Nanosys Licenses Nanowire Technology to QuantuMDx Group for Next Generation Diagnostic...

Nanosys Licenses Nanowire Technology to QuantuMDx Group for Next Generation
Diagnostic and Sequencing Technologies

PALO ALTO, Calif. and LONDON, May 11 /PRNewswire/ --Nanosys Inc. and QuantuMDx
Group (QMDx) today announced that QMDx has signed a non-exclusive license
agreement with Nanosys for several patents and patent applications related to
the use of nanowires for biosensors.

The core intellectual property involves the use of nanowire-based field effect
transistors (FETs) as biosensors, which were derived from the work of Dr.
Charles Lieber, a professor of chemistry at Harvard, a pioneer in
nanotechnology, and one of the founders of Nanosys.

Under terms of the agreement, QMDx has secured worldwide rights for the use of
nanowires for DNA sequencing and detecting biomarkers associated with disease.
In exchange, Nanosys has received an upfront license fee and downstream
royalty payments. No other financial details of the deal were disclosed.

While Nanosys owns an extensive IP portfolio around multiple aspects of
nanotechnology including nanowire compositions, nanowire synthesis and the use
of nanowires and other nanostructures for diverse applications, QMDx will
bring its proprietary molecular biology and microfluidic technologies to bear
on using nanowire based field effect transistors (FETs) as highly responsive
sensors of biomolecules. The power of Lieber's technology is that it permits
accurate diagnosis and quantification of multiple biomarkers using a small
biosensor that lends itself to 'Palm Top' diagnostic devices.

QMDx plans to manufacture and sell devices that are formatted to provide fast,
accurate and cost effective point-of-care (POC) diagnosis of disease.
Furthermore, QMDx plans to develop its DNA sequencing technology with its
nanowire biosensors, to enter the genome sequencing market and pioneer the
handheld sequencing market.

"Rapid and sensitive biomarker detection, performed at the point of care, at
an affordable price point and to standards usually only seen in the referral
laboratory will revolutionize care pathways in the developed world and open
up a whole new standard of diagnosis in emerging economies," said Elaine
Warburton, chief executive officer of QuantuMDx Group Limited. "Whereas
present rapid tests still require confirmation in centralized laboratories,
our device will negate this need, therefore reducing health costs and
significantly improving the care and experience a patient receives."

QuantuMDx Group Limited's chief scientific officer, Jonathan O'Halloran went
on to say, "Our proprietary DNA sequencing technology represents a significant
step change in the speed, accuracy and read lengths presently available with
today's 'next-gen' sequencers. Our patented dual approach to sequence both in
parallel and long read lengths, using low cost equipment, will provide the
tools necessary for the genomic medicine era."

Andrew Filler, general counsel and vice president of intellectual property at
Nanosys, commented, "We are pleased to add QMDx Group as the latest licensee
to our broad and deep intellectual property around nanowires for biosensor
devices. Through continued R&D and licensing efforts, Nanosys is expanding the
transformative applications of nanotechnology in the marketplace."

About Nanosys, Inc.
Nanosys, Inc. is a leader in the development of nanotechnology enabled
products utilizing high performance inorganic nanostructures. Nanosys has
built one of the broadest technology platforms in the industry with over 650
patents and patent applications covering fundamental areas of nanotechnology.
Based in Palo Alto, California and privately held, Nanosys collaborates with
industry leaders to develop revolutionary high-value, high-performance
products for the life sciences, computing, lighting, renewable energy, and
defense industries. Additional information on Nanosys can be found at
www.nanosysinc.com.

About QMDx Group
QMDx Group is a U.K.-based biotech company founded by Elaine Warburton, a
seasoned healthcare chief executive and Jonathan O'Halloran, a molecular
biologist. QMDx is developing and commercializing affordable handheld
diagnostic and sequencing technologies based around a nanowire biosensor and
innovative microfluidics. The company has offices in the U.K., U.S. and South
Africa. Additional information on QMDx can be found at www.quantumdx.com

For Further Information:
Nanosys Contact:
Andrew Filler, general counsel and vice president of intellectual property
Tel. +1 (650) 331-2176
Email: afiller@nanosysinc.com

QMDx Contact:
Elaine Warburton, chief executive officer
Tel: +44 791 22 06 106
Email: elaine.warburton@quantumdx.com

SOURCE Nanosys Inc.

Andrew Filler, general counsel and vice president of intellectual property of
Nanosys Inc., +1-650-331-2176, afiller@nanosysinc.com; or Elaine Warburton,
chief executive officer of QMDx Group, +44 791 22 06 106,
elaine.warburton@quantumdx.com