Meridian Partners with Merck KGaA/Germany to Develop New Products

Meridian Bioscience, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio(NASDAQ:VIVO) today announced that it has entered into a partnershipagreement with the Performance & Life Science Chemicals Division ofMerck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany and its American company EMD. Thisstrategic partnership is focused on the development of new assays forthe clinical market, which Meridian will sell through its established,best-in-class sales force and distribution partners. This combinedeffort will supply Meridian with new products that offer cutting edgetechnology, with the first product of this partnership scheduled tolaunch in the U.S. market during the first half of Meridian's fiscal2007. More importantly, the long-term partnership will enhanceMeridian's new product pipeline for the microbiology laboratory andwill contribute sales growth over the next several years.

John A. Kraeutler, President and Chief Operating Officer, stated,"Meridian recognizes the importance of new products for our continuedgrowth. This partnership demonstrates Meridian's dedication to organicgrowth through innovation that maximizes internal and external R&Defforts. Meridian will continue to focus its R&D resources to developnew, differentiated products. By partnering with Merck, Meridian iswell-positioned to also leverage external relationships that willgenerate additional growth."

Dr. Andreas J.G. Rauh, Vice President Laboratory Business forMerck KGaA commented, "We are excited about this partnership withMeridian Bioscience. This partnership will allow for several ofMerck's high-quality products to reach markets that are not currentlybeing accessed. In addition, future R&D projects with Meridian couldfurther enhance the Merck portfolio of products."

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides asafe harbor from civil litigation for forward-looking statementsaccompanied by meaningful cautionary statements. Except for historicalinformation, this report contains forward-looking statements which maybe identified by words such as "estimates", "anticipates", "projects","plans", "seeks", "may", "will", "expects", "intends", "believes","should" and similar expressions or the negative versions thereof andwhich also may be identified by their context. Such statements arebased upon current expectations of the Company and speak only as ofthe date made. The Company assumes no obligation to publicly updateany forward-looking statements. These statements are subject tovarious risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actualresults to differ, including, without limitation, the following:Meridian's continued growth depends, in part, on its ability tointroduce into the marketplace enhancements of existing products ornew products that incorporate technological advances, meet customerrequirements and respond to products developed by Meridian'scompetition. While Meridian has introduced a number of internallydeveloped products, there can be no assurance that it will besuccessful in the future in introducing such products on a timelybasis. Ongoing consolidations of reference laboratories and formationof multi-hospital alliances may cause adverse changes to pricing anddistribution. Costs and difficulties in complying with laws andregulations administered by the United States Food and DrugAdministration can result in unanticipated expenses and delays andinterruptions to the sale of new and existing products. Changes in therelative strength or weakness of the U.S. Dollar can change expectedresults. One of Meridian's main growth strategies is the acquisitionof companies and product lines. There can be no assurance thatadditional acquisitions will be consummated or that, if consummated,will be successful and the acquired businesses successfully integratedinto Meridian's operations.

Meridian is a fully integrated life science company thatmanufactures, markets and distributes a broad range of innovativediagnostic test kits, purified reagents and related products andoffers biopharmaceutical enabling technologies. Utilizing a variety ofmethods, these diagnostic products and tests provide accuracy,simplicity and speed in the early diagnosis and treatment of commonmedical conditions, such as gastrointestinal, viral, urinary andrespiratory infections. Meridian diagnostic products are used outsideof the human body and require little or no special equipment. TheCompany's products are designed to enhance patient well-being whilereducing the total outcome costs of healthcare. Meridian has strongmarket positions in the areas of gastrointestinal and upperrespiratory infections, serology, parasitology and fungal diseasediagnosis. In addition, Meridian is a supplier of rare reagents,specialty biologicals and related technologies used bybiopharmaceutical companies engaged in research for new drugs andvaccines. The Company markets its products and technologies tohospitals, reference laboratories, research centers, veterinarytesting centers, physician offices, diagnostics manufacturers andbiotech companies in more than 60 countries around the world. TheCompany's shares are traded through Nasdaq's National Market, symbolVIVO. Meridian's website address is www.meridianbioscience.com.