Hamilton Thorne announces launch of Staccato multi-pulse laser system at 8th ISSCR Annual Meeting

Hamilton Thorne Ltd. (TSX-V: HTL), a leading provider of advanced laser systems and instruments for the stem cell research and fertility clinic markets, today announced the launch of the Staccato(TM) multi-pulse laser system at the 8th Annual Meeting of the International Society of Stem Cell Research (ISSCR), June 16-19, 2010, in San Francisco, CA. Staccato(TM) will add to the functionality of the XYClone(R) laser system, providing the ability of near-continuous application of the laser to the sample through rapid pulsing of the beam. During the meeting, Hamilton Thorne will also present a "sneak preview" of the breakthrough Stiletto(TM) laser system, which is currently in beta site testing.

"On the stem cell front, the Staccato(TM) laser gives researchers a much needed alternative for the derivation of clinical grade human embryonic stem cells," said Meg Spencer, Chief Executive Officer of Hamilton Thorne. "The rapid-firing laser accelerates the preparation required during stem cell development. It allows fast and precise excision of the inner cell mass from blastocyst stage embryos and eliminates the need for immunosurgery using animal-based products. Once the embryonic stem cells are in culture, Staccato(TM) may be used to ablate unwanted cells."

Staccato(TM) is already in use by thought leaders in the field including Dieter Egli, Ph.D., Senior Research Fellow at the New York Stem Cell Foundation. Dr. Egli employs Staccato(TM) for the derivation and propagation of stem cell cultures. Other applications of Staccato(TM) include embryo biopsy for genetic testing and ablation of cells, organelles and tissues for developmental biology studies.