CPHD - Cephid (CPHD)

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SUNNYVALE, Calif., Apr 11, 2002 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Cepheid
(Nasdaq: CPHD) today announced the issuance of U.S. Patent 6,369,893 broadly
covering the company's fundamental I-CORE(R) module technology for simultaneous,
real-time optical excitation and detection of two or more nucleic acids, and
U.S. Patent 6,368,871 covering the automated preparation of biological samples
using chip-based microfluidics technology.

The inventors named in both patents include William A. McMillan, Cepheid vice
president of biotechnology; Kurt E. Petersen, Ph.D., president and chief
operating officer; and Lee A. Christel, Ph.D., vice president of engineering.

Cepheid has 36 U.S. patents issued or pending, plus corresponding foreign patent
applications. "These patents further strengthen Cepheid's intellectual property
and competitive barriers as we continue to expand our product line and grow our
market base," said Dr. Petersen.

I-CORE Technology

An integrated, cooling/heating, optical reaction system, the I-CORE module is at
the heart of every Cepheid DNA testing and analysis system. Each I-CORE module
contains its own heating and cooling components for rapid, precise temperature
control, and a four-channel optical analysis system capable of detecting and
quantifying up to four fluorescent dyes and multiple target molecules in
real-time. The module (which fits in the palm of your hand) is a complete,
independent fluorimeter for performing and continuously monitoring the
polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for amplifying DNA and other nucleic acids.

Cepheid's I-CORE patent covers an apparatus for "multiplex detection" -- the
simultaneous optical detection and analysis of two or more nucleic-acid targets
within the same reaction tube. Unlike other single or multiplex real- time
detection systems that use a single excitation light source and have limited
multiplexing capacity, Cepheid's unique I-CORE design includes multiple
excitation and detection sources for the widest range of multiplexing
capability, increasing test accuracy and information content.

The I-CORE module includes no moving parts and runs on low power, making it
highly durable and suitable for integration into portable and battery- powered
systems.

Automated Sample Preparation

Before a biological sample can be analyzed for its DNA content, a variety of
complex biochemical procedures must be performed. These include cell separation,
washing, cell lysing and DNA or RNA purification. Cepheid's microfluidics patent
broadly covers automated chip-based sample preparation for DNA, RNA, nucleic
acids, proteins and other biological samples. The technology is part of the tool
set for incorporation into Cepheid's DNA detection systems, including its
GeneXpert(R) system. The GeneXpert automates sample preparation, amplification
and detection, eliminating the need for skilled personnel.

With a prototype delivered to the U.S. Department of Defense at the end of last
year and commercial availability slated for 2003, Cepheid's GeneXpert provides
results from a raw sample in 30 minutes, enabling time-critical DNA tests at the
point of need. Current techniques for accomplishing this same series of
procedures require extensive manual labor by skilled technicians and can take
hours to several days. Developed directly by Cepheid and through its partners,
potential applications for the GeneXpert include clinical diagnostics, food
testing, environmental testing and biodefense.

Cepheid, based in Sunnyvale, Calif., is a leading developer, manufacturer and
marketer of miniaturized, fully integrated systems for rapid, on-site detection
of DNA -- the universal biological identifier. Founded in 1996, the company is
commercializing its technology and products for scientific, medical and
industrial applications requiring time-critical detection of human and other
genes, infectious disease agents, and industrial and environmental contaminants
at the point of need. Cepheid, I-CORE and GeneXpert are registered trademarks of
Cepheid. See http://www.cepheid.com for more information.

Statements in this release, including those that may relate to product
performance and business prospects are forward-looking statements. Actual
results might differ materially from these statements due to risks and
uncertainties, including the impact of competitive products and pricing, market
acceptance of new products, market conditions and enforcement of intellectual
property rights. A more detailed description of these risks and other risks
applicable to Cepheid appears in Cepheid's reports filed with the U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commission and available upon request from Cepheid.
Cepheid disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward- looking
statements.



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SOURCE Cepheid



CONTACT: company, Thomas Gutshall, CEO & Chairman of Cepheid,

[phone] or [e-mail]; or, media, Yvonne Blaxter of Versaggi

Biocommunications(R), [phone] or [e-mail], for Cepheid



URL: http://www.cepheid.com

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Copyright (C) 2002 PR Newswire. All rights reserved.





KEYWORD: California

INDUSTRY KEYWORD: MTC

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