BTG and DxS Sign Exclusive License with AstraZeneca to Commercialize ARMS DNA Diagnostic Technology.Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 23, 2004 DxS and BTG BTG BIT (Built-In Test) Target Generator BTG Bridging the Gap BTG British Technology Group BtG Betreuungsgesetz (Germany) BTG Biomass Technology Group BV BTG Begbies Traynor Group (LSE LSE - Language Sensitive Editor : BGC BGC General Cable Corporation (stock symbol) BGC Billy Graham Center BGC Baptist General Conference (formerly Swedish Baptist Denomination) BGC Boys & Girls Club BGC Bubblegum Crisis ) announced today that they have signed an exclusive license with AstraZeneca to commercialize the company's proprietary Amplification Refractory Mutation System (ARMS(TM)) DNA DNA: see nucleic acid. DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid One of two types of nucleic acid (the other is RNA); a complex organic compound found in all living cells and many viruses. It is the chemical substance of genes. diagnostic technology. ARMS(TM) is a simple, reliable and widely used method for the detection of gene mutations and single nucleotide polymorphisms. Under this agreement, BTG and DxS will assume certain rights to the intellectual property and will further commercialize the technology within the diagnostic and research markets. The licensing campaign will be aimed at maximizing the commercial value for the ARMS(TM) technology via companies that offer products and services which relate to the detection of genetic variation, companies that are currently using ARMS(TM) technology as part of their in-house research activities, as well as encouraging new and novel applications for this powerful technology. The $1 billion nucleic acid nucleic acid, any of a group of organic substances found in the chromosomes of living cells and viruses that play a central role in the storage and replication of hereditary information and in the expression of this information through protein synthesis. diagnostic market includes testing for infectious and genetic diseases, as well as cell/tissue typing, cancer genetics and personalized medicine. It is the fastest growing sector of the diagnostic marketplace, increasing at a rate of 20-40% per year. This could, according to some industry experts, create a potential $8-10 billion market segment by 2010. ARMS(TM) technology has applications throughout this market such as the detection of genetic variations in the genes responsible for common diseases, including cancer and heart disease. ARMS(TM) can also be used in personalized medicine tests, to predict which individuals will respond well to a medicine, and typing infectious pathogens. Dr. Joe Carey, Vice President of BTG's Strategic Business Development Group, commented, "We are pleased that AstraZeneca has elected to partner with BTG and DxS to realize the full value of its ARMS(TM) technology. BTG's success in strategic licensing has been based upon gaining a thorough understanding of the technology and key market applications across a range of industries including the biomedical bi·o·med·i·cal adj. 1. Of or relating to biomedicine. 2. Of, relating to, or involving biological, medical, and physical sciences. field." Dr. Stephen Little, CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. of DxS, added, "ARMS(TM) is an important and valuable genetic analysis technique. By combining the scientific and marketing expertise of DxS with the commercial capabilities of BTG, we will be able to release the inherent value of the AstraZeneca technology. DxS has considerable expertise in the development and application of technologies for nucleic acid analysis, and ARMS(TM) is an excellent fit with our current portfolio. We are looking forward to building on our long-standing relationship with AstraZeneca." About BTG BTG finds, develops and commercializes emerging technologies in the life and physical sciences. These innovations are protected by a strong portfolio of intellectual property that BTG develops and enhances. BTG then captures the value in these technologies through licensing and venturing activities. From the origins of its business in 1949, BTG has commercialized major innovations such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), noninvasive diagnostic technique that uses nuclear magnetic resonance to produce cross-sectional images of organs and other internal body structures. (MRI 1. (application) MRI - Magnetic Resonance Imaging. 2. MRI - Measurement Requirements and Interface. ), recombinant factor IX blood-clotting protein, Campath(R) (alemtuzumab) and Multilevel mul·ti·lev·el adj. Having several levels: a multilevel parking garage. Adj. 1. multilevel - of a building having more than one level Cell (MLC (MultiLevel Cell) A flash memory technology that stores more than one bit per cell. Traditional flash memory defines a 0 or 1 bit based on a single voltage threshold. ) memory. BTG is quoted on the London Stock Exchange London Stock Exchange London marketplace for securities. It was formed in 1773 by a group of stockbrokers who had been doing business informally in local coffeehouses. under the symbol "BGC" and operates from offices in London and Philadelphia, with representation in Tokyo. BTG operates through wholly owned subsidiaries, BTG International Ltd. and BTG International Inc. in the UK and USA, respectively. Further information on BTG can be found at www.btgplc.com About DxS DxS is an established genotyping services company providing pharmaceutical, biotechnology and clinical research companies with rapid and reliable pharmacogenetic analysis to support drug discovery, clinical development and personalized medicine. DxS operates from purpose built laboratories equipped with fully automated sample handling and genotyping systems in Manchester, UK. The Company has implemented industry-leading laboratory management systems and quality control practices. The DxS service is based on proprietary Scorpions(TM) technology that allows rapid and reliable PCR-based genotyping, and on SAFEspot(TM), a card-based sample collection system that greatly simplifies the storage and transport of blood spots blood spots spots of blood in hen eggs; an esthetic problem to the breakfast eater. They are of no disease significance and can be prevented by increasing the content of vitamin A in the diet. . Scorpions(TM) technology is also licensed to oligonucleotide suppliers and diagnostic companies, including Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics. For more information on DxS, please visit www.dxsgenotyping.com About AstraZeneca AstraZeneca is a major international healthcare business engaged in the research, development, manufacture and marketing of prescription pharmaceuticals and the supply of healthcare services. It is one of the top five pharmaceutical companies in the world with healthcare sales of over $18.8 billion and leading positions in sales of gastrointestinal, oncology, cardiovascular, neuroscience and respiratory products. AstraZeneca is listed in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (Global and European), as well as the FTSE FTSE A company that specializes in index calculation. Although not part of a stock exchange, co-owners include the London Stock Exchange and the Financial Times. Notes: The FTSE is similar to Standard & Poor's in the United States. 4Good Index. Worldwide, AstraZeneca has six major research and development sites, four discovery facilities and a clinical research site. In total, AstraZeneca's R&D organization is comprised of more than 11,500 people located in seven countries including Canada, France, India, Japan, Sweden, United Kingdom and the United States. |
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