Ambion's Former CEO and Founder Launches Asuragen.

AUSTIN, Texas -- The completion of the $273M sale of Ambion's Research Products Division to Applied Biosystems Group (NYSE:ABI), an Applera Corporation business, resulted in the simultaneous spin-off of Asuragen, Inc. Asuragen is a newly formed molecular diagnostic company led by Matt Winkler, founder and former CEO of Ambion, Inc.

Asuragen is comprised of Ambion's Diagnostics and Services divisions, along with the formation of a new Discovery group to transform cutting edge research into clinical products. The new Company will have a strong focus around microRNAs and their potential roles as cancer diagnostics. Comprised of over 95 employees from Ambion, Asuragen is empowered with not only scientific expertise but also diagnostic and therapeutic rights to Ambion's intellectual property.

"My vision for Asuragen is to become a fully integrated diagnostic company focused on molecular oncology," Winkler says. Asuragen's current product portfolio includes Signature(TM) LTx, as well as controls and standards engineered using its patented Armored RNA(R) technology. In addition to an expanding product pipeline, Asuragen has demonstrated expertise in cGMP custom development and manufacturing. The Company is also growing its molecular biology service offerings that can help facilitate scientific discovery and drug development studies. With an established business infrastructure along with an experienced executive management team, Asuragen is well positioned to span the spectrum of discovery, development, production and commercialization of the next generation of molecular diagnostics.

For more information, visit www.asuragen.com.