Oslo, Norway, October 29th , 2008 - Spartan Bioscience Inc., a Canadian molecular diagnostics company that develops, manufactures, and markets DNA analyzers for on-demand applications, and NorDiag ASA, a Norwegian biotechnology company that develops, manufacturers and markets automated nucleic acid sample preparation instruments and magnetic bead based reagents for assays that require the purification of nucleic acid from difficult clinical samples such as urine, faeces, sputum and tissue announced they have signed a joint collaboration agreement with the intention of developing an end-to-end DNA preparation and analysis solution.

The goal of the partnership is to provide an end-to- end solution for DNA analysis that is truly fast, affordable and user friendly. The basis of the collaboration is each company`s lab instruments which has very small bench footprints and are portable. Pricing for individual systems is expected to be less than $15,000 each when both instruments are released in 2009.

`The combination of the NorDiags `Arrow` DNA isolation instrument with the Spartan DX-12 DNA analyzer has the potential to change the playing field in the DNA analysis space,` said Mark Kershey, VP Corporate Development, Spartan Bioscience. ` With a combined price tag expected to be less than $30,000 there will be nothing else like it. Each device is designed to complete its processing of 12 samples in 30 minutes or less making the entire workflow possible in less than an hour. This capability and its affordability will open DNA analysis to labs around the world.`

`Tailoring our sample preparation to DNA analyzing platforms is an important element of our strategy. We believe that small flexible and affordable systems will enable smaller labs to widen their menu of diagnostic tests being offered. Even more important, new DNA based tests using samples such as urine, faeces and sputum will open up new markets and we believe that a small affordable solution is perfect for such emerging tests` says NorDiag CEO Mårten Wigstøl The companies will be unveiling their respective prototypes at the Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) meeting and exhibit October 29 - November 2, 2008 at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Conference Center in Grapevine, Texas. Spartan will be located in booth # 215, adjacent NorDiag, booth # 216.

About Spartan Bioscience
Founded in 2005, Spartan Bioscience Inc. is a privately-held molecular diagnostics company that develops, manufactures, and markets DNA analyzers for on-demand applications. The company is focusing on applications where rapid and convenient DNA testing is particularly important, such as low- throughput research experiments and non-batched testing for infectious diseases. For further information please visit www.spartanbio.com

About NorDiag
NorDiag is a biotechnology company developing, manufacturing and marketing automated solutions, instruments and tests, for diagnostic of infectious diseases and cancer. The Company`s core competence is isolation of bacterial and human DNA from difficult clinical samples, and the Company has established a solid market share in the Scandinavian market for sexually transmitted infections. The company has similar applications for Tuberculosis and MRSA. An application for respiratory pathogens is under development. NorDiag is also developing a test that shall contribute to early diagnosis of colorectal cancer. NorDiag was founded in 2003 and has its headquarters in Oslo - Norway. The Company has offices and laboratories in Bergen - Norway, Stockholm - Sweden and West Chester (PA) - USA. The group has 39 employees. NorDiag is listed on Oslo Stock Exchange with the ticker NORD. For further information - www.nordiag.com.

Nordiag contact:
CEO Mårten Wigstøl, Phone: +47 91165775

For Media and Analyst inquiries, please contact:

Shelley Mullins
Media and Analyst Relations
Spartan Bioscience Inc.
Shelley.mullins@spartanbio.com

613-866-8803

Read the notice in Norwegian here