Gyros AB announces first commercial application: Gyrolab (TM) MALDI

Gyros AB announces first commercial application: Gyrolabtm MALDI. Gyros AB today announced the introduction of Gyrolabtm MALDI SP1 and Gyrolab Workstation, the company's first products based on its proprietary Gyrostm microfluidic technology platform. Gyrolab MALDI offers a unique, fully integrated process for sample preparation prior to MALDI mass spectrometry, an essential technique frequently used for protein identification in proteomics. This new approach to sample preparation gives those working in drug discovery a significant opportunity to increase the success rate of protein identification, particularly when working with low abundant proteins. Gyrolab MALDI SP1, a microlaboratory in the form of a compact disk (CD), concentrates and purifies protein digests that are used for identification and crystallizes them directly onto MALDI target areas on the CD. Gyrolab Workstation controls the entire process, transferring samples and reagents into the microlaboratory and driving samples through every step of the application by spinning the CD. Each Gyrolab MALDI processes 96 samples simultaneously, after which the microlaboratory is transferred to a MALDI mass spectrometer for sample analysis and identification. From April onwards the products will be presented at a number of key conferences and seminars in the US and Europe. Shipments are anticipated to begin mid-year. "Excellent sample preparation is a crucial step towards achieving high sensitivity MS analysis and successful protein identification" explained Per Sjöberg, Executive Vice President Commercial Operations at Gyros AB, "There is a well-recognized demand for a reliable solution that can reproducibly prepare large numbers of samples and facilitate identification of low abundant proteins. Building from our technology platform we have integrated key steps into one streamlined run performed at nanoliter scale. We ensure that samples can be analyzed at sensitivity levels close to the detection limit of today's MALDI mass spectrometers." "Many attempts have been made to automate sample preparation, but compromises have often been implemented between high sensitivity and saving time or resources," added Maris Hartmanis, President and CEO, "This application is an example of the use of our proprietary technology platform for applications that can truly benefit from miniaturization and integration. Gyrolab MALDI is the first of many application-specific CDs that we are developing and Gyrolab Workstation is a flexible instrument platform that can be readily adapted to new applications. We are extremely pleased with our rapid development, after only two years as an independent company". 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. We harness the forces of nature to create optimal environments 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 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/2002/03/26/20020326BIT00510/wkr0001.doc http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2002/03/26/20020326BIT00510/wkr0002.pdf