IDH.L Regulatory News (IDH)

30 May 2006 07:03

Immunodiagnostic Systems Hldgs PLC30 May 2006 Immunodiagnostic Systems Holdings plc Japanese Marketing and Sales Agreement Immunodiagnostic Systems Holdings plc ("IDS"), a leading producer of diagnostictesting kits for the clinical and research markets, announces that it has signeda Marketing and Sales Agreement with Japan-based Medical & BiologicalLaboratories Company Limited ("MBL"). Financial terms have not been disclosed. MBL, based in Nagoya, Japan, is a company engaged in the research, development,manufacturing and marketing of In vitro diagnostics and basic research reagent,together with the marketing of related automated instruments and devices. Under the terms of the Agreement, MBL gains exclusive Japanese marketing rightsto IDS' current non-radioactive In Vitro Diagnostics products in Vitamin D, BoneSpecific Alkaline Phosphatase, PTH and IGF-I, with Tartrate-Resistant AcidPhosphatase 5B to be added later, after completion of clinical validation. MBLis also licensed to distribute IDS' Research Use Only products, comprising rat-and mouse-specific markers for bone and growth researchers in the Pharmaceuticalindustry and universities throughout Japan, and to have 'first refusal' rightson future new products released. IDS designs, develops, manufactures and markets immunoassay kits, and isparticularly active in the field of Bone & Mineral metabolism and a growingpresence in the field of Growth Factors. IDS has worked closely with SummitPharmaceutical International (Tokyo) in developing its Japanese trade, the MBLrelationship being the latest of many. Osteoporosis is a skeletal disease observed with reduced bone strength resultingin the increase risk of bone fracture, and measuring bone-related markers hasclinical efficacy in evaluating the risk of fracture and in monitoring responseto therapeutic treatment. Osteoporosis in the Japanese population has reached450,000 (diagnosed patients in 2002), with an estimated patient populationreaching 12,000,000 (including non-diagnosed patients), as the aging populationincreases. On his return from Nagoya last week, Dr Roger Duggan, Managing Director of IDS,said: "Our existing business in Japan has been very rewarding, and to find sucha prestigious partner as MBL to bring a substantial number of additional IDSproducts to the Japanese market now and in the future is good news indeed. Weanticipate our relationship with MBL will grow still stronger as we go forward." Mr. Katsuhiko Nishida, President and CEO of MBL, said: "IDS product portfolio ispositioned to complement the existing MBL products and it is our honour to havesuch powerful partner to work with. We highly expect this partnership to lead usinto a new dimension for MBL, not only for the entry into new market in Japanbut also for the constructive and productive long-term relationship to achievemutual success." Enquiries: Immunodiagnostic Systems Holdings plc Parkgreen Communications LtdDr. Roger Duggan, Managing Director Paul McManusTel: 0191 519 0660 Tel: 020 7786 9600www.idsltd.com Mob: 07980 541 893 About MBL For In vitro diagnostics, MBL is dedicated to the development, production, andmarketing of immunological diagnostic reagents, especially for autoimmunediseases which capture 80% of the Japanese domestic market of autoimmunediagnostic reagents. In addition, MBL is actively involved in theidentification, product development, and in-licensing of novel markers in theareas of rheumatoid arthritis and cancer markers through genetic manipulationand antibody technology. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange