Eksigent Technologies Announces HPLC Distribution Agreement with Applied Biosystems/MDS SCIEX.

DUBLIN, Calif. -- Eksigent Technologies today announced that it has signed a distribution agreement with Applied Biosystems. Under the terms of the agreement, Applied Biosystems will offer a new line of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) systems based on Eksigent's proprietary technology integrated with Applied Biosystems/MDS SCIEX mass spectrometers (MS). Applied Biosystems/MDS SCIEX is a joint venture between Applied Biosystems Group, (NYSE:ABI), an Applera Corporation business, and MDS SCIEX, a division of MDS Inc. (NYSE:MDZ)(TSX:MDS).

The new Tempo(TM) liquid chromatography (LC) systems will be sold and serviced by Applied Biosystems/MDS SCIEX, and includes platforms for nano LC, high-throughput micro LC and an LC-MALDI deposition system. The Tempo systems are based on Eksigent's Microfluidic Flow Control (MFC) technology, which has been widely adopted in proteomics research for high sensitivity biomarker discovery and in pharmaceutical discovery applications for rapid, high resolution LC-MS.

"We're delighted to have Applied Biosystems/MDS SCIEX, a global leader in analytical instrumentation, distributing the Tempo(TM) HPLC systems as front ends to their industry-leading mass spectrometers," commented Jeff Jensen, President of Eksigent. "While we continue to expand our direct LC sales and service team, distribution through Applied Biosystems/MDS SCIEX enhances our ability to serve the important LC/MS market segment. Furthermore, it's a natural fit for customers seeking a single-source LC-MS solution."

"Our customers want reliable, easy-to-use, high performance LC systems that integrate seamlessly with our mass spectrometers," said Laura Lauman, Division President, Proteomics and Small Molecule Division for Applied Biosystems.

"Through this distribution agreement, Applied Biosystems/MDS SCIEX now offers and supports complete LC/MS systems that make it easy for experts and novices to achieve sensitive, high resolution, and high speed separations for LC/MS applications with significantly reduced solvent consumption," added Andy Boorn, President of MDS SCIEX.

About Eksigent

Eksigent Technologies is pioneering microfluidic systems for use in proteomics, drug discovery, medical devices and other life science applications. Eksigent's core microfluidic technologies include microscale pumping, microfluidic system design and microfabrication. Products include the NanoLC system for proteomics research, the ExpressLC system for high throughput HPLC and LC-MS and the EKPump for compact drug delivery and medical device applications. More information about the company is available at www.eksigent.com.