MDS Analytical Technologies delivers CellKey384 System the world's first impedance-based, label-free, high-throughput system

SUNNYVALE, CA - November 17, 2008 - MDS Analytical Technologies, a leader in innovative solutions for drug-discovery and life-sciences research, today announced the delivery of the first three CellKeyTM384 Systems, the world's first impedance-based, label-free, high-throughput instrument for use in drug-discovery research. Additional systems are scheduled to be delivered before the close of the calendar year.

The CellKeyTM384 System is a high-throughput 384-well instrument that utilizes the award-winning, label-free, cellular-measurement technology of the original 96-well CellKeyTM System. The new system's four-fold increase in throughput enables researchers to accelerate the screening of endogenous targets and reduce the cost-per-well by using less cells and reagents.

The CellKeyTM384 System was created to enable label-free, real-time analysis of cell-surface receptor activity in a single comprehensive assay format independent of the signaling pathway. Researchers can now perform primary screens on larger libraries since the 384-well format is more conducive to high-throughput screening environments than previous 96-well systems which targeted therapeutic and secondary screening. The system is used to accelerate the development of drug therapies for inflammation, oncology, and cardiovascular disease. The label-free feature removes the time-consuming and often costly step of trying to optimize the assays using tags or dyes.

"The label-free, universal nature of measurement in the 384-well format streamlines all stages of early drug discovery - from target identification through lead optimization," said Andy Boorn, President of MDS Analytical Technologies. "The CellKey384 System helps customers to eliminate important bottlenecks and improve productivity and, ultimately, reduce development time and costs."

With an integrated onboard fluidics head, the CellKeyTM384 System enables compound dispensing to all 384 wells, while simultaneously measuring the kinetic cellular responses. Additionally, an incorporated tip wash system extends unattended throughput during automation, and reduces costs related to pipette tip consumables.

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