Fully Automated, Integrated BD MAX(TM) System for Rapid Testing for Infectious Diseases Incorporates the New HandyLab Automated PCR System FRANKLIN LAKES, N.J. and ANN ARBOR, Mich., May 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- BD Diagnostics, a segment of BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) (NYSE: BDX), and HandyLab, Inc. announced today that they have entered into an exclusive agreement for BD to commercialize its molecular assays on a new BD MAX(TM) system, an automated molecular diagnostic testing platform in development using HandyLab's recently launched Jaguar instrument. BD will focus initially on its BD GeneOhm(TM) line of molecular assays to detect major pathogens associated with healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). "This collaboration further demonstrates BD's commitment to address underappreciated healthcare needs," said Philippe Jacon, President, BD Diagnostics - Diagnostic Systems. "As our customers expand their HAI and sexually transmitted infection testing programs, they are seeking simple, flexible and fully automated systems to meet their increasing demands. Our new BD MAX system will be a good strategic fit with our current platforms and those under development." Released by HandyLab in November 2008, the Jaguar system is the first fully integrated bench-top molecular diagnostic system to provide hands-off operation. The system incorporates clinical sample preparation, nucleic acid extraction, and microfluidic real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and detection. The self-contained workstation is designed to accommodate on-demand and batch workflows. It requires minimal laboratory space and minimal skill levels to generate up to 24 real-time PCR results in under two hours. "This exclusive collaboration with BD represents an important step forward in expanding the utility of the Jaguar system," said Jeff Williams, President and CEO, HandyLab. "BD is a global leader in molecular diagnostic testing for infectious diseases. Together we plan to provide diagnostic laboratories with a broad molecular test menu on one of the industry's most advanced automation platform." BD is a leader in rapid molecular test methods to help detect major HAI-associated pathogens including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant enterococcus and toxigenic Clostridium difficile. The BD GeneOhm(TM) MRSA assay has been used to test over 4 million patients worldwide for carriage of the potentially lethal MRSA bacteria. BD is also a leader in molecular testing for Chlamydia and gonorrhea with its BD ProbeTec(TM) Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) Amplified DNA Assay and the BD ProbeTec(TM) Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) Amplified DNA Assay. About HandyLab, Inc. HandyLab is dedicated to the development, manufacture and sale of novel molecular diagnostic products. HandyLab's proprietary platform reduces the time, cost and complexity of testing while improving the quality of results. Using patented real time microfluidic PCR technology, HandyLab's products are positioned to decentralize nucleic acid testing. HandyLab is an Ann Arbor, Michigan based company. Additional information about the company can be found on the internet at http://www.handylab.com/, or by calling 1-866-Handy Lab (1-866-426-3952). About BD BD is a leading global medical technology company that develops, manufactures and sells medical devices, instrument systems and reagents. The Company is dedicated to improving people's health throughout the world. BD is focused on improving drug delivery, enhancing the quality and speed of diagnosing infectious diseases and cancers, and advancing research, discovery and production of new drugs and vaccines. BD's capabilities are instrumental in combating many of the world's most pressing diseases. Founded in 1897 and headquartered in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, BD employs approximately 28,000 people in approximately 50 countries throughout the world. The Company serves healthcare institutions, life science researchers, clinical laboratories, the pharmaceutical industry and the general public. For more information, please visit http://www.bd.com/. *** This press release contains certain estimates and other forward-looking statements (as defined under Federal securities laws) regarding BD's performance, including future performance, products or other events or developments that BD expects to occur or anticipates occurring in the future. All such statements are based upon current expectations of BD and involve a number of business risks and uncertainties. Actual results could vary materially from anticipated results described, implied or projected in any forward-looking statement. Factors that could cause actual results to vary materially from any forward-looking statement include, but are not limited to: competitive factors; pricing and market share pressures; difficulties inherent in product development and delays in product introductions; changes in regional, national or foreign economic conditions; increases in energy costs and their effect on, among other things, the cost of producing BD's products; fluctuations in costs and availability of raw materials and in BD's ability to maintain favorable supplier arrangements and relationships; changes in healthcare or other governmental regulation; as well as other factors discussed in this press release and in BD's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We do not intend to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof except as required by applicable laws or regulations. DATASOURCE: BD-Becton Dickinson CONTACT: Mark Powelson, Sales and Marketing, HandyLab, +1-734-663-4719 x 263, , or Jamie Yacco, Public Relations of BD, +1-201-847-4796, Web Site: http://www.bd.com/

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