Hamilton Thorne to launch Staccato(TM) laser at International Society of Stem Cell Research Annual Meeting

TSX VENTURE: HTL

TORONTO, June 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - Hamilton Thorne Ltd. (TSX-V: HTL), a leading provider of advanced laser systems and instruments for the stem cell research and fertility clinic markets, today announced the launch of the Staccato(TM) multi-pulse laser system at the 8th Annual Meeting of the International Society of Stem Cell Research (ISSCR), June 16-19, 2010, in San Francisco, CA. Staccato(TM) will add to the functionality of the XYClone(R) laser system, providing the ability of near-continuous application of the laser to the sample through rapid pulsing of the beam. During the meeting, Hamilton Thorne will also present a "sneak preview" of the breakthrough Stiletto(TM) laser system, which is currently in beta site testing.

"On the stem cell front, the Staccato(TM) laser gives researchers a much needed alternative for the derivation of clinical grade human embryonic stem cells," said Meg Spencer, Chief Executive Officer of Hamilton Thorne. "The rapid-firing laser accelerates the preparation required during stem cell development. It allows fast and precise excision of the inner cell mass from blastocyst stage embryos and eliminates the need for immunosurgery using animal-based products. Once the embryonic stem cells are in culture, Staccato(TM) may be used to ablate unwanted cells."

Staccato(TM) is already in use by thought leaders in the field including Dieter Egli, Ph.D., Senior Research Fellow at the New York Stem Cell Foundation. Dr. Egli employs Staccato(TM) for the derivation and propagation of stem cell cultures. Other applications of Staccato(TM) include embryo biopsy for genetic testing and ablation of cells, organelles and tissues for developmental biology studies.

Stiletto(TM) laser - sneak preview of a breakthrough product creating phase propulsion

The Stiletto(TM) laser system combines a proprietary laser, controller software and an automated stage for high speed scoring and separation of stem cell colonies. This represents a new method and technology in which cells are pushed safely aside from the laser beam in a novel hydrodynamic effect, as opposed to using the laser to burn, superheat or cauterize for cutting. This development minimizes damage to adjacent cells and results in high speed automated processing of cell colonies. ISSCR attendees will be the first public group to preview the Stiletto(TM) laser. The Company intends to complete beta site testing and launch Stiletto(TM) in the second half of 2010.

"The Stiletto(TM) laser provides exciting functionality to the Hamilton Thorne suite of products creating an entirely new way of scoring and isolating stem cells of interest," said Diarmaid Douglas-Hamilton, Senior Vice President, Research and Development of Hamilton Thorne. "Since the Stiletto(TM) cleanly cuts stem cell colonies with minimal damage to the remaining cells, we believe it will be valuable in scaling up the production of stem cells for both research and therapeutics."

Further information on the ISSCR 8th Annual Meeting can be found at www.isscr.org/meetings.

About Hamilton Thorne Ltd. (www.hamiltonthorne.com)

Hamilton Thorne's advanced laser systems and instruments are rapidly emerging as the dominant products to facilitate precise procedures in the stem cell research and fertility clinic markets. Hamilton Thorne's lead products, the ZILOS-tk and XYClone laser systems, attach to standard inverted microscopes and operate as robotic micro-surgeons, significantly reducing time and increasing efficiency in key in-vitro fertilization, stem cell, embryo, reproductive toxicology, and living cell procedures.

Hamilton Thorne's growing customer base includes pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, fertility clinics, university research centers, and other commercial and academic research establishments worldwide. Current customers include world-leading research labs such as Harvard University, MIT, Yale, DuPont, Monsanto, Charles River Labs, Jackson Labs, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Oxford University, and Cambridge.

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Certain information in this press release may contain forward-looking statements. This information is based on current expectations that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward looking-statements unless and until required by securities laws applicable to the Company. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties is contained in filings by the Company with the Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available at www.sedar.com.

SOURCE Hamilton Thorne Ltd.