Biotech Leader Dr. Paul Schimmel Joins WaferGen Scientific Advisory Board

FREMONT, Calif., Sept. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- WaferGen Biosystems, Inc. (OTCBB: WGBS), a leading developer of state-of-the-art genomic analysis systems, today announced that biotech industry leader Dr. Paul Schimmel, well known for his work in biophysical chemistry and molecular biology, has joined the WaferGen Scientific Advisory Board.

Dr. Schimmel has been the Ernest and Jean Hahn Professor of Molecular Biology and Chemistry and a member of the Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology at the Scripps Research Institute since 1997.

"We welcome Dr. Schimmel's genomics expertise to support the commercialization and further development of our SmartChip System—a comprehensive genomic analysis platform to advance next generation sequencing and ultimately personalized medicine," said Alnoor Shivji, Chairman and CEO.  "Dr. Schimmel's outstanding contributions to the field of biotechnology include founder or founding director of a number of biotechnology companies, of which six became publically traded on the NASDAQ.  We are pleased to add Dr. Schimmel to a growing group of industry experts and thought leaders to support WaferGen's technological and business growth."

"Next generation sequencing and microarray based studies are producing an increasing amount of genomic data," said Dr. Schimmel.  "To develop useful therapies from these data, researchers require a genomic analysis system to screen specific samples over a large number of genes, and to validate large numbers of samples over a selection of gene targets.  The SmartChip System enables researchers to design their biomarker discovery and signature validation studies with a flexibility and low cost not possible with other tools. SmartChip can advance genomic-based therapeutic and diagnostic development to the next level."

About Dr. Paul R. Schimmel

Biotech industry leader Dr. Paul R. Schimmel is currently at the Scripps Research Institute in San Diego serving as the Ernest and Jean Hahn Professor of Molecular Biology and Chemistry.

Dr. Schimmel specializes in researching the mechanism of action of proteins and the manner in which they act upon the nucleic acids in the cell. Author or coauthor of more than 450 scientific papers, he is also co-author of a widely read three-volume textbook on biophysical chemistry. He has received numerous awards for his contributions to the field.  Prior to joining Scripps, Dr. Schimmel was John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Professor of Biophysics and Biochemistry at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he was employed from 1967 to 1997. He also served as the Chairman, Division of Biological Chemistry, American Chemical Society.  He is an elected member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the National Academy of Sciences, the American Philosophical Society, and the Institute of Medicine.

Dr. Schimmel graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University, holds a Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and did post doctoral work at Stanford University.

About WaferGen and the SmartChip Real-Time PCR System

WaferGen Biosystems, Inc. is a leader in the development, manufacture and sale of state-of-the-art systems for genomic analysis for the life science and pharmaceutical industries.  The company currently offers the breakthrough SmartChip Real-Time PCR System, a next-generation Real-Time PCR system for discovery and validation of gene expression patterns (biomarkers) on a single platform. The SmartChip System provides a range of high-throughput capabilities including microRNA and oncology gene expression profiling and Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) genotyping.  WaferGen also offers Quick-Turnaround SmartChip Custom (User-Defined) Panels to enable validation studies of specific genes of interest through customization of high-throughput, real-time PCR SmartChip assay panels—all on a quick-turnaround basis.

WaferGen believes that the SmartChip System is ideal for researchers seeking to confirm discoveries made with the growing use of next-generation sequencing.  In addition, the high throughput capabilities of the SmartChip System enable researchers to extend their research across large panels of genes, and hundreds of samples, at a very reasonable cost.

In addition, the company offers an innovative fee-based service for gene-expression profiling using the SmartChip System.  For additional information, please see http://www.wafergen.com.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements".  Such statements include statements relating to the expected contributions of Dr. Paul Schimmel, statements relating to the expected throughput levels of the SmartChip Real-Time PCR System, statements relating to the advancement of genomic-based therapeutic and diagnostic development through the use of the SmartChip System, and other statements relating to future events are not historical facts, including statements which may be preceded by the words "intends," "may," "will," "plans," "expects," "anticipates," "projects," "predicts," "estimates," "aims," "believes," "hopes," "potential" or similar words.

Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, are based on certain assumptions and are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the company.  Actual results may differ materially from the expectations contained in the forward-looking statements.  Factors that may cause such differences include the risks that: (i) the company may be unsuccessful in commercially developing its products or in achieving market acceptance of new and relatively unproven technologies; (ii) the company may need to raise additional capital to meet its business requirements in the future and the company may not be able to do so on reasonable terms or at all; (iii) the company's proprietary intellectual property rights may not adequately protect its products and technologies; and (iv) the company expects intense competition in its target markets, including from companies that have much greater resources than the company, and there can be no assurance that the company will be able to compete effectively.  More detailed information about the company and the risk factors that may affect the realization of forward-looking statements is set forth in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 and the company's most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2011.  Security holders are urged to read these documents free of charge on the SEC's web site at www.sec.gov.  The company does not undertake to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

WaferGen Contacts
510-651-4450

Don Huffman, CFO
[email protected]

Media:  Joyce Strand
[email protected]

Investors:  Tim Ryan
[email protected]
212-242-7777

SOURCE WaferGen Biosystems, Inc.