HTG Announces Services Agreement with Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited; HTG's Gene Expression Technology to Support Takeda's Pharmaceutical Research

Business Wire, Sept 22, 2004

TUCSON, Ariz. -- HTG, Inc. today announced that Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited has signed an agreement for HTG's patented ArrayPlate(TM) technology and service support. HTG provides novel gene expression technology and services for the life sciences and pharmaceutical industries. Takeda is the largest pharmaceutical company in Japan.

Under the terms of the agreement, HTG will use its multiplexed ArrayPlate technology to screen samples provided by Takeda and gather critical information on the interplay of genes in biological systems. HTG will deliver high-quality, multiplexed gene expression test results and this will assist Takeda to identify promising new drug candidates faster and more efficiently at the same time saving time and costs.

HTG's ArrayPlate contains a generic, Universal Array(TM) in each well of a standard 96-well microplate. Each array can be programmed using HTG's reagents for the simultaneous measurement of DNA and RNA molecules from the same sample. The RNA expression and DNA assays rely on a simple, automation-friendly qNPA(TM) (quantitative nuclease protection assay) which only requires sample lysis and eliminates all sample extraction, purification and amplification.

"HTG is thrilled that after careful evaluation of our technology, Takeda has selected the ArrayPlate for use in its drug discovery programs," said Bruce Seligmann, chairman and founder of HTG. "We look forward to supporting Takeda's drug development program and working closely with the Company to expand the use of the ArrayPlate in other research areas to shorten the drug development timeline."

About HTG

HTG provides ArrayPlate qNPA technology and services for the life sciences industry, addressing current unmet needs and enabling a new era of drug discovery and diagnostics. The company's ArrayPlate technology platform enables the accurate, sensitive, reproducible and repeatable measurement of molecular signatures through the multiplexed measurement of RNA expression levels and DNA. ArrayPlate qNPA data measure how drugs act and diseases are mediated at the level of whole cells, tissues, or organisms. This enables researchers to focus their resources by rapidly obtaining higher quality results than possible with other methods, in days rather than months, saving time and cost while addressing critical unmet needs. Privately held HTG is based in Tucson, Arizona and investors in the company include Valley Ventures, Village Ventures and Solstice Capital. Additional information is available at www.htgenomics.com.

About Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited

Takeda, located in Osaka, Japan, is a research-based global company with its main focus on pharmaceuticals. As the largest pharmaceutical company in Japan and one of the global leaders of the industry, Takeda is committed to striving toward better health for individuals and progress in medicine by developing superior pharmaceutical products. Additional information about Takeda is available through its corporate Web site, www.takeda.com.