Prodesse Releases Next Generation Real Time Multiplex PCR Reagents

Prodesse announces major process improvement in its acclaimed ProFlu-1™ Real Time multiplex PCR reagents for detection of Influenza A virus, Influenza B virus and Respiratory Syncytial Virus

WAUKESHA, WI (August 23, 2005) – Prodesse, Inc. announced today that it has completed a major process improvement to its ProFlu-1™ reagents. Labs have incorporated ProFlu-1™ reagents into assays that detect and differentiate, from a single patient sample, Influenza A virus, Influenza B virus and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). The improved version of ProFlu-1 enables labs to create "1-step” RT-PCR assays.

Tom Shannon, CEO, commented, “With this process improvement, ProFlu-1 reagents are now sufficiently streamlined that they can be effectively incoporated into assays by the highest throughput labs. In the first week after release, we have shipped ProFlu-1 reagents to several of the largest and most prestigious US labs.”

Steve Visuri, PhD, Chief Science Officer, commented, "ProFlu-1 reagents represent a significant step forward for our R&D group. Multiplexing three distinct organisms in a 1-step RT-PCR presents a formidable scientific hurdle. That our group was able to do this is a testament to the skills of our capable R&D staff. We are gratified at the level of interest in this product we are already seeing from labs as they seek to develop assays that improve upon the current technologies and algorithms used for respiratory virus detection."

Influenza is a serious disease worldwide. In the US, influenza occurs in 5 to 20% of the population annually. It typically results in over 200,000 hospitalizations and approximately 36,000 deaths each year. Most susceptible are infants, young children, the elderly and the immunocompromised. RSV has traditionally been considered a pediatric virus, but a number of studies have shown it to be of concern for adult populations as well. For example, a recent study published in The New England Journal of Medicine (April 28, 2005) showed a significant incidence of RSV in elderly and high-risk adults presenting with respiratory infections. In addition, some studies have shown that RSV is a common cause of respiratory illness in adults and probably causes more deaths in adults than children.

About Prodesse
Prodesse is a biotechnology company focused on developing analyte specific reagents that can be used by CLIA certified laboratories to develop assays for detecting infectious disease pathogens. The Company's reagents incorporate proprietary technology that allows for the detection of multiple pathogens. Prodesse currently offers nine different multiplex products covering 33 different organisms. The company’s products can be used on a variety of detection platforms. The Company sells its reagents to laboratories throughout the US and the world, and also operates a CLIA certified laboratory for testing services in the Midwest area. For more information about Prodesse and its products, call 888-589-6974 or go to www.prodesse.com.