NextGen Sciences Launches Multiple Protein Plasma Oncology Biomarker Assay

ANN ARBOR, Michigan and LONDON, March 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- NextGen Group plc (AIM:NGG) is pleased to announce that its subsidiary NextGen Sciences Inc, a leader in biomarker discovery, measurement and qualification, has launched its first multiple protein (multiplex) assay, plasmadiscovery41, for oncology biomarker discovery and qualification. The assay simultaneously measures 41 human plasma proteins that are thought to have potential as biomarkers in cancer, particularly breast, prostate and lung cancers. The launch of plasmadiscovery41 is part of NextGen Sciences strategy of becoming a leading player in the growing oncology and central nervous system (CNS) biomarker markets.

NextGen's assay is based upon its multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mass spectrometry platform, and generates high quality reproducible data that companies can use in their drug and diagnostic development programmes. In addition to the cancer focus, the assay can be used for early-stage biomarker discovery and qualification in other disease areas. NextGen expects to continue to add proteins to the plasmadiscovery41 assay, in addition to developing other disease-focused assay panels, both as proprietary products and with other companies through partnerships and collaborations.

Klaus Rosenau, Chairman and CEO of NextGen Group, commented, 'The release of plasmadiscovery41 is a defining first step in the development of NextGen Sciences' biomarker business, following its recent reorganization. It demonstrates that we are now delivering on our plans to develop multiplex protein assays and will help to establish the company as a market leader in biomarker discovery and qualification using its MRM technology. Importantly, it enables us to aggressively target increasing market share from the $600m mass spectrometry based biomarker discovery market. We believe that pharmaceutical, biotechnology and diagnostics companies need high-quality assays relevant to their disease areas to inform their decision-making processes, and NextGen Sciences expects to launch more such products in the future.'.

Notes to Editors

NextGen Sciences Inc (Ann Arbor, MI, USA) is the subsidiary of NextGen Group PLC, London, UK (AIM: NGG). It provides pharmaceutical, biotechnology and diagnostic companies with rapid and quantitative protein biomarker discovery, measurement and qualification services using mass spectrometry technology. With a rise in the industry focus on personalized medicine and cost-effectiveness, biomarkers are playing an increasing important role in drug discovery, development and patient access, as well as healthcare delivery. The global market for biomarkers is expected to grow to $12.8bn by 2012 (BCC Research), with those for neurological disorders ($3.5bn by 2015, Espicom Healthcare) and oncology ($9.5bn by 2014, http://www.marketsandmarkets.com) playing an important role. NextGen Sciences' products include discoveryexpress for discovery of new biomarkers and targets, assayexpress for assay development and testingexpress for biomarker qualification. For more information visit http://www.nextgensciences.com

    
    For more information please contact :

    NextGen Group
    Klaus Rosenau, Chairman and CEO
    klaus.rosenau@nextgensciences.com
    +49-160-551-6756

    Seymour Pierce
    Jonathan Wright, Nicola Marrin
    +44(0)20-7107-8000