21 February 2001 -  Research Applications at Eurogentec greatly enhanced due to Roche's licence of PCR Technology

Sart-Tilman, 21st of February, 2001

Eurogentec, has announced today that it has signed with F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel, Switzerland ("FHLR") and Roche Molecular Systems, Inc., Pleasanton, CA, USA ("RMS" ) (jointly known as "Roche") a non-exclusive, worldwide license agreement relating to the manufacture of DNA polymerase enzymes and kits containing enzymes for use with PCR-based applications in the life sciences market. When Eurogentec's enzyme products are used in conjunction with an authorized thermal cycling instrument licensed for use with Roche's patented PCR process, Eurogentec is in a position to pass on to its customers the right to use the PCR process for research purposes. The license also contains options to license rights in other fields of use in addition to research, which Eurogentec may choose to exercise at a later date. Financial terms were not disclosed.

"With this license, Eurogentec confirms its year-long commitment to establish itself as an innovative life sciences company," said Jean-Pierre Delwart, Managing Director of Eurogentec. "Our strategy is to develop additional high value research products that meet the exacting standards of the worldwide market".

PCR, polymerase chain reaction, is a method which allows very minute amounts of genetic material to be multiplied into billions of copies in just a few hours, so that the specimens are available in sufficient numbers to be analyzed in a lab. The method has become the gold standard in research labs. Applications for PCR include DNA sequencing, the human genome project, and scientific research involving DNA amplification.

Eurogentec is a Belgian company offering first-class service in oligonucleotide and peptide synthesis, DNA sequencing, monoclonal and polyclonal antibody production, DNA array technology and transgenic services. In addition, the company has expertise for the development of new biopharmaceuticals from R&D to GMP clinical batches manufacturing.

Eurogentec was founded in 1985 as a spin-off from the University of Liège and is today a producer of life science research tools, as well as a service provider to various industries, such as the biopharmaceutical and cosmetics industry, among others. The company has established itself as 6th largest manufacturer of oligonucleotides in the world. Eurogentec is based at the Parc Scientifique du Sart-Tilman in Liège and has two additional production sites, one at the Parc Industriel des Hauts Sarts and one in Southhampton (formerly Oswel Research Products Ltd.). Eurogentec has commercial affiliate companies in France, Germany, and The Netherlands, and a representative office in Switzerland. In 2000, it employed 196 people.