WaferGen Biosystems, Inc., a leading developer of state-of-the-art gene expression, genotyping, cell biology and stem cell research systems, today announced the signing of an exclusive distribution agreement for the company's SmartSlide(TM) Micro-Incubation System with Labtech International Limited in the United Kingdom and Labtech France in France. The distributor agreement covers WaferGen's entire family of SmartSlide Micro-Incubation System products. Labtech International Limited is a leading provider of innovative scientific products to researchers in the life science markets in the United Kingdom, while its sister company, Labtech France, coordinates distribution of the same products in France.
WaferGen's SmartSlide Micro-Incubation System is a first-of-its-kind family of integrated fluidics exchange micro-incubation products that work seamlessly with inverted microscopes. This breakthrough technology is enabling cell biology and stem cell researchers to conduct complex time lapse imaging studies to characterize, differentiate and proliferate cells, as well as grow stem, primary and other difficult to cultivate cells in consistently optimal physiological conditions. These innovative capabilities will allow researchers to pursue cutting-edge research topics that are not addressable with existing technology.
"The signing of this important distributor agreement is just the latest in a number of recent key milestones related to our SmartSlide Micro-Incubation System. In just the past six weeks, we have signed distribution agreements covering five critical overseas markets, launched our new SmartSlide 200 Micro-Incubation System, and announced our first SmartSlide 200 customer adoption," said Alnoor Shivji, WaferGen's chairman and chief executive officer. "This impressive momentum is playing a major role in our ongoing efforts to grow our SmartSlide Micro-Incubation System business and we expect to continue to achieve important program milestones throughout the remainder of 2008."
"As a company that prides itself on providing our customers with the most sophisticated life science instruments available, we are excited to add WaferGen's SmartSlide Micro-Incubation System to the broad menu of products that we offer," stated Brian Page, Ph.D., Labtech's chief executive officer. "With more than 25 years of personal experience in the cell culture market, I am particularly impressed with the SmartSlide Micro-Incubation System and the innovative research activities the platform enables."