Xenogen Corporation has entered into an agreement with Millennium Pharmaceuticals Inc in which Millennium will obtain access to Xenogen's proprietary real-time in vivo imaging technology platform for its Oncology program. The technology is expected to enhance the efficiency of Millennium's drug discovery efforts.

Under the terms of the agreement, Millennium is licensed to practice Xenogen's real-time in vivo imaging technology and will purchase Xenogen's IVIS Imaging System and Living Image software package for oncology applications. Millennium also has options to purchase other elements of Xenogen's technology platform: Bioware cells and microorganisms and LPTA animal models.

Xenogen's real-time in vivo imaging technology platform is already in use worldwide at biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies and academic laboratories. Research applications include enhancing drug discovery and development through use of more predictive and physiologically relevant in vivo systems earlier in the drug development cycle than was previously possible, which enables researchers to better understand diseases.

Xenogen's technology platform includes the IVIS Imaging System - an ultra-sensitive camera coupled with proprietary hardware and Living Image software to detect, quantify and manage emitted light from within a living animal; Bioware cells and microorganisms -- tumor cell lines, bacteria, and fungi modified to emit light; and LPTA animal models - bioluminescent animal models that emit light when target genes are active.

"We believe that our real-time in vivo imaging technology platform provides a powerful tool that can enhance drug discovery and development. We are very pleased that an industry leader like Millennium has chosen to obtain access to our technology platform," said Pamela R. Contag, Co-CEO and President of Xenogen Corporation.