ChipMap(TM) Kit For DNA Microarrays, RiboMap(TM) for mRNA Gene Expression In
Tissue Automate and Optimize Key Activities in Drug Discovery Labs
TUCSON, Ariz., June 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.
(Nasdaq: VMSI), a leading company in supplying automated systems to histology
and drug discovery labs worldwide, today announced the launch of two chemistry
applications aimed at enhancing and improving the drug discovery process.
ChipMap(TM) and RiboMap(TM) Kits will optimize and accelerate many of the
steps genomics researchers perform on DNA Microarray applications and in situ
hybridizations of tissues. Both kits are designed for use on Ventana's
Discovery (TM) automated slide-staining instrument.
The Discovery system is the most advanced platform for automating the
principal slide-staining activities involved in target and compound drug
discovery. A revolutionary high-throughput, automated instrument for in-situ
hybridization (ISH), immunohistochemistry (IHC) and microarray slide staining,
Discovery minimizes some of the inconsistent and labor-intensive steps
performed in drug discovery laboratories.
"The development of these two chemistry applications are key to our
strategy of providing a total solution for automating key slide-staining
activities in drug discovery labs," commented Christopher Gleeson, Ventana's
president and chief executive officer. "These kits are the first of several
new chemistry applications for the Discovery that we will be bringing to
market this year. Each is designed to address the critical needs of
laboratories involved in new drug target and compound discovery."
Both ChipMap(TM) and RiboMap(TM) Kits include optimized protocols and
reagents that maximize the efficiency of hybridization conditions, providing
superior sensitivity. Proprietary formulations minimize non-specific binding,
providing quality results, high signal-to-noise ratios and exceptional
specificity. Uniform hybridization over the entire glass slide surface yields
greater consistency and eliminates slide-to-slide variation, which improves
reproducibility and reliability.
"Currently available manual methods employed for both microarray and
tissue in situ hybridization are inconsistent, labor-intensive, non-
standardized and time-consuming," Gleeson commented. "We expect that the
automation the Discovery system delivers, combined with these optimized
ChipMap(TM) and RiboMap(TM) chemistry applications, will greatly enhance drug
discovery efforts in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries worldwide."
Ventana develops, manufactures and markets instrument/reagent systems that
automate tissue preparation and slide staining in clinical histology and drug
discovery laboratories worldwide. Ventana's clinical systems are important
tools used in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and infectious diseases.
Ventana's drug discovery systems are used to accelerate the discovery of new
drug targets and evaluate the safety of new drug compounds.
This news release contains certain "forward-looking" statements and
information within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933
and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking
statements, by their very nature, include risks and uncertainties.
Accordingly, the company's actual results could differ materially from those
discussed in this release. A wide variety of factors could cause or
contribute to such differences and could adversely impact revenues,
profitability, cash flows and capital needs. Such factors, many of which are
beyond the control of the company, include the following: market acceptance of
new automated histology products, continued success in asset management,
continued improvements in our manufacturing efficiencies, on-schedule launches
of our new products, currency exchange rate variability, competition and
competitive pressures on pricing and general economic conditions in the United
States and in the regions served by the company. A more complete listing of
cautionary statements and risk factors is contained in the company's report on
Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2000, filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.
For more information on Ventana Medical Systems, Inc. via facsimile
at no additional cost, Simply dial 1-800-PRO-INFO and enter the stock symbol
"VMSI."
Or visit the Ventana Medical systems, Inc. website at
http://www.ventanamed.com .
The Molecular Discovery Systems Division has its own website
at http://www.ventanadiscovery.com .
SOURCE Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.ventanamed.com
CONTACT:
Christopher Gleeson, President and CEO of
Ventana Medical Systems, Inc., 520-690-3557; or Analysts, Kathy
Brunson of The Financial Relations Board BSMG Worldwide,
312-640-6696
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