Hamilton Thorne Launches IMSI STRICT(TM) Analysis Software at ESHRE 2011 for Fertility Markets

IMSI STRICT(TM) Imaging and Analysis Software Designed to Improve Outcomes Significantly in Fertility Treatments


BEVERLY, MA and TORONTO--(Marketwire - Jun 27, 2011) - Hamilton Thorne Ltd. (TSX-V: HTL), a leading provider of advanced laser systems for the regenerative medicine, fertility and stem cell research markets, today announced the launch of its IMSI STRICT morphology analysis software for the clinical and fertility markets. IMSI STRICT will be unveiled during the 27th Annual Meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) taking place in Stockholm, Sweden, July 3-6, 2011.

A commonly used fertility procedure is called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), in which sperm from an infertile male is injected directly into the woman's eggs. Research has shown that better results are achieved when the laboratory chooses the optimum sperm to inject. Hamilton Thorne is launching IMSI STRICT, an imaging analysis product that provides fertility clinicians with the ability to select optimum sperm and thus improve outcomes during ICSI procedures. The process of choosing the sperm with the best morphology is termed intracytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm injection (IMSI).

Sperm morphology was researched at Tygerberg Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa, by Dr. Thinus Kruger and his team who defined STRICT Criteria. They classified stained, non-living sperm according to their physical characteristics by applying STRICT Criteria. The World Health Organization (WHO) has accepted STRICT Criteria morphology as the preferred standard for sperm classification and selection. Hamilton Thorne implements the principles of STRICT Criteria morphology in its IMSI STRICT analysis. This allows living sperm to be evaluated and the best cells to be selected for fertilization. Current research in the field supports that STRICT Criteria provides the best possible outcomes. Hamilton Thorne has collaborated with PrimeLogic, a software engineering company in South Africa, to implement the IMSI STRICT analysis product.

"In the fertility markets, IMSI is becoming a key procedure to improve outcomes in fertility treatments," said Diarmaid Douglas-Hamilton, Chief Technology Officer of Hamilton Thorne Ltd. "We believe that our IMSI STRICT™ product will represent a significant step forward in the sperm selection process and provide scientists and patients with better solutions for their conception goals. The speed of the IMSI STRICT analysis should yield real-time results to enhance the work flow efficiency."

About Hamilton Thorne Ltd. (www.hamiltonthorne.com)

Hamilton Thorne provides novel solutions for Life Science that reduce cost, increase productivity as much as ten-fold, and enable research breakthroughs in regenerative medicine, stem cell research and fertility markets. The Company's new LYKOS™, Staccato™ and Stiletto™ laser systems offer significant scientific advantages in the fields of developmental biology, cancer research and advanced cell biology. Hamilton Thorne's laser products attach to standard inverted microscopes and operate as robotic micro-surgeons, enabling a wide array of scientific applications and procedures. Each member of Hamilton Thorne's family of products serves a different research purpose. By simply turning the microscope turret, researchers can have a new world of scientific capabilities at their fingertips.

Hamilton Thorne's growing customer base includes pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, fertility clinics, university research centers, and other commercial and academic research establishments worldwide. Current customers include world-leading research labs such as Harvard University, MIT, Yale, McGill University, DuPont, Monsanto, Charles River Labs, Jackson Labs, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Oxford University, and Cambridge.

Neither the Toronto Venture Exchange, nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the exchange), accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Certain information in this press release may contain forward-looking statements. This information is based on current expectations that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements unless and until required by securities laws applicable to the Company. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties is contained in filings by the Company with the Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available at www.sedar.com.

Contact Information:

For more information, please contact:

David Wolf
President
Hamilton Thorne Ltd.
978-921-2050


Lisa Rivero
Director of Corporate Communications
Hamilton Thorne Ltd.
978-921-2050