Economic reforms in Japan have put science and technology at center stage. Under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who was elected last year, the country has embarked on a new economic policy termed “abenomics” that is designed to spur growth via government stimulus, monetary infusion through new central banking policies and structural changes. The plan aims […]

Beverly, MA and Boulder, CO 9/6/13—Enzymatics, a producer of reagents, kits and assays, has acquired ArcherDx, a developer of kits and software for next generation sequencing (NGS) for use in investigating cancer treatments, for cash, equity and potential milestones worth up to $50 million. Enzymatics stated that the acquisition expands its Enzymatics Diagnostics group, adding […]

Milford, MA 8/19/13—SeraCare Life Sciences has purchased Kirkegaard & Perry Laboratories (KPL) for an undisclosed amount. KPL develops antibodies and related reagents for life science research and diagnostics. The acquisition will expand SeraCare’s offerings for developing IVD assays. “SeraCare strives to facilitate its customers’ product development efforts, allowing researchers to focus on the science, specifically […]

Austin, TX 8/7/13; Washington, DC 7/7/13—Luminex has announced a restructuring plan, including a 5% reduction in its workforce. The plan will affect the Assay and Related Products’ Newborn Screening Group, as well as the company’s Brisbane, Australia, office, which will be closed. The changes are expected to result in annualized cost savings of $5–$6 million, […]

In a new periodic feature, IBO highlights major funding announcements and initiatives that indicate opportunities for instrument and laboratory product makers. Samsung announced in May the formation of the Samsung Future Technology Promotion Foundation, which will invest KRW 1.5 trillion ($900 million = KRW 1.11 =$1) over 10 years in R&D. The Foundation plans to […]

In 2012, R&D spending in US dollars for 21 major publicly held analytical instrument and lab product companies (see table, page 6) increased 6.0% but maintained pace with sales, which grew 6.6%. Given the slower top-line growth compared with 2011 and concerns over research-related spending, R&D initiatives were focused on higher growth biopharmaceutical, clinical and […]

Jena, Germany 5/6/13—Analytik Jena announced that it has purchased all the assets of molecular diagnostics company SIRS-Lab. SIRS-Lab’s offerings were for systemic infections, including LOOXSTER technology for the identification and detection of bacterial and fungal DNA in diagnostic samples. The company filed for bankruptcy in December 2012. Analytik Jena has announced it will place a […]

The first of IBO’s biannual new laboratory roundup focuses on new facilities for cancer treatment and research, along with new genetically modified (GM) crop labs and consumer products labs. In addition, the table on page 6 highlights plans for new labs for the automotive, pharmaceutical and semiconductor industries. Three organizations, including two universities, have announced […]

Japanese R&D funding increased last fiscal year for the first time in four years. The country’s total R&D spending rose 1.6% in fiscal 2012 (ending March 31, 2012) to ¥17,379 billion ($217.2 billion = ¥80 = $1), according to the annual R&D survey of the Statistics Bureau of Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. […]