Life Technologies and Advanced Cell Diagnostics Sign Global Distribution Agreement

CARLSBAD, Calif., Sept. 30, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Life Technologies Corporation LIFE and Advanced Cell Diagnostics, Inc. (ACD), a leader in the field of molecular pathology and developer of cell and tissue-based analysis tools, today announced a global distribution agreement by which Life will distribute ACD's fluorescent RNAscope® portfolio of probes and kits to the research market through its worldwide distribution network.

Kits Support Growing RNA Biomarker Market, Cancer and Neurobiology Research 

RNA biomarker discovery and validation for the tissue analysis market is growing rapidly as the transition between research and the clinic continues to accelerate.  RNAscope® is quickly becoming a gold-standard technique to identify and validate RNA biomarkers in tissue for research, molecular diagnostics and companion diagnostics. Additionally, as cancer and neurobiology research continues to grow, there has been an explosion in the discovery of biomarkers identified from microarray and next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies.  However, for many of these biomarkers, the specific cell types in the tissue that express them remain unknown, thereby limiting the ability to fully understand biological relevance.

"RNAscope complements our existing portfolio and solves long-standing technical hurdles researchers have encountered when studying heterogeneous samples," says Siddhartha Kadia, Ph.D., President, Life Sciences at Life Technologies. "RNAscope's ability to provide single-molecule RNA detection, while preserving tissue context makes it easy to pinpoint which biomarker is expressed in specific cells -- all at the convenience of a conventional fluorescence microscope."

RNAscope features exceptional levels of sensitivity, specificity, and the ability to multiplex -- making it a breakthrough technology for localizing and measuring RNA in situ in unprecedented detail. It addresses many bottlenecks that arise due to lack of antibodies, and complements both NGS and qPCR methods by revealing the valuable, morphological context of newly identified biomarkers in both cells and complex tissues.

"Advanced Cell Diagnostics is delighted that RNAscope products will be introduced into multiple markets through Life Technologies extensive distribution networks," said Yuling Luo, Founder, President & CEO, Advanced Cell Diagnostics. "Life Technologies has a legacy of introducing cutting-edge technologies to their customers and we are excited to have them represent RNAscope."

About Life Technologies 

Life Technologies Corporation LIFE is a global biotechnology company that is committed to providing the most innovative products and services to leading customers in the fields of scientific research, genetic analysis and applied sciences. With a presence in more than 180 countries, the company's portfolio of 50,000 end-to-end solutions is secured by more than 5,000 patents and licenses that span the entire biological spectrum—scientific exploration, molecular diagnostics, 21^st century forensics, regenerative medicine and agricultural research. Life Technologies has approximately 10,000 employees and had sales of $3.8 billion in 2012.

Life Technologies' Safe Harbor Statement

This press release includes forward-looking statements about our anticipated results that involve risks and uncertainties. Some of the information contained in this press release, including, but not limited to, statements as to industry trends and Life Technologies' plans, objectives, expectations and strategy for its business, contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Any statements that are not statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. When used, the words "believe," "plan," "intend," "anticipate," "target," "estimate," "expect" and the like, and/or future tense or conditional constructions ("will," "may," "could," "should," etc.), or similar expressions, identify certain of these forward-looking statements. Important factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are detailed in filings made by Life Technologies with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Life Technologies undertakes no obligation to update or revise any such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

About Advanced Cell Diagnostics, Inc.

Advanced Cell Diagnostics, Inc. (ACD) is a leader in the emerging field of molecular pathology, developing cell and tissue-based research tools for all areas of biomedical research, and diagnostic tests for personalized medicine. The company's products and services are based on its proprietary RNAscope® technology, the most sensitive method available for RNA in situ hybridization, and the first quantitative and fully automated platform enabling multiplex fluorescent and chromogenic RNA biomarker analysis. ACD partners with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to validate biomarkers for targeted therapeutic development in cancer and other diseases. These partnerships provide the foundation for ACD to develop companion diagnostic tests in conjunction with partners' targeted therapeutics. ACD also pursues internal programs to develop proprietary diagnostic tests in cancer management. Learn more about ACD and RNAscope® technology at www.acdbio.com.

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Media Contacts:
Mauricio Minotta
Life Technologies Corp.
760-929-2456
Mauricio.minotta@lifetech.com

Steve Chen
Chief Operating Officer
Advanced Cell Diagnostics Inc.
510-259-9802
Schen@acdbio.com

SOURCE Life Technologies Corporation