Konstanz (May 2007) – GATC Biotech, Europe's leading DNA sequencing service provider, has announced that its scientists sequenced nine bacterial genomes in April, demonstrating the capabilities of the Company's technology portfolio and expertise in successful next-generation, high thoughput genome sequencing.

GATC Biotech sequenced four gram-positive and five gram-negative genomes from genomic DNA, to produce genome coverage from 15-fold to 30-fold, with a genome size of 3-5 Mb, depending on the genome. The genomes were sequenced for several customers, from within industry and academia, and these initial results will be used to drive the individual customer's research and development programme by sequencing and comparing the optimised strains.

GATC Biotech is the only company in Europe that offers all three lead ultra-fast sequencing technologies, the ABI 3730XL, Illumina/Solexa 1G and Roche 454. GATC Biotech used the Illumina/Solexa 1G sequencing platform for the major part of the discovery of these nine new bacterial genomes and also used a combination of the other two technologies to produce raw data for the remaining genomes. Part of GATC Biotech's contribution to these genome projects was de novo sequencing of the organisms, while part was re-sequencing projects.

Commenting on the announcement, Peter Pohl, CEO of GATC Biotech, said:"In sequencing nine new bacterial genomes, we are highlighting that we can offer our customers an unparalleled combination of genome sequencing technologies. GATC Biotech has extensive experience in the field of molecular biological services which, combined with our broad portfolio services and innovative solutions, will ensure that we will continue to lead the way in genome sequencing services."

About GATC Biotech

With more than 17 years’ experience, GATC Biotech is a leading provider of DNA sequencing services and bioinformatics software for industry and academia worldwide. GATC Biotech offers complete sequencing solutions, from sample prep to high throughput genome sequencing and bioinformatics. It is the only company in Europe that uses all three leading high throughput sequencing technologies, the ABI 3730XL, Illumina Genome Analyzer and Roche 454, providing the flexibility to tailor programmes to meet customer requirements. These sequencing services are complemented by a range of innovative bioinformatics software including Lasergene™ (DNA sequence analysis software) by DNASTAR Inc., ePath3D™ (3D pathway drawing tool) by Protein Lounge, Mutation Surveyor™/Mutation Explorer™ (DNA variant analysis software) and GeneMarker™ (Software for AFLP and genotyping) by SoftGenetics, as well as ERGO™ (genome analysis suite) by Integrated Genomics. Headquartered in Constance, Germany, GATC Biotech has 56 employees and serves over 10,000 customers in 40 countries. The company has subsidiaries in France and the UK, as well as offices in the UK, Germany and Switzerland. GATC Biotech is privately owned and has been ISO-certified since 1997.

Contact:

Elke Decker

Senior Director Marketing
Jakob-Stadler-Platz 7
D-78467 Konstanz
Tel: +49-7531-8160-36
Fax: +49-7531-8160-81
e.decker@gatc-biotech.com