Life Science Instruments
Company Announcements
TTP completed in July a new extension of its life sciences development facility. The additional multidisciplinary suite of lab space provides a Class II biohandling and tissue culture laboratory and a dedicated facility for diagnostic system development under ISO 13485:2016.
In August, NanoString Technologies added Oregon Health & Science University and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard as Centers of Excellence for its Digital Spatial Profiling platform. As part of its early access launch, the company will select five additional sites to receive beta instruments beginning in the fourth quarter.
NanoString Technologies launch in September the GeoMx Priority Site (GPS) program for its GeoMx Digital Spatial Profiler. GPS status will be limited to the first 20 participants who purchase the commercial system. The system is expected to be available for early-access instrument placements late in 2018, followed by a full commercial launch in 2019.
Product Introductions
In July, BioTek Instruments launched the Synergy LX Multi-Mode Microplate Reader, an affordable, easy-to-use system for UV-Vis, absorbance, fluorescence and luminescence assays.
Gene-based Instruments
Company Announcements
IBJS Biotechnologies in May named Techcomp as the exclusive distributor of its xxpress qPCR thermal cycler in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
In July, PathogenDx, a provider of DNA-based pathogen testing technology, announced a $3.4 million capital raise, co-led by Altitude Investment Management and the Panther Opportunity Fund, which completes the company’s convertible note round.
Genomic Vision licensed its molecular combing technology for use in QC bioprocessing testing to European Equity Partners and established a dedicated entity for the venture. The new company will offer analytical services as well as licenses. Genomic Vision will receive upfront, milestones payments totaling over €500,000 ($649,351) as well as royalties on sales and services.
In September, Fluidigm announced a partnership with GenomOncology for an expanded immune-oncology gene expression workflow for RNA extraction through data analysis. The workflow combines their respective Advanta FFPE RNA Extraction Kit and GO Immuno-Oncology Workbench, which was developed in partnership with Fluidigm.
Product Introductions
In August, Eppendorf launched the CycleManager X50, a new software application that can control up to 50 Mastercycler X50 eco modules remotely. Features include booking schedule and maintenance management.
Sales and Orders of Note
In July, 3M Food Safety was awarded a contract from the US Department of Agricultural Food Safety and Inspective Services for pathogen detection instruments and kits, making 3M’s Molecular Detection System the primary method used by the agency for the detection of Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes and E. coli O157 (including H7).
Cell-based Instruments
Company Announcements
In July, Magnetic Insight secured an oversubscribed $3 million seed round led by Sand Hill Angels. Magnetic Insight is developing Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI), a new imaging modality that directly detects magnetic nanoparticle tracers enabling deep tissue imaging of functional events and disease states.
IsoPlexis installed in July its IsoLight benchtop system for high-throughput, single-cell functional proteomic detection at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center as part of the company’s early adopter program.
In August, IsoPlexis announced an exclusive distribution agreement with Tekon Biotech for China.
In September, IsoPlexis placed its IsoLight platform at City of Hope.
In July, Namocell, which develops single-cell dispensing and sorting platforms, entered into a distribution agreement with BIOKÉ, a business unit of Cell Signaling Technology Europe, for the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg.
In September, Fluidigm and Visiopharm announced a co-marketing relationship to automate image analysis for Imaging Mass Cytometry. Fluidigm and Visiopharm will cooperatively promote Visiopharm’s image analysis software in conjunction with the Fluidigm Hyperion Imaging System, MCD Viewer software, and related Maxpar antibodies and kits.
In September, Celldom was awarded a $1.5 million Phase II Small Business Innovation Research grant by the NIH’s National Institute of General Medical Sciences to advance its next generation, high-throughput single-cell analysis platform to define heterogeneity within cell populations. The company plans to initially commercialize the technology, the TrapTx Analyzer System, as a research service in 2018 and launch its first commercial systems by late 2019 with a focus on oncology, immunology and stem cell biology applications.
Akoya Biosciences announced in September that VIB, a life sciences institute in Belgium, will be one of its first partners to use itsCODEX (CO-Detection by indexing) technology in Europe. According to the company, CODEX is the only technology available to provide spatial and quantitative analysis of up to 50 biomarkers of individual cells in complex tissues.
In September, flow cytometry firm Cytek Biosciences completed a Series C funding round co-led by Northern Lights Ventures and 3E Bioventures.
Product Introductions
In June, Bruker introduced the SKYSCAN 2214 multiscale x-ray nano-CT system, featuring a modular design which accommodates up to four detectors. Its large field of view allows for the analysis of objects up to 300 mm in size.
In September, Bruker launched the new preclinical PET/CT Si78 scanner for whole-body molecular imaging. It combines homogeneous sub-millimeter PET spatial resolution over a large field of view with minimal x-ray radiation dose.
In July, BioTek Instruments released enhancements to its MultiFlo FX Multi-Mode Dispenser for cell biology workflows. The new AMX Automated Media Exchange module automates gentle, consistent media exchanges.
ACEA Biosciences debuted in July the xCELLigence RTCA S16, an entry-level system for quantifying cell proliferation, morphology changes and adhesion in a label-free, real-time manner. The new S16 model is designed for use with PC Windows rather than Apple software, as it previously was.
In September, Sphere Fluidics released the CytoMine Studio Software Suite, an updated software for its CytoMine Single Cell Analysis System. The software works with industry-standard robotic platforms and corporate databases.
Fluidigm launched in September two new total RNA sequencing applications, available on Script Hub, for its C1 system. The C1 Total Seq application enables simultaneous detection of mRNAs and ncRNAs at single-cell resolution. The RamDA-seq (random displacement amplification sequencing) application offers a comprehensive view of total RNA with highly sensitive detection of full-length mRNAs and non-poly(A) transcripts.
Sales and Orders of Note
In July, MR Solutions installed Hawaii’s first preclinical cryogen-free MRI imaging system at the University of Hawaii’s Biology department in Manoa. It is being used to visualize soft tissue within kidneys using a contrast agent.
MILabs announced in July the installation of its dual-energy, high-resolution microCT system at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem Israel. The University is using the system to detect novel gold-labeled probes in cancerous tissue and atherosclerotic plaques.
In August, Cell Microsystems announced the first commercial sale of its automated AIR System for the imaging, sorting and isolation of single cells and small colonies to Albert Einstein College of Medicine investigator Jan Vijg, PhD.
Protein-based Analysis
Company Announcements
In September, PathSensors partnered with Radiusen Systems, which will distribute its CANARY pathogen detection system in China.
PathSensors named in September Ensensor as its distributor in Japan. Ensensor is a biodetection company created in a joint venture with S.T. Japan.
In September, Biodesy completed a $20 million Series C financing, led by Alexandria Venture Investments, and promoted Ariel G. Notcovich to CEO. Biodesy’s Delta System gives researchers the ability to monitor structural changes in real time at high throughput.
In September 12, Quanterix announced the consolidation of its licensing position and re-establishment of control of its intellectual property in the IVD field following the termination of its license agreement with bioMérieux for Simoa technology. bioMérieux continues to hold shares in the company.
Product Introductions
In July, Bio-Techne introduced Jess, the newest member of its ProteinSimple-branded Simple Western family. Jess automates both the protein separation and immunodetection elements characteristic of traditional protein analysis techniques. As many as 25 samples can be analyzed in about 3 hours.
In August, Nicoya Lifesciences released the new OpenSPR instrument, a two-channel system with greater automation than its predecessor. The technology is currently employed by over 500 users.
In September, Fluidic Analytics launched the Fluidity One system to measure the size and concentration of proteins in their native state without the need for surfaces or matrices. The system provides the full characterization of small peptides to aggregates from 0.5 nm to 20 nm (0.3 kDa –8 MDa) in size.
