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Asuragen's microRNA Expression Profiling Service Offers Sanger miRBase 8.0 Plus New Proprietary Content

Posted on: Wednesday, 16 August 2006, 06:00 CDT

Asuragen announces the launch of the next generation of microarray content to be offered through its microRNA Expression Profiling Service.

The latest generation of microarrays, manufactured using GE Healthcare's CodeLink(TM) technology, includes microRNA probes corresponding to known human, mouse, and rat microRNAs. In addition to content available through the Sanger miRBase 8.0 database, the array also contains 152 novel microRNAs with confirmed expression in human tissues. These latter sequences are exclusive to Asuragen's microRNA Expression Profiling Service offering and are not available through any other service provider.

"In the era of rapid microRNA discoveries, Asuragen distinguishes its services from those of other providers by offering cutting-edge content, fast turn-around time, and microRNA-specific bioinformatics. The introduction of this next generation content demonstrates Asuragen's commitment to delivering the best quality and most complete data possible," said Scott Hunicke-Smith, Vice President and General Manager of Asuragen Services.

This enhanced service offering greatly expands the number of microRNAs that can be globally analyzed for the discovery and analysis of differentially expressed genes in a range of biological systems. In addition to the microRNA Expression Profiling Service, Asuragen also offers Custom Isolation, Gene (mRNA) Expression Profiling, and Bioinformatics Services to support and accelerate molecular biological research.

About microRNAs

MicroRNAs are naturally occurring small RNAs that act to regulate mRNA expression and have the potential to be the basis for a new class of diagnostics and therapeutics. There are approximately 450 microRNAs identified in humans, with the total predicted to eventually reach 1,000 or more. MicroRNAs are believed to regulate at least one-third of the human genes and are likely to play significant roles in the manifestation of many disease states, including metabolic and infectious diseases and cancer.

About Asuragen, Inc.

Asuragen, Inc. is a newly formed company that resulted from the sale, in March, 2006, of the Research Products Division of Ambion, Inc. to Applied Biosystems Group (NYSE: ABI). Asuragen is comprised of two of Ambion's former divisions, Diagnostics and Services, along with the formation of a new Discovery group dedicated to developing new technologies that will become cutting edge clinical products.

Asuragen's current product portfolio consists of Signature(R) Genetic Testing and Oncology Testing products, as well as industry leading controls and standards engineered using its patented Armored RNA(R) technology. Asuragen has recently formed a partnership with Digene Corporation (NASDAQ: DIGE) to market and distribute its Signature cystic fibrosis screening products.

The vision for Asuragen is to become a fully integrated diagnostic reagent company focused on molecular oncology and early detection of cancer, with emphasis on microRNAs. Comprised of over 100 employees spun out of Ambion, Asuragen is empowered with not only a high level of scientific expertise, but also assay development, business infrastructure and an established cGMP manufacturing facility that allow it to span the spectrum of discovery, production and commercialization.

For more information, visit www.asuragen.com.

Source: Business Wire

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