Xenogen Announces Extension of Global Licensing Agreement

Alameda, CA - Xenogen Corporation (NASDAQ:XGEN) announced today an extension of its licensing agreement with Novartis (NYSE: NVS) for up to two more years.

Novartis will continue to license Xenogen's proprietary software (Living Image® Software) and patented methods of biophotonic imaging for use with Xenogen's biophotonic imaging systems (IVIS® Imaging Systems). The technology will be used for research in several therapeutic areas at Novartis research sites in the United States, Japan and Switzerland. This is an extension of the original agreement between the two companies that was signed in 2000.

Xenogen's technologies are designed to enable researchers to visualize and track biological processes in living animals, non-invasively and in real time. The technology helps researchers analyze gene function and follow the spread of disease or effects of a drug candidate throughout the system. The result is more accurate, predictable data that can improve the success rate of pre-clinical drug development, saving both time and money.

"We are delighted that Novartis has extended its license agreement to use Xenogen's technology for drug discovery and development," said Pamela R. Contag, Ph.D., president of Xenogen Corporation. "We believe the extension of our license agreement with one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies validates Xenogen's biophotonic imaging technology in expediting drug discovery and development."

SOURCE: Xenogen Corporation