TUCSON, Ariz., Oct. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.
(Nasdaq: VMSI), a leading supplier of automated instrument reagent systems to
histology and drug discovery labs worldwide, today announced that it was
awarded a new U.S. Patent: No. 6,296,809 titled "Automated Molecular
Pathology Apparatus Having Independent Slide Heaters." The patent covers
proprietary technology incorporated into Ventana's BENCHMARK(TM) and
DISCOVERY(TM) platforms -- two instruments that are revolutionizing protein,
DNA and RNA testing in clinical and research labs nationwide. The patent also
has numerous foreign counterpart applications that are currently pending.
"This patent significantly strengthens our intellectual property
portfolio," stated Chris Gleeson, Ventana President and CEO. "The patent
protects our unique engineering design for individual slide heating and
temperature control used on the BENCHMARK(TM) and DISCOVERY(TM) platforms,
which, in turn, provides our customers with improved diagnostic capabilities
and, ultimately, better patient care."
Introduced in 2000, BENCHMARK(TM) is the world's most automated histology
instrument, providing clinical histology laboratories with significant quality
improvements and labor savings via automated baking, dewaxing, cell
conditioning and tissue staining for cancer and infectious disease diagnosis.
Since its 1999 introduction, DISCOVERY(TM) has established itself in drug
discovery and research laboratories as a critical enabling tool in performing
gene and protein expression (ISH) tests on DNA/RNA micro arrays, tissue arrays
and tissue samples.
"As the technology leader in slide-based chemistry, Ventana has a broad
range of inventions, many of which are the subject of pending patents. This
latest patent is one of many that we expect to add to our comprehensive
intellectual property estate," concluded Gleeson.
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. visit
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.ventanadiscovery.com
CONTACT:
Christopher Gleeson, President and CEO of
Ventana Medical Systems, +1-520-690-3557, or Analysts, Kathy
Brunson of The Financial Relations Board-Weber Shandwick
Worldwide, +1-312-640-6696
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