Axis-Shield plc signs agreement with Bio-Rad for Anti-CCP test for early detection of rheumatoid arthritis

Dundee, Scotland, 11 January 2007: Axis-Shield (LSE:ASD, OSE:ASD), the international in vitro diagnostics company, today announces that it has signed an agreement with Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., of Hercules, California, to incorporate a test for anti-CCP (antibodies to cyclic citrullinated peptides) in the early detection of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) on Bio-Rad’s automated analysers, including the revolutionary BioPlex® 2200 system. The anti-CCP assay is regarded by many experts as the most significant recent development in the early diagnosis of RA, facilitating improved management of this widespread and debilitating condition, affecting over 2 million people in the USA alone.

Svein Lien, Axis-Shield CEO, commented: “We are very pleased that our important patented assay for anti-CCP will be added to the menu of this versatile platform. We have a history of successful collaboration with Bio-Rad, which is a highly respected and pioneering organisation in life sciences and a major player in human diagnostic testing, and believe the BioPlex system will add an extra dimension to anti-CCP marketing.” “The ability to develop and launch an anti-CCP test as part of a rheumatoid arthritis panel will add significantly to our growing menu of autoimmune tests on the BioPlex 2200 system,” said John Goetz, Bio-Rad Vice President and Group Manager of Clinical Diagnostics. “As the first and only fully automated and random access multiplex testing platform, the BioPlex 2200 system is ideally suited as a platform for multimarker autoimmune testing that includes rheumatoid arthritis.” Enquiries:

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.

Notes to Editors

About Axis-Shield Axis-Shield is a global manufacturer of in vitro diagnostic kits with a focus on new markers in cardiovascular, rheumatoid, infectious and alcohol-related diseases, diabetes, dementia and near patient testing to facilitate improved patient management. News releases and company information are available at www.axis-shield.com

About Bio-Rad

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (AMEX: BIO and BIOb), has remained at the center of scientific discovery for more than 50 years, manufacturing and distributing a broad range of products for the life science research and clinical diagnostics markets. The company is renowned worldwide among hospitals, universities, major research institutions as well as biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies for its commitment to quality and customer service. Founded in 1952, Bio-Rad is headquartered in Hercules, California, and serves more than 85,000 research and industry customers worldwide through its global network of operations. The company employs over 5,000 people globally and had revenues of $1.1 billion in 2005. For more information, visit www.bio-rad.com.

Contact Information

Svein Lien

CEO

Axis-Shield plc

Contact via E-mail