WaferGen
Biosystems, Inc., a leading developer of state-of-the-art
gene expression, genotyping, cell biology and stem cell research
systems, today announced the signing of an exclusive distribution
agreement for the company's SmartSlide(TM) Micro-Incubation System with
Labtech International Limited in the United Kingdom and Labtech France
in France. The distributor agreement covers WaferGen's entire family of
SmartSlide Micro-Incubation System products. Labtech International
Limited is a leading provider of innovative scientific products to
researchers in the life science markets in the United Kingdom, while
its sister company, Labtech France, coordinates distribution of the
same products in France.
WaferGen's SmartSlide Micro-Incubation System is a
first-of-its-kind family of integrated fluidics exchange
micro-incubation products that work seamlessly with inverted
microscopes. This breakthrough technology is enabling cell biology and
stem cell researchers to conduct complex time lapse imaging studies to
characterize, differentiate and proliferate cells, as well as grow
stem, primary and other difficult to cultivate cells in consistently
optimal physiological conditions. These innovative capabilities will
allow researchers to pursue cutting-edge research topics that are not
addressable with existing technology.
"The signing of this important distributor agreement is just
the latest in a number of recent key milestones related to our
SmartSlide Micro-Incubation System. In just the past six weeks, we have
signed distribution agreements covering five critical overseas markets,
launched our new SmartSlide 200 Micro-Incubation System, and announced
our first SmartSlide 200 customer adoption," said Alnoor Shivji,
WaferGen's chairman and chief executive officer. "This impressive
momentum is playing a major role in our ongoing efforts to grow our
SmartSlide Micro-Incubation System business and we expect to continue
to achieve important program milestones throughout the remainder of
2008."
"As a company that prides itself on providing our customers
with the most sophisticated life science instruments available, we are
excited to add WaferGen's SmartSlide Micro-Incubation System to the
broad menu of products that we offer," stated Brian Page, Ph.D.,
Labtech's chief executive officer. "With more than 25 years of personal
experience in the cell culture market, I am particularly impressed with
the SmartSlide Micro-Incubation System and the innovative research
activities the platform enables."