NextGen Sciences Ltd. to Develop and Validate Protein Biomarker Assays for Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

Ann Arbor, MI, February 2nd 2010 - NextGen Sciences, a leading provider of biomarker discovery, assay development, validation and testing services, and Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (“Takeda”) have entered into an agreement under which NextGen Sciences will develop validated protein biomarker assays to be used in Takeda’s preclinical and clinical studies to support their drive towards personalized medicine.

The biomarker assays will be designed to target specific protein isoforms found in liver and muscle in multiple species, for use in preclinical studies, and will also be validated for use in clinical studies. NextGen Sciences’ Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) protein assay platform is ideal for studies of this kind, which involve multiple isoforms and multiple species.

Dr Michael Pisano, CEO of NextGen Sciences, commented: “We are delighted to have been chosen for this project and look forward to working closely with Takeda’s scientists in Japan.”

NextGen Sciences, a wholly owned subsidiary of NextGen Group PLC

NextGen Group PLC (AIM: NGG) is a provider of biomarker services for pharmaceutical and biotech companies globally. Using advanced techniques, such as Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) mass spectrometry analysis, the Company is developing a portfolio of robust assays for testing clinical samples for drug safety and efficacy, and the development of personalized treatment for patients.

Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, NextGen Sciences’ range of services, which include biomarker discovery, assay development, validation and testing are employed by its customers as a key part of the biomarker-based drug and diagnostic development process.