TUCSON, Ariz., July 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.
(Nasdaq: VMSI) announced today the signing of a non-exclusive co-marketing
agreement with BD Biosciences Clontech Laboratories to jointly promote
products in the field of microarrays. Specifically, the agreement covers the
co-promotion of the Clontech Atlas(TM) Microarrays together with the Ventana
DISCOVERY(TM) system as a superior platform for performing microarray
analyses.
BD Biosciences Clontech is a leading supplier of glass microarrays. Their
human, mouse, and rat microarrays each contain up to 3800 carefully selected
genes. Each gene is represented by an experimentally tested long
oligonucleotide that lacks repetitive elements and has minimal homology with
other genes on the array. These pre-spotted arrays provide researchers with a
powerful tool for conducting high-throughput analysis of gene expression.
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) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) slide staining, DISCOVERY
is positioned as an ideal system for hybridizing nucleic acid microarrays
which can be used to identify differential gene expressions between diseased
and normal tissue, confirm gene activity in tissue, identify proteins encoded
by active genes, and evaluate the toxicity profile of new drug compounds.
DISCOVERY minimizes some of the inconsistent and labor-intensive steps
performed in drug discovery laboratories. By providing uniform hybridization
over the entire glass surface, researchers will gain greater consistency and
eliminate slide-to-slide variability, which will improve reproducibility and
reliability with microarrays.
"This partnership with Ventana will certainly facilitate advancements in
high-throughput gene expression analysis," commented Deborah Neff, President
of BD Biosciences. "The superior content of our Atlas microarrays in
combination with the high-throughput nature of the Ventana DISCOVERY system
will allow the highest quality gene expression data be obtained in the
shortest amount of time."
Christopher Gleeson, President and CEO of Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.
commented, "The nucleic acid microarray market is expanding rapidly as biotech
and pharmaceutical companies race to identify gene function and new drug
targets. This has resulted in a huge increase in slide volume and a pressing
need for automation in laboratories. The DISCOVERY system and its recently-
launched chemistry application for microarrays and optimized protocols will
provide researchers with high throughput automation for hybridization of
microarrays. We are confident that the combination of Clontech's superior
printed long oligos on glass slides and our automated hybridization system
will play a major role in assisting companies with their drug discovery
efforts."
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.
BD Biosciences Clontech, an ISO 9001 certified wholly owned subsidiary of
BD Biosciences (BDB), develops, produces, and markets innovative biological
products to the life science market worldwide. From basic research to drug
discovery, Clontech provides the most innovative and unified platforms for
expression profiling, functional genomics, viral and non-viral gene transfer
methods, and purification.
BDB provides innovative tools, systems and solutions supporting the life
sciences around the world, accelerating the pace of discovery and diagnosis.
From genes to proteins to cells, BDB offers integrated, high-value
applications in drug discovery and development, flow cytometry systems, immune
function monitoring, and functional genomics. With fiscal year 2000 revenues
of approximately $550 million, BD Biosciences is comprised of Clontech
Laboratories, Discovery Labware, Immunocytometry Systems, Pharmingen and
Transduction Laboratories, names that have been known and trusted in the life
sciences for years.
BDB is a division of BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), a global medical
technology company that manufactures and sells a broad range of supplies,
devices and systems for use by healthcare professionals, medical research
institutions, industry and the general public.
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 .
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."
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,
520-690-3557, or Nick Malden, Vice President and CFO,
520-690-2794, both of Ventana Medical Systems; or Analyst
Contact, Kathy Brunson of The Financial Relations Board BSMG
Worldwide, 312-640-6696
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