EMERYVILLE, Calif., Dec 18, 2008 — ProGenTech Limited, a life science and molecular diagnostics company based in Shanghai, China and the San Francisco Bay Area has signed a collaboration agreement with the China CDC to create a joint laboratory that will focus on developing next generation molecular diagnostic systems and assays.

Under the terms of the agreement, the joint laboratory will leverage ProGenTech’s existing Entura instrument platform and proprietary cassettes for the development of an integrated molecular diagnostic system. This joint system will be specifically designed for the rapid surveillance and detection of existing and emerging pathogens identified by the CDC in China. Development of ProGenTech’s first fully-automated systems for sample preparation was driven by an emphasis on affordability and usability, design concepts the company plans to carry forward into this joint effort.

Commenting on this new relationship, Dr. XiaoYong Tong of China CDC said, “This collaboration provides the latest molecular diagnostic technology to enhance China CDC’s ability in the area of infectious disease detection and prevention.”

In October of this year, ProGenTech executed key licenses to enable the development of several assays for hospital-acquired infection targets including MRSA/MSSA, VRE, and C. difficile. This collaboration with the China CDC will create a unique environment for ProGenTech to rapidly expand its product pipeline by developing infectious disease assays the China CDC sees as the highest priority.

Dr. Trevor Hawkins, the Chairman and CEO of ProGenTech, added, “This relationship marks an important step forward in our global diagnostics program and gives us a unique partner in the China CDC to lead the world in products for rapid infectious disease testing.”

ProGenTech currently markets the Entura family of nucleic acid purification instruments in Asia; however, this collaboration will mark ProGenTech’s first steps towards actively developing and launching diagnostics products in the region. The China-based distributor, Team On S&T Limited, and the China CDC plan to market and sell the joint products within their networks once development is completed.