General Life Science Instrumentation

Company Announcements

In July, NanoString Technologies named J. Chad Brown as senior vice president of Sales and Marketing. He most recently served as president and head of Commercial Operations for North America at QIAGEN.

In July, Scientific Digital Imaging named David Tilson to its Board. Most recently, he served as interim CFO at Consort Medical.

Product Introductions

In June, Thermo Fisher Scientific launched the iBright CL1000 and FL1000 Imaging Systems, designed to provide an easier method to capture images and analyze data from protein and nucleic acid gels, and western blots. Both models are supported with on-board data analysis for real-time lane and band identification, molecular weight marker overlay.

PerkinElmer launched in July the compact VICTOR Nivo multimode plate reader for biochemical and cell-based assays. It features top and bottom reading for all modes, and space for up to 32 filters.

Instruments for Gene-based Analysis

Company Announcements

In June, OpGen announced a global supply agreement to use Thermo Fisher Scientific’s real-time mid-throughput PCR solutions for its Acuitas Rapid Test for Pathogen ID and resistance genes.

This month, Thermo Fisher Scientific announced that its QuantStudio 5 Dx Real-Time PCR System received CD-IVD registration in Europe. The system can be operated in either RUO or IVD modes.

Genomic Vision named APG Bio as the exclusive distributor for its life science research products in Greater China, Hong Kong and Macau.

In June, Genoptix and Bionano Genomics announced an exclusive agreement to codevelop information-rich diagnostics for selected hematologic oncology indications in the US using Bionano’s Saphyr System.

Canopy Biosciences announced in June the launch of a service for high-throughput gene expression analysis using NanoString Technologies’ nCounter platform.

In July, Molecular Biology Systems named Isogen Life Sciences as the exclusive distributor of its NEXTGEN PCR system in Benelux and Spain.

Fluidigm announced in July a strategic partnership with Ascendas Genomics to develop molecular diagnostics in China using its microfluidic technologies.

Product Introductions

In July, LGC launched the Meridian² high-throughput liquid handling system for PCR, part of the SNPline system of lab instrumentation. The system dispenses 1 µL volumes into a 1,536-plate in less than 45 seconds. The new system adds two plate positions.

LI-COR Biosciences introduced in June the compact D-DiGit Gel Scanner for detection of DNA and RNA samples stained with fluorescent safe stains. The LED-based system consolidates nucleic acid anlysis in a single system.

In July, FORMULATRIX unveiled in July the next generation CONSTELLATION Digital PCR System, featuring plates with up to 36,000 partitions per sample and integrated partitioning, thermal cycling and imaging. Commercial release is scheduled for the first quarter of 2018.

Agilent Technologies released in July the CE-marked AriaDx Real-Time PCR System in Europe, calling it the only modular real-time PCR instrument on the market intended for IVD use. Up to six optical cartridges can be added by the user. This is Agilent’s first PCR system for clinical diagnostics.

In July, Analytik Jena added a new model to its Biometra TAdvanced thermal cyclers, the Biometra TAdvanced Twin. The new model includes a double block variant for vessels with capacity of 0.2 mL and 0.5 mL, respectively.

Sale/Order of Note

In July, Genomic Vision announced that the Cologne Center for Genomics adopted its molecular combing technology for use with its FiberVision platform. The software comes with 25 different assay modules.

Instruments for Cell-based Analysis

Company Announcements

Effective July 1, Axion BioSystems will sell direct in Europe, replacing its agreement with Nanion Technologies. The companies will continue to work together through the end of the year for the transition.

Berkeley Lights announced in June a pilot cell line development program with Shire. Shire will install a Beacon optofluidic platform.

In July, Sphere Fluidics announced the receipt of a $1.25 million grant from InnovateUK to develop a novel automated single-cell genome engineering platform. The grant syndicate includes Horizon Discovery, Twist Bioscience and the University of Edinburgh.

Cayman Chemicals announced in July its distribution of Bertin Technologies’ InCellis Smart Cell Imaging Platform.

Product Introductions

In June, Molecular Devices introduced the cost effective ImageXpress Nano Automated Imaging System and CellReporterXpress Image Acquisition and Analysis Software.

Instruments for Protein-based Analysis

Company Announcements

In June, Biodesy named Dominique Bridon, PhD, as CEO. Most recently, he was chief development officer at biotech firm Nuritas.

Quanterix announced in July new investments in its Simoa Accelerator Lab services, which has completed more than 320 projects since it was founded in 2014.

Product Introduction

In June, Gyros Protein Technologies introduced a new version of its Anti-Drug Antibody (ADA) solution for the immunogenicity market. It is designed to run drug-tolerant ADA assays in a time-efficient way with small volumes. It provides double the capacity of the previous Gyrolab Mixing CD.

In July, Nanomedical Diagnostics released the NTA biosensor chip for its label-free Agile R100 assay system. The new chip is for the study of the kinetics of His-tagged molecules. Each chip provides up to 10 measurements.