IDEXX Laboratories to Launch IDEXX 1417 Direct Digital Radiography System for Companion Animals [Trade]

Unprecedented image sharpness and clarity support a more accurate diagnosis

IDEXX 1417 Direct Digital Radiography System
WESTBROOK, Maine, January 18, 2006—IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (NASDAQ: IDXX), announces the development of a direct-to-digital radiography system for companion animal care. The new IDEXX 1417 Direct Digital Radiography System, available June 30, 2006, provides extraordinary image sharpness in just seconds to support a faster, more accurate diagnosis.

The innovative full-size 14"x17" digital radiography technology plate used in the 1417 system uniquely captures x-rays without the need for a scintillator or intensifier, thereby delivering an enhanced level of image sharpness and clarity, setting a new standard for veterinary medicine. Crisp images can be viewed within seconds and can be easily adjusted, annotated, stored, printed and transferred via IDEXX-PACS® software, IDEXX's DICOM-conformant open-communication software system used in both DR and CR systems.

IDEXX-PACS software links seamlessly with IDEXX Cornerstone® Practice Management Software, allowing practices to quickly and easily:

  • Electronically create and capture all vital patient history, treatment and digital images.
  • Manage and review important medical records, including images, in one integrated format on office computers.
  • Store all patient history from text to images on removable media or a dedicated server, eliminating lost files and separate x-ray film storage rooms.
  • Send digital images and patient records electronically to off-site locations for rapid diagnosis and comprehensive specialty consultation.

The IDEXX open-communication system also links with other practice-management software systems.

"With the introduction of the 1417 system to our existing line of IDEXX computed radiography (CR) systems (for companion animal and equine applications) and the IDEXX EquiView® portable direct-digital radiography system, we are excited to offer an imaging solution that meets the needs of a broad range of veterinary practice sizes and types," said Paul Dobbins, general manager for IDEXX Digital. "Practices will now have a choice of systems that all run on the same outstanding DICOM-conformant software platform."

IDEXX created a digital revolution in veterinary medicine with the launch of the first veterinary-specific CR technology product in 2001. Since then, veterinarians in all 50 U.S. states and eight countries are realizing the benefits from the commitment IDEXX has made to providing outstanding integrated digital radiology technology, services and support.

About IDEXX Laboratories

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., is a leader in companion animal health, serving practicing veterinarians around the world with innovative, technology-based offerings, including a broad range of diagnostic products and services, practice-management systems and therapeutics. Our products enhance the ability of veterinarians to provide advanced medical care and to build more economically successful practices. IDEXX is also a worldwide leader in providing diagnostic tests and information for the production animal industry and tests for the quality and safety of water and milk. Headquartered in Westbrook, Maine, IDEXX Laboratories employs more than 3,000 people and offers products to customers in over 100 countries.

Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains statements about the Company's business prospects and estimates of the Company's financial results for future periods that are forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on management's expectations of future events as of the date of this press release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events or developments. Actual results could differ materially from management's expectations. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include the following: the Company's ability to develop, manufacture, introduce and market new products and enhancements to existing products; the effectiveness of the Company's sales and marketing activities; the Company's ability to develop, license or obtain rights to new technologies; the Company's ability to identify acquisition opportunities, complete acquisitions and integrate acquired businesses; the impact of competition and technological change on the markets for the Company's products; the effect of government regulation on the Company's business, including government decisions about whether and when to approve the Company's products and decisions regarding labeling, manufacturing and marketing products; the impact of distributor purchasing decisions on sales of our products that are sold through distribution; changes or trends in veterinary medicine that affect the rate of use of the Company's products and services by veterinarians; the Company's ability to obtain patent and other intellectual property protection for its products, successfully enforce its intellectual property rights and defend itself against third party claims against the Company; disruptions, shortages or pricing changes that affect the Company's purchases of products and materials from third parties, including from sole source suppliers; the effects of government regulatory decisions, customer demand, pricing and other factors on the realizability of the Company's inventories; the Company's ability to manufacture complex biologic products; the effects of operations outside the U.S., including from currency fluctuations, different regulatory, political and economic conditions, and different market conditions; and the loss of key employees. A further description of these and other factors can be found in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 (2.6 MB), and the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2005 (424 KB), in the section captioned "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."

Contact: Paul Dobbins, General Manager, IDEXX Digital, 1-207-556-4663, paul-dobbins@idexx.com

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IDEXX-PACS, Cornerstone and EquiView are trademarks or registered trademarks of IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.