SmartGene, Inc. And LabCorp Enter Strategic Collaboration for Faster, More Precise Identification of Bacteria and Fungi By Sequence Analysis

RALEIGH, N.C., Feb. 20 /PRNewswire/ — SmartGene, Inc., a provider of novel services for the management and analysis of genetic data, today announced that it has entered into a strategic collaboration with Laboratory Corporation of America(R) Holdings (LabCorp(R)) . Under this collaboration, LabCorp will utilize SmartGene’s advanced technology and integrated Web-based services to support more rapid and precise identification of bacterial and fungal pathogens.

Some bacteria and fungi do not grow quickly or well enough in culture to support timely, accurate identification using conventional microbiology techniques. For this reason, identification based on gene sequencing is often faster and more reliable. SmartGene’s technology facilitates efficient identification, following the sequencing of specific portions of an organism’s DNA, by integrating a number of tasks, including sequence proofreading, alignment, interpretation, creation of phylogenetic trees and reports. DNA sequences are interrogated using SmartGene’s constantly updated reference databases, which take account of newly characterized and emerging pathogens. SmartGene’s databases are constructed using proprietary algorithms to extract and filter useful sequences from vast public repositories, and are complemented by additional private, curated reference databases. SmartGene’s technology allows its customers to manage and more fully utilize their genetic sequence data over time, completely independent of laboratory instrumentation and reagent systems.

“The SmartGene technology employs an enriched database that is regularly refreshed with current information, creating a helpful laboratory tool enabling more rapid and accurate identification of clinically-relevant pathogens,” said Myla P. Lai-Goldman, MD, Executive Vice President, Chief Scientific Officer and Medical Director for LabCorp.

“We are delighted to have LabCorp in the vanguard of early adopters of our technology in North America,” said David Ellis, President of SmartGene, Inc. “LabCorp is well known for its commitment to provide access to new diagnostic technologies that improve patient care and we shall continue to benefit from the expertise of LabCorp’s scientists as we develop our additional services.”

About LabCorp(R)

Laboratory Corporation of America(R) Holdings, a S&P 500 company, is a pioneer in commercializing new diagnostic technologies and the first in its industry to embrace genomic testing. With annual revenues of $3.6 billion in 2006, over 25,000 employees nationwide, and more than 220,000 clients, LabCorp offers clinical assays ranging from routine blood analyses to HIV and genomic testing. LabCorp combines its expertise in innovative clinical testing technology with its Centers of Excellence: The Center for Molecular Biology and Pathology: National Genetics Institute, Inc.; ViroMed Laboratories, Inc.; The Center for Esoteric Testing; DIANON Systems, Inc.; US LABS; and Esoterix and its Colorado Coagulation, Endocrine Sciences, and Cytometry Associates laboratories. LabCorp clients include physicians, government agencies, managed care organizations, hospitals, clinical labs, and pharmaceutical companies. To learn more about LabCorp, visit http://www.labcorp.com/.

About SmartGene, Inc.

SmartGene, Inc. is the North American subsidiary of SmartGene GmbH, a privately-held company based in Zug, Switzerland, which provides its services worldwide. Through its proprietary Integrated Database Network System (IDNS(TM)) platform, SmartGene offers its customers a web-based suite of functionality to facilitate sequence-based molecular identification and typing for a variety of clinical, medical research and veterinary applications. Constant updates to reference data and interpretive algorithms keep SmartGene’s customers in step with evolving science and improve the accuracy of sequence interpretation. SmartGene’s integrated services increase the speed to definitive result for sequence-based diagnostics and improve workflow in the laboratory. Current modules from SmartGene include Bacteria, Fungi, HIV, HCV, MLST and Influenza. Future applications will address human genetics and food and environmental pathogens. Discover more at http://www.smartgene.com/.

SmartGene, Inc.

CONTACT: David Ellis, President, SmartGene Inc., +1-919-844-6145,dellis@idns-smartgene.com

Web site: http://www.idns-smartgene.com/http://www.smartgene.com/http://www.labcorp.com/