New Biotechnology Company Forms And Announces Plan; Asuragen, Inc. Targets Early Diagnosis And Treatment Outcome For Cancer Patients With Key Molecular Diagnostics Research

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 6, 2006--Asuragen, Inc., a new company focusing on the emerging opportunities associated with personalized medicine for cancer patients, announces its plan and direction for the future in biotechnology. Led by Matt Winkler, founder and CEO of Ambion, Inc., Asuragen, is comprised of three business units: Molecular Diagnostics (formerly Ambion Diagnostics, Inc.), Molecular Biology Services (formerly Ambion Services) and Discovery, a new R&D focused unit. Several key executives and research scientists from Ambion are also joining the new company. The company will be funded with approximately $35M in proceeds from the December 23rd, $273M sale of Ambion's research products division to Applied Biosystems (NYSE: ABI). This transaction is expected to close in late February. Asuragen will be located in Austin, Texas adjacent to the Ambion site.