Amersham Biosciences Partners with Imaging Research Inc. to Co-develop IN Cell Analyzer 1000.

Business Editors & Health/Medical Writers

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PISCATAWAY, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 23, 2002

New Cell Imaging System is Fully Automated and Easy to Use

Amersham Biosciences, the life sciences business of Amersham plc (LSE: NYSE: OSE: AHM), has announced an agreement with technology partner Imaging Research Inc. (St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada) to co-develop and commercialize a medium-throughput sub cellular analysis system called IN Cell Analyzer 1000.

IN Cell Analyzer 1000 is a flexible and easy to use sub cellular analysis system ideally suited to the demands of assay development and basic research. The instrument is capable of imaging a 96-well plate in less than three minutes making it suitable also for medium-throughput screening. IN Cell Analyzer 1000 was specifically designed to complement IN Cell Analyzer 3000; a purpose built cellular screening system offering high-throughput and high-content subcellular imaging and analysis.

Amersham Biosciences and Imaging Research Inc. designed IN Cell Analyzer 1000 with state-of-the-art optics, a fast autofocus system and a highly precise automated stage suitable for a range of microplate formats. A number of optional extras will be made available, including environmental control, liquid handling and transmitted light. In addition, Amersham Biosciences will supply sophisticated image analysis software to allow scientists to probe deep inside cells to visualize and analyze sub cellular processes as they are occurring.

"This extended offering within our IN Cell Analyzer range means that we are able to meet the full range of demands in sub cellular imaging and analysis," says John Sutton, Vice President Product Management, at Amersham Biosciences. "A key advantage of IN Cell Analyzer 1000 is its flexibility, making it broadly accessible and applicable for assay development, screening and basic therapy research. It is perfect as either an entry-level system or for more routine use in screening laboratories who are accustomed to microscope-based imaging systems."

"We are very pleased to be collaborating once again with our technology partner Amersham Biosciences, to develop and commercialize the IN Cell Analyzer 1000," says David Burns, CEO at Imaging Research Inc. "Together, both companies have a tradition of excellence and a proven track record in providing technology platforms that help companies breakthrough bottlenecks in drug screening."

Amersham Biosciences, the life sciences business of Amersham plc (LSE: NYSE: OSE: AHM), is a world leader in developing and providing integrated systems and solutions for disease research, drug development and manufacture. Our systems are used to uncover the function of genes and proteins, for the discovery and development of drugs and for the manufacture of biopharmaceuticals. The customers for Amersham Biosciences' products and technology are pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies and research and academic institutions, principally in North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia. For more information, please visit www.amershambiosciences.com.

Imaging Research, a majority owned subsidiary of Amersham Biosciences, is a software and instrument developer, producing analytical imaging systems, screening systems, and bioinformatics software for life science research and pharmaceutical drug discovery. Imaging Research markets its products and services directly and through selected distributors worldwide. Additional information on Imaging Research can be found at www.imagingresearch.com.