As part of the collaboration, Millipore plans to develop a new technology for single step purification of influenza virus to replace ultracentrifugation. Influenza vaccine is currently produced in eggs and is purified using ultracentrifugation. Ultracentrifugation is an expensive and complex process that can create bottlenecks in process development during manufacturing scale-up.

The single step purification process, based on novel chromatographic technology being developed by Millipore, has the potential to reduce the complexity and capital cost associated with current manufacturing processes. Microbix will supply egg-based influenza virus for use in product development studies. Microbix will also provide Millipore with access to its Virusmax™ technology, a patented process that has been shown to significantly increase the recovery and purity of influenza virus produced in eggs.

“Millipore remains focused on pioneering innovation for the biopharmaceutical industry. Developing new vaccine purification technologies that improve both the efficiency and economics of manufacturing is of paramount importance to us,” said Jean-Paul Mangeolle, President, Bioprocess Division, Millipore Corporation.

“Microbix is very pleased to participate with Millipore in this scientific collaboration,” said William J. Gastle, Chief Executive Officer, Microbix. “Use of our unique Virusmax technology will ensure that maximal yields are realized in process development studies and provide greater flexibility in the choice of virus strains for influenza vaccine applications.”

The market for influenza vaccines is estimated to be more than $2 Billion dollars today and threat of an expected pandemic is expected to double this market by 2016. This research will be conducted in Millipore’s Vaccine Process Research Laboratory in Bedford, MA. The lab focuses on new technologies for conventional vaccine manufacturing as well as new single-use processes.

About Millipore

Millipore (NYSE: MIL) is a Life Science leader providing cutting-edge technologies, tools, and services for bioscience research and biopharmaceutical manufacturing. As a strategic partner, we collaborate with customers to confront the world’s challenging human health issues. From research to development to production, our scientific expertise and innovative solutions help customers tackle their most complex problems and achieve their goals. Millipore Corporation is an S&P 500 company with more than 5,900 employees in 30 countries worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.millipore.com.

ADVANCING LIFE SCIENCE TOGETHER™
Research. Development. Production.

About Microbix Biosystems, Inc.

Microbix (MBX:TSX) specializes in the development of biological technologies and commercializing them through global partners. The Company has intellectual property in large market biotherapeutic drugs, vaccine technologies and animal reproduction technologies. Established in 1988, Microbix is headquartered in Toronto.

Millipore Media Contact:

Shannon Meirzon
Bioprocess Communications
Millipore Corporation
781.533.2706
shannon_meirzon@millipore.com

Millipore Press Contact:

Alexandra Paparsenos
Gray & Rice Public Relations
(617) 367.0100 x 155
apaparsenos@gr2000.com

Microbix Media Contacts:

William J. Gastle
Chief executive Officer
Microbix Biosystems Inc
416.234.1624 x 230
William.gastle@microbix.com

Jim Long
Chief Financial Officer
Microbix Biosystems Inc
416.234.1624 x 265
Jim.long@microbix.com

Millipore is a registered trademark; and the “M” logo and ADVANCING LIFE SCIENCE TOGETHER are trademarks of Millipore Corporation.

Virusmax is a trademark of Microbix Biosystems Inc.