Transgenomic's Optimase(R) Polymerase Now Distributed by Fisher Scientific
Expands Access to Proprietary Consumable Product Line
OMAHA, Neb., Nov. 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Transgenomic Inc.
(Nasdaq: TBIO) announced today that it has signed an agreement with Fisher
Scientific (NYSE: FSH), a leading global provider of scientific research
products and services, to distribute Optimase Polymerase, Transgenomic's high
fidelity, thermostable polymerase enzyme for PCR (polymerase chain reaction)
amplification of DNA.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000314/CGTU026 )
The addition of Optimase Polymerase enhances Fisher's growing PCR product
offering, bringing added presence and market opportunity for both Transgenomic
and Fisher Scientific.
Initially developed for robust mutation and SNP (single nucleotide
polymorphism) discovery when used in combination with Transgenomic's WAVE(R)
System, Optimase Polymerase offers superior accuracy compared to other
commercially available polymerases used for PCR amplification of DNA samples.
Numerous DNA analysis technologies require PCR amplification of the DNA
sample as a first step. Collin D'Silva, Transgenomic's CEO, points out that
the accuracy of the particular polymerase enzyme used in this step can be
critical for the subsequent analysis of genetic variations such as mutations
or SNPs, particularly when detection of low-abundance variations is important.
D'Silva explained, "As a component of our constant push to improve the
analytical sensitivity of our WAVE System and facilitate the detection of rare
mutational events, we developed Optimase Polymerase. Its high fidelity
proofreading activity greatly reduces the DNA sequence alterations that can
result from errors occasionally made by standard polymerases during PCR
amplification. This improves the practical limits of sensitivity for both our
WAVE Systems, as well as our SURVEYOR(TM) Mutation Detection Kits, and is
potentially beneficial to any genetic variation analysis technique."
D'Silva goes on to say that with this expansion in distribution, Optimase
Polymerase is now readily available to an increased number of laboratories
involved in the analysis of genetic variation, as well as to laboratories
performing a variety of other molecular biology procedures that could benefit
from high fidelity PCR amplification. D'Silva added, "Fisher is the ideal
service provider to bring our product to new laboratories. The company offers
a broad distribution infrastructure, a reputation for outstanding customer
service and technical specialists to professionally support our product line.
We look forward to working with Fisher as we make Optimase Polymerase
available to a wider market."
To assist researchers in their use of Optimase Polymerase, Transgenomic
provides free access to two tools on the MutationDiscovery.com(R) Web site,
its online resource for researchers interested in genetic variation analysis.
With a small amount of data input, Optimase ProtocolWriter(TM) Software
calculates thermocycling conditions for each DNA sample, and the Optimase
MasterMix Calculator(TM) Software calculates quantities of sample, enzyme and
other reagents to be used.
About Transgenomic
Transgenomic provides versatile and innovative research tools and related
consumable products to the life sciences industry for the synthesis,
separation, analysis and purification of nucleic acids and a wide variety of
nucleic acid-based specialty chemicals. Transgenomic's biosystems segment
offers its WAVE Systems and associated consumables. These systems are
specifically designed for use in genetic variation detection and single- and
double-strand DNA/RNA analysis and purification. These systems have broad
applicability to genetic research and molecular diagnostics. To date there
have been approximately one thousand systems installed in over 30 countries
around the world.
Through its nucleic acids business segment, Transgenomic provides
specialty chemicals, including advanced nucleic acid building blocks and
associated reagents used in applications, such as genetic diagnostics and
therapeutics. Manufacturing operations include a cGMP facility for the
synthesis of oligonucleotides.
For more information about the innovative genomics research tools
developed and marketed by Transgenomic, please visit the company's Web site at
www.transgenomic.com .
About Fisher Scientific International Inc.
As a world leader in serving science, Fisher Scientific International Inc.
offers more than 600,000 products and services to more than 350,000 customers
located in approximately 145 countries. As a result of its broad product
offering, electronic-commerce capabilities and integrated global logistics
network, Fisher serves as a one-stop source of products, services and global
solutions for its customers. The company primarily serves the scientific-
research, clinical-laboratory and safety markets. Additional information about
Fisher is available on the company's Web site at www.fisherscientific.com .
Forward-Looking Statement
Certain statements in this press release constitute "forward-looking
statements" of Transgenomic within the meaning of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve known and unknown risks,
uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results to be
materially different from any future results, performance or achievements
expressed or implied by such statements. Forward-looking statements include,
but are not limited to, those with respect to Optimase Polymerase becoming the
polymerase of choice for all DNA analysis techniques requiring high fidelity
PCR. The known risks, uncertainties and other factors affecting these forward-
looking statements are described from time to time in Transgenomic's reports
to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any change in such factors, risks
and uncertainties may cause the actual results, events and performance to
differ materially from those referred to in such statements. Accordingly, the
company claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking
statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
with respect to all statements contained in this press release. All
information in this press release is as of the date of the release and
Transgenomic does not undertake any duty to update this information, including
any forward-looking statements, unless required by law.
SOURCE Transgenomic Inc.
-0- 11/20/2003
/CONTACT: Mitchell L. Murphy, +1-402-452-5418, mmurphy@transgenomic.com ,
or Robert J. Pogulis, Ph.D., +1-845-782-9617, rpogulis@transgenomic.com , both
of Transgenomic Inc./
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/Web site: http://www.transgenomic.com
http://www.fisherscientific.com /
(TBIO FSH)
CO: Transgenomic Inc.; Fisher Scientific International Inc.
ST: Nebraska
IN: BIO MTC
SU: LIC