Cellestis Appoints BioChemMack as New Commercial Partner in Russia

MOSCOW -

Cellestis is pleased to introduce BioChemMack (Moscow, Russia) as its newly appointed commercial partner for distribution of the tuberculosis blood test, QuantiFERON(R)-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT(TM)), in Russia.

Founded in 1989, BioChemMack JSC (BCM) was one of the first joint venture companies in the former USSR and is now privately owned with more than 50 employees. Originally focused on enzyme immunoassay kits, BCM has expanded to become one of the largest distributors of new diagnostic equipment in Russia.

With tuberculosis infection widespread and extensively drug resistant disease prominent throughout Russia, there is an urgent need for improved tuberculosis testing. For years the tuberculin skin test has been the only diagnostic for latent tuberculosis available in this region. The skin test’s major limitation is that it is highly confounded by the BCG vaccination, which is mandatory in Russia at birth and again between 7 and 14 years of age. Falsely positive skin test reactions induced by BCG vaccination prevent accurate tuberculosis diagnosis in the Russian population. However, public health programs and tuberculosis clinics in the region are now beginning to use QFT for one-step tuberculosis diagnosis because it is not influenced by BCG vaccination and is proven to be a more accurate and cost-effective means of detecting tuberculosis.

For interested customers, please contact BCM at: BCM - BioChemMack 119991, Russia, Moscow, Lenin’s Hills Telephone: +7-(495)-647-2740 Fax: +7-(495)-939-0997 www.biochemmack.ru Contact: Alexander M. Batyukhnov Global Marketing PhD.

About QuantiFERON(R)-TB Gold In-tube (QFT(TM)):

QFT(TM) is the first major advancement in TB diagnosis since the introduction of the Mantoux or tuberculin skin test (TST) over 100 years ago. The QFT test is based on measurement of a cell mediated immune response in TB-infected individuals. The T cells of these individuals are sensitized to TB, and respond to stimulation with peptides simulating those expressed by the TB causing bacteria, secreting a cytokine called interferon-. QFT accurately measures the interferon- response in a sensitive enzyme assay. Unlike the TST, QFT is unaffected by previous BCG vaccination and most other mycobacteria. QFT requires only one patient visit, is a controlled laboratory test, and provides an objective, reproducible result that is not subject to interpretation based on a patient’s relative risk factors for TB exposure. The test has received regulatory and policy approvals in the USA, Japan, Europe, Canada and elsewhere.

About BioChemMack JSC:

Since 1989 BioChemMack has been a leading supplier of diagnostic equipment and kits in Russia and represent more than 30 manufacturing companies in Europe and the United States. Located within the grounds of Moscow State University, BioChemMack provides comprehensive sales and service for equipment and test kits as well as scientific support for customers.

About Cellestis:

Cellestis is a listed Australian biotechnology company commercializing QuantiFERON(R) technology for diagnosing TB and other diseases worldwide. The Company operates through subsidiaries in the USA, Europe and Australia.

For more information, visit www.cellestis.com or please contact one of our local spokespersons at:

Cellestis Inc. USA Tel: +1-661-775-7480 customer.service@cellestis.com (Contact Mr. Mark Boyle) Cellestis Europe GERMANY Tel: +49-6151-428-590 europe@cellestis.com (Contact Mr. Paul Lebeau) Cellestis International AUSTRALIA Tel: +61-3-9571-3500 quantiferon@cellestis.com (Contact Mr. George Dragovic)

Source: Cellestis

Mark Boyle of Cellestis Inc., USA, +1-661-775-7480, customer.service at cellestis.com; or Paul Lebeau of Cellestis Europe, GERMANY, +49-6151-428-590, europe at cellestis.com; or George Dragovic of Cellestis International, AUSTRALIA, +61-3-9571-3500, quantiferon at cellestis.com