SWIFT Software Expands Capabilities for Research MRI

PALO ALTO, Calif., Nov. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Varian, Inc. (NasdaqGS: VARI) announced today that Steady State Imaging (SSI) has signed a reseller's agreement with Varian, Inc. regarding SSI's new SWIFT Software for Varian's research MRI Systems. SWIFT is a novel MRI technology that advances existing MR techniques with the ability to silently image structures and tissues previously invisible to conventional MRI systems.

SWIFT allows the extension of MRI to high quality imaging of tissues such as bone and cartilage, where X-ray imaging methods are now commonly used. SWIFT is expected to open new avenues in pre-clinical research areas such as cancer detection, drug labeling and tracking, and combination MR-PET applications.

SSI's SWIFT Software encompasses the company's patented breakthrough MRI technology developed by Dr. Michael Garwood at the University of Minnesota's Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (CMRR).

"Varian has been a valued contributor to the development of SWIFT and we are delighted to be able to offer our commercialized technology to their customers for use in research," said Danny Cunagin, CEO of Steady State Imaging. "It is important to get SWIFT in the hands of researchers around the world. This collaboration with Varian will help unlock the full potential of our technology," added Cunagin.

"We are very pleased to be able to bring this new technology to the Varian imaging community. The SWIFT imaging technique solves some of the classic limitations in MRI such as imaging solid structures in the pre-clinical setting. This technique will be a valued addition to the techniques available in pre-clinical/research MRI," said David Rayner, Vice President, Research Products, Varian, Inc.

Varian will be offering the SWIFT Software package on their MRI systems. It will enable researchers to explore new applications in several new areas including stem-cell research, materials analysis, drug development and drug tracking.

About Steady State Imaging:

Steady State Imaging, LLC is a privately held research and development company focused on the advancement of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologies. SSI's business strategy is dedicated to commercialization of SWIFT (Sweep Imaging with Fourier Transformation) technology and related intellectual property. The SWIFT technology is a recently discovered, fast and quiet method of MR imaging that opens the door to new imaging opportunities in life and material sciences. Further information is available on the company's Web site at www.steadystateimaging.com.

About Varian, Inc.

Varian, Inc. is a leading worldwide supplier of scientific instruments and vacuum technologies for life science, environmental, energy, and applied research and other applications. The company provides complete solutions, including instruments, vacuum products, laboratory consumable supplies, software, training and support through its global distribution and support systems. Varian, Inc.'s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol "VARI." Further information is available on the company's Web site at http://www.varianinc.com.

    For More Information on Steady State Imaging, Contact:
    Danny Cunagin, CEO
    Steady State Imaging, LLC.
    (952) 392-4556
    dannyc@steadystateimaging.com

    For More Information on Varian, Inc. Contact:
    Public Relations
    Varian, Inc.
    (925) 942-4703
    pr@varianinc.com

SOURCE Varian, Inc.; Steady State Imaging, LLC

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