PROTEOME SYSTEMS AND KRATOS ANALYTICAL PARTNER ON AUTOMATION SOFTWARE FOR PROTEOMICS

Proteome Systems and Kratos Analytical (part of newly formed Shimadzu Biotech) announced today an expansion of their Proteomics Alliance. This involves partnering on software development for further automating Kratos' new AXIMA mass spectrometry proteomics applications.

This program will address many of the current bottlenecks in high throughput automation for MALDI applications in proteomics.

The core of the program will be the integration of Proteome Systems advanced sample preparation technologies, the Xcise and Chemical Printer (jointly developed by Proteome Systems and Shimadzu) with the AXIMA family of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometers.

Keith Williams, CEO of Proteome Systems, said "We are excited to be moving from technology development to high throughput discovery programs based on the combination of Proteome Systems' new instrumentation and the new generation Kratos MALDI mass spectrometers. The final link in this chain is information processing and we are delighted to expand our relationship with Kratos (and Shimadzu) to include this area.

Frank Trundle, Business Manager at Kratos, said: " This important link will help Proteome Systems to create the high throughput necessary to generate the vast amounts of data needed in the most efficient manner. This will further enhance their capability to deliver efficient, quality discovery programs to their customers.

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Notes to Editors

About Proteome Systems:
Proteome Systems, with 75 employees in Sydney and Boston, is one of a small group of companies globally with the capacity to conduct large-scale proteomics. Proteome Systems uses its own instruments, consumables and informatics technologies as well as partnering with leading technology companies. Proteome Systems is a leading innovator in the development of a high throughput proteomics platform with its technology partners and anticipates the release of the platform in the second half of 2001.

About Kratos Analytical
Kratos Analytical is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Shimadzu Corporation, based in Manchester, UK. Shimadzu/Kratos Analytical were pioneers in the discovery and manufacture of MALDI-TOF (Matrix-assisted Laser Desorption Ionisation Time-of-Flight) mass spectrometry, a technology that has transformed biochemical analysis over the past 10 years.

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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