Exhibit 1

                       [LETTERHEAD FOR VISIBLE GENETICS]

                              FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



CONTACTS:
Richard Daly (416) 813-3281            Bruno Maruzzo  (416) 813-3271
CEO, Visible Genetics Inc.             Investor Relations, Visible Genetics Inc


              VISIBLE GENETICS INC. RECEIVES NOTICE OF PATENT SUIT

TORONTO, CANADA (JANUARY 19, 2000): VISIBLE GENETICS INC. (VGI, NASDAQ: VGIN)
announced today that the PE Biosystems Group has filed a lawsuit against VGI in
the United States District Court for the Northern District of California
claiming that VGI's DNA sequencing equipment infringes patents licensed to PE
Biosystems by the California Institute of Technology. PE Biosystems has not
served the complaint on the Company. The complaint offers no details to support
the allegation of infringement. VGI has previously studied these patents and has
received legal advice that it is not liable for any claims of infringement. VGI
believes that PE Biosystems' claim is without merit and plans to vigorously
defend the suit.

Visible Genetics Inc. is a leader in the emerging field of pharmacogenomics,
which uses genetic information in the identification and analysis of genes to
improve patient care and reduce healthcare costs. VGI manufactures and markets
high performance automated DNA sequencing systems and complete kits for the
analysis of genes linked to disease. The Company's OpenGene(TM) system employs
patented CLIP(TM) technology - a single-step, bi-directional sequencing method
that significantly reduces the time and cost involved in identifying clinically
relevant genetic information.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the
"safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act 1995.
These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and
other factors which may cause the Company's results to differ materially from
expectations. These include risks relating to possible outcomes of litigation
and other risks as detailed from time to time in the Company's SEC filings and
most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F. These forward-looking statements speak
only as of the date hereof. VGI disclaims any intent or obligation to update
these forward-looking statements.

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