioscience.com     jsmith@equicomgroup.com 

The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. 

INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACT:
James Smith
The Equicom Group Inc.
416-815-0700 ext.229 
jsmith@equicomgroup.com 
www.tmbioscience.com     www.equicomgroup.com