TriCore Reference Laboratories Named First Next-Generation Sequencing Center of Excellence by Life Technologies

CARLSBAD, Calif., Sept. 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- TriCore Reference Laboratories and Life Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: LIFE) have signed an agreement to establish TriCore as a regional Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) Center of Excellence. The partnership is part of Life's initiative to establish a global alliance comprised of leading centers capable of running the most-advanced, NGS-based oncology panels for clinical research.

TriCore has entered the agreement in collaboration with the Pathology Department of the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, with which it already shares several initiatives. As a Life Technologies NGS Center of Excellence, TriCore will provide Life's most-advanced NGS Oncology Panels to clinical researchers in oncology. The panels are designed to identify genetic mutations in research samples that can serve as potential drug targets suitable for further studies.

"This alliance fits with TriCore's commitment to oncology services and will allow us to provide greater value to our clients," said Michael Crossey, M.D., Ph.D., TriCore's interim CEO and executive medical director. "The results we generate through next-generation sequencing will be used to elucidate new drug targets with the potential to guide therapeutic options more efficiently in the future."

By establishing an alliance of NGS Centers of Excellence, Life Technologies expects to spur a global collaborative effort among its members to further advance screening methods in clinical research samples.

"TriCore has a history of leadership in oncology that is fueled by its forward-thinking approach to advanced technology adoption, such as the use of AmpliSeq panels and Ion Torrent sequencing for cancer research," said Mark Gardner, head of Business Development & Companion Diagnostics at Life Technologies. "We welcome this collaboration in support of its clinical research efforts as precision medicine comes online in the next few years."

Life Technologies' NGS Oncology Panels and Ion Torrent sequencers are for Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

About TriCore Reference Laboratories
TriCore Reference Laboratories is an independent, not-for-profit medical reference laboratory committed to helping healthcare professionals provide better, more effective and more cost-efficient care for patients. The company offers a comprehensive menu of more than 1,700 tests – from routine screens to complex genetic testing – as well as primary and secondary pathology consultation services for oncologists and pathologists. TriCore also provides full-service clinical research services to leaders in the biotech industry and academia.

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.

Life Technologies' Safe Harbor Statement
This press release includes forward-looking statements about Life Technologies' 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.

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TriCore Reference Laboratories Contact
Jannalee Johnson
505-938-8125
[email protected]

Life Technologies Contact
Mauricio Minotta
760-929-2456
[email protected]

SOURCE Life Technologies Corporation