Bio Screening Industry News

Rockville, MD, April 23, 2008: Seegene today announced that its Seeplex(R) multi-pathogen tests are now optimized for Lab 901’s ScreenTape(R)  and Caliper LifeSciences’ LC90(R)  automated detection systems. Compatibility with these two leading detection systems opens the way for Seeplex tests to be used throughout a wide spectrum of labs, from small to mid-sized labs to large commercial reference labs.

Seeplex tests are based on a breakthrough multiplexing PCR technology capable of detecting multiple pathogens in a single tube. Seeplex-based tests deliver maximum specificity, reproducibility and sensitivity and can be applied to a broad range of molecular diagnostics, including human, animal, plant and microorganism. Currently, Seegene’s Seeplex multi-pathogen detection tests offer labs worldwide simple, cost-effective and comprehensive screening for STDs, respiratory viruses, human papillomaviruses, sepsis and pneumonia.

“Our broad portfolio of multi-pathogen detection tests being optimized for ScreenTape and the Caliper LC90 systems will make it easier for clinical and research labs of all sizes to take advantage of our technology,” said Dr. Jong-Yoon Chun, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Seegene. “Both the Lab901 and Caliper LifeSciences systems represent the cutting edge of automated detection. Working in combination with these leading systems provides a powerful high-throughput method for analyzing test results.”

The ScreenTape system is the first fully automated, walk-away solution for gel electrophoresis. ScreenTape will automate the simultaneous analysis of eight or sixteen Seeplex PCR samples. Processing speed for 8 samples is completed within 10 minutes;  16 samples within 15 minutes. ScreenTape displays results using easy to interpret color codes. The ScreenTape system comprises the TapeStation (that carries out liquid handling, electrophoresis and imaging), ScreenTape (a consumable that contains the pre-cast, pre-packaged gel and running buffer) and bespoke software. With no gel or buffer preparation and no system priming, even untrained operators can rapidly generate accurate and reproducible test data.

The LabChip 90 System performs fast, automated, 1-D electrophoretic separations of protein, DNA, and RNA samples directly from a 96 or 384 well plate. The LC90 can load and read 96 Seeplex samples within 45 minutes or 384 Seeplex samples in 4 hours in easy-to-interpret reports.

Seegene is currently working to optimize Seeplex tests for other automated capillary electrophoresis systems. Seeplex’s compatibility with a wide range of automated detection systems will provide end-users with the flexibility to use the platform best suited for their purposes.

About Seeplex(R) System: Frontier of Multi-pathogen Detection

Seeplex(R) is a breakthrough multiplexing PCR technology that enables a new standard in simultaneous multi-pathogen detection. Seeplex works in combination with automatic detection systems such as Capillary Electrophoresis and delivers a benchmark in testing accuracy, efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

About Seegene

Seegene, Inc. is pioneering the field of multi-pathogen testing. Seegene applies its novel and proprietary Seeplex system utilizing “DPO (Dual Priming Oligo)” and “ACP (Annealing Control Primer)” to create multi-pathogen tests delivering maximum specificity, reproducibility and sensitivity. With over 260 citations and several patents and patents pending, Seegene has been offering advanced molecular diagnostics services to over 1,000 major global institutes in more than 25 countries. Seegene is actively working with both the scientific and OEM business community. Seegene’s mission is to integrate Seeplex with disease diagnostics to provide a new guideline for effectively treating patients. Seegene was founded in 2000 and is based in Rockville, MD and Seoul, Korea. For more information please visit www.seegene.com.

New line of DNA and serum samples for Type II diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidemia provide researchers access to clinically defined controls to validate biomedical research results

Beltsville, MD, December 4, 2007 – BioServe today introduced ControlMATCH, a new line of fully annotated control DNA and serum samples designed to help biomedical researchers efficiently validate new biomarkers and early stage clinical trial drug candidates. Leveraging BioServe’s Global Repository of 600,000 human biological samples, ControlMATCH allows researchers to select and match control samples to the specific needs of their own DNA and/or serum-based studies.

ControlMATCH DNA and serum controls will initially cover type II diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidemia, and extend to other disease states in early 2008.

ControlMATCH normal samples for type II diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidemia are annotated with body mass index (BMI), confirmed normal blood glucose levels, confirmed normal blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and a family history of health status and ethnicity determined by data collected on three generations. ControlMATCH therefore permits researchers to identify one-to-one matched controls for extended criteria such as age, gender, ethnicity, BMI, diet and a host of lifestyle factors. Furthermore, ControlMATCH includes clinically confirmed negative results enabling researchers to further confirm that their markers are valued against the correct set of controls.

Xin Li Wang, a professor and director in the cardiothoracic research laboratory in the division of cardiothoracic surgery of the Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine, commented, “We are engaged in landmark cardiothoracic studies that we hope will reveal the DNA aberrations in a few target genes responsible for thoracic aortic disease. Like any large epidemiological study, time is money and generating valid results as quickly as possible is a prerequisite for success.”

“The faster a study is able to generate validated results, the higher the probability of achieving longer term program milestones. By providing us with ready made DNA samples stratified by age, ethnicity and smoking status, BioServe’s ControlMATCH has proven to be an indispensable tool in accelerating our research,” he added.

“ControlMATCH was developed to be a powerful validation tool for epidemiologists and researchers investigating a variety of major diseases,” said Kevin Krenitsky, Chief Executive Officer, BioServe.  “DNA and serum control sets linked to extensive clinical, demographic and lifestyle data will enable researchers to both rapidly validate which markers are valuable and worth pursuing, and generally contribute to the genetic understanding of debilitating disease.”

About BioServe

BioServe is a leader in the processing, development, and validation of diagnostic tests for the practice of personalized, predictive and preventive medicine. Leading pharma, biotech and diagnostic firms collaborate with BioServe to identify and validate markers that cause disease while correlating clinical and molecular data to develop new diagnostic tests promoting wellness around the world. BioServe offers the Global Repository®, a growing library of over 600,000 human DNA, tissue and serum samples linked to detailed clinical and demographic data from 140,000 consented and anonymized patients from four continents. Leveraging BioServe’s robust genomic analytical services, technology, Global Repository and CLIA-certified laboratory, collaborators gain a complete, highly efficient platform for processing diagnostic test results and identifying genomic markers for powerful new assays. BioServe has headquarters in Beltsville, MD and Hyderabad, India. For more information please visit www.bioserve.com or call 301-470-3362.

The biotechnology company continues its strong growth (+50% tendency) and
reinforces its international leadership in the development and supply of genetically
modified animal models. The products henceforth available from the catalogue
have already attracted Pfizer, GSK, BMS and Servier.
Lyon (France), 19 November 2007 - genOway, a biotechnology company specialized in
the development of genetically modified research models for the biopharmaceutical industry
today announces today the launching of its catalogue activity, based on the development
and supply of standardized tools.
This offer of animal models developed by genOway’s R&D teams or via the acquisition of
exclusive and non-exclusive licenses from prestigious academic laboratories such as Yale
University (Connecticut), the Hubrecht Institute (Netherlands), and the University of
Michigan is based on the supply of ready-for-use tools selectable from the catalogue.
The biological profile of these new animal models offers numerous advantages for biomedical
researchers: rapid availability, acquisition of biological predictability of the effects on the
human organism and a shortening the development cycle of the therapeutic solutions.
To date, genOway has elaborated a catalogue of standardized products - of which the
company retains the entire of intellectual property - spanning four major therapeutic axes:
- Inflammatory and metabolic pathologies (diabetes, obesity)
- Diseases of the central nervous system (depression, anxiety)
- Infectious diseases and allergy
- Gastroenterology.
In the area of metabolic illnesses, this offer has already attracted many major players in the
biopharmaceutical industry, such as Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline, Bristol-Myers Squib and
Servier. genOway registed in mid-November 2007 an order sheet of over 0.8 million euros in
this domain.
Alexandre Fraichard, CEO of genOway, stated : “We are delighted to observe the success
achieved by our catalogue models. Recognition by many major pharmaceutical companies
validates our choices and our technical platform. Moreover, genOway benefits from
privileged links with the most cutting edge academic teams at international level, which
grant us exclusive and non-exclusive licenses on the animal models which we judge
pertinent. Thus our catalogue of standardized products will become richer in the coming
months with new proprietary models. We intend to continue our proactive license
acquisition policy, and have other licenses currently in negotiation”.
Kader Thiam, VP Transgenic Technologies at genOway added: “Through this new commercial
offer, genOway can now offer two distinct responses to the same demand from industrial
clients. The latter can now choose between customized development of genetically modified
animal models and the acquisition of standardized and more rapidly available animal models.
This approach reinforces our image as the reference point supplier for the entirety of
biomedical research”.
To date, genOway makes its expertise available to over 40 major biopharmaceutical groups
and 160 academic institutions, either through customized development of genetically
modified research animal models or through its emerging activity of sale of proprietary
models.
About genOway:
genOway(ALTERNEXT-NYSE:ALGEN)is a biotechnology company dedicated to the
development of geneticallymodified animal models aimed at enhancing thesecurity and
relevancy ofin vivo research projects. Focusing its efforton the mouse and rat,genOway’s
expertise combined transgenesictechnologies such aspronuclear microinjection, Knockout,
Knock-in,Knock- down, pointmutation, humanization combined with innovative patented
technologiesadapted to target validation, in vivo drugscreening, drug efficacy andsafety
testing program. Collaborations withworldwide leaders (CharlesRiver Laboratories,
Invitrogen, Tet systems,etc..) enable genOway toprovide its customer with a complete
portfolioof products and servicesfor all aspects of model generation and characterization.
Operating in22 countries in Europe, North America and Asia, genOway has developed more
than 450 rat and mouse lines for 40 companies and 160 research institutions. Thanks to its
industrializedproduction facilities,genOway is involved in large-scale projects with several
academic centers (German National Genome Research Network, University College London,
King’s College London, Max Planck Institute) and with pharmaceutical companies
(BayerCorp, Boehringer Ingelheim,Johnson& Johnson).
For more information consult:www.genoway.com
Contacts:
Marie Norbert - genOway - norbert@genoway.com
Contact for investors:
Gilles de Poncins , CFO - genOway - finances@genoway.com
Milestones - Press & Investors Relation
Bruno Arabian
Tel. : +33 170 08 04 13
E-mail : milestones@milestones-fr.com
Warning: This press release expressly contains, in an implicit manner,certain prospective
statements concerning genOway and its activity.These statements rely on certain risks, known
or unknown, uncertainty or onother factors that may lead to actual results, financial
conditions,performance or achievements on the part of genOway that may differ significantly
from the results, financial conditions, performance or achievements expressed or implied in
these prospective statements.genOway is issuing this press release on the present date and is
not committed to update the prospective statements contained therein, either as a result of new
information, future events or other. For a description of the risks or uncertainty of
a nature to cause a difference between genOway’s actual results, financial conditions,
performance or achievements and those contained in the prospective statements, please refer to
the section on “Risk Factors'’on the Prospectus available on the genOway website:
http://www.genoway.com

A new device invented by researchers at the University of Virginia could save pharmaceutical companies significant time and money in screening potential new drug compounds.

“We want to help the pharmaceutical industry identify effective therapuetic compounds by allowing them to fail early, fail fast, and fail cheap before going to very expensive animal studies,” said Brett Blackman, an assistant professor in biomedical engineering.

Blackman and Brian Wamhoff, assistant professor in the department of medicine (cardiovascular division), have teamed up to create the novel system, HemoShear 2.0, which offers researchers for the first time the ability to observe the behavior patterns of human vascular cells under a variety of blood flow conditions that occur inside the body’s cardiovascular system.

HemoShear 2.0 models the early indicators of atherosclerosis — hardening or narrowing of the arteries — by placing actual human vascular cells (i.e., endothelial and smooth muscle cells) in an environment that mimics an artery with blood flowing through it. Data from the exposure can be measured and recorded.

HemoShear 2.0 can help test the efficacy of therapeutic compounds and aid in early stage toxicity studies. Instead of testing drug compounds on isolated cells, which can produce false negatives, drug companies can use the device to test compounds in a more realistic environment.

“What the pharmaceutical industry lacks is the ability to mimic an organ ex vivo,” Wamhoff said. “We know that as soon as we take an organ and disperse the cells, those cells are no longer like they were in the body. If you apply a novel compound to that cell, the response you get might be real but it’s not meaningful in the context of the disease. When you go to animal studies, that response may not carry over in the blood vessel. It is clear that human-based biomimetic models are needed to fill this gap”

Atherosclerosis is considered the most important underlying cause of heart attack or stroke. The disease tends to occur at locations in the arteries where blood flow is compromised, causing detrimental changes in both the cells lining the interior of blood vessels (endothelial cells) and the cells found in the wall of blood vessels (smooth muscle cells).

Using an MRI, the researchers determined the rhythmic pattern at which blood flows through different arteries in human subjects. “We are then able to simulate the same flow patterns in those areas that are more or less susceptible to atherosclerosis and observe how the cells respond to these flow patterns in HemoShear,” Blackman said.

According to Wamhoff, this kind of modeling offers unique opportunities to observe the cells and their interaction. “Research has been conducted wherein human cells are isolated to observe behavior patterns, but there are no available models that allow one to accurately study the intricate communication between endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells in a setting that mimics actual blood flow in the body.”

This communication is important, the researchers say, because the cells lining the interior of the blood vessels, the endothelial cells, recognize different blood flow patterns imposed upon them and respond by expressing or repressing genes. This, in turn, influences their interactions with the cells found in the walls of blood vessels, the smooth muscle cells — interactions that, the researchers found, may lead to the onset of early-inflammation-associated atherosclerosis in certain arteries.

Using HemoShear 2.0, the researchers have been able to recreate blood flow patterns in bifurcating and bulbous areas like the internal carotid that are more susceptible to the disease (atheroprone areas) and the pipe-like arteries like the common carotid that are less susceptible to the disease (atheroprotective areas).

Using a synthetic elastic layer that is similar to a real blood vessel wall, endothelial cells are plated on the top surface and smooth muscle cells on the bottom surface. Then, the different blood flow patterns modeled from human circulation are applied to the endothelial cells through rotation of a motor-driven cone system. The findings: the blood flow can influence both endothelial and smooth muscle cell behaviors.

When subjected to atheroprotective blood flow patterns, the endothelial cells aligned with the direction of the blood flow, and the smooth muscle cells aligned perpendicularly to the flow as is true in a healthy blood vessel. In stark contrast, the atheroprone type of flow caused the endothelial cells to move away from their parallel structure while smooth muscle cells moved away from their perpendicular structure. This remodeling mimics the early phases of the diseased state of the artery; the blood flow pattern associated with atheroprone areas resulted in inflammation in both cells reminiscent of early hallmarks of atherosclerosis. This was confirmed through evaluating gene and protein expression profiles in both cell types.

“The results of this study validate the use of this novel co-culture system as a relevant biomimetic vascular model for studying early atherosclerotic events,” said Tom Skalak, professor and chair of the U.Va. Department of Biomedical Engineering. “The cells’ responses to these carefully controlled models of blood flow can now be used to develop therapeutic interventions for detection and treatment of vascular diseases — it has the potential to be revolutionary.”

Blackman,Wamhoff, and Dr. Norbert Leitinger (department of pharmacology) have formed a collaborative entity — the Laboratory of Atherogenesis — to begin using the HemoShear system to make these translatable discoveries in atherosclerosis.

A provisional patent has been filed for HemoShear 2.0. The research that HemoShear 2.0 made possible was spearheaded by a biomedical engineering graduate student, Nicole Hastings (’08), and is published in the American Journal of Physiology — Cell Physiology.

New Seeplex® STD/HPV Test Detects Chlamydia Trachomatis, Neisseria Gonorrhea, Human Papillomaviruses - High Risk and Low Risk - in a single tube, at the price point of a single pathogen test

Rockville, MD, November 06, 2007: More than half of all people will be infected with a sexually transmitted disease (STD) at some point in their lifetime. However, fewer than a third of these individuals are routinely screened for STDs. In an effort to encourage widespread STD screening to help slow the transmission of these infections and promote more responsive and effective patient care, Seegene today introduced a new STD/HPV diagnostic test capable of simultaneously detecting the most common bacteria and viruses causing STDs.

Seegene’s new Seeplex STD/HPV test screens for Chlamydia Trachomatis (CT), Neisseria Gonorrhea (NG), as well as 14 Human Papillomaviruses (HPV) high risk types and 5 HPV low risk types in a single reaction tube, at the price point of a single pathogen test using the same sample.

Current clinical STD and HPV screening procedures are not cost efficient, using a separate test to detect each indication for CT, NG, HPV High Risk, and HPV Low Risk. Since STD infections have a high co-infection rate (with afflicted individuals exhibiting more than one STD infection), and HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer, clinical healthcare systems  need an effective and economical diagnostic tool, one capable of detecting the most prevalent STD and HPV pathogens with a single test.

The Seeplex STD/HPV test enables clinicians to test for:

•     Chlamydia trachomatis

•     Neisseria gonorrhoeae

•     Human Papillomavirus14 high risk subtypes screening

•     Human Papillomavirus 5 low risk subtypes screening

The new Seeplex STD/HPV diagnostic test enables healthcare providers to quickly, accurately and cost-effectively determine most prevalent STD/HPV infections in patients. Armed with this diagnostic information, physicians will be able to write better prescriptions, and clinicians can provide the best course of treatment.

“Since most STD and HPV cause no noticeable symptoms, they go undetected. These asymptomatic infections can be diagnosed only through testing. Therefore, the only way to slow the spread of STD/HPV along with their dangerous effects, like cervical cancer, is to provide routine and ubiquitous screening programs,” said Jong-Yoon Chun, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Seegene.

According to a study in the February 28, 2007 issue of JAMA, approximately one in four US females between the ages of 14 and 59 years is at risk for sexually transmitted infections, which typically exhibit no visible symptoms. High risk HPV types are detected in 99 percent of cervical cancers and over 70 percent of cervical cancers are caused by HPV types 16 and 18.  Alarmingly, individuals diagnosed positive for HPV are on average infected with up to five different types of HPVs.

These extremely high STD infection rates among the general population place an enormous financial burden upon healthcare systems and on patient point of care systems. Supporting this assertion, The Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) computer model of the cost of STD infections estimates that the 9.1 million new STD infections among 15-to-24-year-olds in the United States in the year 2000 cost $6.5 billion in direct medical costs.

About Seeplex® System: Frontier of Multi-pathogen Detection

Seeplex® is a breakthrough multiplexing PCR technology that enables a new standard in simultaneous multi-pathogen detection. Seeplex works in combination with automatic detection systems such as Capillary Electrophoresis and delivers a benchmark in testing accuracy, efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

About Seegene

Seegene, Inc. is pioneering the field of multi-pathogen testing. Seegene applies its novel and proprietary Seeplex system utilizing “DPO (Dual Priming Oligo)” and “ACP (Annealing Control Primer)” to create multi-pathogen tests delivering maximum specificity, reproducibility and sensitivity. With over 260 citations and several patents and patents pending, Seegene has been offering advanced molecular diagnostics services to over 1,000 major global institutes in more than 25 countries. Seegene is actively working with both the scientific and OEM business community. Seegene’s mission is to integrate Seeplex with disease diagnostics to provide a new guideline for effectively treating patients. Seegene was founded in 2000 and is based in Rockville, MD and Seoul, Korea. For more information please visit www.seegene.com.

‘Safecode’ is a new system for clinical trials represents a significant enhancement over traditional CODEBREAK product identification
methods.

Our system allows confidential information to be printed using industry standard inkjet technology.

The printed information is illegible unless a tamper evident strip is removed. This ensures that any effort to compromise the security of data is immediately apparent.

http://www.acs-labels.co.uk/Safecode.htm

FOSTER CITY, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Applied Biosystems (NYSE: ABI), an Applera Corporation business, and its joint venture partner, Sciex, a division of MDS Inc.’s Analytical Technologies business, (NYSE: MDZ, TSX: MDS), today introduced a new, automated toxicology testing application designed to better identify drugs of abuse, such as cocaine, heroin and date rape drugs for forensic investigations.

The new Cliquid™ Drug Screen and Quant Software for Routine Forensic Toxicology application equips toxicology laboratories for the first time with a built-in library of 1,200 compounds and a search reporting function designed to screen hundreds of drugs in less than 20 minutes. This software application is an advancement over existing toxicology testing methods. It enables faster delivery of results, more thorough screening and, ultimately, more accurate analysis to be used as evidence in criminal court cases.

Toxicology laboratories are relied upon for the testing of narcotics and other substances in a variety of cases such as impaired driving, homicides and sexual assaults. For example, if a person dies in a car accident, investigators turn to toxicology laboratories to ascertain whether or not the driver was impaired. In sexual assault cases, toxicology testing can help investigators determine if the victim was unknowingly drugged to facilitate the crime.

Identifying an expanding array of ‘street’ drugs has created new challenges for toxicologists, necessitating widespread re-evaluations of testing and analysis techniques to help prevent emerging derivatives of substances from slipping through the process undetected.

Scientists at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) are among the toxicology scientists at laboratories around the world who are increasingly expected to deliver accurate results in detecting a broader range of drugs of abuse. Toxicology laboratory personnel at UCSF have evaluated this new Cliquid software application.

“The accuracy of the test results is critical in toxicology analysis and interpretation,” said Dr. Alan Wu, chief of the chemistry and toxicology laboratories at San Francisco General Hospital, and professor of laboratory medicine at the University of California, San Francisco. “The new Cliquid software application for drug screening promises to make interpretation of toxicology results more efficient.”

Cliquid Drug Screen and Quant Software for Routine Forensic Toxicology is the first dedicated application that utilizes liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS), an advanced analytical technique for screening compounds. The high degree of sensitivity, minimum sample preparation and short run times of this technique result in being able to analyze more sample per unit time at a lower cost than other techniques, such as LC or gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Traditional toxicology testing technology, which uses UV-based liquid chromatography, has been limited to detecting high concentrations of a narrow range of drugs because of the limited sensitivity of that technology.

The Cliquid software application reduces the complexity for routine testing to support greater confidence and throughput. The 1,200 compounds in the application’s built-in library consist of drugs of abuse, pharmaceuticals, poisons and metabolites to provide a complete analysis of what may have been ingested. The automatic LC/MS/MS-based library then simply searches for each of those substances through a simple, turnkey workflow.

“Results obtained from a toxicology laboratory can make or break an entire forensic investigation,” said Laura Lauman, president for Applied Biosystems’ proteomics and small molecules division. “Applied Biosystems/MDS SCIEX is responding to our customers’ requests for advanced tools that eliminate the complexity and limitations of traditional techniques and more quickly deliver irrefutable results.”

The Applied Biosystems/MDS SCIEX Instruments joint venture has a 20-year history of innovation and a broad portfolio of mass spectrometry-based technologies and systems that enable advancements in research laboratories in biotechnology, biomedical and pharmaceutical fields. Applied Biosystems Global Services offers professional consulting services specifically designed to help toxicology laboratories maximize their investments in new systems and software.

“The innovative Cliquid software application has the potential to have a significant impact on the rapidly evolving field of toxicology,” said Andy Boorn, president for MDS Analytical Technologies. “The incredible precision of our mass spectrometry technology can help toxicologists meet the challenges they face today in their analysis for forensic cases.”

For more information about Cliquid Drug Screen and Quant Software for Routine Forensic Toxicology, please visit info.appliedbiosystems.com/cliquiddrug

About Applera Corporation and Applied Biosystems

Applera Corporation consists of two operating groups. The Applied Biosystems Group serves the life science industry and research community by developing and marketing instrument-based systems, consumables, software, and services. Its customers use these tools to analyze nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), small molecules, and proteins to make scientific discoveries and develop new pharmaceuticals. The Applied Biosystems’ products also serve the needs of some markets outside of life science research, which we refer to as “applied markets.” These include the fields of human identity testing (forensic and paternity testing); biosecurity, which refers to products needed in response to the threat of biological terrorism and other malicious, accidental, and natural biological dangers; and quality and safety testing, such as testing required for food and pharmaceutical manufacturing. Applied Biosystems is headquartered in Foster City, CA, and reported sales of approximately $2.1 billion during fiscal 2007. The Celera Group is primarily a molecular diagnostics business that is using proprietary genomics and proteomics discovery platforms to identify and validate novel diagnostic markers, and is developing diagnostic products based on these markers as well as other known markers. Celera maintains a strategic alliance with Abbott for the development and commercialization of molecular, or nucleic acid-based, diagnostic products, and it is also developing new diagnostic products outside of this alliance. Through its genomics and proteomics research efforts, Celera is also discovering and validating therapeutic targets, and it is seeking strategic partnerships to develop therapeutic products based on these discovered targets. Information about Applera Corporation, including reports and other information filed by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, is available at www.applera.com, or by telephoning 800.762.6923. Information about Applied Biosystems is available at www.appliedbiosystems.com

About MDS Inc.

MDS Inc. (TSX: MDS; NYSE: MDZ) is a global life sciences company that provides market-leading products and services that our customers need for the development of drugs and diagnosis and treatment of disease. We are a leading global provider of pharmaceutical contract research, medical isotopes for molecular imaging, radiotherapeutics, and analytical instruments. MDS has more than 6,200 highly skilled people in 28 countries. Find out more at www.mdsinc.com or by calling 1-888-MDS-7222, 24 hours a day.

About Sciex

Sciex is a division of MDS Analytical Technologies. The Sciex product portfolio offers proven market leadership in mass spectrometry through its joint ventures with two of the world’s leading analytical instrumentation and life sciences companies, Applied Biosystems, a business of the Applera Corporation and PerkinElmer Inc. Find out more at www.mdssciex.com

Applied Biosystems Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking. These may be identified by the use of forward-looking words or phrases such as “should,” “expect,” and “planned,” among others. These forward-looking statements are based on Applera Corporation’s current expectations. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a “safe harbor” for such forward-looking statements. In order to comply with the terms of the safe harbor, Applera Corporation notes that a variety of factors could cause actual results and experience to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements. These factors include but are not limited to: (1) rapidly changing technology and dependence on the development and customer acceptance of new products; (2) sales dependent on customers’ capital spending policies and government-sponsored research; and (3) other factors that might be described from time to time in Applera Corporation’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All information in this press release is as of the date of the release, and Applera does not undertake any duty to update this information, including any forward-looking statements, unless required by law.

©.Copyright 2007. Applera Corporation. All rights reserved. Applied Biosystems, AB (Design), Applera and Celera are registered trademarks of Applera Corporation or its subsidiaries in the US and/or certain other countries. Cliquid is a trademark of Applied Biosystems/MDS SCIEX, a joint venture between Applera Corporation and MDS Inc.

Gossypol:

• is a polyphenolic aldehyde that permeates cells and acts as an inhibitor for several dehydrogenase enzymes.
• is antimalarial being the selective inhibitor of Plasmodium falciparum (pfLDH over hLDHs), an essential enzyme for energy generation within malarial parasite.
• posesses proapoptotic properties, probably due to the regulation of the Bax and Bcl2.
• reversibly inhibits Calcineurin and binds to calmodulin.
• inhibits replication of the HIV-1 virus.
• an effective protein kinase C inhibitor.

Read more about Gossypol

Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., the world leader in serving science, announces the launch of the ultra-sensitive TSQ Quantum(TM) GC gas chromatograph triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. Developed for use in environmental, food, toxicology, pharmaceutical and clinical research laboratories, the system allows industry leading levels of sensitivity, selectivity and simultaneous quantification and structural confirmation through its innovative scan function, Quantitation-Enhanced Data-Dependent MS/MS (QED-MS/MS), at the lowest limits of quantitation. The system offers the ability to switch between GC and LC modes, offering an extremely flexible system. This system will be displayed at the downtown Marriott Ballroom 5, June 3-7, 2007 from 7:00-10:00 PM during the 55th Annual ASMS Conference on Mass Spectrometry in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The Thermo Scientific TSQ Quantum GC is the most sensitive and versatile GC triple quadrupole mass spectrometer instrument available on the market. The GC-MS/MS extends the TSQ Quantum portfolio, achieving higher sensitivity and lower detection limits making it ideally suited for regulated environments. The TSQ Quantum GC delivers high sensitivity with Highly Selective Reaction Monitoring (H-SRM) and lowest limits of quantitation. The H-SRM capability allows the quantitation of hundreds of compounds in a single run for multi-residue screening, while the zero cross-talk collision cell helps in the elimination of false positives.

The system consists of a TSQ Quantum triple quadrupole mass spectrometer, TRACE GC Ultra(TM) and TriPlus autosampler, and is configured with Thermo Scientific Xcalibur(TM) software. Xcalibur is the most powerful and robust data system available, delivering a unique combination of functionality, system control and ease of use. It also contains a built-in audit trail to ensure compliance with laboratory SOPs and quality programs.

In addition, the TSQ Quantum GC includes application-specific software such as Thermo Scientific LCQUAN software, designed to offer scientists workflow-oriented approaches to GC-MS/MS analyses.

The TSQ Quantum GC completes the company’s GC/MS product line by offering a new level of selectivity and performance between the PolarisQ(TM) ion trap GC/MS and the DFS High Resolution Magnetic sector GC/MS.

For more information on the Thermo Scientific TSQ Quantum GC, please call 1-800-532-4752, e-mail analyze@thermofisher.com or visit www.thermo.com/ms.

Thermo Scientific is part of Thermo Fisher Scientific, the world leader in serving science.

About Thermo Fisher Scientific
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE: TMO) is the world leader in serving science, enabling our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. With an annual revenue rate of more than $9 billion, we employ 30,000 people and serve over 350,000 customers within pharmaceutical and biotech companies, hospitals and clinical diagnostic labs, universities, research institutions and government agencies, as well as environmental and industrial process control settings. Serving customers through two premier brands, Thermo Scientific and Fisher Scientific, we help solve analytical challenges from routine testing to complex research and discovery. Thermo Scientific offers customers a complete range of high-end analytical instruments as well as laboratory equipment, software, services, consumables and reagents to enable integrated laboratory workflow solutions. Fisher Scientific provides a complete portfolio of laboratory equipment, chemicals, supplies and services used in healthcare, scientific research, safety and education. Together, we offer the most convenient purchasing options to customers and continuously advance our technologies to accelerate the pace of scientific discovery, enhance value for customers and fuel growth for shareholders and employees alike. Visit www.thermofisher.com.

Aarhus Denmark, June 27, 2007 — The project of creating a South American biological database - with the official name Patrimonio Genómico y Saberes Locales (PGSL) which roughly translates to “Genomic Heritage and Local Wisdom” - manifested itself with a recent inaugural meeting in Ecuador, where universities and government agencies from various South American countries, as well as bioinformatics solution providers CLC bio, participated and agreed to move to the next phase of the project.

Ecuador’s Deputy Secretary of State, Dr. Gonzalo Salvador, stated at the inaugural meeting:
It is a milestone for South America to start the PGSL project, in order to recognize and ensure the unique cultural and natural heritage of South America, through modern and highly advanced science.

The overall goal of the PGSL project is to harvest and preserve nucleotide sequence data from the vast biodiversity throughout the continent and make a database, much like DDBJ in Japan, EMBL in Europe, and GenBank in North America. In addition, the project will scientifically investigate and preserve the ancient and traditional therapeutic healthcare substances - knowledge protected for thousands of years by native civilizations in South America. Another important issue for PGSL is to minimize “bio-piracy” - the act of non-native scientists harvesting and using genetic materials from South America for copyrighted products.

Via live video conference from Denmark, CLC bio’s Vice President, Jan Lomholdt, stated at the meeting:
Creating a biological database in South America, based on the profound biodiversity throughout the region, is of utmost importance - not only to South America, but to the whole world. It is vital to gain a deeper understanding of the unique species in Amazonia, Patagonia, and the Galápagos Islands, to name a few exceptional areas in the region. It is also essential to develop and maintain the scientific knowledge in South America, and to help increase the overall level of understanding of genetics and bioinformatics.

A fundamental part of the process is the education and training of leaders of the indigenous organizations, scientists, and postgraduate students, under the common agenda of PGSL. CLC bio will support this academic program with their new Educational Package (www.clceducation.com) as well as bioinformatics solutions, and consultancy services throughout the project.

The South American countries have started the project with Mr. Pablo Morales Males from Pontificia Universidad Católica of Ecuador (PUCE) as the Project Director, and PUCE as the central coordinating hub for the project.

Founding partners of PGSL

• Pontificia Universidad Católica of Ecuador (PUCE)
• Universidad Politécnica Salesiana, Ecuador
• Instituto de Biomedicina of Universidad Central del Ecuador
• Pontificia Universidad Javieriana, Colombia
• Sociedad Peruana de Derecho Ambiental, Peru
• Universidad Católica Andres Bello, Venezuela
• Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Ecuador’s Foreign Trade Affairs and Integration Ministry
• Ecuador’s Intellectual Property Institute
• Departamento Nacional de Recursos Fitogenéticos y Biotecnología, Ecuador
• Asociación de Shamanes Indígenas del Napo-ASHIN, Ecuador
• Asociación de Mujeres Parteras Kichwas del Napo - AMUPAKIN, Ecuador
• CLC bio, Brazil and Denmark

About CLC bio

CLC bio is the world’s leading bioinformatics solution provider, solely focusing on the development of bioinformatics: software, hardware, data analysis, and custom-designed bioinformatics algorithms. CLC bio is an Apple solution provider and value added reseller.

CLC bio’s mission is to be among the most innovative bioinformatics companies in the 21st century. This is realized through:

• Development of bioinformatics software and hardware based on the latest scientific findings
• User-friendly, integrated and intuitive software solutions
• Continuous focus on customer needs and superior customer service
• Frequent product updates including the latest IT technologies and bioinformatics algorithms
• A flexible IT architecture, enabling customers to buy or develop individualized solutions at a reasonable price