ZURICH, March 3 /PRNewswire/ --     Prionics, a world leader in farm animal diagnostic products, has
broadened its sampling device range through the acquisition of forensiX. The
forensiX product line provides simple and highly reliable solutions for
taking DNA samples for use in criminal investigations and other applications
including paternity testing. Unlike other DNA sampling products on the
market, forensiX products are unique in that the samples do not require
pre-drying or freezing and can be stored at room temperature for later use.

From television series such as CSI-Miami, it is general knowledge
that DNA analysis is one of the most important tools for use in criminal
investigative procedures. DNA evidence is traceable in extremely small
quantities and professional preservation of biological clues for DNA analysis
can be decisive in resolving criminal cases. Prionics forensiX sampling
products can be applied to take all kinds of samples, but because they meet
the highest quality standards, the products are especially suited for taking
nucleic acid samples, such as DNA samples.

Effective sample preservation

forensiX products are the best solutions for DNA sampling on the market
today, since they allow optimal sample preservation independent of transport
and storage conditions. Other DNA testing products require pre-drying,
immediate sample analysis, and transfer of the DNA sample to a paper carrier
or cooling container. Prionics forensiX kits include all sampling materials
and detailed instructions for taking DNA swabs. The forensiX cotton swab is
placed in a dedicated cardboard box in which the sample is air-dried. Using
the cardboard box means that the sample can be packed, sealed and labeled
immediately after the DNA sample is taken. The sealed sample is preserved,
and can be transported and stored at room temperature, without pre-drying or
freezing, until DNA analysis is performed. By continuous drying of the sample
in the storage box, one of the biggest risks in forensic sampling - DNA
degradation - is avoided. It is due to these unique storage characteristics
that forensiX products are used by many forensic institutes worldwide.

Product innovations

"Prionics is currently working on extending the existing forensiX product
line for additional applications to meet the needs of its customers", reports
Prionics CEO, Markus Moser. A recent example is the newly launched DNA sample
storage tube, which was developed together with Dr. Harald Schneider from the
State Office of Criminal Investigation of Hessen in Wiesbaden, Germany. "The
new swab kit fulfills our requirements for securing evidence after a criminal
offence in a unique way" says Dr. Schneider. "To our knowledge there is no
comparable product available worldwide that equally meets our needs."

The forensiX product line was first developed by swissforensix AG, a spin
off of the Institute for Forensic Medicine of the University of Berne. The
acquisition by Prionics, already a world leader in sample taking devices,
enhances its product range for degradation-sensitive probes to include DNA
samples.

About Prionics

Prionics AG, based in Zurich, Switzerland, is a leading provider
of farm animal diagnostics and a recognized center of expertise in BSE and
prion diseases. Founded in 1997, Prionics researches and markets innovative
diagnostic solutions for major farm animal diseases, contributing
significantly to the protection of consumer health. Winner of the Swiss
Economic Award for "Company of the year" (2002) and the European Biotech
Award for "Excellence in Biotech Business" (2004), in 2006 Prionics was
nominated as the world's best animal health company.

For more information please visit http://www.prionics.com/media

Contact:

    Marjan van der Haar
    Corporate Communications
    Phone:  +41-44-200-20-57
    Mobile: +41-79-352-53-16
    E-Mail: media@prionics.com