SHIMADZU BIOTECH LAUNCHES
AXIMA-QIT™- THE LATEST IN MASS SPECTROMETRY

Unique instrument aimed at proteomics research

January 15, 2002 Shimadzu Biotech announces that it will launch a revolutionary new product, AXIMA-QIT™ early in the New Year. AXIMA-QIT represents a significant development in MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The unique hybrid configuration has been specifically designed for proteomics and drug discovery research and development.

Using radically new technology for trapping ions, Shimadzu Biotech is confident that the AXIMA-QIT will have a profound influence on the way problems are solved in the development of therapeutics. Unprecedented levels of structural information for all biological molecules can be derived from AXIMA-QIT's MSⁿ analysis and sequencing, with the highest degree of confidence. Until now, protein identification has relied upon 30% of sequence coverage. To understand the structural significance of target proteins in biological function or drug discovery, 100% of the sequence must be elucidated. AXIMA-QIT has been created with this aim in mind.

The unique characteristics of the AXIMA-QIT enable structural elucidation of peptides, carbohydrates and other biological samples, including de novo sequencing and quantitative determination of protein expression using ICATTM -type reagents.

The instrument offers unparalleled performance, with high mass resolution across MS and MSⁿ analysis, constant mass accuracy - independent of laser energy and sample surface topography, and a rapid analysis time for high-throughput. Novel features include: near perpendicular laser irradiation for high efficiency of ion generation and transfer to the quadrupole ion trap (QIT); time-of-flight resolution and wide mass range of ions trapped up to 20 kDa. Excellent tolerance to non-conductive target materials is afforded by the platform's very low acceleration voltage of below 100V, without compromising its sensitivity.

High-resolution parent ion selection and low and high-energy collision-induced dissociation are possible using the QIT instrumentation. Shimadzu-Biotech's powerful LAUNCHPAD™ software package supports the unique functionality of the AXIMA-QIT including automated data dependent MS/MS analysis using INTELLIMARQUE™.

The instrument takes advantage of all the best aspects of mass spectrometry, offering superior functionality, particularly for the next generation of problem solving in proteomics.

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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