Quantum Dot Corporation Launches the Mosaic Gene Expression Assay System: a Unique Combination of Quality Controls, Performance and Throughput for Multiplexed mRNA Quantification

Business Wire, March 21, 2005

HAYWARD, Calif. -- Quantum Dot Corporation announces launch of the Mosaic(TM) Gene Expression Assay System. For the first time, pharmaceutical, biotechnology and functional genomics researchers can measure quantitative expression of 100 user-specified mRNAs simultaneously from small amounts of input sample. The Mosaic System offers a unique combination of features, including:

A[micro]   --  Custom multiplex of 100 user-specified genes; 200 genes will
        be available later in 2005

A[micro]   --  Calibrators and assay quality controls built into every assay

A[micro]   --  Exceptional technical performance

A[micro]       --  Sensitivity comparable to qPCR with better precision

A[micro]       --  Measure less than 1.4-fold changes in mRNA expression

A[micro]   --  High throughput for large projects: 360 samples of 100 genes
        per sample in 24 hours

"The combination of quality controls in every assay, exceptional performance, throughput and project cost savings brings tremendous benefit to researchers and a better way to implement gene expression analysis for discovery, compound screening and lead validation," cites Senior Marketing Manager Stephen Chamberlain, Ph.D.

The Mosaic System includes the Mosaic Q1000 Scanner and computer, Mosaic software, and custom Gene Panels configured in convenient kit format; the assay is designed for automated processing on liquid-handling workstations. Each custom Gene Panel is designed and manufactured with gene-specific beads that are spectrally coded with the QDC's innovative Qdot(R) nanocrystals. Fluorescent spectral codes are identified and gene data is measured by the Mosaic Q1000 Scanner and analyzed by the Mosaic Data Collector and Expression Manager Software modules.

Quantum Dot CEO George Dunbar explains, "This cutting edge technology, combined with QDC's Qdot nanocrystal expertise, not only allows scientists to perform fine gene expression research on the most important subsets of genes for compound discovery and development, but also satisfies new demands in emerging fields such as Translational and Molecular Medicine."

About Quantum Dot Corporation

Quantum Dot Corporation (QDC) is a privately held bioscience company that pioneered the development and commercialization of Qdot(R) nanocrystals for bio-detection in discovery and clinical applications. QDC's current products include life-science kits and applications used by academic and pharmaceutical-discovery laboratories worldwide. In addition, QDC recently launched its first integrated instrumentation, software, and bio-reagents platform, the Mosaic(TM) System, for rapid and quantitative multiplexed gene expression analysis. QDC collaborates with leading academic and industrial partners and has over 150 patents and patents-pending. For more information, visit www.qdots.com.