IRIS Awarded $485,000 NIH Grant to Improve Detection of Inherited Diseases.

CHATSWORTH, Calif.--(BW HealthWire)--Oct. 8, 1997--International Remote Imaging Systems, Inc. (IRIS), manufacturer and marketer of automated in vitro diagnostic (IVD) systems used to enhance productivity and improve outcomes in laboratory microscopic procedures, announced that its Perceptive Scientific Instruments (PSI) subsidiary has been awarded a Phase 2 Small Business Innovative Research SBIR Grant from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, one of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

The project, entitled "Objective Analysis of Chromosome Banding Patterns," is being funded to develop a more accurate computerized method for chromosome analysis useful in the diagnosis of inherited diseases. The amount of the grant, $485,272, covers a two-year program to be carried out in collaboration with Drs. Louis Smith, Roger Knapp and Lisa Shaffer of the Baylor College of Medicine, and Dr. Loris McGavran of the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Dr. Kenneth Castleman, Vice President of Research and Development for PSI, is the project manager.

In performing chromosome analysis, geneticists chemically stain the DNA in chromosomes and microscopically observe the distinctive patterns of bands that are highlighted by the staining process. Even when using computerized methods of analysis, banding patterns often are difficult to interpret accurately. Scientists and geneticists at PSI and Baylor College of Medicine have previously shown that a new analytical method which uses the mathematics of eigenanalyis can more accurately identify and compare chromosomes than do existing methods. Consistent with the purpose of a Phase 2 SBIR grant, this project is intended to lead to the development of a new generation of PSI PowerGene chromosome analyzers that should offer geneticists the possibility of faster and more accurate detection of inherited diseases than was possible in the past.

IRIS designs, develops, manufacturers and markets IVD imaging systems based on its patented and proprietary AIM technology for automating microscopic procedures performed in hospitals, clinical reference laboratories and genetic laboratories worldwide. Its major worksaver product lines are the PSI PowerGene(TM) line of chromosome analyzers, The Yellow IRIS(R) family of urinalysis workstations and the StatSpin line of centrifugal specimen preparation devices. PSI was recently awarded a record $1.25 million contract from Genzyme Genetics for automation of its Santa Fe, N.M. laboratories, the world's largest cytogenetics testing facility, with its PowerGene line.

IRIS stock trades on the AMEX under the symbol IRI.

Forward-looking statements in this release are made under the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including without limitation, the possibility of more accurate detection of inherited diseases, and the commercial development and success of a new generation of chromosome analyzers based on eigenanalysis.

CONTACT: IRIS, Chatsworth

Fred H. Deindoerfer, 818/709-1244

or

OA&R/ECOM

Robert Frost, 212/391-9479