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Veredus Laboratories' Avian Flu Test on STMicroelectronics' Lab-on-Chip enters Evaluation Trial at National University Hospital The STMicroelectronics’ Lab-on-Chip will be able to detect all major flu types Geneva and Singapore - March 26, 2007 - Veredus Laboratories, a leading provider of molecular detection tests, today announced that it will begin its evaluation trial with the National University Hospital to assess Veredus' diagnostic test using STMicroelectronics’ lab-on-chip for the detection of all major influenza types including the deadly avian influenza H5N1. Using STMicroelectronics’ In-Check™ platform, Veredus’ test specifically identifies whether a patient is infected with the Avian Flu (H5N1) or a subtype of Influenza A or B in a single test, instead of requiring many tests, as needed currently. The single-test application will be a substantial breakthrough in enabling rapid identification of the infectious agent to limit the spread of the disease and speed patients’ treatment. The chip is also capable of detecting avian flu strains that have not crossed over to humans, providing a first line of detection. The diagnostic effort is being built on STMicroelectronics’ In-Check platform, a complete laboratory on a chip. The platform allows users to accurately and reliably perform the complex processing and analysis of a minute sample on a single disposable chip that is the size of a thumbnail, dramatically reducing the time and complexity of the instrumentation needed. In addition, this self-contained lab-on-chip approach reduces the risk of crosscontamination inherent in conventional analysis methods. Results are detected by a dedicated portable reader using optical signal acquisition and processed by ST’s specialized bioinformatics software, which can be installed on any PC. “Many countries have responded to the increasing public health risks associated with the emergence of a new flu virus and have implemented their influenza pandemic preparedness plans,” said Dr Rosemary Tan, Chief Executive Officer of Veredus Laboratories. “We believe that the ability of healthcare professionals to quickly differentiate Avian Flu or severe flu strains from milder strains by their subtypes will be crucial in the implementation of such plans.” “The medical laboratory is now focusing on translational research, which aims to harness the latest technology and scientific knowledge to develop novel testing devices for patients. With our strong research background and a history of early adoption of new technology, we are collaborating with Veredus and STMicroelectronics to develop revolutionary test approaches with unprecedented speed, accuracy and scope of deployment outside the traditional laboratory setting. NUH played a major role in diagnostic testing of patients from many hospitals during the SARS crisis; with this project, we hope to be even better prepared to meet new emerging infectious threats to our community. We will then be ready for the next influenza pandemic,” said Assoc Prof Raymond Lin, Clinical Director, Molecular Diagnosis Centre, National University Hospital. “After careful and thorough preparation and validation, the ST In-Check lab-on-chip platform and the Veredus Avian Flu panel are ready for the next important step in the complex process of testing and evaluation," said Anton Hofmeister, Group VP and General Manager of STMicroelectronics Microfluidic Division. "We're confident that the National University Hospital will do an equally thorough clinical evaluation that will demonstrate the efficacy of the tests." About Veredus Laboratories Pte Ltd Veredus Laboratories Pte Ltd is a privately held, medical diagnostics company engaged in the development, commercialization and manufacture of diagnostic assays for diseases. As a successful enabler for innovative technologies, products and services, Veredus is the partner of choice for industrial research in Life Sciences, Diagnostics and Pharma. For more information, please visit www.vereduslabs.com. About National University Hospital The National University Hospital (NUH) opened its doors to the public on 24 June 1985 as the first restructured hospital in Singapore. As the nation’s only university hospital, NUH remains dedicated to caring for patients, providing excellent medical education and leading medical research. Since its inception, it has grown to become 935-bed, acute-care, tertiary hospital. NUH is committed to improving the standard of their medical, paramedical and nursing care as well as constantly striving to provide personalized, specialized, cost-effective and specialized patient care. With 22 clinical, 3 dental and 6 paramedical departments, as well as numerous specialist outpatient clinics and specialised service centres, NUH has a comprehensive range of services to meet the growing needs of patients. NUH also has a pool of more than 3500 professional staff providing round-the-clock personalised care to patients. In recognition of its ongoing commitment to provide high standard of care, NUH is the first hospital to be granted accreditation from the Joint Commission International in August 2004 and the Singapore Service Class in July 2004. NUH is also the first and only hospital in Singapore to achieve triple ISO certification simultaneously – ISO 9001:2000 (Quality Management Systems); ISO 14001:1996 (Environmental Management Systems); and OHSAS 18001:1999 (Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems) in December 2002. About STMicroelectronics STMicroelectronics is a global leader in developing and delivering semiconductor solutions across the spectrum of microelectronics applications. An unrivalled combination of silicon and system expertise, manufacturing strength, Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio and strategic partners positions the Company at the forefront of System-on-Chip (SoC) technology and its products play a key role in enabling today's convergence markets. The Company's shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, on Euronext Paris and on the Milan Stock Exchange. In 2006, the Company's net revenues were $9.85 billion and net earnings were $782 million. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com. For more information, please contact: Dr Rosemary Tan CEO, Veredus Laboratories Pte Ltd H/p: +65 9619 9690 Email: [email protected] Ms Lisa Ang Senior Executive Corporate Communications & Services National University Hospital Tel: +65 6772 5117 Email: [email protected] Ms Esther Gan Director Corporate Communications STMicroelectronics Asia-Pacific Tel: +65 6216 5522 Email: [email protected]