SOURCE: Sagentia

 

MAPLE LAWN, MD--(Marketwire - June 25, 2008) - Today global technology company Sagentia (LSE: SGA) opens its new U.S. headquarters located in the Washington-Baltimore corridor -- the hub of the U.S. East Coast healthcare and life sciences business -- well known for its proximity to the country's leading healthcare organizations and resources. The office represents a consolidated focus of the company's U.S. operations and expansion of its US team.

From the new state-of-the-art facility Sagentia will provide breakthrough technology management and product development services to its entire North American client base. The twenty-one year old company headquartered in Cambridge, United Kingdom, has been publicly traded in the UK for the past eight years. Sagentia is part of the original 'Cambridge phenomenon' which gave birth to a cluster of high-tech companies in the 1980s.

Sagentia recognizes the value of locating its U.S. presence in Maryland and has worked with Howard County Economic Development and the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development to make this strategic move. The innovation base is part of Sagentia's strategy to make its technology consulting and product development services more readily available to the medical, health & wellness industries as well as continuing to provide full support to the other core sectors in which it operates.

Paul Fearis, President, Sagentia Inc., said, "Maple Lawn offers us great new space. The office is custom designed to provide a creative atmosphere with workshop, training and creative areas for us to collaborate with our clients, alongside traditional product and business development facilities. The new location provides Sagentia easy access to potential and existing clients including The John Hopkins institutions - Applied Physics Lab, Medical Center and Hospital; the National Institute of Health; and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In addition, the office will enable Sagentia to host offsite and onsite meetings and workshops, providing even more of the creativity and clarity of purpose it has become known for."

Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley commented, "In today's highly competitive economy, I am extremely pleased that Sagentia has chosen Maryland for its new U.S. headquarters. With one of the nation's largest and most active IT and software clusters and highest concentration of professional and technical workers, Maryland is well positioned to support the companies and jobs of tomorrow."

Ken Ulman, Howard County Executive, stated, "Howard County is expecting our businesses and the businesses in the greater region to benefit from Sagentia being located close to them. We believe there will be many 'win, win' business solutions come as a result of Sagentia's presence in our county."

Paul Fearis, President, Sagentia Inc., stated, "The area has already presented some interesting opportunities. Local inventor, Kristen Appel, President and CEO of Encore Path based in Baltimore, Maryland, came to us with a stroke physical therapy device idea she needed to mature into a viable product that could be mass produced and delivered to the stroke patient and medical communities. The device, now named Tailwind, helps paralyzed stroke patients recover more quickly. We worked with Kristen to transform a scientific prototype into a world-first product that has the ability to dramatically aid patients in regaining motor skills and coordination. This is a major part of their recovery because it improves physical abilities that once were lost. The product is now transitioning into manufacture. Kristen and Sagentia personnel will be available to answer questions and demonstrate the new product during the event."

"With the power of science and engineering behind Tailwind, we can play a critical part in advancing the health of stroke survivors everywhere," said Encore Path CEO Kristen Appel. "Sagentia's role in making this device user-friendly and recognizable is an important contribution. Patients who are searching for independence through regained mobility can take comfort in the ease that the re-designed Tailwind will give them."

Paul Fearis continued, "Sagentia has an unprecedented science and technology capability, linked to our Cambridge, UK roots. This, coupled with our innovation, design and engineering expertise, means I am personally very excited about this move and the opportunities it presents. We plan to take full advantage of the excellent location to reach out to companies which are in need of technology and innovation support from the technology incubators and numerous technology centers in the region to the nearby large global technology and government contractor companies."

Sagentia's current clients range from large corporations including Pfizer, Proctor and Gamble, Johnson & Johnson, Thermatru, Markem and CHF Solutions to start-up companies, and working with inventors such as Kurzweil Technologies and St. Jude Medical.

Sagentia has relocated its U.S. staff into a new class A office at Maple Lawn. Maple Lawn is served by an excellent regional transportation network and is only minutes away from major business centers, government agencies and research universities. The 'new town' was developed by Greenebaum and Rose Associates, Inc., a privately held, full-service real estate development and management company with offices in Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, Maryland. Michael Greenebaum from Greenebaum and Rose Associates, commented, "Sagentia is the type of business which can truly capitalize on what we have to offer. Sagentia will now have easier access to their customer base, plus the availability of great amenities for their employees."

PHOTO CALL / MEDIA NOTE

The opening ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for 12:00 PM (EDT) today, June 25th at 8161, Maple Lawn Boulevard, Suite 475, Fulton, MD, 20759. In attendance will be representatives from the British embassy and Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley's office dedicating the British flag and the Maryland State flag to be placed in the lobby of the Sagentia offices.

In addition, both Kris Appel from Encore Path and Sagentia representatives will be demonstrating the breakthrough physiotherapy device during the office opening. Other representatives from UMBC and University of Maryland who were involved in the technology transfer will also be in attendance.

About Encore Path and Tailwind

Founded in 2006 by entrepreneur Kristen Appel, Encore Path, Inc. is a Baltimore-based medical device company established to improve the quality of life for stroke patients. Encore Path currently produces and sells University of Maryland School of Medicine-developed technologies, devices and therapies that are science-proven and that make stroke rehabilitation faster, safer, and more affordable.

Encore Path's debut product is called Tailwind, formerly BATRAC (Bilateral Arm Trainer with Rhythmic Auditory Cueing.) Tailwind is a cost-effective FDA-designated in-home exercise device for stroke patients, which has been clinically-proven to permanently improve arm movement in patients who have lost upper extremity function due to stroke or other brain injuries. Clinical studies show that the device helps activate new brain pathways, even for patients who have been paralyzed for years after a stroke.

The Sagentia-redesigned Tailwind is non-invasive, compact and portable, and stroke patients can use the device in the comfort and privacy of their homes without the aid of a physical therapist or caregiver. It will be available later this fall, and stroke patients will be able to purchase Tailwind directly from Encore Path without a doctor's prescription.

About Maple Lawn

Maple Lawn, Maryland is a 600 acre mixed-use community located between Washington and Baltimore on route 29 in Howard County. Maple Lawn will have 1,340 homes, 180,000 square feet of retail and 1,600,000 square feet of office space. It's a place with award-wining architecture, where you can live, work, and shop in a pedestrian friendly environment. It's a place where you can find a unique mix of boutique shops and high quality restaurants unlike anywhere else. Maple Lawn, Maryland surrounds a 100 acre school complex comprised of the top schools in Howard County. These features offer significant advantages in recruiting and employee retention. In addition, the Columbia Academy Preschool will be opening up in 2008.

Maple Lawn, Maryland is developed by Greenebaum and Rose Associates and is already being recognized as a special community with the following awards: 2006 Best In American Living Award for Best Smart Growth Community by Professional Builder Magazine & National Association of Home Builders; 2006 Award of Excellence from National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP) Best Office Mid-Rise, Best Public Open Space, Maryland Chapter; 2005 Design Award from the Masonry Institute of Maryland (Exceptional Masonry Design).

About Sagentia

Sagentia is a leading international technology consulting and IP licensing organisation with a reputation for successfully commercialising emerging science and technology. Sagentia creates, develops and delivers business opportunities, products and services for its clients.

Established in 1986, Sagentia operates in six global market sectors -- medical, industrial products, consumer products, chemicals, materials & energy, telecoms & media and public sector -- developing new technologies, products and services that change the basis of competition. The company also assists business leaders to create strategies for technology, innovation and growth.

Sagentia's resources are situated in state-of-the-art facilities in Europe, the USA, and China.

Sagentia is listed on the London Stock Exchange (Sagentia Group AG) (LSE: SGA) and has more than 200 employees.