QuantuMDx Group and A*STAR Institute of Microelectronics to Bring Nanowire Based DNA Sequencing to Market

Singapore, 26 March 2012 -- A*STAR Institute of Microelectronics (IME), has signed a research collaboration agreement with QuantuMDx Group (QMDx), a UK based biotech company which is developing a range of portable technologies for diagnostics, DNA sequencing and proteomics. Under this collaboration, IME will further advance QMDx’s DNA sequencing nanowire biosensor to the point of commercialization.

QMDx is pioneering a handheld all-in-one DNA sequencer. The device, invented by QMDx’s chief scientific officer Jonathan O’Halloran, is currently in prototype. The collaboration leverages on IME’s silicon-based nanowire technology to develop biosensing technology that can simultaneously and rapidly detect large numbers of different cells and biomaterials. The synergy of QMDx’s proprietary molecular capture and IME’s technology will soon deliver affordable, rapid and accurate clinical targeted DNA sequencing at the point of need.

“The collaboration with QMDx to deliver a technology breakthrough clearly demonstrates the potential of IME’s cross-disciplinary expertise and capabilities in the bioelectronics industry,” commented Professor Dim-Lee Kwong, Executive Director of IME. “We look forward to working with our partner towards the commercialization of their first nanowire biosensor.”

Elaine Warburton, CEO of QMDx, added, “Our collaboration with IME is of immense importance to QMDx. Not only will our partnership enable both parties to utilise our respective expertise to further develop and commercialize on-chip DNA sequencing but it also represents a major milestone for QMDx as we embark on setting up operations in Singapore to benefit from the country’s wealth of biotech expertise and state-of-the-art manufacturing and fabrication facilities”.

About Institute of Microelectronics (IME)

The Institute of Microelectronics (IME) is a research institute of the Science and Engineering Research Council of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). Positioned to bridge the R&D between academia and industry, IME's mission is to add value to Singapore's semiconductor industry by developing strategic competencies, innovative technologies and intellectual property; enabling enterprises to be technologically competitive; and cultivating a technology talent pool to inject new knowledge to the industry. Its key research areas are in integrated circuits design, advanced packaging, bioelectronics and medical devices, MEMS, nanoelectronics, and photonics. For more information, visit IME on the Internet: http://www.ime.a-star.edu.sg

About Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)

The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is the lead agency for fostering world-class scientific research and talent for a vibrant knowledge-based and innovation-driven Singapore. A*STAR oversees 14 biomedical sciences, and physical sciences and engineering research institutes, and seven consortia & centre, which are located in Biopolis and Fusionopolis, as well as their immediate vicinity. A*STAR supports Singapore's key economic clusters by providing intellectual, human and industrial capital to its partners in industry. It also supports extramural research in the universities, hospitals, research centres, and with other local and international partners.

About QuantuMDx Group (QMDx)

QuantuMDx Group is a U.K. based nanomedtech company founded by Elaine Warburton, an experienced healthcare chief executive and Jonathan O’Halloran, a molecular biologist and the inventor of QuantuMDx Group’s technology. QuantuMDx Group is developing and commercializing affordable handheld sample-to-result diagnostic and DNA sequencing technologies using nanowire biosensors and innovative microfluidic technologies. QuantuMDx owns the exclusive worldwide rights to DNA sensing and DNA sequencing using Nanowires. The company has offices in the U.K. and U.S.A. and will soon set up in Singapore. Additional information on QuantuMDx Group can be found at www.quantumdx.com

Media Contact:

Cindy Chew

Institute of Microelectronics

DID: +65 6770 5375

E-mail: chewwfc@ime.a-star.edu.sg

QuantuMDx Contact:

Elaine Warburton, chief executive officer

Tel: +44 791 22 06 106

Email: elaine.warburton@quantumdx.com

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