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| PamGene spins off Check-Points for Quality Testing | | | ’s-Hertogenbosch, 8 April 2003. PamGene International B.V. has announced today the spin-off of Check-Points BV. Check-Points will focus its activities on implementation of PamGene’s 5D-Pulse™ flow through microarray technology in Food Quality and Water Quality testing of micro-organisms, as well as process and quality control in the fermentation industry. PamGene will continue to focus its efforts on the use of microarrays in the drug development process. PamGene is a major shareholder of Check-Points.
Tim Kievits, CEO of PamGene explains why Check-Points was spun off: "Looking at the market opportunities for use of PamGene’s microarray technology, we identified major opportunities besides PamGene’s focus market of Drug Development, including markets like Food and Water Quality Testing. However, to be successful in this field, additional expertise needs to be built up, licensed in or created through partnering. The Netherlands is known as one of the leading players in the Food-Agro Life Science industry. I am very happy that Joost Thijssen identified this opportunity and decided to found Check-Points, thus combining his 10 years business experience in the Food industry at Quest International with PamGene’s technology. Spinning off Check-Points ensures specific focus on this specific market by Check-Points and keeps PamGene focussed on its core activities in Drug Development."
"The use of the PamGene technology allowed Check-Points to have a head start, through the existing expertise of PamGene and its international partner network as well as through the large market potential of its technology" says Joost Thijssen, CEO and founder of Check-Points.
Jan Peelen, former member of the Executive Committee of Unilever and Member of the Supervisory Board of Check-Points comments: "Check-Points' products aim to combine the fast detection and identification of a full range of micro organisms in one test. Food manufacturers will then be able to reduce the lead time of their microbial tests from days to hours, and the test will allow them to analyse their products in their own facilities. The benefits for both the food manufacturer and the consumers will be large: a faster time to the market for the products, less product recalls and less food scandals.
About Check-Points:
Check-Points is a Dutch biotech start-up with specific focus on fast detection and identification of a range of micro-organisms for quality testing in food, water and fermentation processes, using new, patented technologies such as the PamGene technology. In first instance, Check-Points focuses on application development and joint projects with renowned international companies working in this field.
About PamGene:
PamGene is a post-genomics European biotechnology company that owns patented technologies for second-generation microarray products including an innovative transcription profiling system. PamGene aims to provide access to its technology and products for use in pharma-biotech R&D and production, academic research, non-pharma life sciences, and health management testing applications through the formation of bespoke partnerships. PamGene has a partnership with Olympus Optical Co Ltd. PamGene wants to be recognised as the leading provider of Complete Microarray-based Solutions, based on the 5D-Pulse™ Technology, that adds value in the Pharmaceutical Development Process.
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