Molecular Devices introduces SpectraMax M5 multi-detection microplate reader system

Sunnyvale, Calif., October 25, 2004 - Molecular Devices Corporation (Nasdaq: MDCC), today announced the introduction of SpectraMax® M5, a five-mode multi-detection microplate reader system, and the latest addition to the company's popular SpectraMax product line. The system has primary applications for fluorescence intensity, absorbance, luminescence, Time-Resolved Fluorescence (TRF) and Fluorescence Polarization (FP) assays, and will debut today at Neuroscience 2004 in San Diego, California. The SpectraMax M5 will allow life science and drug discovery researchers to increase their productivity by giving them multiple detection modes in one powerful, compact instrument.

The SpectraMax M5 features a triple-mode cuvette port and a single-read command capability for experiments requiring multiple detection parameters. The system also gives users the flexibility to choose wavelengths between 200 nm and 1000 nm. The SpectraMax M5 uses standard microplates to read endpoint, kinetic, spectrum, multi-wavelength and well-area scanning. For life sciences research, the system is well suited for ELISA, nucleic acid, protein quantitation, enzymatic, cell viability and proliferation assays. Kinase, reporter gene, FRET and other homogeneous and heterogeneous assays can also be run.

Commenting on the launch, Stephen J. Oldfield, Ph.D., Molecular Devices' Vice President of Worldwide Marketing, stated, "The SpectraMax M5 has optical performance which is comparable to our dedicated, top-of-the-line readers for all five of its primary detection modes. With its broad assay capability, this system can be used as a research tool to optimize assays in early ADME or quality control, or used as a screening instrument." He further stated, "When the SpectraMax M5 is integrated with our SynchroMaxTM ET plate handling robot, up to 320 plates can be run without interruption, with multiple assay parameters on each plate."

SpectraMax M5 utilizes SoftMax® Pro Enterprise software, the industry-leading data acquisition and analysis software with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance tools.

###