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 Euroclone S.p.A. in Italy. Additionally, the company signed an agreement
for distribution of the SmartSlide Micro-Incubation System with Takeda Rika
Kogyo, Co. Ltd. in Japan. These distributor agreements cover WaferGen's entire
family of SmartSlide Micro-Incubation System products. Euroclone S.p.A., and
Takeda Rika are each leading distributors of innovative products and services
to cell biologists and stem cell researchers in the life science markets within
their geographic areas of focus.
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. For example,
the SmartSlide 200 Micro-Incubation System(TM) allows researchers to precisely
control and vary oxygen, carbon dioxide and nitrogen parameters in order to
create anoxia and hypoxia conditions which are critical for growth and differentiation
of stem cells.
"As evidenced by the signing of these additional distributor agreements
in key foreign markets, we are continuing to build momentum with our SmartSlide
Micro-Incubation System worldwide," stated Alnoor Shivji, WaferGen's chairman
and chief executive officer. "This innovative platform provides critical
performance advantages to stem cell researchers and cell biologists, and we
look forward to continuing the expansion of our SmartSlide Micro-Incubation
System product line as well as our customer base."