Xceed Molecular Grants Gen-Probe License to Xceed’s Flow-Thru Chip^® Technology for

Xceed Molecular, a pioneer in the development of cost-effective, easy-to-use gene-expression analysis systems, has granted Gen-Probe Incorporated and its affiliates a non-exclusive license to use Xceed’s novel Flow-Thru Chip technology. Gen-Probe expects to incorporate the Xceed technology into its next-generation multiplexed molecular-diagnostics products. Gen-Probe is a global leader in the development, manufacture, and marketing of rapid, accurate, and cost-effective nucleic acid testing products for diagnosing human diseases and screening donated human blood.

Under the terms of the agreement, Gen-Probe will pay up-front licensing and milestone fees to Xceed for non-exclusive access to Xceed’s Flow-Thru Chip technology in specific fields. Gen-Probe also has the right to obtain co-exclusive rights (with Xceed) in pre-defined sub-fields. In addition to continuing royalty payments, the agreement provides that Xceed will supply Gen-Probe with Xceed’s custom TipChips, its Ziplex^® automated gene-expression system, and other Xceed products. Additional terms were not disclosed.

“The Flow-Thru Chip technology is well suited for diagnostic tests and we are pleased to have a market leader like Gen-Probe recognize its value for inclusion in their multiplexing strategy,” said Xceed President and CEO, David Deems. “Multiplex molecular diagnostics is a burgeoning market, and new tools are required as the era of ‘personalized medicine’ becomes a reality. Simplicity, reproducibility, costeffectiveness, and minimal interaction time for lab personnel will be key to the routine adoption of molecular diagnostics in the clinical lab. The Flow-Thru Chip and Ziplex System will make this possible.”

Gen-Probe’s Executive Vice President and Chief Scientist, Dan Kacian, Ph.D., M.D., commented, “There are many promising applications for moderate-density arrays in clinical diagnostics and other
applications, and we believe that Xceed’s technologies in combination with our own technologies will facilitate our entry into these expanding markets.”

Unlike two-dimensional arrays, Xceed’s unique 3D Flow-Thru Chip design enables active transport of targets to probes. The chip is made of porous silicon with channels that extend from the upper to the lower surface of the chip. Molecular interactions occur within the three-dimensional matrix of these channels as target solutions pass through. This approach facilitates specific interactions between target molecules and immobilized probes, resulting in hybridization times that are three- to four-times faster than conventional methods.