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RNS Number : 9262D
Osmetech PLC
22 September 2008

22 September 2008

Osmetech and QIAGEN sign development and supply agreement for QIAplex-based respiratory viral molecular test

Osmetech plc ('Osmetech', OMH.L), the international molecular diagnostics business, today announced that it has signed an agreement with
QIAGEN (Nasdaq: QGEN; Frankfurt Prime Standard: QIA) pursuant to which Osmetech will adapt a QIAplex-based respiratory viral test for use on
Osmetech's recently launched eSensor XT-8 molecular diagnostics system.

Under the terms of the agreement, QIAGEN will supply proprietary QIAplex-based reagents for the multiplex amplification of the most
common viruses associated with respiratory infections. In July 2008, QIAGEN launched its next generation, QIAplex-based ResPlex II
respiratory panel for research use only. Osmetech intends to develop an in-vitro diagnostic test for use on its eSensor XT-8 molecular
diagnostic instrument and to submit this test to the FDA for 510(k) clearance..

QIAplex is a proprietary assay technology in which dozens of molecular targets can be amplified in one PCR reaction. Compared to other
molecular multiplex assays, QIAplex offers a very simple workflow and unmatched sensitivity and specificity. QIAplex assays can be detected
using a broad range of commercially available detection platforms. QIAGEN's ResPlex II respiratory panel is based on QIAplex technology and
allows detection of up to 17 different viral molecular targets with high sensitivity and specificity. Viral pathogens detected will include
influenza A/B, parainfluenza RSV A/B, and others.

James White, Chief Executive, Osmetech plc, said: "We are delighted that QIAGEN has partnered with Osmetech. This is an excellent
opportunity to take an already commercially successful product into the mainstream diagnostics market, illustrating the attraction of our
easy to use eSensor XT-8 instrument. This is another opportunity to broaden our test menu and establish the eSensor XT-8 as a leading
molecular diagnosticsplatform."

Dr. Ulrich Schriek, Vice President Business Development for QIAGEN, said: "Osmetech's system offers highest standards in terms of ease
of use and speed and is well suited for assays based on QIAplex technology. The combination of Osmetech's eSensor XT-8 detection technology
and QIAGEN's ResPlex II assay technology would provide diagnostic labs and hospitals with a next-generation multiplex testing solution which
can be used without extensive training. It significantly helps to improve the diagnoses and treatment of respiratory infections and thereby
benefits patients worldwide."

Osmetech plc +44 (0)207 849 6027
James White, Chief Executive Officer +1 626 463 2000
David Sandilands, Chief Financial Officer

Madano Partnership +44 (0) 207 593 4000
Mark Way
Graham Moonie
www.madano.co.uk

Canacccord Adams Limited +44 (0) 207 050 6500
Robert Finlay
L. Warren Pimm

A registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission but has not yet become
effective. These securities may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes
effective. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor will there be any sale of
these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or
qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which include statements about development of a respiratory panel diagnostic test, expectations about our
test menu and eSensor XT-8 and other statements containing expectations, beliefs and other similar expressions. These statements are not
historical facts, but instead represent beliefs regarding future events. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are
only predictions and may differ materially from actual results due to a variety of factors. Forward-looking statements involve inherent
risks and uncertainties. Information regarding these risks and uncertainties is included in public documents for Osmetech filed with the
U.U. Securities and Exchange Commission. Osmetech does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as
required under applicable law.

About Osmetech plc
www.osmetech.com

Osmetech plc is a public company listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange. The company is a fast developing, international
molecular diagnostics business with operations in Boston and Pasadena in the US, serving the high growth molecular diagnostic market
targeting hospitals and reference laboratories. Osmetech has rights to a strong portfolio of over 200 issued and pending patents and has
launched its first generation eSensor 4800 system, an electrochemistry-based array system, together with an FDA cleared in vitro diagnostic
test for Cystic Fibrosis carrier detection. In July 2008, Osmetech received FDA clearance for its second generation eSensor XT-8 molecular
diagnostics instrument and Warfarin Sensitivity Test.

This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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