NextGen Sciences Launches Multiple Protein Plasma Oncology Biomarker Assay

ANN ARBOR, Michigan and LONDON, March 16, 2011 - NextGen Group plc (AIM:NGG) is pleased to announce that its
subsidiary NextGen Sciences Inc, a leader in biomarker discovery, measurement
and qualification, has launched its first multiple protein (multiplex) assay,
plasmadiscovery41, for oncology biomarker discovery and qualification. The
assay simultaneously measures 41 human plasma proteins that are thought to
have potential as biomarkers in cancer, particularly breast, prostate and
lung cancers. The launch of plasmadiscovery41 is part of NextGen Sciences
strategy of becoming a leading player in the growing oncology and central
nervous system (CNS) biomarker markets.

NextGen's assay is based upon its multiple reaction monitoring
(MRM) mass spectrometry platform, and generates high quality reproducible
data that companies can use in their drug and diagnostic development
programmes. In addition to the cancer focus, the assay can be used for
early-stage biomarker discovery and qualification in other disease areas.
NextGen expects to continue to add proteins to the plasmadiscovery41 assay,
in addition to developing other disease-focused assay panels, both as
proprietary products and with other companies through partnerships and
collaborations.

Klaus Rosenau, Chairman and CEO of NextGen Group, commented,
'The release of plasmadiscovery41 is a defining first step in the development
of NextGen Sciences' biomarker business, following its recent reorganization.
It demonstrates that we are now delivering on our plans to develop multiplex
protein assays and will help to establish the company as a market leader in
biomarker discovery and qualification using its MRM technology. Importantly,
it enables us to aggressively target increasing market share from the $600m
mass spectrometry based biomarker discovery market. We believe that
pharmaceutical, biotechnology and diagnostics companies need high-quality
assays relevant to their disease areas to inform their decision-making
processes, and NextGen Sciences expects to launch more such products in the
future.'.

Notes to Editors

NextGen Sciences Inc (Ann Arbor, MI, USA) is the subsidiary of
NextGen Group PLC, London, UK (AIM: NGG). It provides pharmaceutical,
biotechnology and diagnostic companies with rapid and quantitative protein
biomarker discovery, measurement and qualification services using mass
spectrometry technology. With a rise in the industry focus on personalized
medicine and cost-effectiveness, biomarkers are playing an increasing
important role in drug discovery, development and patient access, as well as
healthcare delivery. The global market for biomarkers is expected to grow to
$12.8bn by 2012 (BCC Research), with those for neurological disorders ($3.5bn
by 2015, Espicom Healthcare) and oncology ($9.5bn by 2014,
www.marketsandmarkets.com) playing an important role. NextGen
Sciences' products include discoveryexpress for discovery of new biomarkers
and targets, assayexpress for assay development and testingexpress for
biomarker qualification. For more information visit
www.nextgensciences.com

    For more information please contact :

    NextGen Group
    Klaus Rosenau, Chairman and CEO
    klaus.rosenau@nextgensciences.com
    +49-160-551-6756

    Seymour Pierce
    Jonathan Wright, Nicola Marrin
    +44(0)20-7107-8000

For more information please contact : NextGen Group, Klaus Rosenau, Chairman and CEO, klaus.rosenau at nextgensciences.com , +49-160-551-6756; Seymour Pierce: Jonathan Wright, Nicola Marrin, +44(0)20-7107-8000