Life Technologies Introduces First USDA-Licensed Real-Time PCR Test for the Detection of Tritrichomonas foetus DNA in Bulls

CARLSBAD, Calif., Jan. 21, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Life Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: LIFE) today announced the availability of the only USDA-licensed, real-time PCR test to detect Tritrichomonas foetus (T. foetus) – a sexually transmitted disease in cattle that leads to early embryonic losses and infertility, resulting in significant economic impact to the cattle industry due to open (non-pregnant) and late-calving cows.

The VetMAX-Gold Trich Detection Kit provides veterinary diagnostic laboratories with a test that provides highly sensitive and specific results through real-time PCR amplification of T. foetus DNA. Accurate testing to identify positive bulls is the only way to prevent the spread of Trichomoniasis disease prior to cows being exposed to bulls. Infected bulls do not show any outward signs of infection.

"USDA licensing ensures increased confidence in accurate testing results that are critical for the cattle industry to effectively manage bovine Trichomoniasis," said Kirk Adams, Animal Health Global Product Management Leader, Life Technologies. "Validating the sensitivity and specificity of this diagnostic test through the USDA approval process shows Life's commitment to offer quality products and invest in the research needed to secure this license."

The approval of the VetMAX-Gold Trich Detection Kit is based on the successful completion of the USDA's stringent review process to ensure effectiveness of the real-time PCR test, manufactured in our USDA licensed and inspected production facility. Veterinary diagnosticians have historically relied on Life Technologies' molecular reagents and instrumentation to detect and control animal diseases. However, the USDA-licensed product now provides them with a federally approved diagnostic test for Trichomoniasis containing all the necessary reagents and controls in a single detection kit.

An alternative to the culture testing method, real-time PCR diagnostic methodology results in a more convenient and accurate test from one sample run in comparison to three culture tests spanning a three-week period. Additionally, because of the sensitivity of real-time PCR, samples can be pooled for greater test cost efficiencies. The VetMAX-Gold Trich Detection Kit is licensed with a USDA label claim for pooling up to five samples.

"Life Technologies is committed to the animal health industry by providing next generation molecular tools that help veterinary laboratory diagnosticians more accurately test for diseases of economic impact," said Adams. "Real-time PCR has the potential to become a new standard for T. foetus testing and will help multiple states find common ground for the harmonization of using the best diagnostic technology solution to manage Trichomoniasis within and between states."

About Life Technologies
Life Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: LIFE) is a global biotechnology company that is committed to providing the most innovative products and services to leading customers in the fields of scientific research, genetic analysis and applied sciences. With a presence in more than 180 countries, the company's portfolio of 50,000 end-to-end solutions is secured by more than 5,000 patents and licenses that span the entire biological spectrum – scientific exploration, molecular diagnostics, 21^st century forensics, regenerative medicine and agricultural research. Life Technologies has approximately 10,000 employees and had sales of $3.8 billion in 2012.

Life Technologies' Safe Harbor Statement
This press release includes forward-looking statements about our anticipated results that involve risks and uncertainties. Some of the information contained in this press release, including, but not limited to, statements as to industry trends and Life Technologies' plans, objectives, expectations and strategy for its business, contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Any statements that are not statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. When used, the words "believe," "plan," "intend," "anticipate," "target," "estimate," "expect" and the like, and/or future tense or conditional constructions ("will," "may," "could," "should," etc.), or similar expressions, identify certain of these forward-looking statements. Important factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are detailed in filings made by Life Technologies with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Life Technologies undertakes no obligation to update or revise any such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

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SOURCE Life Technologies Corporation