IVGN Invitrogen (MM)

Invitrogen Corporation (NASDAQ:IVGN), a provider of essential life science technologies for research, production and diagnostics, today congratulates the three winners of the 2008 Nobel Prize in chemistry: Drs. Roger Tsien, Osamu Shimomura and Martin Chalfie, all of whom contributed to developing and expanding the use of fluorescent proteins in biological applications. Fluorescent proteins, including those developed by Dr. Tsien, form the foundation for dozens of products from Invitrogen. Dr. Shimomura discovered a protein in jellyfish, called Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP), that glows when excited by light energy, and Dr. Chalfie expressed the protein in multiple organisms. Dr. Tsien�s contribution was in creating a family of genetically engineered GFPs that have enhanced properties and distinct colors, thereby making GFP into a highly versatile research tool for both cell biology and animal modeling. In addition, his laboratory engineered GFPs to serve as sensors for various intracellular physiological events, allowing these key processes to be visualized in living cells in real time. The applications of these fluorescent proteins are myriad, ranging from providing scientists with a quick indication of cell engineering success, to allowing researchers to monitor complex cellular and tissue functions in living organisms. �The discovery of GFP and its subsequent genetic engineering have allowed biologists to probe phenomena that were previously not addressable� said Brian Pollok, Ph.D., Invitrogen�s Chief Scientific Officer. �We congratulate Dr. Tsien, Dr. Chalfie and Dr. Shimomura for their significant contributions to biotechnology. Their work clearly shows how the creation and application of novel research tools can change the landscape of biology.� About Invitrogen Corporation Invitrogen Corporation (NASDAQ:IVGN) provides products and services that support academic and government research institutions and pharmaceutical and biotech companies worldwide in their efforts to improve the human condition. The company provides essential life science technologies for disease research, drug discovery, and commercial bioproduction. Invitrogen's own research and development efforts are focused on breakthrough innovation in all major areas of biological discovery including functional genomics, proteomics, stem cells, cell therapy and cell biology -- placing Invitrogen's products in nearly every major laboratory in the world. Founded in 1987, Invitrogen is headquartered in Carlsbad, California, and conducts business in more than 70 countries around the world. The company employs approximately 4,700 scientists and other professionals and had revenues of approximately $1.3 billion in 2007. For more information, visit www.invitrogen.com. Contacts: