Pacific Biosciences and Imec Announce Collaboration to Develop Advanced Microchips for Single Molecule Sequencing Applications

MENLO PARK, Calif., and LEUVEN, Belgium–(BUSINESS WIRE)–

Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc. (NASDAQ:PACB) provider of the

PacBio^® RS High Resolution Genetic Analyzer and

Belgium-based nanoelectronics research center imec today announced a

multi-year research collaboration focused on the development of advanced

microchips for highly multiplexed single molecule genetic analysis. This

research and development project will build on Pacific Biosciences’

proprietary zero-mode waveguide (ZMW) technology and imec’s

world-leading expertise in nanophotonics, CMOS sensors, technology

integration and fabrication.

“From our inception we have been committed to exploiting the potential

of the unique capabilities of our ZMW-based Single Molecule, Real-Time

(SMRT^®) analysis technology to drive innovation in the life

sciences,” said Michael Hunkapiller, President and Chief Executive

Officer of Pacific Biosciences. “The goal of this collaboration is to

harness the power of microchips to scale the capacity and throughput of

our SMRT technology. We look forward to working with imec on this

advanced development program as we continue to expand the application

space for our platform.”

Luc Van den hove, Chief Executive Officer and President of imec,

commented: “We are excited to work with the leading single molecule

sequencing company to identify ways to bring greater economies of scale

to this breakthrough technology through nanoscale semiconductor

fabrication. This collaboration is another example of how imec leverages

the research competencies of its Life Science Program with its CMORE

technology platforms to deliver full custom integrated nano/microsystem

solutions to our partners for new and emerging markets.”

For more information about Pacific Biosciences, please visit www.pacb.com,

or follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/pacbio.

About Pacific Biosciences
Pacific Biosciences of California,

Inc. (NASDAQ: PACB) offers the PacBio^® RS High

Resolution Genetic Analyzer to help scientists solve genetically complex

problems. Based on its novel Single Molecule, Real-Time (SMRT^®)

technology, the company’s products enable: targeted sequencing to more

comprehensively characterize genetic variations; de novo genome

assembly to more fully identify, annotate and decipher genomic

structures; and DNA base modification identification to help

characterize epigenetic regulation and DNA damage. By providing access

to genetic information that was previously inaccessible, Pacific

Biosciences enables scientists to increase their understanding of

biological systems.

About imec
Imec performs world-leading research in

nanoelectronics. Imec leverages its scientific knowledge with the

innovative power of its global partnerships in ICT, healthcare and

energy. Imec delivers industry-relevant technology solutions. In a

unique high-tech environment, its international top talent is committed

to providing the building blocks for a better life in a sustainable

society. Imec is headquartered in Leuven, Belgium, and has offices in

Belgium, the Netherlands, Taiwan, US, China, India and Japan. Its staff

of close to 2,000 people includes more than 600 industrial residents and

guest researchers. In 2011, imec’s revenue (P&L) was about 300 million

euro. Further information on imec can be found at www.imec.be.

Imec is a registered trademark for the activities of IMEC

International (a legal entity set up under Belgian law as a “stichting

van openbaar nut”), imec Belgium (IMEC vzw supported by the Flemish

Government), imec the Netherlands (Stichting IMEC Nederland, part of

Holst Centre which is supported by the Dutch Government), imec Taiwan

(IMEC Taiwan Co.) and imec China (IMEC Microelectronics

(Shanghai) Co. Ltd.) and imec India (Imec India Private Limited).

Media:
For Pacific BiosciencesNicole Litchfield, 415-793-6468
nicole@bioscribe.com
or
For

imecKatrien Marent, +32 474 30 28 66
katrien.marent@imec.be
or
Investors:
Pacific

BiosciencesTrevin Rard, 650-521-8450
ir@pacificbiosciences.com

Source: imec

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