BD and HandyLab Announce Exclusive Collaboration to Commercialize Molecular Assays

Fully Automated, Integrated BD MAX™ System for Rapid Testing for Infectious Diseases Incorporates the New HandyLab Automated PCR System.

Franklin Lakes, NJ and Ann Arbor, Mich. – BD Diagnostics, a segment of BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) (NYSE: BDX), and HandyLab, Inc. announced today that they have entered into an exclusive agreement for BD to commercialize its molecular assays on a new BD MAX™ system, an automated molecular diagnostic testing platform in development using HandyLab’s recently launched Jaguar instrument. BD will focus initially on its BD GeneOhm™ line of molecular assays to detect major pathogens associated with healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).

“This collaboration further demonstrates BD’s commitment to address underappreciated healthcare needs,” said Philippe Jacon, President, BD Diagnostics – Diagnostic Systems. “As our customers expand their HAI and sexually transmitted infection testing programs, they are seeking simple, flexible and fully automated systems to meet their increasing demands. Our new BD MAX system will be a good strategic fit with our current platforms and those under development.”

Released by HandyLab in November 2008, the Jaguar system is the first fully integrated bench-top molecular diagnostic system to provide hands-off operation. The system incorporates clinical sample preparation, nucleic acid extraction, and microfluidic real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and detection. The self-contained workstation is designed to accommodate on-demand and batch workflows. It requires minimal laboratory space and minimal skill levels to generate up to 24 real-time PCR results in under two hours.

“This exclusive collaboration with BD represents an important step forward in expanding the utility of the Jaguar system,” said Jeff Williams, President and CEO, HandyLab. “BD is a global leader in molecular diagnostic testing for infectious diseases. Together we plan to provide diagnostic laboratories with a broad molecular test menu on one of the industry’s most advanced automation platform.”