EMD Biosciences, Inc. Receives Product Line Recognition From Frost & Sullivan For Its Line Of Sample Preparation Tools For Protein Research

PALO ALTO, Calif., Jan. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Frost & Sullivan's recent analysis of the U.S. Proteomics Sample Preparation Markets recognized EMD Biosciences, Inc. with the 2005 Product Line Strategy of the Year Award. The company's sample preparation tools for protein research, including the ProteoExtract(R) and ProteoEnrich(TM) Kits, enable protein extraction and enrichment, removal of high-abundance proteins, protein concentration, protein digestion, and peptide capture.

The ProteoExtract and ProteoEnrich Kits provide researchers with standardized, reliable, convenient, and straightforward sample preparation technology that helps them eliminate the task of producing protocols from scratch.

EMD Biosciences raises the bar for proteomics sample preparation product suites with its wide range of kits. Some of them include the ProteoExtract Subcellular Proteome Extraction Kit (S-PEK), the ProteoExtract Complete Proteome Extraction Kits (C-PEK), and the ProteoExtract Abundant Protein Removal Kits.

"EMD Biosciences also offers proteomics sample preparation solutions for several aspects of proteomics workflow, from the upstream extraction to the downstream trypsin digestion and peptide capture," says Frost & Sullivan research analyst Jonathan Witonsky. "The proteomics research community can look to EMD Biosciences, through its Calbiochem(R) and Novagen(R) brands, to be the ultimate source for all of their proteomics sample preparation needs."

In 2004, EMD Biosciences launched the ProteoEnrich ATP-Binders, ProteoExtract(R) Native Membrane Protein Extraction, ProteoExtract Phosphopeptide Capture, and ProteoExtract(R) Protein Precipitation Kits. The company attempts to launch proteomics sample preparation solutions at almost every major drug discovery conference or society meeting.

EMD Biosciences' line of sample preparation tools for protein research takes into account the need to offer compatible kits, which will reduce the need for time- and labor-intensive optimization between individual solutions. EMD Biosciences further repackages its kits to emphasize product compatibility, so that the samples can be used directly in numerous downstream analytical applications such as two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry.

EMD Biosciences also has close relationships with the pharmaceuticals industry and develops proteomics sample preparation kits for the proteomics drug discovery and biomarker discovery market. Many ProteoExtract kits, including the recently launched ProteoExtract Phosphoproteome Profiling Kit, were developed specifically for pharmaceutical research processes, in conjunction with pharmaceutical researchers at EMD's parent company, Merck KGaA of Darmstadt, Germany, allowing the company to set itself apart from the competition.

"EMD Biosciences' line of sample preparation tools for protein research is a model suite of products for proteomics sample preparation," notes Witonsky. "For the extensive breadth of the product line and the continual product line enhancement, Frost & Sullivan bestows the 2005 Product Line Strategy Award for the U.S. proteomics sample preparation markets on EMD Biosciences."

Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this Award to the company that has demonstrated the most insight into customer needs and product demands. The recipient company has optimized its product line by leveraging products with the various price, performance, and feature points required by the market.

About EMD Biosciences, Inc.

EMD Biosciences, Inc. provides a broad range of innovative life science research products used world-wide in disease-related life science research at universities as well as in the pharmaceutical and biotech industry. The company is part of Merck KGaA's Life Science and Analytics (LSA) division and operates as EMD Biosciences, Inc. in North America and Merck Biosciences outside North America. Globally, EMD Biosciences is known in the scientific community through its product brands Calbiochem(R), Novabiochem(R), and Novagen(R).

About Merck KGaA

Merck KGaA of Darmstadt, Germany, is a global pharmaceutical and chemical company with sales of EUR 5.9 billion in 2004, a history that began in 1668, and a future shaped by 28,900 employees in 54 countries. Its success is characterized by innovations from entrepreneurial employees. Merck's operating activities come under the umbrella of Merck KGaA, in which the Merck family holds a 73% interest and free shareholders own the remaining 27%. The former U.S. subsidiary, Merck & Co., has been completely independent of the Merck Group since 1917.

About Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan, a global growth consulting company, has been partnering with clients to support the development of innovative strategies for more than 40 years. The company's industry expertise integrates growth consulting, growth partnership services, and corporate management training to identify and develop opportunities. Frost & Sullivan serves an extensive clientele that includes Global 1000 companies, emerging companies, and the investment community by providing comprehensive industry coverage that reflects a unique global perspective and combines ongoing analysis of markets, technologies, econometrics, and demographics. For more information, visit http://www.frost.com .

Contact: Stacie Jones 210.247.2450 Stacie.jones@frost.com

CONTACT: Stacie Jones of Frost & Sullivan, +1-210-247-2450, orStacie.jones@frost.com

Web site: http://www.frost.com/