LifeCodexx AG (www.lifecodexx.com ) has started operational research and development work on clinically validated diagnostic tests by using Next Generation Sequencing technologies. The work currently focuses on the field of prenatal diagnostics. LifeCodexx will utilize GATC Biotech's 20 years of experience as well as its sequencing laboratory, which is the European leader with a total capacity of more than 2 terabases per year.

LifeCodexx AG aims to successfully establish "Next Generation Molecular Diagnostics" in Europe. This will provide improved diagnostics for targeted, cost-efficient treatments. LifeCodexx AG is owned by GATC Biotech AG, which has a majority holding in the company, and other private investors. The test development currently being undertaken also receives public funding, including up to EUR 300,000 from the ZIMSolo and KMU Innovativ funding programs.

LifeCodexx AG has been able to convince a CEO with know-how in this field to join the company - Dr Michael Lutz, former Global General Manager of Cogenics and CEO of Epidauros AG. Dr Lutz has many years of experience in developing and managing innovative biotech companies.

"LifeCodexx AG has a revolutionary concept - to carry out human genetic diagnostic tests based on state of the art sequencing technologies. This will drastically improve cost efficiency in diagnostics. LifeCodexx AG will be a trailblazer here," enthuses Peter Pohl, CEO of GATC Biotech and Chairman of the Board of LifeCodexx AG.

"Our test pipeline in prenatal diagnostics shows encouraging results which we will present in the coming months. I am delighted to be able to apply my experience to these innovative projects," emphasizes Dr. Michael Lutz, new CEO of LifeCodexx AG.