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Invitrogen Teams with Genisphere to Advance Epigenetic Research

Business Wire, Feb 27, 2008

Companies Offer New MicroRNA Labeling and Detection Kits

CARLSBAD, Calif. & HATFIELD, Pa. -- Invitrogen Corporation (NASDAQ:IVGN), a provider of essential life science technologies for research, production and diagnostics, will become the exclusive provider of fluorescent microRNA microarray labeling kits using Genisphere Inc.'s 3DNA[R] dendrimer signal amplification technology, based on the terms of a new license agreement. This technology, combined with Invitrogen's Alexa Fluor[R] fluorescent dyes, is now commercialized in the new NCode[TM] Rapid miRNA Labeling System, available from Invitrogen.

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Genisphere's unique 3DNA[R] dendrimer technology, winner of Frost and Sullivan's 2005 Technology Innovation Award for nucleic acid labeling products for microarrays, is based on highly branched DNA structures serving as scaffolds for multitudes of fluorescent dyes. Using the 3DNA[R] dendrimer technology, the NCode[TM] Rapid miRNA Labeling System is a fast and reproducible system to directly label microRNAs (ribonucleic acids) with fluorescent Alexa Fluor[R] tags.

"When working with small nucleic acids, sensitivity is often limited. Our development of a simple process to efficiently couple microRNAs directly to 3DNA[R] dendrimers is a significant improvement over past methods," said Dr. Robert Getts, research and development director at Genisphere. "Combining Genisphere's unique labeling approach with Invitrogen's microRNA array content will provide researchers with a powerful solution in their investigation of the biology of microRNAs."

"Our new kit accelerates the discovery of novel microRNA biomarkers by reducing the amount of time scientists must invest to detect microRNAs. In addition, we have increased sensitivity compared to alternative technologies, which can preserve precious samples," said Peter Welch, director of research and development, Gene Expression Profiling at Invitrogen. "Because microRNAs play a significant role in cancer and in the differentiation of stem cells, discoveries resulting from experiments in those areas could potentially expedite the diagnostics applications of microRNA biomarkers in disease."

Using this new system, scientists can start with a total RNA sample as little as 250 nanograms, eliminating the need to purify the microRNA sample prior to labeling. Using a single hybridization step (versus the two-step process required by other systems), scientists will be able to complete the experiment in less than eight hours. The test reliably detects 2-10 copies of microRNA per cell.

"Epigenetic mechanisms, including the activity of microRNAs, play a critical role in many key areas of biological research," said Amy Butler, vice president of Gene Expression Profiling for Invitrogen. "This addition to our epigenetic product portfolio will help scientists more easily advance their research in this rapidly evolving field."

For more information on the NCode[TM] Rapid miRNA Labeling System, visit http://www.invitrogen.com/ncode. For Invitrogen's entire epigenetics product line visit http://www.invitrogen.com/epigenetics.

About Invitrogen

Invitrogen Corporation (Nasdaq:IVGN) provides products and services that support academic and government research institutions and pharmaceutical and biotech companies worldwide in their efforts to improve the human condition. The company provides essential life science technologies for disease research, drug discovery, and commercial bioproduction. Invitrogen's own research and development efforts are focused on breakthrough innovation in all major areas of biological discovery including functional genomics, proteomics, stem cells, cell therapy and cell biology -- placing Invitrogen's products in nearly every major laboratory in the world. Founded in 1987, Invitrogen is headquartered in Carlsbad, California, and conducts business in more than 70 countries around the world. The company employs approximately 4,700 scientists and other professionals and had revenues of approximately $1.3 billion in 2007. For more information, visit www.invitrogen.com.

About Genisphere

Genisphere Inc. (Hatfield, Pa.), a subsidiary of Datascope Corp. (Montvale, N.J.), is a manufacturer of kits and reagents used for the ultra-sensitive detection of nucleic acids and proteins. Genisphere's signal amplification product line is based on its proprietary 3DNA[R] Dendrimers, highly branched DNA molecules capable of delivering up to hundreds of labels per analyte. 3DNA[R] Dendrimers can be generated in a variety of sizes, deliver a variety of different labels, and target a wide range of biomolecules, making the 3DNA Dendrimers extremely versatile and enabling them to be used in a wide variety of applications. 3DNA Dendrimers have been adapted for use in DNA and protein microarrays, ELISAs, bead-based assays, flow cytometry, in-situ detection of nucleic acids and proteins, and many other applications. Genisphere has also expanded their product line to include proprietary whole transcriptome amplification, through their SenseAmp(TM) and RampUP(TM) product lines. Genisphere distributes products worldwide through direct sales and distributorships. Genisphere employees strive to deliver innovative research tools to the research, clinical and diagnostic communities. For more information, visit www.genisphere.com

Business Services Industry

Invitrogen Teams with Genisphere to Advance Epigenetic Research

Business Wire, Feb 27, 2008

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