CARLSBAD, Calif. – Life Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ:LIFE) today announced an unprecedented program that streamlines the detection of three common contaminants of mammalian cell culture-based biopharmaceutical manufacturing. The Applied Biosystems Cell Culture Rapid Methods Program applies core technologies from across the company to combine one sample preparation step with one instrument platform for real-time PCR based detection of Mycoplasma, Vesivirus 2117 and Mouse Minute Virus (MMV).

Mycoplasma, Vesivirus 2117 and MMV are DNA and RNA-based potential contamination threats in mammalian cell culture production. Because of its high accuracy and rapid same-day results, the Cell Culture Rapid Methods Program helps enable in-process testing for these contaminants at multiple points along the biopharmaceutical manufacturing process. In addition to Mycoplasma and Vesivirus detection introduced in 2009, the ViralSEQTM MMV Detection Assay, introduced in April 2010, expands the company’s industry leading portfolio of rapid molecular assays for mammalian cell culture processes. The PrepSEQ(TM) sample preparation assay completes the Rapid Methods Program package.

These biologic detection kits are highly sensitive and accurate tests that enable the quick isolation and detection of these known contaminants from cell culture samples. The improved protocol for PrepSEQ(TM) 1-2-3 Nucleic Acid Extraction Kit can extract nucleic acid for all three contaminants from a single cell culture, in order to speed the detection of a multiple number of organisms. Sample preparation and detection of all three contaminants can be performed in less than seven hours. It is expected that biopharmaceutical companies will use the program to detect potential contamination early in production, safeguarding the manufacturing processes.

“The expansion of our detection kits and development of the Rapid Methods Program demonstrates our leadership in sample preparation and Real-Time PCR, as well as our ability to apply these technologies in innovative ways within the biopharmaceutical space,” said Chris Linthwaite, Head of Bioproduction at Life Technologies. “We are well-positioned to expand our portfolio of solutions and set standards in bioprocess workflow, quality and safety, and advance biotherapeutics and vaccine production.”

About Life Technologies

Life Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: LIFE) is a global biotechnology tools company dedicated to improving the human condition. Our systems, consumables and services enable researchers to accelerate scientific exploration, driving to discoveries and developments that make life even better. Life Technologies customers do their work across the biological spectrum, working to advance personalized medicine, regenerative science, molecular diagnostics, agricultural and environmental research, and 21st century forensics. Life Technologies had sales of $3.3 billion in 2009, employs approximately 9,000 people, has a presence in approximately 160 countries, and possesses a rapidly growing intellectual property estate of approximately 3,900 patents and exclusive licenses. Life Technologies was created by the combination of Invitrogen Corporation and Applied Biosystems Inc., and manufactures both in-vitro diagnostic products and research use only-labeled products. For more information on how we are making a difference, please visit our website: https://www.lifetechnologies.com.