Roche Diagnostics Corporation Licenses the Technology Used for the LightCycler(R) System to BIOTECON Diagnostics

PENZBERG, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Roche Diagnostics and BIOTECON Diagnostics GmbH, Potsdam , Germany, have entered into a licensing agreement concerning Roche’s LightCycler system technology. Under the terms of the agreement, Roche grants a non-exclusive worldwide license to BIOTECON authorizing them to develop, produce, and sell kits in the food and GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms) analysis field that are designed for use on the Roche LightCycler Instrument. The agreement includes the use of Roche’s melting curve analysis technology. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

As an international biotechnology company BIOTECON Diagnostics develops, produces, and markets its innovative complete rapid PCR-based kits for the detection of pathogenic contamination in food, for spoilage microorganisms, and for genetically modified organisms. The company offers solutions for the food and beverage industry as well as for producers of pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

With the licensing of the LightCycler instrument technology, BIOTECON will enhance the technological development and broaden the spectrum of applications especially in the fields of food and cosmetics," states Dr. Manfred Baier, Head of Roche Applied Science, a business area of Roche Diagnostics.

“The LightCycler System Technology License represents a significant milestone for our company”, states Kornelia Berghof-Jäger, CEO of BIOTECON Diagnostics. It enables us to strengthen our position in the field of molecular food diagnostics and, together with the food industry, provide even greater food safety."

About Roche

Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Roche is one of the world’s leading research-focused healthcare groups in the fields of pharmaceuticals and diagnostics. As the world’s biggest biotech company and an innovator of products and services for the early detection, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases, the Group contributes on a broad range of fronts to improving people’s health and quality of life. Roche is the world leader in in-vitro diagnostics and drugs for cancer and transplantation, a market leader in virology and active in other major therapeutic areas such as autoimmune diseases, inflammation, metabolism and central nervous system. In 2006 sales by the Pharmaceuticals Division totaled 33.3 billion Swiss francs, and the Diagnostics Division posted sales of 8.7 billion Swiss francs. Roche employs roughly 75,000 worldwide and has R&D agreements and strategic alliances with numerous partners, including majority ownership interests in Genentech and Chugai. Roche’s Diagnostics Division offers a uniquely broad product portfolio and supplies a wide array of innovative testing products and services to researchers, physicians, patients, hospitals and laboratories world-wide. For further information, please visit our website at www.roche.com.

About BIOTECON Diagnostics GmbH

BIOTECON Diagnostics GmbH with its headquarter in Potsdam / Berlin (Germany) has been a competent partner for molecular biological and microbiological issues for more than ten years. The focus is the development, production and marketing of PCR-based rapid detection systems. BIOTECON Diagnostics offers solutions for the food and beverages industry as well as for pharmaceutical and cosmetics manufacturers.

LIGHTCYLER, LC are trademarks of Roche.

The technology used for the LightCycler® System is licensed from Idaho Technology Inc., Salt Lake City, UT, USA.

All brands or product names are trademarks of their respective holders.

Contact:

Roche Diagnostics Dr. Burkhard Ziebolz, +49 8856 604830 burkhard.ziebolz@roche.com or BIOTECON Diagnostics Katrin Schwensow, +49 (0)331 2300 245 kschwensow@bc-diagnostics.com

Source: Roche Diagnostics