MDS Analytical Technologies Delivers CellKey™384 System the World's First Impedance-Based, Label-Free, High-Throughput System

2008-Nov-17

Next-generation, cell-based assay technology reduces costs, streamlines early drug-discovery development

SUNNYVALE, CA - November 17, 2008 - MDS Analytical Technologies, a leader in innovative solutions for drug-discovery and life-sciences research, today announced the delivery of the first three CellKey™384 Systems, the world’s first impedance-based, label-free, high-throughput instrument for use in drug-discovery research. Additional systems are scheduled to be delivered before the close of the calendar year.

The CellKey™384 System is a high-throughput 384-well instrument that utilizes the award-winning, label-free, cellular-measurement technology of the original 96-well CellKey™ System. The new system’s four-fold increase in throughput enables researchers to accelerate the screening of endogenous targets and reduce the cost-per-well by using less cells and reagents.

The CellKey™384 System was created to enable label-free, real-time analysis of cell-surface receptor activity in a single comprehensive assay format independent of the signaling pathway. Researchers can now perform primary screens on larger libraries since the 384-well format is more conducive to high-throughput screening environments than previous 96-well systems which targeted therapeutic and secondary screening. The system is used to accelerate the development of drug therapies for inflammation, oncology, and cardiovascular disease. The label-free feature removes the time-consuming and often costly step of trying to optimize the assays using tags or dyes.

"The label-free, universal nature of measurement in the 384-well format streamlines all stages of early drug discovery — from target identification through lead optimization," said Andy Boorn, President of MDS Analytical Technologies. "The CellKey384 System helps customers to eliminate important bottlenecks and improve productivity and, ultimately, reduce development time and costs."

With an integrated onboard fluidics head, the CellKey™384 System enables compound dispensing to all 384 wells, while simultaneously measuring the kinetic cellular responses. Additionally, an incorporated tip wash system extends unattended throughput during automation, and reduces costs related to pipette tip consumables.

About CellKey Technology

The CellKey™384 System is the newest addition to the CellKey™ instrument line. The system provides a high-throughput, label-free, cell-based assay technology that enables the study of both endogenous and transfected receptors within adherent, non-adherent and primary cells. The CellKey™ System is a revolutionary, functional cell-based assay platform enabling label-free, real-time analysis of cell surface receptor activity in a single-assay format.

The underlying technology of the CellKey™ System is Cellular Dielectric Spectroscopy – an impedance-based measurement system that eliminates the need for tags, dyes, or specialized reagents. The system was designed to meet the needs of drug discovery scientists – from target identification and validation through lead optimization. It is sensitive enough to consistently monitor ligand-mediated activation of endogenous receptors expressed in adherent or suspension cell lines and primary cells. The benefit of this is the ability to generate more physiologically relevant data than obtained when using genetically and chemically manipulated cells. The CellKey™ platform package is a fully integrated solution comprised of the instrument with on-board temperature control and fluidics, and an extensive software suite to manage the information-rich, real-time kinetic data generated.

About MDS Analytical Technologies

MDS Analytical Technologies, a business unit of MDS Inc., is focused on the research, design, manufacture and marketing of state-of-the-art tools for mass-spectrometry, drug discovery and bioresearch. MDS AT products are designed to help accelerate the complex process of discovering and developing new drug compounds, and are sold to research scientists around the world. The mass-spectrometer product lines are also sold globally through joint ventures with two of the world’s leading analytical instrumentation and life-sciences companies, Applied Biosystems, Inc. and PerkinElmer, Inc. Find out more at www.mdssciex.com or www.moleculardevices.com.

About MDS Inc.

MDS Inc. (TSX: MDS; NYSE: MDZ) is a global life-sciences company that provides market-leading products and services that our customers need for the development of drugs and diagnosis and treatment of disease. We are a leading global provider of pharmaceutical contract research, medical isotopes for molecular imaging, radiotherapeutics, and analytical instruments. MDS Inc. has more than 5,500 highly skilled people in 29 countries. Find out more at www.mdsinc.com or by calling 1-888-MDS-7222, 24 hours a day.

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