Oct. 16, 2002 — Aclara BioSciences said it has started a search to replace Joseph Limber, who said he would resign as president and chief executive officer on Dec. 1.

Limber, who said in a news release he plans to pursue other opportunities, will remain a member of Aclara’s board of directors, and will continue to serve as executive director to help recruit a new CEO and ensure a smooth transition. Also serving as executive director during the interim period will be Edward Hurwitz, a venture partner at Alta Partners and former Affymetrix executive who joined Aclara’s board in July.

Aclara also announced Wednesday it signed a new licensing deal with Wisconsin-based Third Wave Technologies designed to boost commercialization of Aclara’s eTag Assay System. The firms, which announced a partnership last year, say the new agreement streamlines the structure of the collaboration and allows Aclara to directly develop and commercialize its gene expression tests for drug discovery and development.

Aclara, traded on Nasdaq, was $1.54 at 2 p.m., up from $1.50 Tuesday. Third Wave, also a Nasdaq stock, was at $1.52, up from $1.50 Tuesday.