Agilent Acquires Powerful Next Generation Sequencing IP Portfolio

Molecular and Sample Barcoding IP Portfolio Bolsters Agilent’s Leadership Position in NGS Target Enrichment Solutions

IP Portfolio Aimed at Improving Accuracy and Sensitivity of NGS Detection

SANTA CLARA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jul. 24, 2017– Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) (“Agilent”) today announced that it has acquired the molecular and sample barcoding patent portfolios of Population Genetics Technologies (“Population Genetics”). Founded in 2005, Population Genetics was formed to commercialize the intellectual property portfolio of Nobel Laureate Sydney Brenner focused on high sensitivity and high specificity Next Generation Sequencing (“NGS”) detection. In 2015, Population Genetics became an IP holding entity with over 30 patents. Financial terms of the purchase were not disclosed.

“Our customers are increasingly requiring fully integrated next-generation sequencing workflows with the highest performance,” said Herman Verrelst, vice president and general manager of Agilent’s Genomics Division. “With the addition of this IP portfolio, we can now deliver complete target enrichment solutions to our customers that they can trust, from QC to target enrichment, to analysis and interpretation that meets this demand.”

The acquired Population Genetics IP includes patents related to both molecular and sample barcoding that improve accuracy and sensitivity of NGS detection. The combination of these patents provides for customizable target enrichment solutions that enable customers to detect ultra-low mutation frequencies in very small DNA quantities. These features are ideal for detection of rare-variants in cancer and reproductive genetics, including liquid biopsies.

“We are excited to bring these technologies to our customers,” said Jacob Thaysen, president of Agilent’s Diagnostics and Genomics Group. “We outlined a strategy to grow in the diagnostics space, and to build a complete routine clinical NGS workflow. This acquisition is another example of executing on that strategy, and our commitment to helping our customers improve the quality of life.”

Agilent’s newest next generation sequencing library prep solution, Agilent SureSelectXTHS, incorporates molecular barcodes from this IP portfolio. The incorporation of these molecular barcodes improves the overall precision and produces higher complexity libraries than competing products, on a broad range of tissue types and low- and high-quality FFPE samples. Information about SureSelectXTHS is available on Agilent’s website.

Agilent and Population Genetics had a previous licensing arrangement providing Agilent with licensing rights to certain Population Genetics molecular barcode patented technology, which allows for the sensitive and confident detection of minority genetic variants on next generation sequencing platforms to levels below 0.1%.

About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is a global leader in life sciences, diagnostics and applied chemical markets. With more than 50 years of insight and innovation, Agilent instruments, software, services, solutions, and people provide trusted answers to its customers’ most challenging questions. The company generated revenues of $4.20 billion in fiscal 2016 and employs about 13,000 people worldwide. Information about Agilent is available at www.agilent.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and is subject to the safe harbors created therein. The forward-looking statements contained herein include, but are not limited to, information regarding Agilent’s future revenue, earnings and profitability; planned new products; market trends; the future demand for the company’s products and services; customer expectations; and revenue and non-GAAP earnings guidance for the third quarter and full fiscal year 2017. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause Agilent’s results to differ materially from management’s current expectations. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, unforeseen changes in the strength of our customers’ businesses; unforeseen changes in the demand for current and new products, technologies and services; unforeseen changes in the currency markets; customer purchasing decisions and timing, and the risk that we are not able to realize the savings expected from integration and restructuring activities.

In addition, other risks that Agilent faces in running its operations include the ability to execute successfully through business cycles; the ability to meet and achieve the benefits of its cost-reduction goals and otherwise successfully adapt its cost structures to continuing changes in business conditions; ongoing competitive, pricing and gross-margin pressures; the risk that our cost-cutting initiatives will impair our ability to develop products and remain competitive and to operate effectively; the impact of geopolitical uncertainties and global economic conditions on our operations, our markets and our ability to conduct business; the ability to improve asset performance to adapt to changes in demand; the ability of our supply chain to adapt to changes in demand; the ability to successfully introduce new products at the right time, price and mix; the ability of Agilent to successfully integrate recent acquisitions; the ability of Agilent to successfully comply with certain complex regulations; and other risks detailed in Agilent’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 30, 2017. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs and assumptions of Agilent’s management and on currently available information. Agilent undertakes no responsibility to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement.

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Source: Agilent Technologies Inc.

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