Unique Embryonic-Stem Cell Derived Specific Organ System Will Further Boost the Technology of the xCELLigence System for Life Cell-Analysis

PENZBERG, Germany, Dec 09, 2008 — Roche and Axiogenesis AG, Cologne, Germany today announced that they have entered into an agreement for the development and distribution for Axiogenesis’ Cor.At(R) 100% pure cardiomyocytes platform as an integral part of the xCELLigence life cell analysis system. Under the terms of the agreement, RAS will market cell-systems, based on the technology of Axiogenesis Cor.At being customize for the xCELLigence platform.

The Roche xCELLigence System which is designed for a multitude of applications spanning from short term kinetic analysis, for example for measuring effects on G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), to assays for cell proliferation and cytotoxicity. The Cor.At(R) cells from Axiogenesis form an ideal couple to merge the latter qualities to the next level. The cells are not only quality-controlled, storable and available under GMP-conditions but resemble also a physiologically normal phenotype of either neonate or adult heart. This couple therefore enables research studies focussing on long term life behavior of cardiac cells in vitro.

Financial terms of the contract were not disclosed.

“After completing our product portfolio in DNA/RNA analysis with 454 and NimbleGen, and the successful launch of the ACEA life cell and label free technology of the xCELLigence System the Axiogenesis cell portfolio will become an important partner to strengthen and further extend our product portfolio in defined organ specific cell analysis. We are convinced that Axiogensis Cell and Technology portfolio will lead to products for cell based assays to strengthen our new industrial standard for life science cell- analysis in the future,” commented Manfred Baier, Head of Roche Applied Science.

“It is an important milestone for the recognition of our technology to start a partnership with Roche, being one of the frontrunners in life science industry with substantial knowledge and credibility in the definition of new diagnostic concept and innovative drugs,” said Dr. Heribert Bohlen, founder and CEO of Axiogenesis. “So far, it remained serious demand of researchers to work with primary physiologically behaving cells that can be standardized, have unlimited availability and are 100% pure, which means fibroblast-free. The technology of Axiogenesis has made this wish come true. We look forward to working with Roche to greatly improve the users laboratory productivity and relevance in this important new area.”

Bohlen expects that the major advantages of the technology of the xCELLigence System over conventional approaches will benefit from the Axiogenesis cell portfolio. “The system detects any number of cellular parameters such as attachment, spreading, growth, death, and specific morphological changes, simply and reliably.”