MDS Sciex Signs Agreement With SCRUM Inc. To Distribute Innovative Drug Screening Technology For The First Time In Japan

TORONTO, Oct. 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - MDS Sciex, the analytical instruments division of MDS Inc. and SCRUM Inc., a leading life sciences technology distribution company in Japan, announced today that they have signed an exclusive agreement to distribute MDS Sciex's CellKey(TM) system in Japan. This agreement will make this innovative drug screening technology accessible to the Japanese biopharmaceutical community for the first time.

The CellKey(TM) system enables researchers to make better informed decisions earlier during the discovery of new therapeutics. This system signals a new approach to drug screening as it provides a label-free, single platform for cellular studies, with accurate, robust and reproducible results. CellKey(TM) technology enables the use of endogenous cell receptors - they are expressed in their natural state - to test new compounds, instead of using cells that have been genetically manipulated. The system does not require the luminescent or fluorescent tags that can adversely affect the response of cells to new compounds. As a result, it can produce drug screening results with greater biorelevance.

"Japan represents one of the fastest growing markets in drug discovery," said Andy Boorn, President of MDS Sciex. "SCRUM Inc. is a well-respected life sciences company capable of providing extensive sales and support coverage throughout Japan. We are excited and honored to partner with SCRUM in bringing our novel CellKey(TM) system to the Japanese biopharmaceutical community for the first time."

"We're proud to announce our partnership with MDS Sciex, a global leader in analytical instruments," said Hiromichi Ogawa, President of SCRUM Inc., "We strive to find unique, innovative products in the world's markets to provide superior drug discovery solutions to our valued biopharmaceutical customers in Japan. The CellKey(TM) system is a perfect addition to our portfolio to meet our customers' changing needs."

About the CellKey(TM) System

The CellKey(TM) system is a revolutionary, functional cell-based assay platform enabling label-free, real-time analysis of cell surface receptor activity in a single-assay format.

The system's underlying technology is Cellular Dielectric Spectroscopy (CDS) - an impedance based measurement system that eliminates the need for tags, dyes, or specialized reagents.

The system was designed to meet the needs of drug discovery scientists - from target identification and validation through lead optimization. It is sensitive enough to consistently monitor ligand-mediated activation of endogenous receptors expressed in adherent or suspension cell lines and primary cells. The benefit of this is the ability to generate more physiologically relevant data than obtained when using genetically and chemically manipulated cells.

The Cellkey(TM) platform package is a fully integrated solution comprised of the instrument with on-board temperature control and fluidics, and an extensive software suite to manage the information-rich, real-time kinetic data generated.

About MDS Sciex and MDS Inc.

MDS Sciex is the scientific instrumentation and technology solutions division of MDS Inc. MDS Inc. has more than 8,800 highly skilled people in 28 countries. It provides a diverse range of superior products and services to increase customers' speed, precision and productivity in the drug development and disease diagnosis processes. MDS is a global, values-driven life sciences company, recognized for its reliability and collaborative relationships that help create better outcomes in the treatment of disease. Find out more at www.mdsinc.com or by calling 1-888-MDS-7222, 24 hours a day.

About SCRUM Inc.

SCRUM brings superior value from around the world to Japan's pharmaceutical companies, diagnostic companies, universities, national institutions, and other commercial biotechnology entities. SCRUM is organized to provide professional services (including custom antibody development) to customers with a team of highly skilled scientists, engineers, and marketing and sales experts. Key members of SCRUM's management team have over 15 years experience in life science business. SCRUM is ISO9001 certified, and the company is constantly striving for complete customer satisfaction. Find out more at http://www.scrum-net.co.jp.

CellKey(TM) is a trademark of MDS Inc., through its MDS Sciex Division.

MDS Inc.

CONTACT: For Investors, Sharon Mathers, (416) 675-6777 ext. 4721,sharon.mathers@mdsinc.com; For Media, Catherine Melville, (416) 675-6777ext. 2265, catherine.melville@mdsinc.com

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