Cisbio International Introduces New cGMP Assay Development Kit; Powerful New Kit Available for Screening Both Soluble and Particulate Guanylyl Cyclases.

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Cisbio international, an established developer of HTRF(R) technologies and services used in assay development and drug screening, today announced the availability of a new biomolecular screening solution, the HTRF(R)-based cGMP (Cyclic GMP) Assay kit. The homogenous cGMP assay, which is based on the Company's proprietary HTRF(R) technology, was developed to measure cGMP, an important cell signaling molecule, and more specifically to monitor both soluble (sGC) and particulate (pGC) Guanylyl Cyclases activity.

Cisbio's cGMP assay kit uses a highly precise and sensitive immunoassay format to measure cGMP levels and guanylate cyclase activity. This is particularly important in applications where cGMP levels are low; a feature for which this kit was specifically developed. cGMP is an important second messenger which mediates the response of the cell to extracellular stimulus through the activation of protein kinase G (PKG), cGMP-phosphodiesterases (PDEs) and cyclic nucleotide gated ion channels (CNG). Cisbio's cGMP assay kit is a homogeneous competitive immunoassay involving two HTRF congugates: cGMP coupled to XL665 and anti-cGMP monoclonal antibody labeled with Europium Cryptate. Free cGMP from sample competes with cGMP-XL665 for the binding to the anti-cGMP Europium Cryptate. The resulting HTRF(R) signal is inversely proportional to the concentration of cGMP in the calibrator or sample. cGMP action is related to the relaxation of smooth muscles, penile erection, kidney function and inflammatory responses.

Based on HTRF(R) technology, the assay is pre-packaged either for 1,000 or 20,000 tests on a 384 low-volume microplate basis (20 ul final volume). The robust and sensitive cGMP kit features a "single plate" protocol, and results are available after two hours. Additionally, its miniaturization capabilities make it especially well-suited to HTS.

"Cisbio's HTRF(R) technology is fast becoming an established format for assay development that continuously delivers strong miniaturization capabilities and economies of scale," stated Francois Degorce, head of HTRF(R) marketing & business development, Cisbio international. "Our cGMP assay kit is the latest in a growing family of products that provides our customers with a high-resolution and convenient drug discovery solution that helps improve data quality, while building more utility into our HTRF(R) technology platform."

About Cisbio International

Cisbio international is an established developer of technologies that are used in assay development and drug screening procedures to enhance drug discovery. The company is also a pioneer in the field of homogenous fluorescence methodologies via its proprietary technology, HTRF(R), and produces a selection of biological reagents and methods used by pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, as well as contract research organizations (CROs). In addition, Cisbio international develops, manufactures and markets antibody-based diagnostic assays for the quantification of tumor markers and other biomarkers in clinical biology. For more information about Cisbio and HTRF, log onto www.htrf-assays.com.