MRIGlobal, Evogen Announce Agreement In Development Of Diagnostic Solutions

Collaboration Will Support In Vitro and Molecular Diagnostics Products.

KANSAS CITY, Mo., July 30, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- MRIGlobal and Evogen Inc. today announced that they have agreed to a strategic collaboration to develop advanced molecular diagnostics products, targeted to support in vitro and clinical molecular diagnostics markets.

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Evogen, based in Lenexa, Kansas, is a diagnostics company and developer and manufacturer of High Definition PCR (polymerase chain reaction) molecular diagnostics systems.

Under the new five-year agreement, MRIGlobal will provide product development services to Evogen, including assay development, technology transfer,  analytical and clinical studies, and commercialization support. Other terms of the agreement were not released.

Evogen was founded in 2002 as a spinout from MRIGlobal (then known as Midwest Research Institute). Evogen is also known for its air sampling and collection technology which is deployed in the U.S and abroad to collect air in critically sensitive situations.

"We envision a partnership built on an already strong foundation of our earlier work together," said Thomas M. Sack, Ph.D., MRIGlobal Interim President and Chief Executive Officer. "Evogen and MRIGlobal see opportunities to collaborate on delivering new and innovative solutions that can help physicians make earlier and more accurate diagnoses."

"We are very pleased to announce this partnership and look forward to expediting optimization of our molecular platform for use around the globe," said Hans Kastensmith, President and Chief Executive Officer of Evogen. "MRIGlobal is a strong partner for product research and development and together we will accelerate the delivery of advanced diagnostic products to help advance health care."

The non-exclusive agreement is effective immediately.

About Evogen, Inc.
Evogen meets the molecular diagnostic collection and detection needs of a diverse range of customers. The Evogen portfolio includes DNA extraction methodologies, air collection and monitoring and proprietary PCR probe technology providing reliable, sensitive and specific answers. Through analysis of the specific needs of each customer, Evogen delivers systems and solutions that provide rapid results while lessening laboratory workflow impact. Visit www.Evogen.com.

About MRIGlobal
MRIGlobal, a not-for-profit research and development organization, delivers solutions in global health, national security and defense, and energy and the environment. The organization performs scientific research, advanced engineering, integration, and program management for clients in government, industry, and academia. Established in 1944 as Midwest Research Institute, MRIGlobal is based in Kansas City, Mo., operates in nine states and Washington, D.C. MRIGlobal employs more than 500 and manages 2,600-plus workers through management and operations programs with government clients.

MRIGlobal's Diagnostics Division provides assay development for menu expansion in in vitro and molecular diagnostics, validation and clinical testing, sample access and reference material, and platform engineering and integration. MRIGlobal operates a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-laboratory accredited by the College of American Pathologists. MRIGlobal is ISO 9001 certified and employs current Good Manufacturing Practices and Good Laboratory Practices, and maintains Biosafety Level 3 laboratories.

For more information, visit www.mriglobal.org/diagnostics.

SOURCE MRIGlobal