Life Technologies Grows Diagnostics Business
Currently, Navigenics provides genetic testing services for individuals through their physicians, including genetic-counseling services. At a press conference at AACC (see page 3), Mr. Andrews cited the company’s CLIA-certified lab and online physicians portal as especially valuable to Life Technologies’ molecular diagnostics business. He also stated that Life Technologies’ molecular diagnostics business will continue to add capabilities over the next few months through acquisitions and partnerships. The Medical Sciences business is operated like a start-up, said Mr. Andrews, and will apply Life Technologies’ research technologies to diagnostics in five areas: oncology, inherited disease, infectious disease, transplants and neurology.
Carlsbad, CA 7/16/12—Life Technologies has acquired Navigenics, a developer of genetics-based products and services, for an undisclosed amount. Life Technologies stated the acquisition was a first step in its strategy to build out its molecular diagnostics business. “The advent of personalized medicine will require a combination of technologies and informatics focused on delivering relevant information to the treating physician,” said Ronnie Andrews, president of Medical Sciences at Life Technologies. “Navigenics has pioneered the synthesis and communication of complex genomic information, and we will now pivot the company’s effort to date and focus on becoming a comprehensive provider of technology and informatics to pathologists and oncologists worldwide.” Navigenics’ expertise includes a technology infrastructure, online platforms, an experienced staff and a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)–certified lab that is licensed throughout the US. The lab will be used to design and validate new diagnostic assays, including FDA-approved assays.
