EX-32.1 4 a2194148zex-32_1.htm EXHIBIT 32.1
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EXHIBIT 32.1

CERTIFICATION

        In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Helicos BioSciences Corporation (the "Company") for the period ended March 31, 2009 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), we Ronald A. Lowy, the Principal Executive Officer of the Company and Stephen P. Hall, the Principal Financial and Accounting Officer of the Company, hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, to our knowledge that:

    (1)
    the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and

    (2)
    the information in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company
Dated: August 14, 2009   /s/ RONALD A. LOWY

Ronald A. Lowy
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)

Dated: August 14, 2009

 

/s/ STEPHEN P. HALL

Stephen P. Hall
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)



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