Nanogen and Fisher Expand Molecular Diagnostics R&D Collaboration Agreement

Nanogen, Inc. and Fisher Scientific International Inc. has announced that the companies have expanded their relationship to include a research and development collaboration in molecular diagnostics.

The collaboration agreement complements Fisher's equity investment in Nanogen announced in March 2006.

Nanogen and Fisher agreed to share technology and patent rights specifically for the development, manufacture and marketing of new molecular diagnostic products.

Under the agreement, Fisher Scientific may provide up to $10 million in total during 2007 and 2008 for the research and development of infectious disease and molecular diagnostic tests that will be mutually agreed upon.

The extensive knowledge, intellectual property and capabilities of both companies will enable molecular diagnostic products to be brought to the market quickly.

Additionally, Nanogen and Athena Diagnostics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Fisher Scientific International, have agreed to develop, manufacture and market products based on Athena's proprietary biomarkers for research and for in vitro diagnostic use.

Athena has an extensive portfolio of unique markers in the fields of neurology and endocrinology that it has incorporated into its testing service, several of which could be incorporated into assays for use on Nanogen's microarray platform, the NanoChip^®400.

Nanogen likewise has access to a wide range of markers that could be used to create unique tests for the Athena Diagnostics testing service.

"We see tremendous opportunities in molecular diagnostics and are pleased to be expanding our presence in this rapidly growing market," said Leland Foster, chief science officer for Fisher Scientific International.

"By fostering a collaboration between Nanogen and Athena and furthering Nanogen's R&D efforts, we are advancing the abilities of both companies to bring diagnostic products to the marketplace."

Howard C. Birndorf, chairman and CEO of Nanogen, added, "We are very pleased to further develop our relationship with Fisher."

"Both companies share the belief that molecular diagnostics will play a fundamental role in the drive toward personalized healthcare, and we are excited to work together in this endeavor."