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7 November 2008

e2v to Establish Next Generation Biosensor System Using AbD Serotec-generated HuCAL Antibodies

e2v biosensors, a subsidiary of e2v technologies plc, and AbD Serotec, the division for research and diagnostic antibodies of MorphoSys AG, today launched a research programme to establish e2v’s proprietary biosensor system Visucare, a novel detection technology for biomarkers using a single-antibody immunoassay. The Visucare system will be used for protein quantification in point of care and near patient testing.

e2v biosensors and AbD Serotec began an initial project in September 2006, bringing together e2v’s novel platform technology and AbD’s leading recombinant antibody technology, HuCAL. AbD Serotec has since generated a series of modified recombinant antibodies suitable for e2v to perform feasibility studies showing proof-of-concept of the VisucareTM approach.

Lying at the heart of the e2v technology is Surface Enhanced Resonance Raman Spectroscopy (SERRS), an electromagnetic surface sensitive technique, which provides for the detection of single molecules binding to a silver surface. The key biomolecular construct of Visucare comprises three main components: A HuCAL-based antibody, a reporter SERRS dye linked to peptide, and a silver surface supporting the electromagnetic field. The HuCAL based antibody is immobilised on a silver surface.

The SERRS dye peptide is bound to the HuCAL antibody and thus held outside the electromagnetic field.  In the presence of a protein biomarker the SERRS dye peptide is displaced, allowing it to bind directly to the silver surface within the electromagnetic field and ultimately giving rise to the SERRS signal.

Unlike existing technologies, Visucare does not need an antibody pair to detect the respective biomarker. Instead it uses a single antibody in a displacement format and thus does not require any washing or incubation steps, enabling a simple to use system with results in less than 10 minutes. Additionally, the system allows the monitoring of biomarkers inaccessible to other systems and at very low levels of detection. e2v biosensors has secured substantial intellectual property through 2 issued, and a further 11 pending, patent families.

Dr. Paul Rodgers, CEO of e2v biosensors comments, “The Visucare system offers several unique advantages over other systems available for biomarker point of care analysis, with its multiplex capability, high sensitivity and high specificity.  We are currently developing a cardiac point of care panel as well as other unique biomarker applications. AbD Serotec’s ability to provide highly selective recombinant antibodies capable of binding both protein and derived peptides and genetically engineered to display surface binding activity has been crucial for establishing the system.” Adding “we are now looking for a strategic partner to fully exploit the commercial potential of the Visucare approach in a broad range of point of care and pathology applications.”

Dr. Achim Knappik, Head of R&D at AbD Serotec comments. “Today’s news further exemplifies the unique flexibility of our HuCAL antibody platform and the broad range of potential applications which we can target. e2v’s approach to establish a novel type of biosensor is highly innovative and very interesting both scientifically and commercially.  We are delighted to provide e2v with our HuCAL GOLD technology as the source of a key biomolecular construct for the e2v biosensor system”

-End-

For more information, please contact:
e2v biosensors Dr Brian Allen, General Manager
106, Waterhouse Lane, Chelmsford, Essex. CM1 2QU
Email: biosensors@e2v.com. Web: www.e2v.com

Business Development queries:
Dieter Lingelbach – Senior Vice President AbD Serotec / MorphoSys
Tel: +49 (0) 89 899 27 -234 Fax: +49 (0) 89 899 27 -5234
E-mail: antibodies@ab-direct.com Web: www.ab-direct.com

Press Contact:
Mike Tarbard, e2v Marcomms Specialist
106, Waterhouse Lane, Chelmsford, Essex. CM1 2QU
Tel: + 44 (0) 1245 453 255 Fax: +44 (0) 1245 453 255
www.michael.tarbard@e2v.com Web: www.e2v.com

Press and Investor queries:
Dave Lemus, MorphoSys AG, Chief Financial Officer
Tel: +49 (0) 89 899 27 -439 Fax: +49 (0) 89 899 27 -5439
E-mail: investors@morphosys.com, Web: www.morphosys.com

NOTES FOR EDITORS

About e2v technologies plc

e2v technologies is a leading designer, developer and manufacturer of specialised components and subsystems, falling within two product groups:

  •    Electronic tubes
  •    Sensors and Semiconductors

These products enable some of the world’s leading OEMs to deliver innovative systems for medical and science, aerospace and defence, and commercial and industrial applications.

For the year ended 31 March 2008, e2v achieved sales of £205m and is listed on the London Stock Exchange (e2v.l).  In July 2006 e2v technologies plc acquired a leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of specialised electronic components and sub-systems, based in Grenoble, France and in May of 2007 e2v plc acquired MiCS Microchemical Systems SA a designer and manufacturer of semiconductor based gas sensors.  These acquisitions strengthen the Group’s position as a major global provider of specialised electronic components and subsystems.

e2v’s products are supplied into three core market areas:

  •    Medical & Science: Sensor technology includes imaging sensors for intra-oral and panoramic dental X-ray, mammography, life science applications and X-ray microscopy. Electronic tubes are the enabling technology behind radiotherapy cancer treatments, microwave medical therapy and high-energy physics.
  •    Aerospace & Defence: Sensor technology includes products for military surveillance, targeting and guidance, space-based imaging and astronomy, radar, electronic warfare, and broadband data converters and microprocessors for aerospace applications.  Electronic tubes provide the enabling technology behind radars, electronic countermeasures (ECM), electronic warfare and satellite communications.
  •    Commercial & Industrial: Sensor technology includes marine radars, industrial safety sensors, automotive radars and alarms, thermal imaging cameras used by fire fighters, CCD and CMOS high resolution line scan cameras for industrial inspection. Electronic tubes provide enabling technology behind TV broadcast, satellite communications, marine radar and food & industrial processing.

The overall purpose of the business is to grow sustainable shareholder value whilst appropriately meeting the expectations of customers, people, partners, suppliers and the wider community.  e2v’s vision is to create value through bright ideas in technology and materials science. The Company’s mission is to place customers at the heart of the business, providing enabling products of premium quality that extend technical barriers and enhance the competitive position of our partners.

e2v has approximately 1,800 employees worldwide with three UK based manufacturing sites in Chelmsford, Lincoln and High Wycombe, one in Grenoble, France and one in Corcelles, Switzerland.  In addition e2v has sales offices in the UK, USA, Germany, France and Hong Kong, as well as a network of distributors and representatives covering other key territories.

Further information on e2v technologies plc is available from its website, www.e2v.com

About AbD Serotec:
AbD Serotec is the research antibody division of MorphoSys, one of the world’s leading human antibody technology companies with sales offices in Germany (Munich), the U.S. (Raleigh, NC), the U.K. (Oxford) and France. AbD Serotec’s comprehensive product catalog comprises more than 10,000 research
antibodies and immunology reagents guaranteed to perform to specification, with the majority in stock for next-day shipping. Custom monoclonal antibodies for research applications can be generated in just 8 weeks using fully recombinant HuCAL technology from MorphoSys. Additionally, AbD Serotec offers ISO-certified large-scale antibody production and a range of customized services including antibody conjugations for end-users and OEM customers. A comprehensive metasearch of the entire AbD Serotec range of ready-made antibodies can be performed at www.ab-direct.com.

Disclaimer:
This communication contains certain forward-looking statements concerning the MorphoSys group of companies. The forward-looking statements contained herein represent the judgment of MorphoSys as of the date of this release and involve risks and uncertainties. Should actual conditions differ from the Company”s assumptions, actual results and actions may differ from those anticipated. MorphoSys does not intend to update any of these forward-looking statements as far as the wording of the relevant press release is concerned.
HuCAL® and HuCAL GOLD® are registered trademarks of MorphoSys AG.