Takara Bio Grants Kemp Biotechnologies a license for LA-PCR Technology

Jul 19, 2007 ---Takara Bio Inc. (Shiga, Japan) today announced that it has granted Kemp Biotechnologies, Inc. a worldwide non-exclusive license to make, use and sell LA-PCR related products. Including Kemp Biotechnologies, the company has twenty (20) licensees of its LA-PCR technology worldwide. Financial terms of the license were not disclosed.

LA-PCR Technology, invented by Dr. Wayne M. Barnes, is a breakthrough in PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) technology that expands its capability and heightens its application potential considerably. LA-PCR technology overcomes the disadvantages and defects of conventional PCR by enabling high-yield amplification of long and complex DNA fragments from genomic DNA. More importantly for the molecular researcher, DNA molecules produced with LA-PCR Technology have significantly fewer mutations than those made using conventional PCR.

The company entered into a Patent Assignment Agreement with Dr. Barnes in April 1996 and acquired all of Dr. Barnes' right, title and interest in and to the patents relating to LA technology. The company continues to promote licensing of this technology as well as sales of its own products worldwide.

[ About Takara Bio Inc. ]

Takara Bio Inc. is an innovative biotechnology company based in Shiga, Japan. As a world leader in biotechnology research and development, Takara Bio was the first company to market PCR technology in Japan and is also the developer of the RetroNectin^® reagent, which is a world-standard in gene therapy protocols. In addition to providing research reagents and equipment to the life science research market, Takara Bio has active research and product development activities in the fields of gene and cell-based therapy, and agricultural biotechnology; and is committed preventing disease and improving the quality of life for all people through the use of biotechnology. Through strategic alliances with other industry leaders, the Company aims to extend its reach around the world. More information is available at http://www.takara-bio.com.

[ About Transgenomic: A decade of discovery 1997 - 2007 ]

Transgenomic is a global biotechnology company that provides unique products and services for automated high sensitivity genetic variation and mutation analysis. Their offerings include systems, products, discovery and laboratory testing services to the academic and medical research, clinical laboratory and pharmaceutical markets in the fields of pharmacogenomics and personalized medicine. Specific offerings include WAVE^® DHPLC Systems, related consumables and assay kits, cytogenetics automated systems, and Transgenomic Discovery and CLIA Lab Services. Transgenomic Discovery and Lab Services utilize their technology and expertise to provide a menu of mutation scanning tests for over 700 cancer-associated genes and more than 60 validated diagnostic tests to meet the needs of pharmaceutical and biotech companies, research and clinical laboratories, physicians and patients. For more information about the innovative systems, products and services offered by Transgenomic, please visit: http://www.transgenomic.com

This article is translated from press release in Japanese for your convenience.

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