Hamilton Thorne Releases New Image Analysis Software for Fertility, Research and Animal Breeding Markets

BEVERLY, MA and TORONTO, ON–(Marketwired – Apr 22, 2014) – Hamilton Thorne Ltd. (TSX VENTURE: HTL), a leading provider of precision laser devices and advanced image analysis systems for the fertility, stem cell and developmental biology research markets, today announced the release of Version 1.5 of its CASA II sperm analysis software. First released to the animal breeding market in late 2012 and introduced to the fertility market at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) annual meeting in July 2013, the CASA II software is a complete revitalization of the Company’s legacy CASA software. The redesigned software interface provides users with a streamlined workflow and offers automated features to enhance analysis accuracy and ease of use.

New features include:

• Computer controlled auto-illumination* to precisely and reliably set illumination to the correct level and eliminate guesswork by the user.
• Digital Debris Filter for best identification of static cells (prevents debris from being labeled as a non-motile cell)
• Interactive color-coded settings for sperm head and tail identification to ensure analysis accuracy and consistency across all users.
• Automated settings for tail detection based on background illumination level
• Database management utilities to simplify data management, maintain data integrity and provide data optimization.

* IVOS II Only

“Following two major releases in 2013, we are pleased to announce the availability of this much anticipated software update,” said David Wolf, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hamilton Thorne Ltd. “With this new version we have achieved our goal of delivering a product that far surpasses the capabilities of our legacy systems and those sold by our competitors by offering software that provides the most advanced analysis available today yet, at the same time, simplifies the user experience for our customers.”

The CASA II software runs on the Company’s proprietary IVOS® II and CEROS™ II hardware platforms. These systems utilize a high resolution digital camera and microscope optics to capture images of live cells from which the CASA II software determines cell counts and concentrations, tracks and analyzes cell motion, measures morphometric characteristics, and provides output data specific to individual markets. Several software and hardware options are also available to add higher level functionality.

According to Mr. Wolf, “our updated CASA II software helped drive much of our sales growth in 2013; however, we are not stopping here. Based on customer feedback and requests for new features, our systems will continue to evolve with advances to meet the needs of our various markets.”

With FDA 510(k) approval pending, the IVOS® II and CEROS™ II systems are being sold in research and animal breeding markets in the USA and in all markets throughout Europe and Asia.

About Hamilton Thorne Ltd. (www.hamiltonthorne.com)

Hamilton Thorne designs, manufactures and distributes precision laser devices and advanced image analysis systems for the fertility, stem cell and development biology research markets. It provides novel solutions for Life Science that reduce cost, increase productivity, improve results and enable research breakthroughs in fertility, regenerative medicine, and stem cell research markets. Hamilton Thorne’s laser products attach to standard inverted microscopes and operate as robotic micro-surgeons, enabling a wide array of scientific applications and IVF procedures. Its imaging systems improve outcomes in human IVF clinics and animal breeding facilities and provide high-end toxicology analyses. 

Hamilton Thorne was ranked in the ‘Top 20’ of the “Area’s Largest Medical Device Companies” by the Boston Business Journal in October 2012. The Company’s growing customer base includes pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, fertility clinics, university research centers, and other commercial and academic research establishments worldwide. Current customers include world-leading research labs such as Harvard, MIT, Yale, McGill, DuPont, Monsanto, Charles River Labs, Jackson Labs, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, and Oxford and Cambridge.

Neither the Toronto Venture Exchange, nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the exchange), accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Certain information in this press release may contain forward-looking statements. This information is based on current expectations that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements unless and until required by securities laws applicable to the Company. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties is contained in filings by the Company with the Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available at www.sedar.com.