Biotage AB and McMaster University Sign Two Year Extension To Molecular Imaging Development Agreement

McMaster University has successfully completed the first year research agreement, with a key journal publication and several technical presentations. "We used the Biotage Initiator(TM) Microwave synthesis system, chromatography cartridges to prepare a range of Carborane Cage structures labeled with rhenium and technetium (Tc99c), the currently most used radionuclide in diagnostic medicine. We reported an 85% reduction in synthesis time and 26% gain in decay corrected yield, when compared to the traditional synthesis methods. The speed, purity and flexibility of this approach will drive the development of a new generation of novel molecular imaging agents." Dr. John F. Valliant, Associate Professor of Chemistry and Medical Physics and Acting Director of McMaster Institute of Applied Radiation Sciences (McIARS) stated.

Based on the success of this first phase, both parties have agreed to a 2-year extension of the work at McMaster. Valliant reports, "The next research phase will expand microwave synthesis to a broader range of radionuclides and probes used in the PET imaging and as therapeutic agents."

Torben Jorgensen, President and CEO of Biotage AB (STO:BIOTA) commented, "Biotage's mission has always been to develop innovative equipment and consumables that accelerate the drug discovery process. We are very pleased with Dr. Valliant's research to advance the development of radiopharmaceuticals. He has clearly demonstrated the benefits of Biotage key technology to produce molecular imaging agents. The 2-years extension will provide practical solutions to the challenging issues that currently limit the development of novel imaging agents."

"In addition to John Valliant's research, McMaster University has created the Biotage Molecular Imaging demonstration laboratory. This facility will give other researchers the opportunity to see the technology working in a real radiochemistry environment, and have first hand experience with powerful tools that Biotage offers", reported Michael Lally, Vice President of Business Development at Biotage.

About Biotage

Biotage is a global company active in life science research with strong technologies, a broad range of operations and a long-term view of the market. The company offers solutions, knowledge and experience in the areas of genetic analysis and medicinal chemistry. In 2005 operations and products were acquired from the American company Argonaut, further strengthening the medicinal chemistry product range. The customers include the worlds top 30 pharmaceutical companies, the worlds top 20 biotech companies, and leading academic institutes. The company is headquartered in Uppsala and has offices in the U.S., Japan, UK, Germany and several other European countries. Biotage has 336 employees and had sales of 496,4 MSEK in 2007. Biotage is listed on the OMX Nordic Exchange Stockholm AB. Website: www.biotage.com

About McMaster Institute of Applied Radiation Sciences (McIARS)

McIARS is an interdisciplinary research institute. Its members are drawn primarily from the Faculties of Science, Engineering and Health Sciences at McMaster. The common focus is on the uses of radiation. Applications include analytical techniques, isotope chemistry, medical diagnosis and therapy, study of radiation effects in living systems and on materials and in protection of the environment and humans. Collaborative and contractual links outside McMaster include those with government, healthcare and industry. There is also a network of formal and informal partnerships internationally and across Canada.

Members of McIARS use a wide variety of facilities throughout McMaster's campus and in Hamilton's network of academic healthcare institutions. There are three core facilities at the heart of McIARS. These are the McMaster Nuclear Reactor, McMaster Accelerator Laboratory and licensed laboratories for handling high levels of radioactive materials.

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