Roche RTS Protein Expression portfolio transferred to RiNA GmbH

Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) and RiNA GmbH of Berlin have agreed to transfer the complete Roche Applied Science RTS Protein Expression portfolio to RiNA GmbH, effective September 15, 2009. RiNA will contribute its longstanding experience in the field of cell-free expression systems and continue production at the same quality standards defined by Roche. Responsible for sales, support, and distribution of the RTS portfolio worldwide will be 5 PRIME 5 PRIME GmbH of Hamburg, adding an enthusiastic, fast-growing global team of support, direct sales, and distributors. Both partners are committed to maintaining unchanged quality and price of RTS products.

“Roche Applied Science is focusing on innovative technologies in genomics, and we believe that a company specializing in proteomics will be able to develop the potential of RTS technology much faster than we can,” states Manfred Baier, Head of Roche Applied Science.

Leo W. Tristram, CEO of RiNA GmbH says, “The RTS cell-free expression kits ideally complement the RiNA product portfolio and its dedicated customer-specific service for cell-free biosynthesis. Together with 5 PRIME products for purifying and detecting recombinant proteins, RTS technology will form a strong basis for joint development of innovative products in this dynamic field.”

“This agreement allows us to address the attractive market for cell-free protein expression with a well established product line,” states Bernd Haase, CEO of 5 PRIME. “RTS products are renowned for overcoming a key bottleneck in functional proteomics – limited access to pure proteins. The unique technology underlying RTS kits generates high protein yields and will serve as a cornerstone of 5 PRIME’s proteomics line.”