Gyros AB and Kratos Analytical collaboration is a success

Gyros AB and Kratos Analytical collaboration is a success Gyros AB today announced the success of their collaboration with Kratos Analytical, begun in May 2002. Users of the Axima-QITTM and Axima-CFRTM plus line of mass spectrometry workstations will soon be able to benefit from using GyrolabTM MALDI for sample preparation prior to analysis. Gyros offers a miniaturized and fully integrated process for sample preparation prior to MALDI mass spectrometry, using a microlaboratory in the form of a compact disk (CD), Gyrolab MALDI SP1, that can be run under automated conditions. Protein digests are concentrated, purified and crystallized directly onto target areas on the CD under the control of Gyrolab Workstation. The CD is transferred to an AXIMA MALDI mass spectrometer for sample analysis and protein identification. Results demonstrate that sample preparation using Gyrolab MALDI SP1 produces samples that can be analyzed at higher sensitivity levels than those achieved using conventional preparation techniques. Mr. Ichimura, Managing Director of Kratos Analytical, explained, "MALDI mass spectrometry is a well established technology for protein identification and well prepared samples will always give the best analytical results. High sensitivity not only improves identification rates, but facilitates the identification of low abundant proteins that are key interest in proteomics research. Improved sensitivity, high reproducibility and the ability to process up to 96 samples in parallel offer a significant step towards greater productivity and a higher success rate for protein identification. Fully automated analysis of the samples on the Gyrolab MALDI SP1 CD is now possible using the IntelliMarqueTM software of the Axima instruments which is designed for identification of proteins from peptide mass fingerprints and data-dependent seamless PSD." Maris Hartmanis, President and CEO at Gyros AB stated, "This collaboration has run very smoothly. We confirmed at an early stage that our microlaboratory format was suitable for use in Kratos mass spectrometers. The two companies then worked closely together and, within a few months, produced accessories and software necessary for smooth operation. Gyrolab Workstation and Gyrolab MALDI SP1 are now fully compatible with Kratos instrumentation. Products are now available for Axima-CFR. Final verification work on Axima-QIT is in progress, and we are confident of a successful outcome." About Gyros AB Gyros miniaturizes and integrates laboratory applications, enabling scientists to generate more information from less sample and to improve lab performance. Using our proprietary technology platform, we increase productivity by streamlining the many steps of conventional applications into single, nanoliter scale procedures. Optimal environments are created for each application. A Gyrolab microlaboratory, in the form of a compact disk, can process hundreds of samples in parallel, under the control of Gyrolab Workstation. Our company will realize the full potential of the Gyros technology platform in the fields of drug discovery and diagnostics. Initial product offerings are focused towards the growing area of proteomics. Gyros has more than 90 employees working at its headquarters in Uppsala Science Park, Sweden and in sales offices in the USA and Europe. For further information, visit www.gyros.com or contact: Maris Hartmanis, President and CEO, Gyros AB Tel: +46 (0)18 566 330 Mobile: +46 (0)70 562 8617 Email: maris.hartmanis@gyros.com Per Sjöberg, Executive Vice President Commercial Operations, Gyros AB Tel: +46 (0)18 566 318 Mobile: +46 (0)70 544 4799 Email: per.sjoberg@gyros.com Sue Cresswell, Marketing Communications Tel: +46 (0)8 54472620 Mobile: +46 (0)70 551 9520 Email: sue.cresswell@gyros.com About Kratos Kratos Analytical Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Shimadzu Corporation of Kyoto, Japan, selling and distributing its MALDI mass spectrometry products through the global Shimadzu Biotech business organisation. Its strengths lie in the quality of design, in the excellence of products and in the commitment to partnerships with customers. Kratos Analytical employs innovative strategies in the development of MALDI MS products, including the unique patented curved field reflectron of the Axima-CFR for controlled seamless post source decay fragmentation of peptides, and the novel Axima-QIT hybrid MALDI quadrupole ion trap time-of-flight mass spectrometer, for detailed structural determination of biomolecules. For further information, visit http://www.shimadzu-biotech.net or contact: Katsuhiko Ichimura, Managing Director Tel: +44 (0)161 888 4400 ext 235 Fax: +44 (0)161 888 4402 email: katsu.ichimura@kratos.co.uk Chris Sutton, MALDI Business Manager Tel: +44 (0)161 888 4400 ext 228 Fax: +44 (0)161 888 4402 email: chris.sutton@kratos.co.uk For press information, please contact: Richard Cripps Tel: +44 (0)20 7496 3300 Fax: +44 (0)20 7496 3355 email: r.cripps@hccdefacto.com Statements in this press release that are not strictly historical may be forward-looking and include risks and uncertainties. Therefore, though based on Gyros' current expectations, it should be duly noted that a variety of factors could cause actual results and experiences to differ materially from what is herein expressed. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks associated with the management of growth and international operations (including effects of currency fluctuations), variability of operating results, unforeseen changes in the diagnostic and pharmaceutical markets, market competition, rapid or unexpected changes in technologies, fluctuations in product demand, difficulties to successfully develop, adapt, produce or commercialize products, the ability to identify and develop new products and to differentiate products from those of competitors, as well as various legal hazards. Gyros, Gyrolab and the Gyros logo are registered trademarks of Gyros AB. ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net The following files are available for download: http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2003/03/10/20030307BIT00330/wkr0001.doc http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2003/03/10/20030307BIT00330/wkr0002.pdf