Life Science Instruments

Company Announcements

Thermo Fisher Scientific disclosed in a financial filing that it paid $65 million to purchase IntegenX (see IBO 3/30/18).

In June, ANDE announced that its ANDE Rapid DNA Identification System has received National DNA Index System (NDIS) approval from the FBI. The approval allows accredited NDIS laboratories to process DNA samples using the system and search the resulting ANDE DNA IDs against the FBI’s Combined DNA Index System program, without manual interpretation or technical review.  The company called it the first rapid DNA system to receive an approval.

NanoString Technologies announced in June a collaboration with the Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program of the NCI, which will use the company’s PanCancer IO 3060 panel to characterize immune activity and development of potentially predictive gene therapies in NCI-sponsored clinical trials.

In June, NanoString Technologies named the Netherlands Cancer Institute as its first Center for Excellence (COE) for Digital Spatial Profiling. The goal of the COE program is to establish a global network of centers with expertise in distinct research areas to expand the utility of the DSP platform.

Science Exchange, a marketplace for outsourced R&D, entered into a collaboration with LI-COR Biosciences to offer a suite of molecular imaging services based on LI-COR’s NIR fluorescence detection method.

Product Introductions

In June, Molecular Devices launched the new SpectraMax ABS and ABS Plus Microplate Readers, which cover a wide range of absorbance­-based applications and can be easily integrated into full robotic systems. The SpectraMax ABS Plus Microplate Reader can run both cuvette-­based and microplate reader applications on the same instrument. Both readers have filterless monochromator flexibility that allows for selecting the exact wavelength for every assay.

 

Gene-based Analysis

Company Announcements

In May, LexaGene, which develops instrumentation for pathogen detection, entered into an agreement with the Stanford University School of Medicine involving the use of a targeted sequencing technology developed in the laboratory of Dr. Hanlee Ji, a Stanford associate professor of medicine, in combination with LexaGene’s microfluidic instrument.

In June, Fluidigm entered into a co­-marketing agreement with Genomenon, the creator of the Mastermind genomic search database and automated machine learning algorithms, to offer evidence-­based genomic panel design services for translational and clinical disease research.

In June, Fluidigm debuted the Advanta Sample ID Genotyping Panel for use with the Biomark HD system for the identification and quality assessment of human samples and cell lines in disease research. It enables laboratories to accurately detect a unique genetic fingerprint to assist in maintaining a chain-of-custody from sample acquisition to data analysis.

In July, DNA synthesis company SGI-DNA, a spin-out of Synthetic Genomics, named Todd R. Nelson, PhD, MBA, as CEO. He was most recently with DiscoverX.

Product Introductions

EnviroLogix launched in July the QuickScan II, a next generation scanner for quantifying GMOs and mycotoxins for the grain, processing and feed industries. New features include improved operational efficiency and the ability to scan 22 tests simultaneously.

Bio-­Techne added new capabilities and options in June to its ACD­-branded RNAscope and BaseScope ISH portfolio. The company expanded its pre­validated tissue bank with new tissues and disease types and created pre­collected immuno-oncology datasets, profiling key targets and immune checkpoint markers.

 

Cell-based Analysis

Company Announcements

In February, Becton, Dickinson filed suit in US District Court alleging that Cytek Biosciences and several former BD employees who are current or former Cytek staff of misappropriation of property, including confidential, proprietary and trade secret information; specifically, secret technical specifications, source code and designs related to the field of flow cytometry. The infringing product is alleged to be the Athena flow cytometer.

Nikon and its subsidiary, Nikon Instech, announced in February a strategic business cooperation contract for cell-related fields with Berkeley Lights (BLI). As part of the contract, Nikon plans to invest $30 million in the company. Nikon also entered into an exclusive sales agency contract with BLI for sales in Japan. Nikon Instech began exclusive domestic distribution in Japan from January.

In May, Berkeley Lights, digital cell biology technology company, announced a program with TPG Biologics, a leading cell line development company in Asia, to accelerate TPG’s cell line development workflow.

In June, Berkeley Lights entered into a collaboration with ChemPartner focused on accelerating ChemPartner’s mAb discovery workflow.

In June, Berkeley Lights announced that Catalent Pharma Solutions will adopt its platform to accelerate Catalent Biologics’ cell line development workow.

In May, Stratedigm and Shero Diagnostics announced a partnership. Leveraging Stratedigm’s flow cytometry technology. Shero Diagnostics will utilize its reagent library to create single-click diagnostics tests.

Akoya Biosciences announced in May the launch of the CODEX Early Access Program, with 10 sites having purchased the system. CODEX technology (CO-Detection by indEXing) affordably converts existing fuorescence microscopes into high-dimensional imaging systems capable of single-cell resolution to provide a comprehensive solution for spatially resolved, highly multiplexed biomarker analysis.

In June, Namocell signed a distribution agreement with Tomy Digital Biology to distribute its Namo Single Cell Dispenser in Japan.

Ovizio Imaging Systems appointed Dr. Emilie Viey as CEO in June. Most recently, she was director of Commercialization at ACEA Biosciences.

In June, NanoCellect Biomedical, which develops and manufactures tools for cell analysis and sorting, named Chris Neary as CEO. Most recently, he was with Water Street Healthcare Partners.

IsoPlexis, a developer of single-cell analytics technology, announced in June a collaboration with Nektar Therapeutics. The collaboration is focused on further defining the functional impact of NKTR-214 in the clinic, at the single-cell level, with the goal of revealing how both mechanism and potential immune correlates with outcome.

In July, SCIENION-affiliate Cellenion and Miltenyi Biotec signed a co­marketing agreement to  improve and accelerate the development of monoclonal cell lines by combining the use of their respective MACSQuant Tyto Cell Sorter and cellenONE X1 single­-cell deposition unit.

Product Introductions

In March, BMG Labtech announced the availability of its Atmospheric Control Unit on its Omega series microplace readers.

MR Solutions launched in May four CT models idesigned to operate alone or with its clip-on PET and SPECT imaging systems for its range of MRI scanners. The MR Solutions family now includes 6 cryogen-free MRI scanners with a range between 3 T to 9.4 T, 5 PET systems that include clip-on and within the bore and 2 SPECT systems.  The company has over two thousand installations worldwide

In May, BioTek introduced the Synergy LX Multi­Mode Microplate Reader to automate the most common microplate­-based assays. The 200­–999 nm range encompasses a broad range of UV­-Vis absorbance assays, including 2 μL measurements when used with the  Take3 Micro­Volume Plate.

MI Labs debuted in June the E-Class line of economical, entry-level PET, SPECT and CT systems.

 

Protein-based Analysis

Product Introductions

In June, miniPCR launched the second generation blueGel integrated electrophoresis and visualization system. New features include secure electrode contacts for reliable, interruption-free runs.

In June, Bruker introduced the new Sierra SPR­32 system with higher sensitivity and new instrument control software.

 

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