Luminex and Exiqon sign distribution agreement for microRNA products

Luminex Corporation and Exiqon A/S have announced the execution of a distribution agreement for the FlexmiR line of products co-developed by the companies in 2006.

Under the terms of the agreement, Exiqon has obtained non-exclusive rights to distribute current and new FlexmiR products and to sell Luminex(R) systems to laboratories around the world. In addition to signing this new agreement, the companies launched two more FlexmiR products, the FlexmiR MicroRNA Mouse/Rat Extension Panel and the FlexmiR MicroRNA Control Set.

"The FlexmiR product line that Luminex co-developed with Exiqon has proven to be a comprehensive, accurate and simple tool for microRNA analysis," said Patrick J. Balthrop, president and chief executive officer of Luminex. "We are looking forward to working further with Exiqon to bring new tools to scientists and researchers engaged in microRNA research. This agreement and the new products we are collaborating with Exiqon to create will allow Luminex to continue to expand our reach in this vital, emerging area of research."

In December 2006, Luminex and Exiqon launched FlexmiR, a new line of microRNA products that combines Luminex's flexible xMAP technology and Exiqon's Locked Nucleic Acid (LNA) technology. The FlexmiR line delivers more data in less time than other assays and offers best in class specificity and a highly simplified workflow. FlexmiR can provide scientists and researchers more than 6,300 data points in four hours.

The newly launched FlexmiR MicroRNA Mouse/Rat Extension Panel extends the FlexmiR line of products to scientists who work in mouse or rat animal models as preliminary research before moving on to using banked human samples. The new FlexmiR MicroRNA Control Set offers researchers the ability to assess the integrity of their assays without bias from sample integrity. Both new products will help scientists and researchers in saving time and resources.

"FlexmiR is an important innovation in microRNA research, featuring unmatched specificity and efficiency," said Lars Kongsbak, president and chief executive officer of Exiqon. "We are delighted to launch these two new offerings and expand our partnership with Luminex. The ability to not only offer FlexmiR products to our customers, but to supply Luminex systems as well will allow us to reach a broader base of scientists and researchers. The agreement does not change Exiqon's financial outlook for 2007."

For more information on FlexmiR products, please visit http://www.luminexcorp.com/microRNA or https://www.qiagen.com/us.