EANS-News: november Aktiengesellschaft / November AG subsidiary PROGEN signs exclusive distribution agreement with Asuragen

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Subtitle: New: KRAS/BRAF Test for Luminex-User
New: AmplideX FMR1 PCR-Assay

Cologne (euro adhoc) - PROGEN Biotechnik GmbH, a daughter of the November AG,
has signed an exclusive distribution contract for Germany with the U.S.A. based
Asuragen Inc., a company focused on personalized medicine and companion
diagnostics in the field of oncology and human genetics.

PROGEN is now in a position to further expand its product line of multiplexed
assays enabling the detection of mutations often found in solid tumors, such as
KRAS or BRAF, and fusion transcripts or mutations associated with specific
leukemia types or subtypes. These assays incorporate Signature® technology which
is optimized for the rapid multiplex analysis of nucleic acid sequences in a
single reaction, thus enhancing operational efficiencies through reduced costs
and streamlined workflow. The signature® reagents are adapted for use on the
Luminex® platform.

Additionally, PROGEN offers now two state-of-the-art PCR technologies, developed
by Asuragen, for molecular characterization of the trinucleotide repeat in the
5´ region of the fragile X mental retardation (FMR1) gene for routine screening
testing. The highly sensitive and time-saving assay is suited for the detection
of FMR1 mutations in pre- and postnatal diagnosis and allows initiating early
measures for improvement of the living conditions of the patients.

PROGEN is thereby extending its product line of biomarker/molecular diagnostics,
and Luminex®-based tests for further assays. Thus, the company is consequently
pursuing its strategy to offer a broad portfolio of own developed tests as well
as products from other manufacturers.

About Luminex® Technology
The xMAP® (Multi Analyte Profiling) technology developed by Luminex®
(www.luminexcorp.com) is an innovative assay platform for a large range of
applications. With this technology it is possible to simultaneously test 100
parameters in one test run. Thus, the user saves time and sample material. The
technology is based on microscopically small polystyrene beads which are coated
with antigens e.g. against different infectious diseases. The automated process
allows the beads to identify up to 100 different analytes from one sample. This
very sensitive and specific detection enables fast screening tests of many
different samples as well as a differential sample analysis.

About november AG / PROGEN Biotechnik GmbH
november AG, Koeln (www.november.de) is an investment and holding company,
listed in the prime standard of the regulated market of the German stock
exchange (Deutsche Börse), with special focus on medical technology,
biotechnology, and environmental technologies and 100% shareholder of PROGEN
Biotechnik GmbH. PROGEN Biotechnik GmbH, Heidelberg (www.progen.de), is
manufacturer of in vitro diagnostics (borrelia, hanta virus, FSME) and research
reagents (antibodies, polypeptides, AAV, hyperphage, www.hyperphage.com),
certified to DIN EN ISO 13485:2007, as well as for the production of multiplex
assays for the Luminex® platform. PROGEN is member of the VDGH (German
Association of Diagnostic Manufacturers).

About Asuragen Inc.
Asuragen Inc., Austin, USA, (www.asuragen.com) is a fully integrated molecular
diagnostic company focused on personalized medicine and companion diagnostics,
with emphasis on mRNA/miRNA applications in oncology. As an FDA-registered
medical device manufacturer Asuragen offers cGMP development and manufacturing
capabilities available for contract manufacture with a special focus on in vitro
transcribed RNA. Asuragen has become a leader in companion diagnostics by
discovering and developing predictive and prognostic test for its pharmaceutical
and biotechnology partners.

Further inquiry note:
Dr. Dirk Zurek
CEO
Tel.: +49 (0) 221 82200 520 10
E-Mail: ir@november.de
end of announcement euro adhoc
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company: november Aktiengesellschaft
Hansaring 97
D-50670 Köln
phone: +49(0)221-82005 20-10
FAX: +49(0)221-82005 20-15
mail: info@november.de
WWW: http://www.november.de
sector: Biotechnology
ISIN: DE000A0Z24E9
indexes: CDAX, Prime All Share, Technology All Share
stockmarkets: regulated dealing/prime standard: Frankfurt, free trade: Berlin,
Stuttgart, Düsseldorf, Hannover, München
language: English

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