ZyGEM Strengthens its Worldwide Presence With New Distribution Agreement for Japan

SOLANA BEACH, Calif. & HAMILTON, New Zealand, Oct. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- ZyGEM Corp. Ltd., a provider of innovative enzyme-based products for DNA extraction and other life sciences applications, today announced it has entered into an exclusive agreement with VERITAS Japan to distribute ZyGEM's DNA extraction products to the Japanese market. This new agreement is the latest in a series of recent major distribution agreements for ZyGEM's DNA extraction kits with leading life science product distributors in the Americas, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.

This new agreement gives VERITAS Japan exclusive distribution rights in Japan for ZyGEM's full line of DNA extraction kits. VERITAS will also assist ZyGEM in developing and building its OEM business in Japan.

"With this important new distribution agreement for Japan, our quest to build a strong global network of leading distributors for our DNA extraction technology is largely realized," said Paul Kinnon, CEO of ZyGEM. "We were fortunate to be able to establish an exceptional distribution channel in the northern hemisphere last year and our recent agreements with strong partners in China, Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea and now Japan give us a major presence in many of the key life sciences hubs and emerging markets worldwide. These relationships are already generating encouraging gains in customers and market penetration around the world, and we expect they will become even more valuable as we launch our planned new products in the coming year."

ZyGEM's technology uses a proprietary thermophilic enzyme to extract DNA from samples using a single closed-tube system. ZyGEM's approach significantly reduces the time and cost of DNA extractions while simplifying laboratory workflow, minimizing error, reducing the risk of contamination, ensuring sample integrity and facilitating extractions from trace samples. It is easily adaptable for use with virtually all off-the-shelf laboratory automation systems. The technology can be specifically formulated for use with a wide range of different sample types without the need for further purification. ZyGEM's technology has been validated for use in highly regulated applications, including forensic analysis.

"ZyGEM's DNA extraction technology providing superior accuracy, speed and versatility for research and diagnostic applications is an excellent example of the innovative products we are committed to providing our customers," said Shinsaku Iida, CEO of VERITAS Japan. "With the continued rapid growth in the demand for DNA-based tests and assays, access to easy-to-use and cost effective DNA extraction technology is becoming ever more essential. We are proud to be the exclusive distributors of this valuable technology in Japan and look forward to working with ZyGEM to build its Japanese presence."

Further terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

About ZyGEM's DNA Extraction Kits

prepGEM(®) kits have been formulated for high-throughput DNA extraction from animal tissue samples for life science research, animal testing and traceability, selective breeding and other animal health and agricultural applications. prepGEM(®) kits enable high-throughput DNA extraction of 384 samples in less than 30 minutes. They contain reagents that have been optimized for downstream PCR-based applications including quantitative PCR, genotyping using STRs or SNPs, RFLP analyses, etc. prepGEM(®) kits are proven on a range of animal samples including blood, micro-biopsies (ear tags), meat, rat tails, fish, fish tails and insects.

forensicGEM(®) kits have been formulated for high-throughput DNA extraction from crime scene and other sample sources, providing PCR-ready, forensic grade DNA for 96 samples in just 20 minutes. The one-tube forensicGEM(®) process is simple to use and easy to automate with current robotic platforms, making it ideal for database testing as well as case work samples. All reagents are rigorously quality controlled to test for efficacy and for the absence of human DNA. forensicGEM(®) kits are validated for forensic analysis.

livestockGEM(®) kits have been formulated for high-throughput DNA extraction from a range of animal sample types without the need for further purification, including ear punch microbiopsies, saliva and hair, as well as from blood and saliva DNA storage cards. Using ZyGEM's technology, staff can prepare DNA samples up to three times faster than with existing products--the kits provide PCR-ready DNA for 96 samples in just 20 minutes with no hands-on attention required. livestockGEM(®) kits are easy to use and to automate for high-throughput applications using off-the-shelf robotic systems.

For more information on ZyGEM's families of DNA extraction kits, visit http://zygem.com/Products/Products-Ovw.html or email info@zygem.com

About ZyGEM Corporation
ZyGEM Corporation Limited is a rapidly growing biotechnology company with a range of innovative enzyme-based products and technologies based on the company's exclusive collection of microorganisms from extreme environments. ZyGEM's technology has significant competitive advantages over existing methods and has potential applications in a number of sizeable global markets. ZyGEM currently produces DNA extraction and detection products, molecular biology enzymes and individual enzymes and diagnostics, serving life sciences customers in basic research, forensics, clinical diagnostics and agriculture. ZyGEM has facilities in New Zealand and the U.S.A. For more information, visit www.ZyGEM.com

About VERITAS Japan
VERITAS is dedicated to establishing close and open relationships with potential suppliers and customers. Specializing in the latest biotechnology driven business, VERITAS has established a strong presence in Immunology, Hematology, HLA Tissue Typing, Microbiology, and Molecular Biology, and also in the field of Water Environmental Control. Our emphasis on close cooperation and mutual trust is unique and vital to bridge the cultural gap between the Japanese customer and foreign trading partner. Thirty-five years of accumulated trust makes VERITAS a unique organization and an ideal partner for companies entering the Japanese market. For more information, visit www.veritastk.com/english/whoweare

    Contacts:                             Media:
    Corporate:                            GendeLLindheim BioCom Partners
    Paul Kinnon                           Barbara Lindheim
    President and CEO                     212 918-4650
    858 720-8333