Kyoto University`s CiRA (Director, Dr. Yamanaka) Purchases Fluidigm BioMark System for Stem Cell Reprogramming Research

Single Cell Study Holds the Key to iPS Progress
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.--(Business Wire)--
Fluidigm Corporation today announced that the Center for iPS Cell Research and
Application (CiRA; Director Dr. Shinya Yamanaka) of Kyoto University`s Institute
for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (iCeMS), has introduced a BioMark System
for Genetic Analysis. CiRA is using the unique microfluidic properties of the
system`s integrated fluidic circuits (IFCs) to analyze selected genes in iPS
(induced pluripotent stem)cells and quantify copies of specific genes
transferred into a cell to generate iPS cells.

Dr. Yamanaka`s group pioneered how to successfully turn adult skin cells into
the equivalent of human embryonic stem cells without using an actual embryo. Dr.
Yamanaka had previously demonstrated this technique on mice, and then turned his
attention to human cells. Among many opportunities, stem cells hold the promise
of allowing researchers to successfully treat incurable diseases by growing
replacement tissues for patients.

"Dr. Yamanaka`s instinct and insight of recognizing that cells could be
reprogrammed into iPS cells will enable a broad spectrum of research into
regenerative medicine. Having CiRA, led by Dr. Yamanaka, adopt Fluidigm`s
BioMark system to study individual cells and their genetic profiles, joins
leading-edge science with leading-edge technology to form a dream team of stem
cell research. This is extremely exciting," said Gajus Worthington, president
and CEO of Fluidigm.

The ability of Fluidigm`s microfluidic devices - called integrated fluidic
circuits (IFCs) -- to isolate and control individual molecules provides great
insight into the development of biological events that influence stem cell
differentiation. Analyzing the stochastic differences between individual cells
typically requires studying large numbers of individual cells and genes.
Fluidigm`s IFC volume requirements are so low that researchers have been able to
study as many as 1,000 genes from an individual cell. The technology facilitates
thousands of single cell experiments allowing the biological differences to
manifest themselves.

A recent Nature Reports Stem Cells article noted: "Stem cells are defined by
their remarkable ability to self-renew and differentiate into specialized cells.
But even after careful sorting, a single population of stem cells is dynamic:
some divide rapidly and others more slowly; some differentiate, others
self-renew; some can give rise to more lineages than others. Because of this
variation, population studies of stem cells are unable to accurately address
essential questions, such as defining discrete steps from a single stem cell to
a complex population of cells."

"Each stem cell needs to be treated as an individual because it`s not
necessarily in the same state at every point in time. You have to look at them
as individuals," noted Worthington.

The complete Nature article is available at:
http://www.nature.com/stemcells/2009/0905/090507/full/stemcells.2009.71.html

About Fluidigm

Fluidigm develops, manufactures and markets proprietary Integrated Fluidic
Circuit (IFC) systems that significantly improve productivity in life science
research. Fluidigm`s IFCs enable the simultaneous performance of thousands of
sophisticated biochemical measurements in extremely minute volumes. These
"integrated circuits for biology" are made possible by miniaturizing and
integrating liquid handling components on a single microfabricated microfluidic
device. Fluidigm`s IFC systems, consisting of instrumentation, software and
single-use IFCs, increase throughput, decrease costs and enhance sensitivity
compared to conventional laboratory systems. Fluidigm products have not been
cleared or approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use as a diagnostic
and are only available for research use.

For more information, please visit www.Fluidigm.com.

Fluidigm, the Fluidigm logo, Topaz, BioMark, Dynamic Array, Digital Array,
Access Array and NanoFlex are trademarks of Fluidigm Corporation.

Fluidigm Corp.
Howard High, 650-266-6081 (office)
510-786-7378 (mobile)

Copyright Business Wire 2009