Life Technologies Offers New Rapid DNA Platform

CARLSBAD, Calif., April 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- As the global market leader in human identification, Life Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: LIFE) announced today it signed a global exclusive agreement with LGC Forensics for the right to distribute ParaDNA®, a portable rapid DNA system that determines the quality of human DNA faster and more economically than any existing method.  This announcement is the second in a series of new Rapid DNA products the company will introduce to expand the landscape beyond traditional Rapid DNA systems.

Life Technologies launched its portfolio of Rapid DNA products with GlobalFiler™, which is used to dramatically reduce the time to process samples within forensic laboratories.  Rapid DNA emerging technology platforms enable samples to be identified in real-time and also at the crime scene or location other than the centralized processing laboratory.  This capability allows law enforcement professionals around the globe to make informed decisions more quickly and economically.

ParaDNA is an easy-to-use, high-speed DNA testing system that allows onsite rapid identification of samples suitable to submit for more detailed analysis.  The system helps reduce laboratory backlogs and turnaround times for processing, so investigators can focus their attention on samples most likely to generate a genetic profile.

"ParaDNA is the latest among a series of innovative products available from Life Technologies that will revolutionize – through speed and simplicity – the way law enforcement and labs process DNA samples," said Nadia Altomare, head of the Human Identification business for Life Technologies.  "We are excited to be leading the path toward faster and decentralized DNA analysis.  ParaDNA, along with GlobalFiler, are the first such products to provide this real-time testing to customers."

How ParaDNA Works

Samples obtained at a crime scene are tested within a closed system to reduce cross contamination. Within 75 minutes, the ParaDNA system indicates whether samples contain a useable DNA profile.

"We know that DNA profiling can help establish whether or not there is a link between a suspect and a crime," said Mark Dearden, Business Unit Director of ParaDNA for LGC Forensics.  "ParaDNA enables a quick and simple, on-the-spot, presumptive DNA screen to complement submissions policies – and could save significant time and cost in the investigative process.  We are delighted that this partnership with Life Technologies will allow us to 'fast-forward' those samples most likely to be informative, by placing the technology straight in the hands of investigators."

About Life Technologies 

Life Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: LIFE) is a global biotechnology company that is committed to providing the most innovative products and services to leading customers in the fields of scientific research, genetic analysis and applied sciences. With a presence in more than 180 countries, the company's portfolio of 50,000 end-to-end solutions is secured by more than 5,000 patents and licenses that span the entire biological spectrum -- scientific exploration, molecular diagnostics, 21^st century forensics, regenerative medicine and agricultural research. Life Technologies has approximately 10,000 employees and had sales of $3.8 billion in 2012.

About LGC Forensics

LGC (www.lgcgroup.com) is the international science-based company and market leader in the laboratory services, measurement standards, reference materials, genomics and proficiency testing marketplaces. LGC operates in a variety of international markets, which underpin the safety, health and security of the public and the regulation of industry, for both private and public sector clients.

LGC is the UK's largest, full service independent forensic science provider, with a wide variety of customers drawn from police forces and other law enforcement agencies, UK government departments, defence lawyers, as well as private corporations and individuals. LGC provides full casework and analytical services in DNA techniques, controlled drugs, toxicology, ecology, questioned documents, digital crime, firearms and ballistics and forensic pathology in support of modern policing.

Its operations are extensively accredited to international quality standards such as ISO/IEC 17025.  With headquarters in Teddington, South West London, the LGC Group employs over 1,900 staff, operating out of 22 countries, with laboratories and centres across Europe and the US, as well as sites in Brazil, China and India.  The genesis of LGC dates back to 1842, and for more than 100 years it has been home to the UK statutory function of Government Chemist.  Formerly the Laboratory of the Government Chemist, LGC was privatised in 1996 and is now majority-owned by funds managed by Bridgepoint.

Life Technologies' Safe Harbor Statement

This press release includes forward-looking statements about our anticipated results that involve risks and uncertainties.  Some of the information contained in this press release, including, but not limited to, statements as to industry trends and Life Technologies' plans, objectives, expectations and strategy for its business, contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  Any statements that are not statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements.  When used, the words "believe," "plan," "intend," "anticipate," "target," "estimate," "expect" and the like, and/or future tense or conditional constructions ("will," "may," "could," "should," etc.), or similar expressions, identify certain of these forward-looking statements.  Important factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are detailed in filings made by Life Technologies with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Life Technologies undertakes no obligation to update or revise any such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110216/MM49339LOGO)

Life Technologies Media Contact:
Patty Zamora
Corporate Communications
Tel: 760-476-7818
Email: [email protected]

LGC Forensics Media Contact:
Julian Quigley
Communications/Press Officer
Tel: +44 (0)20 8943 8491
Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Life Technologies Corporation