Corporate | 14 May 2003 09:18

Evotec OAI AG english

Evotec Technologies Launches Elektra Cloning Device Corporate-news announcement sent by DGAP. The sender is solely responsible for the contents of this announcement. ——————————————————————————– A major advance in cell cloning Hamburg, Germany – Evotec Technologies GmbH, Hamburg, Germany, a subsidiary of Evotec OAI AG (Deutsche Börse: EVT, Prime Standard) providing innovative technologies for life sciences, today announced the launch of its CellProcessor instrument Elektra, which represents a major step forward in cell cloning. In the process of cloning, scientists propagate a homogeneous cell population starting with just one well characterised single cell. These populations are needed in molecular biology research to e.g. generate cells or tissue for implantation or production of biopharma-ceuticals such as therapeutic antibodies. The benchtop device designed to meet the needs of modern research and drug development is publicly presented for the first time at the MipTec Conference 2003 in Basel, Switzerland, in May 2003. The Elektra represents a breakthrough in the laborious task of molecular cloning using higher organism cells. It combines high resolution cell imaging with cell sorting and the ultra-gentle deposition of identified target cells into a microplate. This revolutionary method of Image Activated Cell Sorting (IACS) offers novel methods of identifying and selecting cells. It overcomes the limitations inherent with traditional methods, in which the clone analysis was uncoupled from cell isolation, and reduces development time for pure and well characterised clones from many weeks to just a few days. “The Elektra is a major step forward towards an high end automated cell biology. Its unique technology will redefine the throughput and strategies for cell cloning. It will be a highly valuable piece of equipment for every cell biology lab and opens up possibilities never thought of before, such as directly linking information of gene expression in a single cell to the function of the corresponding protein,” said Prof. Dr. Carsten Claussen, Chief Executive Officer of Evotec Technologies. The Elektra uses Evotec’s proprietary CellProcessor technology, developed in collaboration with the Humboldt University in Berlin and the Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering. The development team, which received the Phillip Morris Research Award in 2002, combines unrivalled experience in cell manipulation, micro systems technology, optics, and automation. To learn more about Evotec Technologies, the Elektra, and our range of products, please visit our website: www.evotec-technologies.com About Evotec Technologies GmbH Evotec Technologies GmbH (ET) is a subsidiary of Evotec OAI focussed on technology development and instrumentation. ET has established a powerful engine for converting customer’s needs from prototypes into industrialised applications for life sciences laboratories. The Company provides state-of-the- art automated and miniaturised processes that result in extremely high data content and quality output by seamlessly integrating hardware, software and bioware modules. ET’s current portfolio comprises its established uHTS EVOscreen system for large pharmaceutical companies and a product line of innovative benchtop instruments, consumables and reagents. These solutions are based on our broad patent portfolio, scientific excellence – from drug discovery to diagnostics – and technical know-how. ET’s particular strengths are in detection and analysis in molecular dimensions, liquid handling of minimal volumes and high-speed interpretation methods and software. Evotec Technologies employs 80 people, primarily at its main site in Hamburg, Germany. Subsidiaries are located in Düsseldorf and Berlin. For any further questions please contact: Anne Hennecke Investor Relations & Corporate Communications Tel.: +49.(0)40.56081-286 E-Mail: anne.hennecke@evotecoai.com Dr. Carsten Claussen Chief Executive Officer of Evotec Technologies GmbH Phone:+49.(0)40.560 81-377 E-Mail:carsten.claussen@evotec-technologies.com end of message, (c)DGAP 14.05.2003 ——————————————————————————– WKN: 566480; ISIN: DE0005664809; Index: TecDAX, NEMAX 50 Listed: Geregelter Markt in Frankfurt (Prime Standard); Freiverkehr in Berlin- Bremen, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Hannover, München und Stuttgart 140918 Mai 03