“Biosafety Testing of Cell Lines Used in Vaccine and Virus Vector Production” is Focus of Presentation at WilBio Viral Vectors and Vaccines Conference

Merribeth Morin, PhD, of Microtest Laboratories will present “Biosafety Testing of Cell Lines used in Vaccine and Virus Vector Production” at the WilBio Viral Vectors and Vaccines conference for Pandemic Viruses, Cancer Vaccines, and Gene Therapy, at 11:15 am-Noon, on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2008 in Santa Barbara, Calif.

Dr. Morin’s presentation will discuss the safety concerns for the use of cell lines, in reference to their use in vaccine and vector production.

“The use of cell lines for the production of virus vectors and vaccines is widely applied. The ability to manipulate cells in culture and grow them to large scale is advantageous, and in the case of vaccines, presents a more attractive and consistent process than some more traditional methods for vaccine products. As for any type of biological product, using cell lines presents various safety considerations. There are a number of regulatory guidance documents that address the characterization of cells used for the production of biological products. The safety program for cell lines needs to be reasonable, but thorough, to address the safety concerns outlined in these documents,” said Dr. Morin.

Dr. Morin is Director of Virology for Microtest Laboratories, (http://www.microtestlabs.com/), a leader in testing services and contract manufacturing for the medical device, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries. She received her PhD in Virology from Harvard University and has spent a number of years in both in vaccine research and in contract testing. Her research included developing DNA vaccines for the treatment of influenza virus infection and other infectious diseases, and the development of an attenuated vaccine for Herpes simplex virus infection.

Based in Agawam, Mass., Microtest's expertise and flexible processes enhance product safety and security, accelerate time to market, and minimize supply chain disruption. For more information, visit http://www.microtestlabs.com/ or call 1-413-786-1680 or toll-free 1-800-631-1680.

The Viral Vectors and Vaccines Conference for Pandemic Viruses, Cancer Vaccines, and Gene Therapy runs Nov. 3-5, 2008. For more information, visit http://www.wilbio.com/.

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Public Relations contact: Tiziani Whitmyre Inc., http://www.tizinc.com/

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Microtest Honored as Regional Example of Success; Receives Hampden Achievement Award, Induction into STCC Western Mass. Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame

Agawam, Mass., October 3, 2008 – In recognition of the company’s growth, success, and importance to the region, Microtest Laboratories of Agawam has received the Hampden County Achievement Award and has been inducted to Springfield Technical Community College’s Western Massachusetts Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame.

“The achievements of Microtest Laboratories’ growth and success serve as a powerful model for the future of Massachusetts, and Microtest will serve as an inspiration to thousands of people who visit every year,” said Dr. Andrew M. Scibelli, President of Springfield Technical Community College (STCC).

Microtest is a leader in testing services and contract manufacturing for the medical device, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries and has made numerous multi-million capital investments and expansions of its facilities the past several years – along with growing its professional workforce to more than 100. The company works closely with Western Mass. economic and business organizations as well as the region’s educational institutions.

Microtest President and Scientific Founder Steven Richter, Ph. D., is an ardent supporter of regional technical training programs as a means to ready both current and future workers to contribute to – and reap the benefits of – the area’s burgeoning life science industry.

“It is an honor for all of us at Microtest to be recognized for our achievements,” said Richter. “If we can serve a role for others, then let it be as a example of the potential that’s available throughout Western Mass. when working partnerships among our entrepreneurs, education, residents, and government are permitted – and encouraged – for the benefit of all.”

The Andrew Scibelli Enterprise Center is committed to furthering regional economic development, entrepreneurship education and workforce development. It is home to the Western Massachusetts Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame. Established in 2000, it honors innovative entrepreneurial individuals and businesses in Western Massachusetts, in hope to inspire the next generation of business leaders.

About Microtest
Microtest is a leader in testing services and contract manufacturing for the medical device, pharmaceutical, biotechnology industries. Based in Agawam, Massachusetts, USA, the company's expertise and flexible processes enhance product safety and security, accelerate time to market, and minimize supply chain disruption. For more information, visit http://www.microtestlabs.com/ or call 1-413-786-1680 or toll-free 1-800-631-1680.

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Public Relations contact: Tiziani Whitmyre Inc., http://www.tizinc.com/

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