CARLSBAD, Calif., July 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Life Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: LIFE) today announced the expansion of its global food safety portfolio with the worldwide distribution of the RT-qPCR assays for the detection of Norovirus GI and Norovirus GII, Hepatitis A, and the Mengovirus Extraction Control Kit by CEERAM (the European Centre for Expertise and Research on Microbial Agents). Available only in Europe, Middle East and Africa until now, the solutions will now reach the global market through Life's supply channels.
Human Norovirus is the most common cause for food-borne disease outbreaks in the U.S. It causes 800 deaths, around 21 million illnesses and 70,000 hospitalizations each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Globally, tens of millions of individuals contract Hepatitis A and Norovirus each year. Due to the nature of the virus, molecular techniques, such as RT-qPCR assays developed by CEERAM, are the most widely accepted detection method.
"As global leaders in food testing products, we recognise the importance of public confidence in food safety," said Nir Nimrodi, Life Technologies' Vice President and General Manager Animal Health & Food Safety. "This global distribution deal with CEERAM broadens Life Technologies' already extensive portfolio of pathogen food safety solutions with these virus detection kits, providing food regulatory bodies and food manufacturers with access to these high quality products."
CEERAM will be recognised by the International Association for Food Protection (IAFP) with a Food Safety Innovations Award during its annual meeting taking place at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, N.C., July 28-31. For more information on CEERAM's RT-qPCR assays for the detection of Norovirus GI and Norovirus GII, Hepatitis A, and the Mengovirus Extraction Control Kit, visit the Life Technologies booth (#524) during the conference.
"CEERAM is taking a great step forward for the distribution of its CEERAMToolsTM range of RT-qPCR kits with its partner Life Technologies," said Benoit Lebeau, CEO at CEERAM. "This will increase our market presence and ease access to new business opportunities."
About Life Technologies
Life Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: LIFE) is a global biotechnology company that is committed to providing the most innovative products and services to leading customers in the fields of scientific research, genetic analysis and applied sciences. With a presence in more than 180 countries, the company's portfolio of 50,000 end-to-end solutions is secured by more than 5,000 patents and licenses that span the entire biological spectrum -- scientific exploration, molecular diagnostics, 21st century forensics, regenerative medicine and agricultural research. Life Technologies has approximately 10,000 employees and had sales of $3.8 billion in 2012.
Life Technologies' Safe Harbor Statement
This press release includes forward-looking statements about our anticipated results that involve risks and uncertainties. Some of the information contained in this press release, including, but not limited to, statements as to industry trends and Life Technologies' plans, objectives, expectations and strategy for its business, contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Any statements that are not statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. When used, the words "believe," "plan," "intend," "anticipate," "target," "estimate," "expect" and the like, and/or future tense or conditional constructions ("will," "may," "could," "should," etc.), or similar expressions, identify certain of these forward-looking statements. Important factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are detailed in filings made by Life Technologies with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Life Technologies undertakes no obligation to update or revise any such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.
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Life Technologies Contacts
Mauricio Minotta (U.S.)
760-929-2456
Mauricio.minotta@lifetech.com
David Robertson (EMEA)
+44 141 814 5889
david.robertson@lifetech.com
CEERAM Contact
Franck Chatigny
+33 2 40 84 25 39
franck.chatigny@ceeram.com
SOURCE Life Technologies Corporation