GlobalStem and CHDI Foundation Sign Agreement

ROCKVILLE, MD and PRINCETON, NJ--(Marketwire - March 12, 2009) - CHDI Foundation has entered an agreement with GlobalStem to comprehensively expand, authenticate and bank mouse embryonic stem (ES) cell lines that model Huntington's disease, a hereditary neurodegenerative disorder. GlobalStem will provide full characterization of the cells including sterility and Mycoplasma detection testing, karyotyping and assaying for critical markers.

CHDI has generated various Huntington's disease mouse ES lines as tools for researchers studying Huntington's disease. Since each of these genetically manipulated cell lines is unique, and could potentially model different aspects of Huntington's disease, a complete library of these lines, curated and distributed by GlobalStem, could be used to study disease mechanisms. They might also serve as novel reagents in drug screening campaigns.

"We needed a reliable and skilled team that could safely and completely test, expand, store and distribute the cultures to researchers investigating Huntington's disease. We selected GlobalStem to join our international network of researchers because of their experience, technical skills and service oriented business model," said Dr. Jamshid Arjomand, Director of Basic Research at CHDI.

"The Foundation has demonstrated a high level of confidence in GlobalStem with this contract award and we look forward to surpassing expectations by fulfilling the Foundation's need for a robust and impeccable supply of cultures," said Jonathan Auerbach, GlobalStem Founder and CEO.

About GlobalStem

Founded in March 2006, GlobalStem provides standardized tools and reagents for use in stem cell or cell-based research including, but not limited to, authentication and characterization services to ensure the identity, stability and integrity of cell lines. GlobalStem is located in Rockville, Maryland, close to Washington, DC, placing it in a fast-paced, environment populated by world-class research institutions and companies. Additional information about GlobalStem may be found at the company's website: www.globalstem.com

About CHDI Foundation, Inc.

CHDI is a non-profit organization with a mission to rapidly discover and develop drugs that delay or slow the progression of Huntington's disease. CHDI supports an international network of research laboratories from academia and industry pursuing novel therapies for the treatment of Huntington's disease. As a collaborative enabler, CHDI seeks to bring the right partners together to identify and address critical scientific issues and move drug candidates to clinical evaluation as quickly as possible. More information about CHDI can be found at www.chdifoundation.org.