CARLSBAD, Calif., Jul 08, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) --
Life Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ:LIFE) today announced an
unprecedented program that streamlines the detection of three common
contaminants of mammalian cell culture-based biopharmaceutical
manufacturing. The Applied
Biosystems Cell Culture Rapid Methods Program applies core
technologies from across the company to combine one sample preparation
step with one instrument platform for real-time PCR based detection of
Mycoplasma, Vesivirus 2117 and Mouse Minute Virus (MMV).
Mycoplasma, Vesivirus 2117 and MMV are DNA and RNA-based potential
contamination threats in mammalian cell culture production. Because of
its high accuracy and rapid same-day results, the Cell Culture Rapid
Methods Program helps enable in-process testing for these contaminants
at multiple points along the biopharmaceutical manufacturing process. In
addition to Mycoplasma and Vesivirus detection introduced in 2009, the
ViralSEQTM MMV Detection Assay, introduced in April 2010,
expands the company's industry leading portfolio of rapid molecular
assays for mammalian cell culture processes. The PrepSEQ(TM) sample
preparation assay completes the Rapid Methods Program package.
These biologic detection kits are highly sensitive and accurate tests
that enable the quick isolation and detection of these known
contaminants from cell culture samples. The improved protocol for
PrepSEQ(TM) 1-2-3 Nucleic Acid Extraction Kit can extract nucleic acid for
all three contaminants from a single cell culture, in order to speed the
detection of a multiple number of organisms. Sample preparation and
detection of all three contaminants can be performed in less than seven
hours. It is expected that biopharmaceutical companies will use the
program to detect potential contamination early in production,
safeguarding the manufacturing processes.
"The expansion of our detection kits and development of the Rapid
Methods Program demonstrates our leadership in sample preparation and
Real-Time PCR, as well as our ability to apply these technologies in
innovative ways within the biopharmaceutical space," said Chris
Linthwaite, Head of Bioproduction at Life Technologies. "We are
well-positioned to expand our portfolio of solutions and set standards
in bioprocess workflow, quality and safety, and advance biotherapeutics
and vaccine production."
About Life Technologies
Life Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: LIFE) is a global biotechnology
tools company dedicated to improving the human condition. Our systems,
consumables and services enable researchers to accelerate scientific
exploration, driving to discoveries and developments that make life even
better. Life Technologies customers do their work across the biological
spectrum, working to advance personalized medicine, regenerative
science, molecular diagnostics, agricultural and environmental research,
and 21st century forensics. Life Technologies had sales of $3.3 billion
in 2009, employs approximately 9,000 people, has a presence in
approximately 160 countries, and possesses a rapidly growing
intellectual property estate of approximately 3,900 patents and
exclusive licenses. Life Technologies was created by the combination of
Invitrogen Corporation and Applied Biosystems Inc., and manufactures
both in-vitro diagnostic products and research use only-labeled
products. For more information on how we are making a difference, please
visit our website: http://www.lifetechnologies.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release includes forward-looking statements about our
anticipated results that involve risks and uncertainties. Some of the
information contained in this press release, including, but not limited
to, statements as to industry trends and Life Technologies' plans,
objectives, expectations and strategy for its business, contains
forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties
that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from
those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Any
statements that are not statements of historical fact are
forward-looking statements. When used, the words "believe," "plan,"
"intend," "anticipate," "target," "estimate," "expect" and the like,
and/or future tense or conditional constructions ("will," "may,"
"could," "should," etc.), or similar expressions, identify certain of
these forward-looking statements. Important factors which could cause
actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking
statements are detailed in filings made by Life Technologies with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. Life Technologies undertakes no
obligation to update or revise any such forward-looking statements to
reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

SOURCE: Life Technologies Corporation
Life Technologies
Lauren Lum, 650-638-6916
lauren.lum@lifetech.com