DPC and Thermo Electron Announce an Agreement for the Codevelopment of a New Clinical Chemistry Platform

Diagnostics Products Corporation (NYSE–DP) and Thermo Electron Corporation announced that they have entered into an agreement for the codevelopment of a new, high throughput clinical chemistry platform. This platform will integrate with DPC’s future immunochemistry platforms, and will be ideally suited for the medium and large volume laboratories both in the hospital and private laboratory segments. The combination of DPC’s broad experience in immunochemistry with Thermo’s clinical chemistry and automation expertise will provide clinical laboratories with a comprehensive diagnostic test solution that will automate most of their routine testing needs.

“This new development agreement extends the current relationship between Thermo and DPC to a new level,” says Lew Rosenblum, President of Clinical Diagnostics at Thermo. “The existing distribution agreements, which were put in place in 2004 and cover Thermo’s current clinical chemistry and automation products, have already generated excellent results in many European markets. The mutual commitment to develop the next generation chemistry platform as a joint effort reflects the dedication of both companies to continue to build a strong, strategic partnership. Partnering with DPC also provides Thermo with access to the excellent distribution network that they have established throughout the world and will help ensure the global success of the new system.”

“We are very excited about this new level of collaboration with DPC as it fits perfectly with our vision of the future,” Rosenblum continues. “Both companies are focused on developing cost efficient, automated and user-friendly systems with broad test menus, complemented with top level customer service. We expect customers will definitely benefit from this new collaboration, which combines core strengths of both companies.”

“The new codevelopment agreement is very exciting for DPC as it will enable the company to offer a full clinical chemistry, immunoassay and automation solution for laboratories worldwide,” says DPC’s Ira Ziering, Senior Vice President, Business and Legal. “The ability to provide the full array of immunoassay and clinical chemistry automation is an important step in expanding our ability to provide excellent systems solutions for our worldwide customers.”

The new system will be distributed exclusively by DPC worldwide except in selected European countries, where Thermo will also continue to sell its clinical chemistry and automation products.

About Thermo Electron Corporation
Thermo Electron Corporation is the world leader in analytical instruments. Our instrument solutions enable our customers to make the world a healthier, cleaner and safer place. Thermo’s Life and Laboratory Sciences segment provides analytical instruments, scientific equipment, services and software solutions for life science, drug discovery, clinical, environmental and industrial laboratories. Thermo’s Measurement and Control segment is dedicated to providing analytical instruments used in a variety of manufacturing processes and in-the-field applications, including those associated with safety and homeland security. Based near Boston, Massachusetts, Thermo has revenues of approximately $2.7 billion, and employs approximately 11,000 people in 30 countries.

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About Diagnostic Products Corporation
Diagnostic Products Corporation, founded in 1971, is the global leader dedicated exclusively to immunodiagnostics. DPC’s product menu includes over 75 immunoassays and more than 360 specific allergens and allergy panels. In addition, DPC addresses the chemistry and laboratory automation testing needs of its customers through partnerships with manufacturers of chemistry systems and reagents. The combined chemistry and immunoassay menu is one of the largest and most diversified available, covering most laboratory tests requested. DPC also designs and manufactures automated laboratory instrumentation, which provides fast, accurate results while reducing labor and reagent costs. DPC sells its products to hospitals, clinics and laboratories in more than 100 countries. Additional Company information can be found on DPC’s website at http://www.dpcweb.com .