Nanogen, Inc. Expands Real-Time Portfolio With Release Of Product For The Detection Of Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)

SAN DIEGO, April 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Nanogen, Inc. , developer of advanced diagnostic products announced today it has expanded its molecular reagent product portfolio to include real-time probes and primers designed to detect the presence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). EBV is the causative agent of infectious mononucleosis and also underlies several other lymphoproliferative disorders such as Burkitt's lymphoma.

The MGB Alert(TM) EBV analyte specific reagent (ASR) can be used to develop and validate assays to detect sequences within the putative membrane antigen p140 region of the viral BNRF1 gene.

"Real-time PCR-based methods are sensitive, specific, and can be quantitative, which provides physicians critical information regarding a pathogen's role in a particular patient's condition," said Howard Birndorf, Chairman and CEO. "The MGB Alert products, including the EBV reagent, are high-value consumables that will provide us with good revenue growth and high gross margins."

Persons undergoing stem cell or solid organ transplantation are particularly at risk for EBV-associated lymphoproliferation, which may lead to posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD); incidences range from 1% to 25%. Clinically, PTLD presents as an infectious-mono like illness that may mimic transplant rejection, leading to intensified immunosuppression when an actual reduction in immunosuppression is needed. Mononucleosis-like illnesses can also be induced by cytomegalovirus, adenovirus, or Toxoplasma gondii. Rapid methods to distinguish PTLD and infection by other agents from EBV infection are needed to make informed clinical decisions.

"The EBV reagent is the newest addition to our growing menu of MGB Alert(TM) products," said Birndorf, "which includes ASRs designed to detect sequences associated with herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2, cytomegalovirus, enterovirus, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and norovirus 1 and 2, among others."

About Nanogen, Inc.

Nanogen's advanced technologies provide researchers, clinicians and physicians worldwide with improved methods and tools to predict, diagnose, and ultimately help treat disease. The company's products include real-time PCR reagents, the NanoChip(R) electronic microarray platform and a line of rapid, point-of-care diagnostic tests. Nanogen's ten years of pioneering research involving nanotechnology holds the promise of miniaturization and continues to be supported for its potential for diagnostic and biodefense applications. For additional information please visit Nanogen's website at www.nanogen.com.

Nanogen Forward-Looking Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements, including whether patents owned or licensed by Nanogen will be developed into products, whether the patents owned by Nanogen offer any protection against competitors with competing technologies, whether products under development can be successfully developed and commercialized, whether results reported by our customers or partners can be identically replicated, and other risks and uncertainties discussed under the caption "Factors That May Affect Results" and elsewhere in Nanogen's Form 10-K or Form 10-Q most recently filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. Nanogen disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

CONTACT: Robert Saltmarsh, Chief Financial Officer of Nanogen, Inc.,+1-858-410-4600; or Media & Investor Relations, Pam Lord of Porter NovelliLife Sciences, +1-858-527-3484, plord@pnlifesciences.com, for Nanogen, Inc.

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