Biotage AB and McMaster University sign two year extension to Molecular Imaging Development Agreement.

Biotage AB and McMaster University sign two year extension to Molecular Imaging
Development Agreement.

McMaster University has successfully completed the first year research
agreement, with a key journal publication and several technical presentations.  
“We used the Biotage Initiator™ Microwave synthesis system, chromatography
cartridges to prepare a range of Carborane Cage structures labeled with rhenium
and technetium (Tc99c), the currently most used radionuclide in diagnostic
medicine.    We reported an 85% reduction in synthesis time and 26% gain in
decay corrected yield, when compared to the traditional synthesis methods.   The
speed, purity and flexibility of this approach will drive the development of a
new generation of novel molecular imaging agents.” Dr. John F. Valliant,
Associate Professor of Chemistry and Medical Physics and Acting Director of
McMaster Institute of Applied Radiation Sciences (McIARS) stated.

Based on the success of this first phase, both parties have agreed to a 2-year
extension of the work at McMaster.  Valliant reports, “The next research phase
will expand microwave synthesis to a broader range of radionuclides and probes
used in the PET imaging and as therapeutic agents.”

Torben Jörgensen, President and CEO of Biotage AB commented, “Biotage's mission
has always been to develop innovative equipment and consumables that accelerate
the drug discovery process.   We are very pleased with Dr. Valliant's research
to advance the development of radiopharmaceuticals.  He has clearly demonstrated
the benefits of Biotage key technology to produce molecular imaging agents.  
The 2-years extension will provide practical solutions to the challenging issues
that currently limit the development of novel imaging agents.”  

“In addition to John Valliant's research, McMaster University has created the
Biotage Molecular Imaging demonstration laboratory.  This facility will give
other researchers the opportunity to see the technology working in a real 
radiochemistry environment, and have first hand experience with powerful tools
that Biotage offers”, reported Michael Lally, Vice President of Business
Development at Biotage.

Contact:									
Torben Jörgensen, President and CEO						 
Tel: +46 18 56 59 00, torben.jorgensen@eu.biotage.com 
Mike Lally, Vice President Business Development, Discovery Chemistry Group
Tel: +1 434 220 2614, mlally@biotage.com


About Biotage 
Biotage is a global company active in life science research with strong
technologies, a broad range of operations and a long-term view of the market.
The company offers solutions, knowledge and experience in the areas of genetic
analysis and medicinal chemistry. In 2005 operations and products were acquired
from the American company Argonaut, further strengthening the medicinal
chemistry product range. The customers include the worlds top 30 pharmaceutical
companies, the worlds top 20 biotech companies, and leading academic institutes.
The company is headquartered in Uppsala and has offices in the U.S., Japan, UK,
Germany and several other European countries. Biotage has 336 employees and had
sales of 496,4 MSEK in 2007. Biotage is listed on the OMX Nordic Exchange
Stockholm AB. Website: www.biotage.com 

About McMaster Institute of Applied Radiation Sciences (McIARS)
McIARS is an interdisciplinary research institute. Its members are drawn
primarily from the Faculties of Science, Engineering and Health Sciences at
McMaster. The common focus is on the uses of radiation. Applications include
analytical techniques, isotope chemistry, medical diagnosis and therapy, study
of radiation effects in living systems and on materials and in protection of the
environment and humans. Collaborative and contractual links outside McMaster
include those with government, healthcare and industry. There is also a network
of formal and informal partnerships internationally and across Canada.

Members of McIARS use a wide variety of facilities throughout McMaster's campus
and in Hamilton's network of academic healthcare institutions. There are three
core facilities at the heart of McIARS. These are the McMaster Nuclear Reactor,
McMaster Accelerator Laboratory and licensed laboratories for handling high
levels of radioactive materials.