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SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., May 16, 2011 – Fluidigm Corporation (NASDAQ:FLDM) today introduced its 192.24 Dynamic Array™ IFC, designed to genotype 192 samples against 24 SNP assays in a single run, providing 4,608 data points in just one hour. The 192.24 integrated fluidic circuit (IFC) has immediate applicability in agricultural biotechnology and genome wide association studies.

Fluidigm’s latest integrated fluidic circuit features an innovative design that greatly increases sample throughput for common SNP genotyping applications. Using the new Fluidigm IFC Controller RX, the new Dynamic Array IFC enables sample loading within 30 minutes, and thermal cycling in another 30 minutes, resulting in a greatly accelerated workflow. The power to deliver 4,608 data points in one hour makes the Fluidigm system the fastest commercially practical genotyping solution in the industry today. The 192.24 Dynamic Array chip addresses the high throughput needs of genotyping by providing a four-fold increase in sample throughput when compared to the 48.48 Dynamic Array IFC.

This accelerated workflow and increased throughput enables more data points, while the 192.24 chip retains Fluidigm’s 99.75 percent or greater call accuracy and 99 percent or greater call rates. The new chip can be read using either the BioMark™ HD or EP1™ Systems.

“The Fluidigm 192.24 Dynamic Array chip enables life science researchers to achieve ultra-low cost, and rapid throughput while maintaining full assay and reagent flexibility. Providing the ability to use fewer SNP assays, and run a high number of samples is a format that is ideal for some applications in Ag-Bio and for GWAS follow-up studies,” said Gajus Worthington, Fluidigm president and chief executive officer.

The 192.24 is particularly suited to take advantage of Fluidigm’s new SNPtype™ Assays for genotyping. While the 192.24 Dynamic Array chip will support all industry-standard assays, SNPtype Assays offer a low-cost SNP genotyping solution, are made on-demand, and are ready to meet high-throughput needs for a wide range of agricultural applications and confirmation of next-generation sequencing results.

Fluidigm IFCs, including the 192.24 chip, use just microliters of materials, allowing scientists to achieve comprehensive genetic profiling from miniscule amounts of sample. Each reaction chamber in the 192.24 chip requires only eight nanoliters of material. In addition, all Fluidigm Dynamic Array IFCs feature a matrix-style architecture that automatically assembles every possible reaction between the samples and the assays providing up to 99 percent fewer pipetting steps than needed when using 384-well plates.

About Fluidigm

Fluidigm (NASDAQ:FLDM) develops, manufactures and markets microfluidic systems for growth markets in the life science and agricultural biotechnology, or Ag-Bio, industries. Fluidigm’s proprietary microfluidic systems consist of instruments and consumables, including integrated fluidic circuits, or chips, and reagents. These systems are designed to significantly simplify experimental workflow, increase throughput and reduce costs, while providing the excellent data quality demanded by customers. Fluidigm actively markets three microfluidic systems including nine different commercial chips to leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, academic institutions and Ag-Bio companies.

For more information, please visit www.fluidigm.com.

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Fluidigm, the Fluidigm logo, BioMark, Access Array, Dynamic Array, Digital Array, FC1, TOPAZ, NanoFlex DELTAgene and SNPtype are trademarks or registered trademarks of Fluidigm Corporation

Cautionary Note About Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Forward-looking statements include, among others, statements relating to Fluidigm’s newly introduced 192.24 Dynamic Array™ IFC, potential applications and performance attributes of the 192.24 IFC, and the potential for market demand for and acceptance of the 192.24 IFC. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from currently anticipated results. Factors that could materially affect future results generally and future sales of the 192.24 IFC in particular include, but are not limited to, risks relating to market acceptance of new or existing products; our ability to successfully launch new products and applications; competition in our primary markets; variability in our sales cycle; and our need to expand our sales, marketing and distribution capabilities.  Information on these and additional risks, uncertainties, and other information affecting Fluidigm’s business and operating results are contained in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 and Fluidigm’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward- looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. Fluidigm Corporation disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements. 

CONTACT:    Howard High

            Fluidigm Corporation

            650.266.6081 (office)

            510.786.7378 (mobile)

            howard.high@fluidigm.com