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 Euroclone S.p.A. in Italy. Additionally, the company signed an agreement for distribution of the SmartSlide Micro-Incubation System with Takeda Rika Kogyo, Co. Ltd. in Japan. These distributor agreements cover WaferGen's entire family of SmartSlide Micro-Incubation System products. Euroclone S.p.A., and Takeda Rika are each leading distributors of innovative products and services to cell biologists and stem cell researchers in the life science markets within their geographic areas of focus.
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. For example, the SmartSlide 200 Micro-Incubation System(TM) allows researchers to precisely control and vary oxygen, carbon dioxide and nitrogen parameters in order to create anoxia and hypoxia conditions which are critical for growth and differentiation of stem cells.
"As evidenced by the signing of these additional distributor agreements in key foreign markets, we are continuing to build momentum with our SmartSlide Micro-Incubation System worldwide," stated Alnoor Shivji, WaferGen's chairman and chief executive officer. "This innovative platform provides critical performance advantages to stem cell researchers and cell biologists, and we look forward to continuing the expansion of our SmartSlide Micro-Incubation System product line as well as our customer base."