The Patent Board Ranks Heska's Science Strength in Biotechnology Industry Top 50

LOVELAND, Colo., March 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Heska Corporation (NASDAQ: HSKA), a provider of advanced veterinary diagnostic and other specialty veterinary products, today announced that The Patent Board, a leading independent provider of best practices research, tools and metrics for patent analysis and intellectual property investment (http://www.patentboard.com), has again ranked Heska's Science Strength in the top 50 of the Biotechnology industry.

The Patent Board's ranking evaluates patents issued or applied for over the last 12 months. This is the second consecutive ranking by The Patent Board of Heska's IP portfolio. More information can be found online at www.PatentBoard.com.

"We are pleased to once again have our intellectual property and, accordingly, our scientific innovation recognized by a respected third party," said Dr. Robert Grieve, Heska's Chairman and CEO. "Heska's founding value was predicated on great science in important markets. Execution of that science led to substantial proprietary intellectual property; the quality of these assets may often be overlooked. Much of this foundational intellectual property is applicable to markets of parasite prevention and control, the largest markets in animal health. Heska will continue to work to find the right opportunities to unlock this value, most likely some form of an alliance with a company that has access to pharmaceutical discovery resources and a commitment to parasite control markets."

As of February 29, 2012, Heska owns, co-owns or has rights to 184 issued U.S. patents and three pending U.S. patent applications with a corresponding foreign patent portfolio including 131 issued patents and 15 pending patent applications in various foreign countries. Heska's issued and pending patent portfolios primarily relate to heartworm control, flea control, allergy, infectious disease vaccines, diagnostic and detection tests, immunomodulators, instrumentation, nutrition, pain control and vaccine delivery technologies.

About Heska

Heska Corporation (NASDAQ: HSKA) sells advanced veterinary diagnostic and other specialty veterinary products. Heska's state-of-the-art offerings to its customers include diagnostic instruments and supplies as well as single use, point-of-care tests, pharmaceuticals and vaccines. The Company's core focus is on the canine and feline markets where it strives to provide high value products and unparalleled customer support to veterinarians. For further information on Heska and its products, visit the company's website at www.heska.com.

About The Patent Board

Founded in 1968 as a patent analytics and research institution, The Patent Board is the leading independent provider of best practices research, tools and metrics for patent analysis and intellectual property investment. The Patent Board tracks and analyzes innovation, movement, and the business value of patent assets across every industry on a global basis. Visit www.PatentBoard.com for more information.

Forward-Looking Statements

This announcement contains forward-looking statements regarding Heska's future financial and operating results. These statements are based on current expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Investors should note there is a risk is using the rating system of any third party when evaluating intellectual property as this is a complex endeavor and the ratings obtained may not be consistent with future commercial results. In addition, factors that could affect the business and financial results of Heska generally include the following: uncertainties regarding the value any third party would place on Heska's patent portfolio; uncertainties regarding Heska's ability to form an alliance with a pharmaceutical company or any third party, as well as uncertainties regarding the ultimate success of such an endeavor; risks related to Heska's ability to legally enforce its patents; uncertainties related to reliance on a third party to commercialize Heska's intellectual property; competition, including the impact of new products competitors may introduce in the future; and the risks set forth in Heska's filings and future filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including those set forth in Heska's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

SOURCE Heska Corporation