HandyLab Expands License and Supply Agreement

2009-10-23

Ann Arbor, MI and Seattle, WA HandyLab, a developer of novel microfluidic real time PCR instruments and molecular in-vitro diagnostics (IVD) test kits, and Epoch Biosciences a division of Wescor, Inc. and ELITech Group Company, developer and manufacturer of novel realtime PCR technologies and products announced today an expanded partnership with the execution of a licensing agreement for access to Epoch’s Seasonal Influenza Assay. The assay was developed in a previous collaboration between The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Nanogen, The Medical College of Wisconsin, and HandyLab. In addition, HandyLab has also licensed Epoch’s newly developed H1N1 Swine Influenza Assay.

“Our expanded relationship with HandyLab further validates our Minor Groove Binder (MGB) Probe technology and synthetic nucleic acid chemistry and quenchers, stated Merl Hoekstra, Group Vice President for Business Development. This novel H1N1 Swine Assay being employed by HandyLab highlights the technical strength of Epoch’s scientific team and further demonstrates ELITech’s commitment to grow the molecular diagnostics business.” Pierre Debiais, President of the ELITech Group, went on to say “we are delighted to cement our partnership with HandyLab as we consider the integrated solution in molecular diagnostics including instrumentation as an essential route to the market.”

“This expanded relationship with Epoch is an important milestone in moving HandyLab one step closer to its primary goal of providing diagnostic laboratories with a broad molecular test menu,” stated Mark Powelson, HandyLab’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

About HandyLab, Inc.: HandyLab is dedicated to the development, manufacture and sale of novel molecular diagnostic products. HandyLab’s proprietary platform reduces the time, cost and complexity of testing while improving the quality of results. Using patented, real time microfluidic PCR technology, HandyLab’s products are positioned to decentralize nucleic acid testing. Additional information about the company can be found on the internet at www.handylab.com , or by calling 1-866-handylab (l-866-426-3952).

About Epoch: Epoch Biosciences , a division of Wescor, Inc (successor in interest to Nanogen, Inc.) joined the ELITech Group in July 2009, a French privately held group of companies and worldwide manufacturer and distributor of in-vitro diagnostic instruments and reagents. Epoch provides innovative molecular diagnostics in the research, clinical diagnostic and industrial markets which complement the unique offering of the ELITech Group. Additional information about the ELITech Group can be found on the internet www.elitechgroup.com.