Amphion Innovations Partner Company, Motif BioSciences, Advised in the Design and Development of The Shafallah Center's Genetics Medical Center in Doha, Qatar
NEW YORK, June 5, 2006 – Amphion Innovations plc (AMP.L; "Amphion"), a leading developer and operator of companies in the life sciences and medical technology sectors, today announced that its partner company, Motif BioSciences, Inc., played an instrumental role in the design and development of The Shafallah Center's Genetics Medical Center (SGMC) at the Shafallah Center for Children with Special Needs, which opened last month in Doha, Qatar.
Motif, working with personnel from the Shafallah Center, assisted in the procurement of the design, identified the leading instrument vendors and assisted in installation of the SGMC, a first-of-its-kind genetics laboratory dedicated to conducting research on disorders that afflict the children of Qatar. These include rare autosomal recessive diseases, many of which are unique or first-discovered in the Gulf, as well as more common complex diseases such as autism and diabetes. The SGMC will anchor The Shafallah Center's advance to becoming a world-class center of research excellence along with its existing focus on clinical treatment, special education and related medical services.
Motif selected the Illumina® genotyping BeadLab to anchor the SGMC installation. Illumina's technology platform enables large-scale disease association studies and a complete, end-to-end genetic analysis solution with extensive automation, positive sample tracking, and industry-leading whole-genome scanning performance.
According to Richard Morgan, CEO of Amphion and Chairman of Motif, "The opening of The Shafallah Genetics Medical Center is surely one of the most important developments in this region when it comes to performing world class medical research. We are both honored and delighted to be part of this ambitious initiative."
For further information please contact
Motif BioSciences, Inc.
Richard Morgan, CEO
1 (212) 210-6224
Amphion Innovations plc
Aaron Kwittken, Investor Relations
1 (646) 747-7144
About The Shafallah Center
The Shafallah Center for Children with Special Needs was established at the behest of Her Highness Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser al Misnad, Consort of His Highness the Emir of the State of Qatar, with the intent of providing comprehensive services for need-based Qatari children. The Center is a non-profit, private institution, chaired by Hassan Ali Bin Ali.
On the web: www.shafallah.org.qa
About Motif Biosciences, Inc.
Motif BioSciences is a population genetics company focused on discovering genetic causes of major diseases by interpreting the wealth of genomic data from Arabian Gulf Region.
On the web: www.motifbio.com
About Amphion Innovations plc
Amphion Innovations plc is quoted on AIM market of the London Stock Exchange under the symbol AMP. Amphion's business is the formation, financing, management and development of life sciences and technology companies, working in partnership with corporations, governments, universities and entrepreneurs seeking to commercialise their intellectual property.
On the web: www.amphionplc.com
