– Extends Successful Existing Distribution Agreement for the Americas –

– The Agreement for Europe Will Ensure Researchers Can Easily Access ZyGEM’s Growing Line of DNA Extraction Kits –

– ZyGEM’s Technology Enables Lower-Cost DNA Extraction and Is Ideally Suited to Automation and High-Throughput Applications –

SOLANA BEACH, Calif., and HAMILTON, New Zealand, March 26 — ZyGEM Corp. Ltd. and VWR International Europe bvba today announced that they have entered into a non-exclusive distribution agreement for ZyGEM’s innovative DNA extraction kits in Europe. VWR has been distributing ZyGEM’s DNA extraction kits in North America and South America since November 2008. Under the terms of the new agreement, VWR will have the rights to distribute ZyGEM’s DNA extraction products to the life science research, forensic, agriculture and animal health markets throughout Europe. VWR, a global laboratory supply and distribution company with worldwide sales of $3.5 billion, enables the advancement of the world’s most critical research through the distribution of a highly diversified product line to most of the world’s top pharmaceutical and biotech companies, as well as industrial, educational and governmental organizations.

“ZyGEM’s DNA extraction technology represents a breakthrough in simplicity, cost-effectiveness, speed and accuracy, and we are delighted to extend our existing agreement with VWR to make these versatile kits readily available to researchers in Europe,” said Paul Kinnon, CEO of ZyGEM. “We are very pleased with VWR’s success to date in distributing our DNA extraction kits to multiple end-user markets in the Americas. We believe the simplicity and cost advantages of our DNA extraction technology are potentially transformative, and we expect that greater access to our kits in Europe will facilitate the growing use of genetic analyses in diverse applications.”

ZyGEM’s technology uses a proprietary thermophilic enzyme to extract DNA from samples using a single closed-tube system. ZyGEM’s approach significantly reduces the time and cost of DNA extractions while simplifying laboratory workflow, minimizing error, reducing the risk of contamination, ensuring sample integrity and facilitating extractions from trace samples. It is easily adaptable for use with virtually all off-the-shelf laboratory automation systems. The technology can be specifically formulated for use with a wide range of different sample types without the need for further purification. ZyGEM’s technology has been validated for use in highly regulated applications, including forensic analysis.

Further terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

About ZyGEM’s DNA Extraction Kits

prepGEM(TM) kits have been formulated for high-throughput DNA extraction from animal tissue samples for life science research, animal testing and traceability, selective breeding and other animal health and agricultural applications. prepGEM(TM) kits enable high-throughput DNA extraction of 384 samples in less than 30 minutes. They contain reagents that have been optimized for downstream PCR-based applications including quantitative PCR, genotyping using STRs or SNPs, RFLP analyses, etc. prepGEM(TM) kits are proven on a range of animal samples including blood, micro-biopsies (ear tags), meat, rat tails, fish, fish tails and insects.

forensicGEM(TM) kits have been formulated for high-throughput DNA extraction from crime scene and other sample sources, providing PCR-ready, forensic grade DNA for 96 samples in just 20 minutes. The one-tube forensicGEM(TM) process is simple to use and easy to automate with current robotic platforms, making it ideal for database testing as well as case work samples. All reagents are rigorously quality controlled to test for efficacy and for the absence of human DNA. forensicGEM(TM) kits are validated for forensic analysis.

livestockGEM(TM) kits have been formulated for high-throughput DNA extraction from a range of animal sample types without the need for further purification, including ear punch microbiopsies, saliva and hair, as well as from blood and saliva DNA storage cards. Using ZyGEM’s technology, both experienced and novice staff can prepare DNA samples up to three times faster than with existing products — the kits provide PCR-ready DNA for 96 samples in just 20 minutes with no hands-on attention required. livestockGEM(TM) kits are easy to use and to automate for high-throughput applications using off-the-shelf robotic systems.

For more information on ZyGEM’s families of DNA extraction kits, visit http://zygem.com/Products/Products-Ovw.html or email [email protected]

About ZyGEM Corporation

ZyGEM Corporation Limited is a rapidly growing biotechnology company with a range of innovative enzyme-based products and technologies based on the company’s exclusive collection of microorganisms from extreme environments. ZyGEM’s technology has significant competitive advantages over existing methods and has potential applications in a number of sizeable global markets. ZyGEM currently produces DNA extraction and detection products, molecular biology enzymes and individual enzymes and diagnostics, serving life sciences customers in basic research, forensics, clinical diagnostics and agriculture. ZyGEM has facilities in New Zealand and the U.S.A. For more information, visit http://www.ZyGEM.com

About VWR International Europe bvba

VWR International Europe bvba is a division of VWR International, LLC, a global laboratory supply and distribution company with worldwide sales of $3.5 billion that is headquartered in West Chester, Pennsylvania. VWR enables the advancement of the world’s most critical research through the distribution of a highly diversified product line to most of the world’s top pharmaceutical and biotech companies, as well as industrial, educational and governmental organizations. With 150 years of industry experience, VWR offers a well-established distribution network that reaches thousands of specialized labs and facilities spanning the globe. VWR has over 6,500 associates around the world working to streamline the way researchers across North America, Europe, and Asia stock and maintain their labs. In addition, VWR further supports its customers by providing onsite services, storeroom management, product procurement, supply chain systems integration and technical services. For more information on VWR, visit