Aquila-Histoplex Named First Certified European Service Provider By Advanced Cell Diagnostics, Inc.

UK-Based Aquila-Histoplex to provide ACD’s industry-leading RNA ISH

EDINBURGH, UK, November 4, 2014: Aquila-Histoplex, a contract research organisation specialised in histological and multiplex staining technologies, was today announced as the first accredited RNAscope® Certified Service Provider in Europe by Advanced Cell Diagnostics, Inc. (ACD), a technology and market leader in the field of molecular pathology and developer of cell and tissue-based analysis tools.

Aquila-Histoplex focuses on multiplex molecular tissue probing using techniques such as immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence or TUNEL and has over 2 years’ experience of performing the RNAscope assay for academic and commercial research sectors. “RNAscope is a perfect tool for completing our portfolio and we are delighted to be the first European service provider to be accredited by ACD” explained Mike Millar, CEO of Aquila-Histoplex. “As we provide commercial, clinical and academic research laboratories with bespoke, small to medium sized projects requiring specialist molecular multiplex staining and immunohistochemistry techniques – the addition of RNAscope as the market-leading RNA in situ hybridisation technology ensures that we can provide our clients with the highest quality RNA ISH data.”

Advanced Cell Diagnostics’ RNAscope assays represent a major technological advance for in situ RNA detection. For the first time, robust single RNA molecule detection is available for formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue, offering quantitative molecular detection with morphological context in a single assay. Since their commercialisation three years ago, these assays have been adopted across the globe by major pharma biotech companies and leading research institutions for drug discovery, translational research, and the development of clinical and companion diagnostic tests.

Advanced Cell Diagnostics’ Certified Service Provider Program is a collaborative service partnership dedicated to ensuring the delivery of the highest-quality RNA in situ hybridisation data available using the RNAscope Assay. “ACD's certification provides a competitive advantage for service providers and ensures that customers who use services from ACD's Certified Service Providers receive the industry-leading RNA ISH data quality and service they have come to expect from ACD. Aquila-Histoplex has demonstrated superior knowledge on performing the RNAscope assay and we are pleased to announce them as our first European Certified Service Provider” said Dr Steve Chen, Chief Operating Officer of ACD.

To find out more about Aquila-Histoplex’s services, please visit www.histoplex.co.uk and to learn more about ACD’s RNAscope technology, go to www.acdbio.com.

About Aquila-Histoplex

Aquila-Histoplex is a contract research organization delivering specialised histological, RNAscope and multiplex staining technologies to the both the academic and commercial biomedical research sectors. The company has a focus on multiplex molecular tissue probing using techniques such as:

• Immunohistochemistry

• Immunofluorescence

• Multiplex staining

• In-situ hybridisation

• TUNEL

• In-situ proximity ligation

As well as routine paraffin and other sample preparation techniques and sections e.g. epoxy, methacrylate, alternative waxes, cryostat, freezing microtome, vibratome and ultra thin sectioning, Aquila-Histoplex also has access to a wide range of mainstream and advanced microscopic imaging platforms, image analysis software and expertise. Find out more about Aquila-Histoplex at www.histoplex.co.uk.

About Advanced Cell Diagnostics

Advanced Cell Diagnostics, Inc. (ACD) is a leader in the emerging field of molecular pathology, developing cell and tissue-based diagnostic tests for personalized medicine. The company’s products and services are based on its proprietary RNAscope® technology, the first automated multiplex chromogenic and fluorescent in situ hybridization platform capable of detecting and quantifying RNA biomarkers in situ at single-molecule sensitivity. RNAscope assays are currently used by hundreds of customers, including all of the global top 10 pharmaceutical companies, world leading academic institutions and many cutting edge biotechnology companies to validate biomarkers for the management of cancer and other diseases. ACD’s industrial partnerships provide the foundation for ACD to develop companion diagnostic tests in conjunction with partners’ targeted therapeutics. ACD also pursues internal programs to develop and commercialize proprietary diagnostic tests in cancer management. Learn more about ACD and RNAscope technology at www.acdbio.com.

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