`s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands
August 29,  2001

A joint four-year research program has been announced between PamGene and Plant Research International to develop rapid assays for use in agrobiotechnology.

This work will be carried out on the premises of Plant Research International, a world-renowned center of excellence in plant research, using PamGene's high performance `PamChip(TM)' microarray platform. Whatman will also participate in the program to supply the materials for nucleic acid isolation. The research will focus on the early detection of plant pathogens or pests that are implicated in the destruction of plants or crops of economic importance.

The collaboration will explore the use of PamGene's flow-through, temperature-controlled microarray platform together with Whatman's FTA technology for rapid nucleic acid isolation. "Whatman was chosen as an affiliate because of the yield and quality of nucleic acid material derived from plant material after using their FTA technology, " said Tim Kievits, CEO of PamGene.

Plant Research International, Whatman and PamGene feel that this unique combination of expertise will provide innovative products in the field of agrobiotechnology for the coming years. "We are delighted to work together with our partners on this project and we are confident that promising and beneficial PamChip(TM) applications will be derived from this alliance, starting with microarrays for the detection of major plant pathogens in farming systems" said Dr Piet Boonekamp, of PRI. "The combination of FTA technology with the PamChip(TM) will give researchers a valuable product for developing new methodologies and assays," commented Dr David Smith, Chief Executive of Whatman.

About PamGene

PamGene is a post-genomics biotech company, which has patented technologies for a second-generation microarray platform and an expression profiling system. The PamChip(TM) allows faster, more accurate and cost-effective test results. The technology will be commercialized in academic research, pharma and biotech R&D, health management and non-pharma Life Sciences  such as agricultural applications and food. PamGene, financed by amongst others GIMV, ALTA Partners and Life Science Partners recently signed a partnership with Olympus. The workforce is expected to grow to approximately 50 employees in 2002.

About Plant Research International

Plant Research International, based in Wageningen, is renowned for its quality research and commercial development in the fields of plant genetics, plant reproduction, plant diseases and crop protection, crop physiology, agrosystems and soil fertility. By integrating research and technical expertise in their use of biotechnology, the institute also exploits high-throughput genomics research facilities (Greenomics(TM),GreenExpress(TM)) and hosts the Center for Biometry, with leading expertise in biostatistics, biomathematics and statistical genetics, thus providing a sound basis for bioinformatics. In addition Plant Research International is a leading institute in developing and commercializing assays for diagnostics of plant pathogens. More than 800 staff members are
engaged in experimental, theoretical and conceptual research.

About Whatman

Whatman is known and recognized throughout the world for its expertise in separations technology and the range of unique and innovative products that this technology makes available. Whatman products have wide-ranging applications in laboratory filtration, healthcare and bioscience markets. Whatman's unique technology for the storage, separation and purification of DNA is pervasive in
fields such as forensics, diagnostics, food and agriculture, where genetic information is required. Whatman employs more than 1,000 staff.

Company news release
N3763