Tokyo, Japan – Eiken Chemical Co., Ltd. (Head office in Taito-ku, Tokyo, called as Eiken) and OptiGene Limited (Head office in Horsham, United Kingdom, called as OptiGene, Director?Mr. Michael Andreou) has signed a License Agreement to enter

into the licensing of Eiken’s own innovative gene amplification technology (LAMP method) on March 31.

OptiGene’s extensive knowledge of optical & thermal systems has allowed them to develop a rapid and fully portable instrument for the isothermal amplification of DNA with fluorometric detection, the quality of which is superior to most laboratory based systems. OptiGene has been developing both instrumentation and reagents that support amplification and detection of DNA and RNA. OptiGene has a wealth of experience, not only in instrument design and manufacture, but also in the research and development of novel chemistries and reagent systems.

Conclusion of this License Agreement enables OptiGene to develop, manufacture and sell for nucleic acid amplification reagent for research use. To popularize the LAMP method in Japan and the world, Eiken is promoting its licensing business to companies and research institutes both at home and abroad. With the growth of the nucleic acid testing market as a potentiating factor, the increased recognition of the LAMP method can be expected, and with this in mind, the licensing

agreement with OptiGene has been reached.

Eiken aims to continue to apply the LAMP method to such fields as medicine, agriculture, food, animal husbandry, environmental protection, and also contribute to the expansion of the genetic testing market.