Microsoft Acquires Rosetta Biosoftware Assets
Rosetta Biosoftware provides the Rosetta Resolver System for gene expression; the Rosetta Elucidator System for MS data; and the Syllego System for genome wide association, copy number variation, expression quantitative trait loci and linkage analysis studies. Rosetta Biosoftware’s instrument partners include Agilent, Applied Biosystems, Illumina, Thermo Scientific and Waters. Introduced this year, Microsoft Health Solution’s Amalga Life Sciences 2009 manages and analyzes research data (see page 8).
Redmond, WA 6/1/09—Microsoft has agreed to acquire certain assets of Rosetta Biosoftware from Merck & Co. Microsoft will incorporate the genetic, genomic, metabolomic and proteomic data management software into its Amalga Life Sciences platform for translational research. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Microsoft and Merck will also form a strategic relationship, under which Merck will become an Amalga customer and provide strategic input to Microsoft on the direction and evolution of the software. “This agreement establishes a stable and sustainable platform for the Rosetta Biosoftware technology,” stated Rupert Vessey, vice president, Merck Research Laboratories. The acquisition is expected to close at the end of June. The new Amalga platform incorporating Rosetta Biosoftware is scheduled to be available in early 2010. Microsoft is also pursuing the hiring of Rosetta Biosoftware employees.
