Accuri Cytometers

Press Releases

Innovative Applications of Flow Cytometry Win U.S. and European Researchers Free Accuri C6 Flow Cytometer® Systems

Ann Arbor, MI - January 31, 2010

-2009 Creativity Awards Program Recipients Plan to Use their Accuri C6 Flow Cytometer® Systems for Diverse Applications-

-Studies Range from the Growth Physiology of Microbes in Ocean Systems to Measurement of Intracellular Calcium in Mammalian Nerve Cells-

ANN ARBOR, Mich., December 8, 2009 - Accuri Cytometers Inc., a life sciences company developing revolutionary bench-top flow cytometer systems, today announced the 2009 recipients of its Accuri Flow Cytometer Creativity Awards program, which provides a free Accuri C6 Flow Cytometer® System each year to two sets of researchers, one in the U.S. and one in Europe, who propose innovative uses of flow cytometry. Explicitly designed for routine use by biomedical researchers in their own labs, Accuri’s flow cytometer is a full-featured bench-top cell analysis system that provides powerful capabilities similar to industry-leading flow cytometers in a more user-friendly format and at a fraction of the cost.

The 2009 Accuri Flow Cytometer Creativity Award winners include research teams at the University of Southern Mississippi, Stennis Space Center, MS USA and University College Dublin, Ireland. Accuri’s Creativity Awards program was created to foster innovative research that taps the unrealized potential of flow cytometry and expands its use to novel applications.

“A key driver behind the development of the Accuri C6 system was our belief that the full scientific potential of flow cytometry has been hampered by its lack of wide accessibility,” said Jack Ball, Chief Commercial Officer at Accuri. “The diverse and imaginative responses submitted to our Awards program provide concrete evidence that flow cytometry is applicable to a wide range of biological research topics, and they demonstrate in tangible ways how the Accuri C6 Flow Cytometer System can help unleash the full potential of flow cytometry for research that was not previously accessible.”

Accuri designed the C6 system from the ground up with input from hundreds of researchers. Accuri's innovations, coupled with its state-of-the-art components, resulted in a cytometer that is powerful, robust, compact, easy-to-use and very affordable, at less than one-third the price of current market-leading flow cytometers and one-tenth the operating costs of the market leaders over five years of ownership.

Award winners Dr. Karen M. Orcutt and Dr. Kjell Gundersen of the Department of Marine Science at the University of Southern Mississippi will use their C6 Flow Cytometer System in combination with quantum dot technology to detect the growth physiology of phytoplankton cells to better understand the nitrogen cycle in the Northern Gulf of Mexico. Dr. Orcutt noted, “This new application of the Accuri C6 cytometer has the potential to be transformative in the way we study microbial cells in ocean systems. Flow cytometry offers researchers the opportunity to explore novel aspects of the molecular biology of organisms in aquatic systems, and since the C6 system is small and portable enough to transport to the site for field work, it is especially valuable for marine science applications.”

The European winners, Dr. Alice Vines, Dr. Gethin McBean and Dr. Alfonso Blanco Fernández of the School of Biomolecular & Biomedical Science at University College Dublin in Ireland, plan to use their C6 system for continuous measurement of intracellular calcium concentrations. “We believe the C6 system can help address the challenges researchers have faced in monitoring rapid intracellular calcium concentration changes in mammalian cells,” said Dr. Blanco Fernández. “Calcium concentration regulates a wide range of essential cell functions that affect processes such as nerve conduction and muscle contraction. A major challenge in intracellular calcium analysis has been achieving measurements within the very fast time frame in which concentrations change – in the nervous system, responses occur within nanoseconds. The C6 system allows us to continuously monitor calcium concentrations, eliminating the problem of achieving these measurements in the short time frame available. We believe the more accurate and precise monitoring made possible with the C6 system could provide important insights into these essential cellular processes.”

Jennifer Baird, Accuri President and CEO, commented, “We are delighted to announce our 2009 Accuri Flow Cytometer Creativity Awards winners. Our goal with this program is to promote the expansion of cell-based analysis and to enable innovative research in an even wider variety of disciplines. The versatility and power of our system is illustrated in these teams’ imaginative and varied research proposals. We congratulate the two teams and look forward to seeing the fruits of their research, as well as many more proposals for novel uses from researchers around the globe.”

About Accuri Cytometers Accuri Cytometers, Inc. is a life sciences company developing and marketing revolutionary high performance cell analysis systems designed to bring the power of flow cytometry into the labs of life science researchers everywhere. Reflecting the input of hundreds of researchers, the Accuri C6 Flow Cytometer® is a full-featured bench-top cell and bead analysis system that provides similar capabilities to those of industry-leading flow cytometers in an easy-to-use format and at a fraction of their cost. The Accuri system was engineered from the start to be compact, powerful and user-friendly, while also being affordable by most research laboratories. The Accuri CSampler™ adds simple, reliable and user-friendly automation to the Accuri C6 Flow Cytometer System. For more information, please visit www.accuricytometers.com.

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Accuri Cytometers Announces Senior Management Transition

Ann Arbor, MI - January 29, 2010

ANN ARBOR, MI, January 29, 2010 – Accuri Cytometers Inc., a life sciences company marketing innovative bench-top flow cytometer systems, today announced that co-founder and CEO Jennifer Baird has resigned and will be replaced by Jeffrey S. Williams, most recently President and CEO of HandyLab Inc., an Ann Arbor-based molecular diagnostics company acquired by Becton Dickinson for $275 million in November 2009.

“Jennifer Baird has done an outstanding job of taking Accuri from an audacious concept to a successful, high growth company in a few years’ time,” said George Dunbar, Chairman of the Board of Accuri Cytometers. “Ms. Baird led the Accuri team that successfully developed and commercialized a powerful new cell analysis flow cytometer system which is revolutionizing major aspects of life science research. As a result of the rapid expansion of the company, Ms. Baird and the Board of Directors agreed that it was appropriate to bring on a chief executive with extensive experience in growing established life science companies. We are delighted to have recruited Jeff Williams, a highly qualified candidate with local roots who is well suited to lead Accuri to the next stage.

Accuri, with headquarters in Ann Arbor, Michigan and a European office in the United Kingdom, now employs 80 people worldwide and has users on all seven continents.

Ms. Baird commented, "I have enjoyed immensely the challenges of developing and commercializing Accuri’s game-changing flow cytometer system over the last five years. I’m also very proud of the Accuri team that is responsible for our success, exemplified by the company’s outstanding performance in 2009–we tripled our sales to more than $10 million last year. I believe that our employees and shareholders are fortunate to have someone with Jeff Williams’ experience at the helm at this exciting time for the company."

Prior to HandyLab, Mr. Williams was President and Chief Executive Officer of Genomic Solutions Inc., an Ann Arbor-based life science instrumentation company. He led Genomic Solutions through a period of rapid growth culminating in an IPO and eventual merger with Harvard Biosciences, Inc. Earlier in his career, Mr. Williams held positions of increasing responsibility at several life science companies, including IRIS, Boehringer Mannheim (now part of Hoffmann LaRoche) and the Organon division of Akzo Nobel.

Mr. Williams noted, “Accuri represents a tremendous opportunity and I very much look forward to working with the Accuri team. Accuri’s flow cytometer systems represent a true breakthrough, bringing the power of this formerly complex and expensive technology to the lab of virtually any scientist in an affordable and easy-to-use format. The rapid adoption of the company’s initial products and our growing worldwide presence make Accuri well positioned for continued rapid growth and near-term profitability. I look forward to the challenge of continuing to build the company’s momentum and helping lead it to further success.”

Mr. Williams received a BS degree summa cum laude from Alma College and an MBA with high distinction from the University of Michigan.

About Accuri Cytometers Accuri Cytometers, Inc. is a life sciences company developing and marketing revolutionary high performance cell analysis systems designed to bring the power of flow cytometry into the labs of life science researchers everywhere. Reflecting the input of hundreds of researchers, the Accuri C6 Flow Cytometer® is a full-featured bench-top cell and bead analysis system that provides similar capabilities to those of industry-leading flow cytometers in an easy-to-use format and at a fraction of their cost. The Accuri system was engineered from the start to be compact, powerful and user-friendly, while also being affordable by most research laboratories. The Accuri CSampler® adds simple, reliable and user-friendly automation to the Accuri C6 Flow Cytometer System. For more information, please visit www.AccuriCytometers.com.

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Accuri Cytometers Completes $4 Million Series D Financing

Ann Arbor, MI - July 13, 2009

ANN ARBOR, MI, July 13, 2009 – Accuri Cytometers, Inc. today announced the completion of a $4 million Series D financing. The financing included current investors Fidelity Biosciences, Flagship Ventures, Baird Venture Partners and Arboretum Ventures, as well as the InvestMichigan! Program co-managed by Credit Suisse. Accuri will use the proceeds from the Series D financing to provide additional working and growth capital to support the rapid market acceptance of the Accuri C6 Flow Cytometer® System, a revolutionary product designed to bring the power of flow cytometry analysis to the laboratory of every life science researcher, and the recently introduced Accuri CSampler™, an optional accessory that adds user-friendly automation to the C6 system.

“With our first two products experiencing rapid market acceptance and our European operations newly underway, we have secured additional capital to build out our manufacturing and customer support capabilities in Michigan and to continue to expand our commercial presence globally,” said Jennifer Baird, CEO of Accuri. “In these challenging times, we are gratified that all of our existing investors chose to participate in the Series D financing at a higher valuation. We are especially pleased that the InvestMichigan! Program, co-managed by Credit Suisse and championed by Governor Jennifer Granholm, became a significant new investor.”

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Industry Innovators at 2009 Bio International Convention Reveal How Revolutionary Biomedical Research Tools are Transforming Science

Ann Arbor, MI - May 13, 2009

ATLANTA, GA, May 13, 2009 – Dramatic advances in the tools needed to conduct life science research are enabling researchers to undertake studies they could formerly only dream of—the studies that will drive the next wave of advances in science and medicine. In a panel session at the 2009 BIO International Convention next week, individuals on the front lines of this revolution will explore what it takes to develop and successfully commercialize these “disruptive” technologies, as well as the impact they could have on our future health and well-being. The panel, “Transformational Tools: How New Research Technologies Are Changing the Rules of the Game” will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2009 at 2:00 pm EDT.

From a user-friendly benchtop flow cytometer with performance similar to systems costing many times more, to microfluidic droplets that serve as tiny test tubes, to a system potentially capable of analyzing the entire human genome for just $100, these technologies have the potential to change the rules of the game, making it possible to bring powerful, fast and affordable new research capabilities within the reach of most scientists. But the development and commercialization of transformative technologies involve daunting technical, financial, regulatory and market hurdles, and many will fail.

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Accuri Cytometers Adds Automation To Its Revoutionary C6 Flow System with Commercial Launch of CSampler

Ann Arbor, MI - May 6, 2009

Ann Arbor, MI – May 6, 2009 – Accuri Cytometers, Inc. today announced the commercial launch of CSampler™, an optional accessory that adds simple, reliable and user-friendly automation to the Accuri C6 Flow Cytometer® System, a revolutionary product designed to bring the power of flow cytometry analysis to the laboratory of every life science researcher.

“The automation capabilities of the Accuri CSampler are being welcomed by researchers who are looking to streamline their operations and conduct more research using flow cytometry,” said Grant Howes, Accuri’s director of marketing. “The feedback we are receiving from early users is very positive. They appreciate the significant savings in time and effort CSampler can make possible, its flexibility in handling both plates and test tubes, and the fact that it is easy to install and operate, while costing substantially less than other automation systems.”

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Researcher Receives Free Flow Cytometer System as First Winner of Accuri® Flow Cytometer Creativity Awards Program

Ann Arbor, MI - December 11, 2008

ANN ARBOR, Mich., December 11, 2008 - Accuri Cytometers Inc., a life sciences company developing revolutionary bench-top flow cytometer systems, today announced the first recipient of its Accuri Flow Cytometer Creativity Awards Program.. Heather Newkirk, Ph.D., Executive Director of Business Development and Quality Assurance/Regulatory Affairs at Clinical Reference Laboratory, Inc. and an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, will receive a free Accuri C6 Flow Cytometer System. Accuri's twice-yearly Creativity Awards program was created to foster innovative research that taps the unrealized potential of flow cytometry and expands its use to novel applications that are newly possible as a result of the unique capabilities of the Accuri C6 system.

Explicitly designed for routine use by biomedical researchers in their own labs, Accuri's C6 Flow Cytometer is a full-featured bench-top cell analysis system that provides capabilities similar to industry leaders in a more user-friendly format and at a fraction of the cost of other flow cytometers.

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Accuri Cytometers Completes $13 Million Series C Financing
New Funds Will Support Expanded Commercialization of the Revolutionary Accuri C6 Flow Cytometer® System

Ann Arbor, MI - July 8, 2008

Accuri Cytometers Inc., a life sciences company developing revolutionary bench-top flow cytometer systems, today announced the completion of a $13 million Series C financing led by Fidelity Biosciences and Flagship Ventures. Current investors including Baird Venture Partners and Arboretum Ventures also participated in the financing. Accuri will use the proceeds from the Series C financing primarily to expand its commercialization activities for the Accuri C6 Flow Cytometer® System. Bahaa Fam, Venture Partner, Fidelity Biosciences and Harry Wilcox, Partner, Flagship Ventures, will join the company's Board of Directors.

Explicitly designed for routine use by biomedical researchers in their own labs, Accuri's flow cytometer system is a full featured bench-top cell analysis system that provides capabilities similar to industry-leading flow cytometers in a more user-friendly format and at a fraction of the cost.

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Accuri Cytometers Inc. to Distribute FCS Express

Ann Arbor, MI - June 27, 2008

De Novo Software, a leading provider of flow cytometry data analysis solutions, and Accuri Cytometers, a privately held manufacturer of innovative benchtop flow cytometry systems, announced today that they have entered into a licensing agreement providing for Accuri to distribute a customized version of De Novo Software's flagship product, FCS Express, with every Accuri C6 Flow Cytometer System. Under the terms of the agreement, Accuri will distribute a time-limited Professional Version of FCS Express that includes the CFlow Importer. The customized version will provide Accuri customers with all of the functionality of the FCS Express Pro software for four months after purchase, at which time they will have the opportunity to purchase the software for continued use.

David Novo, De Novo Software's president said: "The Accuri C6 Flow Cytometer is one of the most innovative things to happen in the flow cytometry market in a long time. The System's combination of power and simplicity at an affordable price should help make C6 a formidable competitor and bring flow cytometry to many new users. Having Accuri distribute our software will expose FCS Express to a wide customer base. The seamless integration between the Accuri CFlow software and FCS Express, via the CFlow Importer, will be of great benefit to C6 users and we anticipate that many will wish to purchase the Professional version of the software after the initial trial period has expired."

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Accuri Cytometers Announces Commercial Launch of Revolutionary Accuri C6 Flow Cytometer™ System

Ann Arbor, MI - April 7, 2008

Accuri Cytometers, Inc. today announced the commercial launch of the Accuri C6 Flow Cytometer™ System, designed to bring the power of flow cytometry cell analysis to the laboratory of every life sciences researcher. The Accuri C6 is a bench-top system that delivers performance and features similar to those of the market-leading flow cytometers, yet it is easy even for novice users to set up and operate. The radical redesign that produced the Accuri C6 has also made possible a dramatic reduction in price -- with the system selling for a fraction of the cost of most flow cytometers.

"The commercial availability of the Accuri C6 Flow Cytometer System is potentially transformative, since researchers increasingly rely on data that only flow cytometry can provide, yet most scientists currently lack routine access to this technology," said Dr. Larry A. Sklar, professor of pathology at the University of New Mexico Medical School and head of the National Institutes of Health-funded Molecular Libraries Screening Center. "The availability of easy-to-use, high-quality flow cytometers at the researcher's bench should enable far greater use of flow cytometry, resulting in many new applications for biomedical research."

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Accuri Cytometers Adds Two High Profile Life Sciences Executives to its Board of Directors

Ann Arbor, MI - June 25, 2007

Accuri Cytometers, Inc., a life sciences company developing revolutionary bench-top flow cytometer systems, today announced the appointment of Daniel J. Calvo and George W. Dunbar to newly created positions on its Board of Directors.

"We are fortunate to have recruited these two outstanding individuals to our Board who are located in our own community," said Jennifer Baird, Chief Executive Officer of Accuri. "George and Dan have a wealth of successful strategic and operational experience in growing life sciences organizations and taking them to the next level, with expertise spanning early stage to global scale organizations. The fact that our region increasingly is home to senior executives of this caliber is a testament to the vitality of the Ann Arbor life sciences sector. Dan's and George's proximity to Accuri should enable us to benefit from their expertise on an ongoing basis as we continue our preparations for the commercial launch of our Accuri C6 Flow Cytometer™."

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Accuri Cytometers Announces Completion of $5 Million Series B Financing Led by Baird Venture Partners

Ann Arbor, MI - April 16, 2007

Accuri Cytometers Inc., a life sciences company developing revolutionary bench-top flow cytometer systems, today announced the completion of a $5 million Series B financing led by Baird Venture Partners (BVP), the U.S.-based venture capital fund of Baird Private Equity. Arboretum Ventures of Ann Arbor co-led the financing. Both firms are new investors in Accuri, which intends to use the Series B proceeds for the ongoing testing and upcoming commercial launch of the Accuri C6 Flow Cytometer™ System. Pete Shagory of BVP and Tim Petersen of Arboretum will join the company's Board of Directors.

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