Tokyo, Japan – Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation (TOKYO: 8036, Hitachi High-Tech) has been in collaboration with Promega Corporation, a leading manufacturer of reagents used for human identification by DNA*1 analysis, regarding a compact capillary electrophoresis (CE) sequencer.

Genetic analysis laboratories make use of first-generation CE sequencers and next-generation sequencers that use massively parallel processing to enable analysis of large quantities of gene sequence data. Meanwhile, CE sequencers are the product of many years of accumulated technology and experience, and can be used for confirmation of data sequences analyzed by next-generation sequencers, analysis of fragments used for human identification, and other applications at a relatively low cost. They are therefore expected to see firm demand going forward. Moreover, since gene analysis operations can be conducted easily and rapidly using CE sequencers due to their simple operation, demand from genome research laboratories is expected to continue expanding going forward.

Promega Corporation is a leader in providing innovative solutions and technical support to the life sciences industry. Founded in 1978, the company’s 3,500 products enable scientists worldwide to advance their knowledge in genomics, proteomics, cellular analysis, molecular diagnostics and human identification. Promega has provided reagent products for DNA-based human identification for more than 25 years.

To meet demand from research laboratories for simple and easy genetic analysis, Hitachi High-Tech and Promega will launch a worldwide business for compact CE sequencers capable of analyzing DNA from small samples at low costs in short periods. The collaboration will leverage Hitachi High-Tech’s strengths in equipment development and Promega’s strengths in reagent development. The two companies expect to launch their first collaboration product for research applications within fiscal 2017.

Through this collaboration, Hitachi High-Tech aims to expand its DNA sequencer operations further within its key field of biotechnology and healthcare. Hitachi High-Tech will continue to aim to “become the Global Top in high-tech solutions,” and respond swiftly to the needs of customers and markets, working from the customer’s perspective as a fast-moving creator of cutting-edge businesses.

*1

DNA: deoxyribonucleic acid

About Promega Corporation

Promega Corporation, headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, USA, develops, manufactures and sells products in genomics, proteomics, cellular analysis, molecular diagnostics and human identification. The company had calendar year 2016 revenues approaching USD 400 million.
For more information about Promega, visit http://www.promega.com/

About Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation

Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is engaged in activities in a broad range of fields, including Science & Medical Systems, Electronic Device Systems, Industrial Systems, and Advanced Industrial Products.
The company’s consolidated sales for FY2015 were approx. JPY629 billion [USD6 billion].
For further information, visit http://www.hitachi-hightech.com/global/