"Quality Platform for Innovation & Breakthrough"

Frost &Sullivan's recent analysis of the in vitro diagnostics market selected bioMerieux, Inc. as the recipient of the 2006 Technology Innovation Award in the field of in vitro diagnostics in recognition of its development of the novel NucliSens easy platform, a breakthrough technology in the field of molecular diagnostics. This technology represents a next generation sample preparation platform for automated total nucleic acid extraction (DNA and RNA) from clinical samples. The NucliSens easyMAG is a key extension of bioMerieux's nucleic acid isolation offering using NucliSens magnetic extraction chemistry. This is an enhanced version of BOOM technology that features the use of magnetic silica along with a series of highly optimized buffers. This flexible extraction method has demonstrated the ability to deliver nucleic acid of very high quality on a manual level with the NucliSens miniMAG(TM) and it exhibits that same consistent performance on bioMerieux's new innovative automated platform. In summary, Frost &Sullivan's 2006 Award for Technology Innovation recognizes bioMerieux's development of the innovative NucliSens easyMAG system that provides speed, stylistic design, and superior quality of performance, representing a next-generation solution in the field of molecular diagnostics. Frost &Sullivan's recent analysis of the in vitro diagnostics market selected bioMerieux, Inc. as the recipient of the 2006 Technology Innovation Award in the field of in vitro diagnostics in recognition of its development of the novel NucliSens(R) easyMAG(TM) platform, a breakthrough technology in the field of molecular diagnostics. This technology represents a next generation sample preparation platform for automated total nucleic acid extraction (DNA and RNA) from clinical samples. Molecular biology has generated abundant opportunities for the diagnostics industry. The prospects include the facilitation of the detection of life- threatening diseases in emergency situations and better identification of harmful bacteria or viruses that may go undetected by traditional methods. bioMerieux has focused its research efforts on gaining proficiency in the three key steps of molecular diagnostics -- extraction, amplification, and detection. It has used this expertise and the proprietary (patented) technology to develop the NucliSens easyMAG nucleic acid extraction technology platform.

"The BOOM technology combines the lysing and nuclease-inactivating qualities of chaotropic salt buffer with the nucleic acid binding quality of silica," says Frost &Sullivan senior research analyst Sachin Thukral. "This chemistry has become the de facto gold standard in the industry due to its overall flexibility and ability to provide pure, high-quality nucleic acid." The chemistry can also be uniformly applied to a broad variety of sample types such as plasma, serum, whole blood, stool, urine, cerebro-spinal fluid, tissues, cell cultures and respiratory specimens. The NucliSens easyMAG is a key extension of bioMerieux's nucleic acid isolation offering using NucliSens magnetic extraction chemistry. This is an enhanced version of BOOM technology that features the use of magnetic silica along with a series of highly optimized buffers. This flexible extraction method has demonstrated the ability to deliver nucleic acid of very high quality on a manual level with the NucliSens miniMAG(TM) and it exhibits that same consistent performance on bioMerieux's new innovative automated platform. The easyMAG system is built upon a simple and robust design with enhanced accessibility and reliability, allowing for minimal use of disposables and on- board extraction buffers. These buffers are bar coded for easy identification to the system and their remaining volumes are continuously monitored from run to run.