SAN DIEGO and HAMPTON, N.H., Aug. 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Nanogen,
Inc. (Nasdaq: NGEN), a developer of advanced diagnostic products, and
Fisher Scientific International Inc. (NYSE: FSH) announced today that the
companies have expanded their relationship to include a research and
development collaboration in molecular diagnostics. The collaboration
agreement complements Fisher's equity investment in Nanogen announced in
March 2006.
Nanogen and Fisher agreed to share technology and patent rights
specifically for the development, manufacture and marketing of new
molecular diagnostic products. Under the agreement, Fisher Scientific may
provide up to $10 million in total during 2007 and 2008 for the research
and development of infectious disease and molecular diagnostic tests that
will be mutually agreed upon. The extensive knowledge, intellectual
property and capabilities of both companies will enable molecular
diagnostic products to be brought to the market more quickly.
Additionally, Nanogen and Athena Diagnostics, a wholly owned subsidiary
of Fisher Scientific International, have agreed to develop, manufacture and
market products based on Athena's proprietary biomarkers for research and
for in vitro diagnostic use. Athena has an extensive portfolio of unique
markers in the fields of neurology and endocrinology that it has
successfully incorporated into its testing service, several of which could
be incorporated into assays for use on Nanogen's microarray platform, the
NanoChip(R)400. Nanogen likewise has access to a wide range of markers that
could be used to create unique tests for the Athena Diagnostics testing
service.
"We see tremendous opportunities in molecular diagnostics and are
pleased to be expanding our presence in this rapidly growing market," said
Leland Foster, chief science officer for Fisher Scientific International.
"By fostering a collaboration between Nanogen and Athena and furthering
Nanogen's R&D efforts, we are advancing the abilities of both companies to
bring diagnostic products to the marketplace."
Howard C. Birndorf, chairman and CEO of Nanogen, added, "We are very
pleased to further develop our relationship with Fisher. Both companies
share the belief that molecular diagnostics will play a fundamental role in
the drive toward personalized healthcare, and we are excited to work
together in this endeavor."
About Nanogen, Inc.
Nanogen's advanced technologies provide researchers, clinicians and
physicians worldwide with improved methods and tools to predict, diagnose,
and ultimately help treat disease. The company's products include real-time
PCR reagents, the NanoChip(R) electronic microarray platform and a line of
rapid diagnostic tests. Nanogen's ten years of pioneering research
involving nanotechnology holds the promise of miniaturization and continues
to be supported for its potential for diagnostic and biodefense
applications. For additional information please visit Nanogen's website at
http://www.nanogen.com.
About Fisher Scientific International Inc.
Fisher Scientific International Inc. (NYSE: FSH) is a leading provider
of products and services to the scientific community. Fisher facilitates
discovery by supplying researchers and clinicians in labs around the world
with the tools they need. We serve pharmaceutical and biotech companies;
colleges and universities; medical-research institutions; hospitals;
reference, quality-control, process-control and R&D labs in various
industries; as well as government agencies. From biochemicals, cell-culture
media and proprietary RNAi technology to rapid-diagnostic tests, safety
products and other consumable supplies, Fisher provides more than 600,000
products and services. This broad offering, combined with Fisher's globally
integrated supply chain and unmatched sales and marketing capabilities,
helps make our 350,000 customers more efficient and effective at what they
do.
Founded in 1902, Fisher Scientific is a FORTUNE 500 company and is a
component of the S&P 500 Index. With approximately 19,500 employees
worldwide, the company had revenues of $5.6 billion in 2005. Fisher
Scientific is a company committed to delivering on our promises -- to
customers, shareholders and employees alike. Additional information about
Fisher is available on the company's Web site at http://www.fisherscientific.com.
Forward-Looking Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject
to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ
materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements,
including whether the relationship between Nanogen, Fisher and Athena will
become a material collaboration, whether patents owned or licensed will be
developed into products, whether the patents offer any protection against
competitors with competing technologies, whether products under development
can be successfully developed and commercialized, whether results reported
by customers or partners can be identically replicated, whether the market
for molecular diagnostics technologies and products will further develop,
and other risks and uncertainties discussed under the caption "Factors That
May Affect Results" and elsewhere in Nanogen's and Fisher Scientific
International's Form 10-K or Form 10-Q most recently filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements speak
only as of the date hereof. Nanogen and Fisher Scientific International
disclaim any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking
statements.
SOURCE Nanogen, Inc.
