Acquisition & Research Agreement

Immunodiagnostic Systems Holdings plc

Acquisition and Research Agreement

Immunodiagnostic Systems Holdings plc ("IDS"), a leading producer of diagnostic testing kits for the clinical and research markets, announces that it has acquired 100% of the share capital of MGP Diagnostics AS of Mjøndalen, Norway (MGPD) for an undisclosed cash consideration.

MGPD is a non-trading company owning a portfolio of patents relating to the determination of a unique biomarker called Matrix GLA protein (mGLA). There is growing evidence that mGLA is a controlling factor in the inappropriate calcification of soft tissues such as the carotid arteries and heart valves, with an increasing number of publications appearing in the scientific literature in recent years.

Vascular calcification is known to play a significant role in the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). It is particularly common in patients suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD) and those on kidney dialysis, who commonly develop bone disease as a result of their failing kidneys. More than 80% of dialysis patients develop some degree of coronary artery calcification.

IDS also announces that it has entered into a Research Agreement with VitaK BV of Maastricht in the Netherlands. VitaK is the leading research establishment in mGLA biology in the world, having filed the original patents now acquired by IDS from MGPD. IDS and VitaK will work closely to accelerate the proof of concept studies needed to establish the clinical utility of mGLA.

Dr Roger Duggan, CEO of IDS, commented: "This acquisition provides IDS with an IP-protected entry into an adjacent, highly complementary area of potential clinical importance. Calcification of bones and teeth is highly desirable, but in soft tissues such as arteries and heart valves is potentially lethal. The future availability of a serum biomarker for early diagnosis and the monitoring of therapy will provide a valuable tool to cardiovascular and renal physicians throughout the world."

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