KRATOS ANALYTICAL AND PROTEOME SYSTEMS ACHIEVE CRITICAL MASS

Proteome Systems to purchase a new mass spectrometer platform to expand its discovery programmes

The recent rapid growth of the proteomics sector was emphasised today when Kratos Analytical (Manchester, UK) announced that they are to immediately supply six mass spectrometers to Proteome Systems Limited (PSL) of Sydney Australia to trigger the expansion of PSL's high throughput technology platform for their proteomics discovery programmes. As proteomics fast becomes the focal point of biopharmaceutical research, this agreement is the second step in the development of a proteomics partnership between Kratos, Shimadzu, (Kratos' parent company) and PSL. The parties already have joint programmes in developing new high throughput technologies for proteomics and most importantly in the development of a new instrument, the Chemical Printer.

PSL chose Kratos because their new AXIMA-CFR MALDI-TOF (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionisation Time-of-Flight) mass spectrometer represents the cutting edge of mass spectrometry, and is a key technology ideally suited to future developments in proteomics.

Dr Keith Williams, CEO of PSL said: "We are world leaders in proteomics, and to maintain this position, it is essential that our research teams have access to the best instrumentation. With this suite of instruments and new technologies to follow we will be ideally positioned to provide a world class proteomics capability to meet the high demands of this very important sector".

Under this agreement six AXIMA-CFR MALDI TOF mass spectrometers will be placed at PSL's research laboratories in Australia by December 2000. As the proteome discovery programmes grow, PSL expects to expand its MALDI-TOF capacity with up to 15 more AXIMA-CFR instruments scheduled for its programmes in 2001. PSL also expects to acquire a number of the new Quadrupole Ion Trap-TOF mass spectrometers in the near future to expand its high throughput MS/MS capacity. Acquisition of several of these instruments is expected to follow. These investments will be mirrored at PSL's facility in Boston, Massachusetts through next year.

Katsuhiko Ichimura, Managing Director of Kratos Analytical commented: "Our partnership with PSL is the first major commercial development to come out of our strategic focus on proteomics and we are delighted to have them as our partners. This is a sector to which we are totally committed and we will soon be announcing further developments in our partnership with PSL involving significant investment from both companies".

- ends -

For more information, please contact:

Shimadzu Biotech
Chris Sutton, MALDI Business Manager
Fax: +44 (0)161 888 4402 ext 228
Tel: +44 (0)161 888 4400
email: chris.sutton@kratos.co.uk
Website: http://www.shimadzu-biotech.net

For press information, please contact:

HCC De Facto Group plc
Richard Anderson
Tel: +44 (0)20 7496 3300
Fax: +44 (0)20 7496 3355
email: r.anderson@hccdefacto.com