Evogen, Inc., a global molecular diagnostics company, and LGC, an international science-based company and recognised provider of laboratory services and measurement standards, announced today that they have signed a worldwide license agreement of LGC’s HyBeacons^® PCR probe chemistry technology to Evogen to augment the recently launched rapid molecular diagnostics and detection platform, including the flagship instrument, the EvoCycler™ HD12. This license gives Evogen exclusive and sub-licensable rights to the HyBeacons technology within its key market areas.

“The addition of LGC’s HyBeacons technology to the EvoCycler platform substantially increases the performance of the assays that we will be providing to the clinical, environmental and biodefense markets,” said Sean Reineke, Evogen’s President and CEO. “Evogen’s highly affordable platform, which provides rapid, information-rich results, will now additionally supply increased sensitivity, robustness and reliability. Assay development will be enhanced and accelerated with the addition of the HyBeacons technology, putting the entire platform at the forefront of the molecular diagnostics field across several markets. Offering affordability, rapid results, and now more enhanced performance, the EvoCycler HD12 brings personal, intelligent molecular diagnostics into all settings.”

“The potential opportunities created by combining our cutting-edge HyBeacons technology with the Evogen platform and technologies are extremely exciting,” said John McQuillian, LGC’s Director of Life & Food Sciences. “This combination will bring our probe chemistry into many more laboratories and point-of-use locations due to its robustness and affordability. We anticipate that the HyBeacons assay menu will expand quickly in the near future through the joint efforts of Evogen, LGC and our expanding network of partnerships.”

HyBeacons probes are short fluorescently labeled DNA sequences that can be designed to detect sections of DNA sequence with a genetic variation. The central location of the fluorescent molecule within the probe has considerable advantages over probes that have signaling chemistry at the end of the DNA probe. LGC developed HyBeacons probes in response to forensic and medical requirements to identify key genetic differences between individuals, or to distinguish micro-organisms. The probes have unique characteristics that make them suitable for very rapid diagnostic and point-of-care applications. HyBeacons assays have been designed for use in medical genetic as well as infectious diagnostic testing.

Evogen’s flagship instrument, the EvoCycler HD12, is Evogen’s first commercial entry into the molecular diagnostics market and will be followed by instruments with equal performance and affordability tailored to meet a range of throughput requirements. The product line is focused on customer needs for customization and flexibility.

The EvoCycler HD12 is an innovative instrument that combines ultra-rapid amplification together with detection within a single integrated platform. Designed for clinical, research, environmental and biodefense applications, the EvoCycler HD12 can process 12 samples in less than 30 minutes. The operator-intuitive instrument software automates key tasks, from selection of the most appropriate primers and thermal cycling conditions through to auto-calling of results.

Additionally, Evogen will be offering an expanding menu of molecular diagnostics tests for clinical, biodefense and environmental applications utilizing HyBeacons chemistry. Along with test kits and instruments, future product offerings will include peripherals that will enable the streamlining of the testing process in a variety of complex settings.

About Evogen (www.evogen.com)

Evogen, Inc. is the culmination of the merger of two leading independent companies bringing together technologies to meet the ever-evolving needs of the molecular detection and diagnostics industry. Evogen Ltd., a UK molecular diagnostics company and Sceptor Industries, Inc., a U.S. aerosol collection systems company merged to form an entity uniquely positioned to provide accurate, rapid and affordable solutions globally for molecular detection and diagnostics across multiple markets including research, clinical, biodefense, environmental and animal health. Evogen, Inc. is globally positioned with offices in Kansas City, MO., White Marsh, MD and Bath, UK. For more information, visit www.evogen.com.

About LGC (www.lgc.co.uk)

LGC is an international science-based company and market leader in analytical, forensic and diagnostic services and reference standards. A progressive and innovative enterprise, LGC operates in socially responsible fields underpinning the safety, health and security of the public and the regulation of industry, for UK government departments and blue chip clients.

LGC operates internationally through four divisions - LGC Forensics, Life & Food Sciences, LGC Standards and Research & Technology, which includes specialist laboratories delivering contracts under the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) and supporting LGC's designated role as the UK's National Measurement Institute for chemical and bioanalysis.

Our methodology is extensively accredited to the international standard ISO 17025. With headquarters in Teddington, South West London, the LGC Group employs over 1,200 staff in 21 laboratories and centres across Europe and in India. Privatised in 1996 and now majority-owned by funds managed by LGV Capital, LGC was founded over 150 years ago as the Laboratory of the Government Chemist - a statutory function maintained by LGC today.