New Workflow to Provide Scientists with Tools That Enable Single Cell Analysis for Oncology, Immunology and Stem Cell Research

SEATTLE and SAN JOSE, Calif., Sept. 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- NanoString Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: NSTG), a provider of life science tools for translational research and molecular diagnostic products, and BD Biosciences, a segment of BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) (NYSE: BDX), a leading global medical technology company, today announced a collaboration agreement for the development of a single cell isolation and analysis workflow.

Under the agreement, the companies will jointly develop a workflow using the NanoString nCounter® Analysis System (including the nCounter Single Cell Assay) and the BD Flow Cytometry cell sorter product line (emphasizing the new BD FACSJazz™ Cell Sorting System). The combined workflow will enable single cell gene expression analysis for research applications such as oncology, immunology and stem cell research. Collaboration activities will also include the development of materials documenting the workflow protocol, as well as co-hosting meetings and webinars to educate scientists about the single cell workflow.

"Maximizing both the quantity and quality of data that can be extracted from a single cell is critical to the emerging field of single cell biology. The nCounter Analysis System can analyze entire gene pathways and provides a highly precise and reproducible digital output, making it ideally suited to the task," said Brad Gray, President and Chief Executive Officer, NanoString Technologies. "The nCounter Analysis System and the BD FACSJazz Cell Sorting System can together provide a powerful and efficient workflow for single cell gene expression analysis."

"Our collaboration with NanoString Technologies furthers BD's commitment to providing researchers advanced solutions for cell analysis and isolation," said Alberto Mas, President, BD Biosciences. "We believe this new sorting workflow will complement the recent and very rapid advances in genomic studies that value the requirement for greater sample integrity for critical single cell analysis."

NanoString Technologies' nCounter Analysis System is a multi-application digital detection and counting system with a highly automated and simple workflow. The company's Single Cell Gene Expression application provides researchers with a highly flexible and sensitive approach to discovering differences in cell-to-cell gene expression profiles. The application enables up to 800 genes to be detected in a single tube.

The BD FACSJazz Cell Sorting System is capable of identifying, characterizing and isolating single or multiple cells – from complex or extremely rare cell populations – and depositing them in 96 and 384 well plates to provide rapid cell isolation, tracking and identification throughout the process.

For more information about NanoString Technologies, the nCounter Analysis System and the nCounter Single Cell Assay, please visit www.nanostring.com.

For more information on the BD FACSJazz Cell Sorting System, please visit www.bdbiosciences.com/facsjazz.

About NanoString Technologies, Inc.

NanoString Technologies is a global provider of life science tools for translational research and molecular diagnostic products. The company's nCounter® Analysis System, which has been employed in basic and translational research since it was first introduced in 2008 and cited in more than 220 peer-reviewed publications, has also now been applied to diagnostic use in the European Union. The system offers a cost-effective way to easily profile the expression of hundreds of genes, miRNAs, or copy number variations, simultaneously with high sensitivity and precision. The company's technology enables a wide variety of basic research and translational medicine applications, including biomarker discovery and validation. The nCounter-based Prosigna™ Breast Cancer Prognostic Gene Signature Assay is the first in vitro diagnostic kit to be marketed through the company's recently formed diagnostics business. The nCounter Analysis System is available for "Research Use Only" in North America. The Prosigna Assay has received a CE mark and is available for use by healthcare professionals in the European Union and other countries that recognize the CE Mark and in which Prosigna is registered; it is pending 510(k) clearance with the Food and Drug Administration and is not available for sale in the United States.

About BD

BD is a leading global medical technology company that develops, manufactures and sells medical devices, instrument systems and reagents. The Company is dedicated to improving people's health throughout the world. BD is focused on improving drug delivery, enhancing the quality and speed of diagnosing infectious diseases and cancers, and advancing research, discovery and production of new drugs and vaccines. BD's capabilities are instrumental in combating many of the world's most pressing diseases. Founded in 1897 and headquartered in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, BD employs nearly 30,000 associates in more than 50 countries throughout the world. The Company serves healthcare institutions, life science researchers, clinical laboratories, the pharmaceutical industry and the general public. For more information, please visit www.bd.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements relating to the planned joint collaboration activities between NanoString Technologies and BD Biosciences, and the capabilities anticipated to be provided by the jointly developed single cell workflows. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially and reported results should not be considered as an indication of future performance. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: risks associated with keeping pace with rapidly changing technology and customer requirements; risks that new market opportunities may not develop as quickly as expected; risks associated with competition in marketing and selling products; and other risks set forth in BD's and NanoString Technologies' respective filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. BD and NanoString Technologies disclaim any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

Trademarks

The NanoString Technologies logo, NanoString, NanoString Technologies, and nCounter are registered trademarks, and Prosigna is a trademark, of NanoString Technologies, Inc. in various jurisdictions.

BD, BD Logo and BD FACSJazz are trademarks of Becton, Dickinson and Company.

SOURCE BD-Becton Dickinson