SANTA CLARA, Calif. & AUSTIN, Texas–Agilent Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: A) today announced that Asuragen, Inc. has achieved Certified Service Provider status for Agilent microarrays. Certification is for array-based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) and microRNA (miRNA) assays on the Agilent platform in life sciences.

Array CGH for intact DNA, measures chromosomal additions and deletions, while miRNA is a recently-discovered class of small non-coding RNAs estimated to regulate about 30% of all human genes. Studies of both DNA for copy number variation and miRNA are growing rapidly in medical research as they are increasingly being associated with research for major disorders such as cancer, diabetes and autism.

“We’re pleased to welcome Asuragen to the growing Agilent Certified Service Provider Network,” said Chris Grimley, Agilent senior marketing director, Genomics. “They’ve demonstrated a high level of expertise and innovation in genomic research, both on their own behalf and for their customers.”

Carol Berry, Vice President and General Manager of Asuragen Pharmaceutical Services Division added, “Augmenting our services portfolio with Agilent Technology was a natural progression for us. We consistently provide high quality services on the industry-leading platforms in response to our clients’ needs. Agilent’s miRNA microarrays and Array CGH for DNA allow us to add another dimension to our comprehensive oncology services and ENCOMPASS™ for FFPE (Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded) Tissues Services portfolios for our clients.”

Asuragen achieved Agilent-certified status after completing training and passing a rigorous series of assessments that included:

demonstrating proficiency in analyzing Agilent’s 60-mer oligo microarrays using the complete Agilent system;

sample quality control using the Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer;

sample labeling using Agilent reagents and protocols;

hybridization using SureHyb chambers;

microarray analysis using the Agilent scanner and feature extraction software; and,

final data analysis using the GeneSpring bioinformatics platform.

About Asuragen, Inc.

Asuragen is a molecular biology service provider and fully integrated diagnostic company with its emphasis in mRNA and microRNA. Asuragen’s Services Division provides comprehensive outsourcing solutions to aid in drug development, molecular biology research, and companion diagnostic test development. Our cGLP laboratory services include project management expertise, sample preparation know-how, genomic profiling applications, biomarker discovery capabilities, assay design and validation, CLIA-based clinical testing, bioinformatic analysis, and a high level of regulatory proficiency. The division has a proven track record in providing these services to major pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies as well as academic institutions worldwide.

Asuragen’s Diagnostic Division is dedicated to developing novel molecular diagnostic products, manufacturing through its cGMP facility, and commercializing worldwide. Asuragen’s current diagnostic portfolio consists of Signature® Genetic Testing and Oncology testing products as well as industry leading controls and standards engineered using its patented Armored RNA® technology. Visit our website at www.asuragen.com.

About Agilent in Genomics

Agilent is a leading worldwide provider of microarray-based, genomics research solutions. Agilent’s end-to-end solution includes reagents for sample preparation and microarray processing; hardware for sample QC and high-throughput microarray scanning; 60-mer oligo microarrays on industry-standard 1” x 3” glass slides for gene expression; comparative genomic hybridization, microRNA, splice variants and chromatin immunoprecipitation applications; custom microarray design services; and industry-leading GeneSpring software products for data analysis.

About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is the world’s premier measurement company and a technology leader in communications, electronics, life sciences and chemical analysis. The company’s 19,000 employees serve customers in more than 110 countries. Agilent had net revenues of $5.8 billion in fiscal 2008. Information about Agilent is available on the Web at www.agilent.com.