Ambion Diagnostics Announces Continued Alliance With Wyeth Pharmaceuticals for the Development and Supply of RNA for Vaccine Production

AUSTIN, Texas, March 8 -- Ambion Diagnostics, a division of Ambion, Inc., has entered into a new agreement with Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, a world leader in vaccine products, to continue its alliance in the development and supply of cGMP-grade RNA that will be incorporated as a component in Wyeth's innovative vaccine program. Ambion Diagnostics will manufacture RNA transcripts according to QSR guidelines and will supply the material at a scale sufficient to meet Wyeth's requirements for phase I/II clinical trials. This agreement represents a significant milestone towards Ambion's goal of establishing leadership in the area of contract development and manufacturing services for RNA-based applications. Under terms of the new agreement, Ambion Diagnostics will optimize synthesis and purification of very long RNA molecules suitable for use in the production of human therapeutics. Subsequent manufacture of the RNA transcripts will be performed in Ambion's state-of-the-art cGMP facilities. "We are very pleased that Wyeth has continued its alliance with Ambion Diagnostics. Our ongoing collaboration on the development and supply of cGMP- RNA for new vaccine targets indicates the success of this relationship," said Jeff Williams, Ph.D., General Manager of Ambion Diagnostics.

About Wyeth Pharmaceuticals
Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, a division of Wyeth (NYSE: WYE), has leading products in the areas of women's health care, cardiovascular disease, central nervous system, inflammation, hemophilia, oncology and vaccines. Wyeth is one of the world's largest research-driven pharmaceutical and health care products companies. It is a leader in the discovery, development, manufacturing, and marketing of pharmaceuticals, vaccines, biotechnology products and nonprescription medicines that improve the quality of life for people worldwide.

About Ambion Diagnostics
Ambion Diagnostics, a division of Ambion, Inc., develops, manufactures and markets innovative products to detect diseases and enable the development of pharmaceuticals. It leverages the core technologies and RNA expertise of Ambion's Research Product Division to provide solutions for the clinical and healthcare industries. Ambion Diagnostics' have demonstrated reproducibility and dependability of its validated cGMP processes. With a commitment to quality, Ambion Diagnostics is QSR/ISO compliant and FDA registered.