SHIMADZU BIOTECH TECHNOLOGY CENTRAL TO PROTEOME SYSTEMS' NEW INTEGRATED PLATFORM

AXIMA CFR™ and Xcise™ to be ProteomIQ™ core instruments at Charles River Proteomics Services, Inc

19 November 2002. Shimadzu Biotech is to provide two of the key instruments at Charles River Proteomics Services Inc, the new proteomics testing and analysis services facility to be set up by Charles River Laboratories International, Inc and Proteome Systems. The AXIMA CFR™ mass spectrometer and the Xcise™, an integrated gel-excision processor developed in partnership with Proteome Systems, will play a crucial role in ensuring that pharmaceutical and biotechnology customers are given fast and accurate results. Shimadzu Biotech is one of Proteome Systems’ preferred strategic partners in the supply of instrumentation for ProteomIQ,™ its integrated discovery platform that will drive the new testing and analysis services business. Providing opportunities for unparalleled throughput in proteomics analysis, the Xcise™ optimises sample processing and delivery to the mass spectrometer, while high resolution images and absolute intensity values make gel comparison and analysis easy. The high mass accuracy, resolution and fully automated data-dependent PSD software (IntelliMarque™) offered by the AXIMA CFR™ mass spectrometer is equally vital in the quest to understand the functions of proteomes.

Both the Xcise™ and the AXIMA-CFR™ save scientists’ valuable time by automating the protein characterisation process, while maintaining high resolution and accuracy. Incorporating gel imaging, protein spot cutting and digestion, peptide extraction and deposition onto a MALDI target in a single automated benchtop instrument, the Xcise™ is the result of collaboration between Shimadzu Biotech and Proteome Systems.

The AXIMA-CFR™ has significantly increased the speed and sensitivity of the post source decay (PSD) analysis by enabling the acquisition of a fully focused PSD spectrum in a single analysis: seamless PSD™ (sPSD). This avoids the time-and-sample-consuming multiple analyses at a range of reflectron voltages, plus the need to stitch together the resulting spectra needed with conventional reflectron designs.

Dr Keith Williams, CEO, Proteome Systems said, "ProteomIQ™ brings together leading edge technologies which are integrated by a proprietary and sophisticated bioinformatics platform , enabling researchers to quickly and accurately identify proteins that may have commercial value as drug targets, biomarkers or as diagnostic tests. We believe ProteomIQ™ is destined to play an important part in enhancing the drug discovery process. Our strategic relationship with Shimadzu Biotech has helped accelerate the development of key technologies that form part of our platform today and our joint efforts going forward will bring novel and transforming technologies to the market.”

Dr Tetsuo Ichikawa, Chairman, Shimadzu Biotech, commented, “We are delighted that our instruments are to be so critical to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies seeking the analytical services of Charles River Proteomics Services, Inc. We have been working with Proteome Systems for several years as part of a strategic technology development programme that led to the formation of the Proteomics Alliance. Our strategic relationship is set to continue with the forthcoming commercialisation of the Chemical Printer (CHIP), an innovative high throughput protein analysis device based on the ink-jet printing of reagents onto proteins that have been arrayed onto membranes.”

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Notes for editors

Shimadzu Biotech is a strategic business unit of Shimadzu Corporation and its headquarters are in Japan. It has been created to unite a strong solutions-based offering and accelerate the progress of biotechnology research and development. Shimadzu Biotech captures, within one dedicated organization, the best expertise and technology from within Shimadzu Corporation and its subsidiary, Kratos Analytical (part of Shimadzu Biotech).

Proteome Systems

Proteome Systems is a leading proteomics technology, diagnostics and discovery company. With its technology partners, Proteome Systems has developed and commercialized a comprehensive solution for high throughput proteomics, which is available as a total solutions package, ProteomIQ. These technologies, integrated by a proprietary and sophisticated bioinformatics system, BioinformatIQ, are being marketed as part of a global strategic alliance with IBM. ProteomIQ is implemented in Proteome Systems' discovery programs in the areas of cystic fibrosis, cancer, infectious disease and aging. Proteome Systems has R&D and manufacturing in Sydney, Australia and Boston, USA, and a joint venture (Charles River Proteomics Services, Inc.) with Charles River Laboratories in Worcester, MA.. For more information about Proteome Systems, please visit the website at www.proteomesystems.com.

Charles River Laboratories, based in Wilmington, Massachusetts, is a leading provider of critical research tools and integrated support services that enable innovative and efficient drug discovery and development. Charles River's customer base spans over 50 countries, and includes all of the major pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, as well as many leading hospitals and academic institutions.

For more information, please contact:

Shimadzu Biotech
Tetsuo Ichikawa, Chairman
Fax: +81-75-823-1364
Tel: +81-75-823-1148
email: tichi@shimadzu.co.jp
Website: http://www.shimadzu.co.jp

For press information, please contact:

HCC De Facto Group plc
Jacqui Dyson, Account Manager
Tel: +44 (0)20 7496 3300
Fax: +44 (0)20 7496 3355
email: j.dyson@hccdefacto.com