UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

FORM 8-K

Current Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): March 31, 2004

Date of Filing: March 31, 2004

Lynx Therapeutics, Inc.

Delaware
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)

25861 Industrial Blvd.
Hayward, California 94545
(Address of Principal Executive Offices and Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (510) 670-9300

Table of Contents

Item 12. Results of Operations and Financial Condition

On March 31, 2004, Lynx Therapeutics, Inc. issued a press release announcing financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2003. A copy of such press release, entitled “Lynx Announces 2003 Fourth Quarter and Full Year Financial Results,” is furnished herewith as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.

The information in this report, including the exhibit hereto, shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section or Sections 11 and 12(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The information contained herein and in the accompanying exhibit shall not be incorporated by reference into any filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission made by Lynx Therapeutics, Inc., whether made before or after the date hereof, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing.

SIGNATURE

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

INDEX TO EXHIBITS