Whatman/Schleicher & Schuell Partners with IIM for More Rapid and Accurate Diagnosis of Autoimmune Diseases

Business Wire, August 8, 2005

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Whatman/Schleicher & Schuell, a global leader in separations technology, today announced a partnership with Privates Institut fur Immunologie und Molekulargenetik GmbH (IIM), a premier German laboratory that specializes in autoimmune and other clinical diagnostic assays, to develop, manufacture and distribute a protein biochip for autoimmune disease diagnosis.

Whatman/Schleicher & Schuell's nitrocellulose-coated FAST(R) slides, the industry-leading surface for protein microarray assays, enables comprehensive protein analysis to take place using a single serum sample. Unlike modified glass surfaces, the three-dimensional microporous structure of FAST(R) Slides provides a much larger surface area for protein immobilization that translates to higher binding capacities and higher sensitivity of detection.

"The FAST(R) slides turned out to be an excellent surface for autoimmune diagnostic assays, and the protein microarray expertise of the Whatman/Schleicher & Schuell team was instrumental in developing this powerful diagnostic tool," said Dr. Appelhans, General Manager at IIM. "This chip will enable our laboratories to measure the presence of autoantibodies to various autoantigens associated with different collagenosis and vasculititis-related autoimmune diseases from a single serum sample. In addition to saving time, the biochip will generate a more complete autoimmune disease profile that will allow physicians to make a better diagnosis."

Expected to launch at the end of 2005, this diagnostic assay product is currently being validated to ensure compliance with the CE guidelines for in-vitro diagnostics.

"IIM's proficiency in the clinical diagnosis of autoimmune diseases has contributed exponentially to our efforts to bring emerging protein microarray technology to the clinical diagnostic market," said Dr. Jens Beator, Project Manager at Whatman/Schleicher & Schuell. "Our collaboration with Prof. Seelig and Dr. Appelhans has produced a result that will add substantial expediency and effectiveness to the routine clinical diagnosis of common autoimmune diseases."

About Whatman

Whatman is a global leader in separations technology and is known in the scientific community for providing innovative life science products and solutions. With the acquisition of Schleicher & Schuell, Whatman offers a more comprehensive product range to its customers worldwide and enters the proteomics market with Schleicher & Schuell's core competency in protein chip technologies. For more information visit us at www.whatman.com.