Osmetech and QIAGEN Sign Development and Supply Agreement for QIAplex-Based Respiratory Viral Molecular Test

Osmetech plc (‘Osmetech’ (LSE:OMH), the international molecular diagnostics business, today announced that it has signed an agreement with QIAGEN (Nasdaq: QGEN; Frankfurt Prime Standard: QIA) pursuant to which Osmetech will adapt a QIAplex-based respiratory viral test for use on Osmetech’s recently launched eSensor XT-8 molecular diagnostics system.

Under the terms of the agreement, QIAGEN will supply proprietary QIAplex-based reagents for the multiplex amplification of the most common viruses associated with respiratory infections. In July 2008, QIAGEN launched its next generation, QIAplex-based ResPlex II respiratory panel for research use only. Osmetech intends to develop an in-vitro diagnostic test for use on its eSensor XT-8 molecular diagnostic instrument and to submit this test to the FDA for 510(k) clearance..

QIAplex is a proprietary assay technology in which dozens of molecular targets can be amplified in one PCR reaction. Compared to other molecular multiplex assays, QIAplex offers a very simple workflow and unmatched sensitivity and specificity. QIAplex assays can be detected using a broad range of commercially available detection platforms. QIAGEN’s ResPlex II respiratory panel is based on QIAplex technology and allows detection of up to 17 different viral molecular targets with high sensitivity and specificity. Viral pathogens detected will include influenza A/B, parainfluenza RSV A/B, and others.

James White, Chief Executive, Osmetech plc, said: "We are delighted that QIAGEN has partnered with Osmetech. This is an excellent opportunity to take an already commercially successful product into the mainstream diagnostics market, illustrating the attraction of our easy to use eSensor XT-8 instrument. This is another opportunity to broaden our test menu and establish the eSensor XT-8 as a leading molecular diagnostics platform.”

Dr. Ulrich Schriek, Vice President Business Development for QIAGEN, said: "Osmetech’s system offers highest standards in terms of ease of use and speed and is well suited for assays based on QIAplex technology. The combination of Osmetech’s eSensor XT-8 detection technology and QIAGEN’s ResPlex II assay technology would provide diagnostic labs and hospitals with a next-generation multiplex testing solution which can be used without extensive training. It significantly helps to improve the diagnoses and treatment of respiratory infections and thereby benefits patients worldwide.”

About Osmetech plc
www.osmetech.com

Osmetech plc is a public company listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange. The company is a fast developing, international molecular diagnostics business with operations in Boston and Pasadena in the US, serving the high growth molecular diagnostic market targeting hospitals and reference laboratories. Osmetech has rights to a strong portfolio of over 200 issued and pending patents and has launched its first generation eSensor 4800 system, an electrochemistry-based array system, together with an FDA cleared in vitro diagnostic test for Cystic Fibrosis carrier detection. In July 2008, Osmetech received FDA clearance for its second generation eSensor XT-8 molecular diagnostics instrument and Warfarin Sensitivity Test.