EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn., Jul 26, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) --

SurModics, Inc. (Nasdaq: SRDX), a leading provider of drug delivery and surface modification technologies to the healthcare industry, will introduce its SurModics(R) Assay Diluent (Protein-Free) product at the American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC) - Clinical Lab Expo, July 26-28, 2011 in Atlanta, GA (booth #1302).

The SurModics Assay Diluent is a proprietary, protein-free, buffer formulation that reduces matrix interference (false positives) in patient samples due to heterophilic antibodies, such as Human Anti-Mouse Antibody (HAMA) and Rheumatoid Factor (RF). Assay diluents are used in Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISA) to equalize differences between the patient samples and standards. ELISA, a common immunoassay format, is typically used as a diagnostic tool to detect the presence or absence of a disease.

Features of the SurModics Assay Diluent

• Reduces matrix interferences by blocking non-specific binding
• Improves signal to noise ratio
• Provides a protein-free alternative to eliminate BSA-related issues
• Performs as a sample diluent, standard curve diluent, and antibody diluent

"This addition to SurModics' line of immunoassay reagents further demonstrates our dedication to providing innovative products to the in vitro diagnostics industry," said Gary Maharaj, president and chief executive officer of SurModics. "SurModics is excited to support its diagnostic customers with new product introductions that meet their needs."

To learn more about SurModics' in vitro diagnostic products, please visit our website www.surmodicsivd.com, or contact customer service at 952-500-7200.

About SurModics, Inc.

SurModics' vision is to extend and improve the lives of patients through technology innovation. The Company partners with the world's foremost medical device, pharmaceutical and life science companies to develop and commercialize innovative products that result in improved diagnosis and treatment for patients. Core offerings include: drug delivery technologies (coatings, microparticles, nanoparticles, and implants); surface modification coating technologies that impart lubricity, prohealing, and biocompatibility capabilities; and components for in vitro diagnostic test kits and specialized surfaces for cell culture and microarrays. SurModics is headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota and its SurModics Pharmaceuticals subsidiary is located in Birmingham, Alabama. For more information about the Company, visit www.surmodics.com. The content of SurModics' website is not part of this release or part of any filings the Company makes with the SEC.

Safe Harbor for Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Statements that are not historical or current facts, including statements about beliefs and expectations, such as those regarding our ability to utilize our manufacturing facility, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, including those identified under "Risk Factors" in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, and updated in our subsequent reports filed with the SEC. These reports are available in the Investors section of our website at www.surmodics.com and at the SEC website at www.sec.gov. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update them in light of new information or future events.

SOURCE: SurModics, Inc.

SurModics, Inc.
Phil Ankeny, 952-500-7000
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer