SAN RAMON, California, June 2 /PRNewswire/ --

BioGenex, a developer of innovative instruments and reagents for automated slide based staining systems for molecular diagnostics, announced today that Abbott has entered into a definitive agreement to extend the technology co-development and distribution agreement to market the Xmatrx(R) platform for the automation of Abbott's extensive FISH product line. Under the terms of the agreement Abbott customers will have the option to run IHC and ISH on the Xmatrx and BioGenex customers to run FISH on their system.

We are extremely pleased that Abbott has chosen to renew our relationship with this multi-year extension of our original agreement. This is a testament to the truly unique capabilities of the Xmatrx(R) platform, which allows for the automation of advanced molecular staining assays, from Microtome to Microscope, said Dr. Krishan Kalra, CEO, BioGenex. We look forward to furthering our partnership and delivering solutions that can further accelerate the adoption of molecular medicine approaches from drug discovery through clinical diagnostics.

The Xmatrx(R) platform allows for the walk-away automation of the entire FISH assay workflow, from specimen pretreatment to final cover-slipping and is designed for optimal results with Abbott Molecular AutoFISH(TM) reagents and FISH technology.

The Xmatrx will be co-branded and marketed under a co-exclusive distribution agreement which calls for both parties to collaborate further in aiding adoption of FISH, IHC and ISH as primary tools in the emerging field of molecular diagnostics and personalized medicine. Under the terms of the agreement BioGenex will receive a multi-year minimum volume commitment from Abbott.

About Xmatrx

The Xmatrx(R) is an integrated system consisting of a flexible intelligent platform capable of full automation from Microtome to Microscope for any slide based assay, and specially formulated and optimized reagents, including primary antibodies, detection kits and appropriate consumables. The outcome of this approach provides a total solution capable of delivering reproducible and consistent results for IHC, ISH and FISH applications from baking through final cover-slipping.

About BioGenex

BioGenex provides products and services that support the molecular medicine testing continuum, from basic discovery, through translational research to IVD diagnostic testing. The company offers innovative instrument platforms and a broad range of reagents to standardize and bring workflow improvements to slide based assays; delivering solutions that provide the answers to the fundamental questions that lie at the heart of complex diseases. With a strong intellectual property portfolio the company intends to be a central player in the emerging molecular diagnostic and personalized medicine market place. The company is headquartered in San Ramon, California. For further information log on to www.biogenex.com.

Ian Ley, Senior VP Global Commercial Operations of BioGenex, +1-925-866-2624, i.ley@biogenex.com