Company Announcements

Roche 454 Life Sciences and RainDance Technologies announced in March that they will develop and commercialize a targeted next-generation sequencing solution for ADME and will launch a core ADME gene-screening research panel that enables the detection of known and unknown functional mutations associated with drug metabolism and response.

Fluidigm’s 2010 revenues increased 32.3% to $33.6 million (see IBO 3/31/11). Instruments and consumables accounted for 68% and 32% of product mix, respectively. The US and Europe represented 55% and 25% of sales, respectively. The company expects 2011 product revenue to grow 25%–27%.

Patrick S. Jones, a private investor, joined Fluidigm’s Board in March, replacing Jeremy Loh. In April, Evan Jones, managing member of jVen Capital, joined the Board.

Caliper Life Sciences and HistoRx announced in March a collaboration to develop tissue-based imaging and analysis solutions based on immunofluorescence for the quantitative measurements of proteins in tissue samples utilizing their respective Vectra platform and AQUA technology. Caliper will have exclusive distribution rights in the life science research market.

BioNanomatrix, a developer of single-molecule imaging and analysis platforms, announced in March that it had closed a $23.3 million Series B round of equity financing.

In March, label-free technology firm BiOptix closed a $9 million Series B round, led by RUSNANO (see IBO 10/31/09). The company plans to establish a subsidiary in Russia to produce its disposable bio-nanosensors and partner with Russian researchers.

In April, Life Technologies named Ambry Genetics the first authorized customer service provider in Ion Torrent’s new service-provider program.

Product Introductions

Life Technologies introduced the BigDye Direct Cycle Sequencing Kit for its Applied Biosystems Genetic Analyzers. The Kit combines post-PCR cleanup and cycle sequencing into a single step.

Visualsonics launched the Vevo LAXR Photoacoustics Imaging system, which provides the ability to observe tumor biology, measure hypoxia, evaluate changes in blood flow and quantify data with a software solution in vivo and in real time.

In March, Roche 454 Life Sciences introduced the GS GType HLA Primer Sets for the GS Junior and GS FLX next-generation sequencing system for high- and medium-resolution genotyping of class I and class II loci of the human leukocyte antigen genes. The Sets enable typing and allele assignment in a single run.

Bio-Rad Laboratories released the Trans-Blot Turbo transfer system for rapid western blotting, which enables the detection of proteins larger than 200 kD.