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

MENLO PARK, Calif., and LEUVEN, Belgium — July 23, 2012 — 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 (Shangai) Co. Ltd.) and imec India (Imec India Private Limited).

Contacts:

Media

Nicole Litchfield 
For Pacific Biosciences Pacific Biosciences
415.793.6468 
nicole@bioscribe.com

Katrien Marent For imec
+32 474 30 28 66
katrien.marent@imec.be

Investors

Trevin Rard
Pacific Biosciences
650.521.8450
ir@pacificbiosciences.com