Nov. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Packard BioScience Company (Nasdaq: PBSC - news) and Hitachi Genetic Systems, through its subsidiary MiraiBio, Inc. (Alameda, CA), announced today an agreement to co-market their storage phosphor and fluorescence imaging systems for use in molecular biology research. Together, Hitachi's fluorescence imaging and Packard's storage phosphor system deliver superior comprehensive imaging solutions for applications in areas such as cancer and drug research.
For a limited time, researchers in North America will be able to purchase a Hitachi FMBIO IIe Fluorescence Imaging System and Packard Cyclone system through MiraiBio for the cost of just the FMBIO system. The agreement should position the two companies to effectively compete in the molecular biology research imaging market. Imaging is a growing need for researchers studying such disciplines as oncology, molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology, and cell biology.
``Molecular biology applications make up 70% to 80% of the imaging market we serve,'' said Frank Witney, Ph.D., President and COO of Packard BioScience. ``We have packaged two top performing systems in the market to offer the best value to our customers. The dedicated systems yield better performance individually than the combination systems available today. Unlike combination systems that can perform only one function at a time, the FMBIO and Cyclone systems can process information simultaneously, thereby producing higher throughput.''
``We are pleased to collaborate with Packard on this promotion,'' said Lenny Klevan, President of MiraiBio, Inc. ``With our large customer base and Packard's large distribution network, we expect the promotion of the two complementary technologies to appreciably broaden our appeal in this market.''
The newly introduced FMBIO IIe Fluorescence Imaging System offers a higher level of laser performance than the previous model for the imaging of gels, blots, and microplates. The unique laser offers the highest sensitivity available in any fluorescent imager. In addition, the system is able to excite and detect a wide variety of fluorescent dyes enabling work in a multicolor environment.
The Cyclone Storage Phosphor System is the most compact, highest resolution imaging system available for quantitation of radiolabeled gene arrays, blots, gels and tissue sections. The unique helical scanning design provides the best resolution and sensitivity from a variety of storage phosphor screens designed to fit the particular application.
MiraiBio, Inc. (formerly the Genetic Systems Division of Hitachi Software Engineering America, Ltd.), was spun off as a subsidiary dedicated to serving the life science market. MiraiBio delivers proven solutions for life science research in fields such as proteomics, genomics, drug discovery, and forensics. The company offers products for bioimaging, microarray, bioinformatics, and spectroscopy. Bioimaging products include fluorescence and CCD-based imaging systems. Microarray systems include an automated spotter, and data management software. In addition, bioinformatics products for DNA sequence analysis and system integration are available. Next-generation spectroscopy instruments for DNA/RNA/protein measurements with full UV/Visible scans expands the product line. A preview of the company and its products can be obtained on the Internet at miraibio.com.... |
