Luminex Corporation Unveils FlexMAP 3D(TM), the Next Generation Instrument, at AACC

New Three-Dimensional Multiplexing System Will Offer the Simultaneous Measurement of Up to 500 Analytes, Greater Speed, and Simplified Workflow 


AUSTIN, Texas, July 17  /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Luminex Corporation (NASDAQ:LMNX), the world leader in multiplexed solutions, will unveil FlexMAP 3D(TM), its next generation bead-based multiplexing system, today at the American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC) Annual Meeting in San Diego.  FlexMAP 3D will be able to simultaneously measure up to 500 analytes in a single microplate well and provide scientists, researchers and clinicians with improved analytical performance, greater speed, more automation and a streamlined workflow. The new system will be on display at Luminex's AACC booth: number 1731.

"As the worldwide leader in multiplexing solutions, our goal at Luminex is to develop innovative and effective products that meet a range of laboratories' needs," said Patrick J. Balthrop, president and chief executive officer of Luminex.  "The FlexMAP 3D system is an exciting addition to our product line.  We designed FlexMAP 3D for clinical reference labs, pharmaceutical labs and academic core labs that are interested in enhanced workflow and higher multiplexing capabilities while maintaining the advantages of the xMAP(R) bead-based technology.  This system features the same flexibility of our other instruments and provides increased speed, multiplexing, sensitivity and automation."

The FlexMAP 3D system expands on the efficiencies provided by Luminex's current instruments.  FlexMAP 3D will be able to test for up to 500 analytes simultaneously, an increase from the 100-plex capabilities of Luminex's current offerings. The higher multiplexing capabilities will enable users to broaden the types of testing performed using bead-based multiplexing.  In addition to increased multiplexing capabilities, the new FlexMAP 3D will offer a high-throughput module and the ability to interface with liquid handlers for streamlined automation. Medium and high volume laboratories seeking more data per sample will benefit from the increased multiplexing capabilities.

The FlexMAP 3D system will also include cutting edge digital technology, redesigned optics for improved assay performance, a dual syringe assembly to enhance throughput, an auto adjusting probe and software to enable automation, and the ability to use both 96 and 384 well plates.  The new system is powered by xPONENT 3D(TM) software and features an intuitive touch screen interface as well as ergonomic design and a small footprint. These features will combine to deliver users higher throughput, improved sensitivity and accuracy, increased dynamic range, and a simplified and optimized workflow.

The Luminex systems are flexible analyzers based on the principles of three-dimensional bead arrays.  Due to the enhanced liquid kinetics of the microspheres in solution, these arrays offer superior uniformity and faster reaction times than standard two-dimensional planar arrays.  The proprietary microsphere dyeing process also provides higher levels of multiplexing than traditional methods like ELISA or real-time PCR.  Luminex licenses its instruments and array-based assays to market leading companies in clinical diagnostics and biological research.  Assays from Luminex and its partners deliver fast and cost-effective bioassay results in many assay formats including nucleic acid assays, receptor-ligand assays, immunoassays and enzymatic assays.

Currently in alpha testing, FlexMAP 3D is targeted to be commercially available in 2008.

About Luminex Corporation

Luminex Corporation develops, manufactures and markets proprietary biological testing technologies with applications throughout the diagnostic and life sciences industries. The Company's xMAP(R) multiplex solutions include an open-architecture, multi-analyte technology platform that delivers fast, accurate and cost-effective bioassay results to markets as diverse as pharmaceutical drug discovery, clinical diagnostics and biomedical research, including the genomics and proteomics markets. The Company's xMAP technology is sold worldwide and is already in use in leading clinical laboratories as well as major pharmaceutical, diagnostic and biotechnology companies. Further information on Luminex Corporation or xMAP can be obtained at http://www.luminexcorp.com/.

  Luminex Corporate Contact:
  Harriss T. Currie
  Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer
  512-219-8020
  

  Luminex Media Contact:
  Nicole L. Cottrill
  615-327-7999
  

DATASOURCE: Luminex Corporation



CONTACT: Corporate, Harriss T. Currie, Vice President, Finance and Chief

Financial Officer, [phone], , or Media,

Nicole L. Cottrill, [phone], , both of Luminex

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