Instrumentation for Gene-based Analysis

 Company Announcements 

In September, Tetracore announced that its T-COR 8 portable real-time PCR thermocycler has achieved CE-IVD status.

Product Introduction

In September, Bionano Genomics released updated algorithms, analysis tools and visualization software for the Saphyr genome mapping system. This release focuses on mapping the order and orientation of the genome by improving the ability to identify inversions of 30 kbp up to megabases in size. In addition, the algorithms now identify tandem duplications.

Thermo Fisher Scientific and Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute introduced in October the Applied Biosystems Axiom African Array for medical and population genomics. The array provides capture of genome-wide variation in African populations, as well as Asian and European populations. It contains 925,000 variants.

In October, NanoString Technologies announced a research agreement with the NSABP Foundation to jointly characterize the immunophenotypes of colorectal cancer samples using its PanCancer IO 360 Gene Expression Panel and nCounter Analysis System.

In November, GNA Biosolutions launched the Pharos V8 platform, based on Lacer PCR technology. The technology uses nanomaterials to control temperature cycles at the nano scale, accelerating reaction times.

Sales/Orders of Note

In October, PrimusLabs announced plans to transition to Hygiena’s PCR-based BAX System for microbiological testing at all its labs in the US and Mexico.

Bionano Genomics announced in October that Beijing Grandomics will use its Saphyr System to develop novel assays for genetic diseases in China, including tests for facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy.

Instrumentation for Cell-based Analysis

Company Announcements 

In September, Sphere Fluidics, a provider of single-cell analysis technology, announced a distribution agreement with I&L Biosystems for Germany, Austria and the Netherlands.

Cytonome/ST announced in October an exclusive sales partnership with Inabata & Co. for Japan for is GigaSort cell sorter technolog­y.

In October, Fluidigm entered into a distribution agreement to offer the University of Zurich’s CAT software for multiparameter tissue analysis. The agreement provides the rights to distribute the software in conjunction with the Fluidigm Hyperion Imaging System.

In November, Fluicell entered into a license agreement with Cellectricon granting it exclusive rights to sell Cellectricon’s Dynaflow Resolve technology, designed for secondary ion channel screening.

MR Solutions announced in October a restructuring. The company, consisting of MRR Systems, which supplies spectrometers and OEM assembly, and MR Solutions, which develops and supplies preclinical imaging system, has created a new division. The new MRS Magnetics division will supply cryogen-free and dry magnet technology for MR Solutions, which will also continue to use its existing magnet suppliers. In addition, Nicky Doughty was named CEO of MR Solutions.

In November, Fluxion Biosciences appointed Harvard Bioscience as a distributor for North America for its Ion Flux and BioFlux systems.

Product Introductions

In October, Fluidigm launched the CyTOF technology­–based­ Hyperion Imaging System for highly multiplexed protein detection in tissues. The system enables the simultaneous imaging of 4–37 protein markers with minimal background, and has the ability to utilize up to 135 channels to detect additional parameters. It is offered as a complete workflow solution, which includes the Maxpar imaging antibody portfolio.

TTP and Sphere Fluidics introduced in October the Cyto-Mine Single Cell Analysis System, calling it “the first integrated device to automatically perform all of the techniques routinely used in the biopharmaceutical discovery and development workflow.” It can deliver up to 10 million tests per day using Sphere Fluidics’ picodroplet technology to encapsulate a single cell in growth media and trap secreted molecules from the cell as it grows.

In November, Molecular Devices released pCLAMP Software Suite 11 for patch clamp electrophysiology. New features include the Clampfit Advanced Analysis Module to improved automated event detection and batch analysis of data.

Sales/Orders of Note

In October, IsoPlexis, the developer of the IsoLight single-cell, secreted protein analysis system, received a $1.8 million grant from the National Cancer Institute’s Small Business Innovation Research Development Center. The grant will be used to develop an automated assay platform and informatics suit that can be used in larger clinical trials to test CAR-T patient product potency and toxicity, pre-infusion.

In November, Phasefocus announced that the Translational Research Institute became the first center in Australia and the Asia Pacific region to adopt its Livecyte Cell Imaging and Analysis system.

Instrumentation for Protein-based Analysis

Company Announcements 

Intabio announced in September the receipt of $2 million in seed financing in a round led by Jenny Rooke, PhD, managing director at 5 Prime Ventures. Intabio is developing the Blaze system for detection and indentification of subtle protein modifications. The system is designed for use prior to MS detection.

CERTUS announced in October that it will distribute Solus Scientific’s Solus Pathogen Testing System, an automated ELISA system, in the US.

In October, Gyros Protein Technologies signed an agreement to distribute Euro Diagnostics’ iLite assay-ready cell lines in Europe and North America.

Product Introductions 

In October, Unchained Labs launched Hunky, which measures ∆G to quantify biologic stability and predict aggregation.