Automated Sample Preparation for Targeted Resequencing from Fluidigm

Fluidigm has announced that the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard has purchased an Access Array™ System to automate its sample preparation for targeted resequencing.

The Access Array System enhances the capabilities of powerful next-generation sequencing platforms by allowing the preparation of several sample libraries in parallel. The multiplexed Access Array sample prep system enables parallel amplification of 48 samples - the equivalent of 48 sequencing libraries - in a few hours. The system is used for target enrichment, sample barcoding for multiplexed sequencing, and sequencing library preparation using amplicon tagging.

"We expect our Access Array System's ability to use very small amounts of sample and prepare libraries for amplicon-based resequencing to help The Broad with a number of important research projects," said Gajus Worthington, Fluidigm President and Chief Executive Officer.

The Fluidigm Access Array System can be used with any PCR-based sample preparation method and with the reagents and primers of the customer's choosing. Fluidigm offers Access Array Target-specific Primers as an easy way for customers to generate sequencer ready amplicons for next-generation sequencing. Currently, Fluidigm offers custom PCR-based primer design for human targeted resequencing.  The Access Array System includes specific single-use microfluidic Integrated Fluidic Circuits (IFCs), two IFC Controllers, and a stand-alone thermal cycler to deliver results in just four hours.

Fluidigm (NASDAQ:FLDM) develops, manufactures and markets microfluidic systems for growth markets in the life science and agricultural biotechnology, or Ag-Bio, industries. Fluidigm's proprietary microfluidic systems consist of instruments and consumables, including integrated fluidic circuits, or chips, and reagents. These systems are designed to significantly simplify experimental workflow, increase throughput and reduce costs, while providing the excellent data quality demanded by customers. Fluidigm actively markets three microfluidic systems including nine different commercial chips to leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, academic institutions and Ag-Bio companies.

For more information, please visit www.fluidigm.com .

* Fluidigm, the Fluidigm logo, BioMark, Access Array, Dynamic Array, Digital Array, FC1, TOPAZ, NanoFlex DELTAgene and SNPtype are trademarks or registered trademarks of Fluidigm Corporation

* Cautionary Note About Forward-Looking Statements:  This press release contains "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, among others, statements concerning or implying the performance attributes of Fluidigm's products and their ability to contribute to the effectiveness or cost of research studies. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from any future results expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Fluidigm's business, revenues, and operating results are and will be subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including (among others) risks relating to market acceptance of our products, the potential for quarterly variations in our operating results, our ability to successfully launch new products and applications, competition in our primary markets, variability in our sales cycle, our need to expand our sales, marketing, and distribution capabilities, costs associated with our planned sales and research and development activities, risks associated with international operations, and our ability to attract and retain technical support personnel. In addition to these risks and uncertainties, investors should review the risks and uncertainties contained in Fluidigm's filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, including risks and uncertainties identified in our registration statement on Form S-1 as declared effective on February 9, 2011.

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Technical Contact:   Leila Smith
Media Contact:        Dr Bill Bradbury

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