Applied Biosystems Launches Service Provider Program For Real-Time RNA Expression Analysis

FOSTER CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Applied Biosystems Inc. (NYSE:ABI) today announced that it has established a global service provider program for RNA expression analysis. The TaqMan® Service Provider Program was created for research scientists who do not have laboratories equipped for performing TaqMan assays, or who choose to outsource their experiments to obtain accurate, sensitive, and reproducible data, generated by authorized third parties using Applied Biosystems' TaqMan RNA expression analysis reagents. This program will provide these scientists with a comprehensive solution for completing a variety of biological sample processing and data analysis projects that incorporate gold-standard TaqMan assay chemistry. Scientists who need higher throughput real-time PCR capabilities or advanced TaqMan solutions can also benefit from having access to these service providers.

The initial service providers in the program include Gene Logic, an Ocimum Biosolutions Company (United States); Genome Explorations (United States); SeqWright Inc (United States); Asuragen (United States); Central Biotechnology Services (United Kingdom); DNAVision (Belgium); OncoStem (Spain); The Gandel Charitable Trust Sequencing Centre (Australia); and Sydney University Prince Alfred Molecular Analysis Centre (Australia).

These organizations will offer their customers genomic research services that use Applied Biosystems TaqMan-based RNA expression analysis solutions. Examples of these solutions include TaqMan gene expression and miRNA assays, TaqMan® Arrays and TaqMan® Express Plates, and Megaplex™ products for streamlining the profiling of miRNA samples. Other tools available to service providers include ready access to pre-defined sets of genes for pathway or disease state analyses. This week, Applied Biosystems added more than 100 preconfigured sets of genes to its TaqMan® Gene Sets portfolio, representing a significant extension to the pre-defined gene sets for this solution.

Real-time PCR performed with TaqMan RNA expression analysis assays is a widely-used laboratory method for simultaneously detecting and quantifying nucleic acids in biological samples. Applications of real-time PCR performed with TaqMan RNA assays include miRNA analysis, microarray validation, RNA interference (RNAi) assessment, candidate gene studies, and biological pathway studies.

"We've created this RNA analysis services program to broaden access to Applied Biosystems portfolio of TaqMan technologies, so that greater numbers of scientists can use these industry-leading reagents to advance their understanding of the molecular basis of life and disease," said Peter Dansky, president of Applied Biosystems' functional analysis division. "The launch of this program represents the first phase of what we expect to become an expansive international network of TaqMan Service Providers."

Applied Biosystems is supporting the TaqMan Service Provider Program by providing reagents, instruments and expertise which are expected to enhance the participating service providers' ability to deliver advanced RNA expression analysis services to customers. The initial members were chosen to be part of the program based on proficiency in executing the TaqMan RNA expression analysis workflow and generating reliable data using related software analysis tools.

For instance, Gene Logic has assembled one of the world's largest and most detailed knowledge bases of gene expression profiles from human and animal tissues and cells. Quality controlled by expert clinical pathologists, the organization's genomic samples are characterized by hundreds of clinical parameters and encompass key therapeutic areas, such as oncologic, inflammatory, cardiovascular, central nervous system, and metabolic disorders.

"We strategically partner with pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms in their genomic biomarker discovery pursuits, because we have very stringent quality control and data standard policies," said Anu Acharya, CEO of Gene Logic. "Adding Applied Biosystems comprehensive portfolio of TaqMan RNA expression analysis tools to our set of genomic analysis solutions will help us to expand the range of applications we support and provide our global clients with the data quality and reproducibility that they require for their drug discovery efforts."

Applied Biosystems is a global leader in the development and commercialization of instrument-based systems, consumables, software, and services for the life-science market. The company offers one of the life-science industry's most comprehensive lines of RNA expression analysis tools that include individual TaqMan assays and arrays of assays for miRNA analysis, along with a complete line of TaqMan® Array gene signature panels and more than 1,000,000 individual TaqMan Gene Expression Assays. These RNA expression analysis assay solutions are available on the Applied Biosystems website, and can be used with the appropriate real-time PCR instrument systems that include the Applied Biosystems 7900HT Fast Real-Time PCR System, 7500 Fast Real-Time PCR System, 7300 Real-Time PCR System, StepOne™ Real-Time PCR System, and StepOnePlus™ Real-Time PCR System. More information about Applied Biosystems' complete line of RNA expression analysis solutions is available at: http://info.appliedbiosystems.com.

For more information about the TaqMan Service Provider Program, please visit http://info.appliedbiosystems.com/taqmanservice. Service providers who are interested in becoming a part of this program may contact their local Applied Biosystems representative.

About Applied Biosystems Inc.

Applied Biosystems Inc. (formerly known as Applera Corporation) is a global leader in the development and marketing of instrument-based systems, consumables, software, and services for academic research, the life science industry and commercial markets. Driven by its employees' belief in the power of science to improve the human condition, the company commercializes innovative technology solutions for DNA, RNA, protein and small molecule analysis. Customers across the disciplines of academic and clinical research, pharmaceutical research and manufacturing, forensic DNA analysis, and agricultural biotechnology use the company's tools and services to accelerate scientific discovery, improve processes related to drug discovery and development, detect potentially pathogenic microorganisms, and identify individuals based on DNA sources. Applied Biosystems has a comprehensive service and field applications support team for a global installed base of high-performance genetic and protein analysis solutions. Applied Biosystems Inc. is headquartered in Norwalk, CT. On June 12, 2008, Applera Corporation and Invitrogen Corporation (NASDAQ: IVGN) announced that their Boards of Directors had approved a definitive merger agreement under which Invitrogen will acquire all of the outstanding shares of Applied Biosystems stock. The merger is subject to customary closing conditions and is targeted to close in the fall of 2008. Further information regarding the merger will be provided in a joint proxy statement/prospectus to be mailed to stockholders of the company and Invitrogen. Investors and security holders are urged to read this document when it becomes available because it will contain important information. Information about Applied Biosystems, including reports and other information filed by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, is available at http://www.appliedbiosystems.com. All information in this news release is as of the date of the release, and Applied Biosystems does not undertake any duty to update this information unless required by law.

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, "planned," and "expect," among others. These forward-looking statements are based on our 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, we note 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) the possibility that the TaqMan Service Provider Program or the underlying technology will not be successful and (2) other factors that might be described from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All information in this press release is as of the date of the release, and we do not undertake any duty to update this information, including any forward-looking statements, unless required by law.

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures. Practice of the patented 5' Nuclease Process requires a license from Applied Biosystems. The purchase of the TaqMan Array Human MicroArray Panel includes an immunity from suit under patents specified in the product insert to use only the amount purchased for the purchaser's own internal research when used with the separate purchase of an Authorized 5' Nuclease Core Kit. No other patent rights are conveyed expressly, by implication, or by estoppel. For further information on purchasing licenses contact the Director of Licensing, Applied Biosystems, 850 Lincoln Centre Drive, Foster City, California 94404, USA. The TaqMan® Low Density Array is covered by U.S. Patents Nos. 6,514,750 and 6,942,837. Micro Fluidic Card developed in collaboration with 3M Company.

©Copyright 2008. Applied Biosystems Inc. All rights reserved. Applied Biosystems, and AB (Design) are registered trademarks and Megaplex, StepOne, StepOnePlus are trademarks of Applied Biosystems Inc. or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and/or certain other countries. TaqMan is a registered trademark of Roche Molecular Systems, Inc. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners.

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