NIH Names Fisher Biosciences Unit, Pierce, Preferred Vendor for Multiplex Protein Profiling

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is partnering
with Pierce Biotechnology, a unit of Fisher Biosciences, as a
preferred vendor to conduct protein sample analysis using Pierce's
SearchLight(TM) multiplex-profiling technology.
   Pierce will provide standardized, sensitive multiplex analysis for
secreted protein expression in samples submitted by the NIH, including
the National Cancer Institute, the National Institute of Allergies and
Infectious Diseases and other affiliated NIH organizations.
   "The SearchLight system is a robust, extremely sensitive
reproducible technology," said Ron Lowy, President and Chief Executive
Officer of Fisher Biosciences. "This agreement demonstrates the
confidence that the NIH places in Pierce's SearchLight technology."
   The SearchLight multiplex protein analysis will provide NIH
investigators with quantitative measurement of changing protein levels
in both human and animal sera, plasma and tissue culture samples.
Protein analysis categories include angiogenesis factors, biomarkers,
cell adhesion molecules, chemokines, cytokines and cytokine receptors,
growth factors, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and neurotrophic
factors. This information is useful in the discovery of disease
mechanisms and potential therapies. Elevation or suppression of
specific proteins can point to certain diseases such as cancer,
cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),
diabetes, obesity, migraines and a host of inflammatory diseases. It
is also useful in understanding the cause of disease as well as
determining the effectiveness of drug therapies.
   The SearchLight system is a multiplex sandwich ELISA
(enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) in a planar, 96-well plate-based
array format, with the ability to measure up to 12 secreted proteins
simultaneously per well. The addition of patented SuperSignal(R) ELISA
Femto Chemiluminescent Substrate produces a luminescent signal that is
detected using the SearchLight(R) CCD Imaging and Analysis system. The
level of signal produced is proportional to the amount of each protein
in the original standard or sample.
   The SearchLight sample testing service provides the ability to
customize arrays, enabling clients to select as many or as few
proteins of interest from a menu of more than 200 validated
SearchLight assays. A single SearchLight multiplex ELISA can provide
data equivalent to 12 separate ELISAs. In addition, the SuperSignal
substrate provides two to 10 times greater sensitivity than standard
colorimetric ELISAs and colorimetric multiplex platforms.
   "We are able to look at proteins in very low abundance," said
Lowy. "We can detect small changes in populations and identify
differences. SearchLight technology is extremely sensitive, efficient
and cost-effective."

   About Pierce

   Pierce is a business unit within the Fisher Biosciences group,
offering leading research products for use in protein chemistry,
sample handling, immunology and chromatography. Pierce is especially
strong in the protein chemistry-related field, where it enjoys
international recognition for its technologies, products and kits used
for protein detection and quantitation. For more information about
Pierce-brand products, visit www.piercenet.com or call 815-968-0747.

   About Fisher Biosciences

   Fisher Biosciences, a unit of Fisher Scientific International
Inc. (NYSE: FSH), manufactures and supplies a wide range of products
and services across the general-chemistry and life-sciences arenas.
From fine and high-purity chemicals, clinical diagnostics, proprietary
protein-research and cell-culture products, and
sterile-liquid-handling systems, to innovative RNA-interference
technology and high content screening, Fisher Biosciences serves
scientific-research, healthcare, drug-discovery, and general
industrial customers around the world. For more information please
visit www.fisherbiosci.com.