Epitome Biosystems Initiates Second Partnership with EMD Chemicals for Commercial Products

Business Wire, July 10, 2007

WALTHAM, Mass. -- Epitome Biosystems announced today a second licensing and development agreement with EMD Chemicals Inc., an affiliate of Merck KGaA of Germany, using Epitome's EpiTag([TM]) technology. The partnership will focus on developing EpiTag([TM]) assays for the quantitative measurement of various targets, including membrane proteins. Products will be manufactured, marketed and sold worldwide for research applications by EMD through its well-known Novagen([R]) brand. Sample analysis will be available as a service from Epitome. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

"Due to the performance and capabilities of the EpiTag[TM] technology we intend to expand our list of EpiTag[TM] assays, to include demanding and interesting targets," said Graham Scott, Ph.D., Senior Director Novagen, EMD. "EpiTag[TM] multiplex assays for measuring total protein and phosphorylation levels, resulting from our previous collaboration with Epitome, are nearing launch."

"This new program with EMD strengthens our commercialization activities and expands the overall arsenal of EpiTag-based assays that will be on the market," said Neal Gordon, Ph.D., President, Epitome Biosystems. "Developing assays for these targets will further demonstrate the breadth of our protein measurement capabilities. We are delighted to partner with EMD's extensive sales and marketing expertise and worldwide distribution networks to bring these measurement products to a broad, research and development market."

Epitome's EpiTag[TM] technology enables the reliable and efficient development of assays for the quantitative measurement of proteins in "sandwich" immunoassay formats. The technology is flexible and has been incorporated into arrays for broad profiling of cell signaling events, as well as in other products for highly quantitative protein measurements in multiplex formats. The sandwich immunoassay format offers highly specific and sensitive protein measurements but these assays are often difficult to develop and are limited in availability. Epitome's approach overcomes these limitations and facilitates rapid assay development and targeting of novel protein measurements.

About Epitome Biosystems

Epitome Biosystems is applying its protein measurement systems to increase the productivity of drug discovery and development and improve the understanding of patient variability and disease. The Company's EpiTag[TM] technology delivers highly specific, quantitative measurements of any protein or proteins in a user-friendly format. Epitome's technology is validated, scaleable and can be applied broadly to assessing protein functional states or activities, including phosphorylation. For more information, visit www.epitomebiosystems.com.

About EMD Chemicals Inc.

EMD provides a broad range of innovative life science research products used world-wide in disease-related life science research at universities as well as in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. The company is part of the Performance and Life Science Chemicals (PLS) division of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany and operates as EMD in North America and Merck outside North America. Globally, EMD is known in the scientific community through its product brands Calbiochem([R]), Novabiochem([R]), and Novagen([R]).

About Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany

Merck is a global pharmaceutical and chemical company with sales of EUR 6.3 billion in 2006, a history that began in 1668, and a future shaped by 35,091 employees in 62 countries. Its success is characterized by innovations from entrepreneurial employees. Merck's operating activities come under the umbrella of Merck KGaA, in which the Merck family holds an approximately 70% interest and free shareholders own the remaining approximately 30%. In 1917 the U.S. subsidiary Merck & Co. was expropriated and has been an independent company ever since.