Biosystems Receives Patent for Nucleic Acid Labeling Technology
Health/Medical Writers
FOSTER CITY, Calif.--(BW HealthWire)--Sept. 15, 1998--
Perkin-Elmer (NYSE: PKN), announced today that PE Biosystems,
its life science division, has been issued US Patent No. 5,800,996
titled "Energy Transfer Dyes with Enhanced Fluorescence." The patent
describes a new class of fluorescent dye compounds that are
particularly well suited as labels in automated DNA sequencing
processes.
Developed by researchers at PE Biosystems, the dyes are
incorporated into the Company's expanding line of fluorescent DNA
analysis reagents that work in concert with its ABI PRISM(R) genetic
analysis systems. These systems are used to conduct the majority of
genetic analyses in the world today.
Michael W. Hunkapiller, Ph.D., senior vice president of
Perkin-Elmer and president of PE Biosystems, explained: "This patent
reinforces our leadership position with regard to intellectual
property covering methods and reagents in the field of DNA analysis.
The significance of the technology covered by the patent has been
clearly demonstrated by the success of Perkin-Elmer's BigDye Primer
and BigDye Terminator DNA sequencing chemistries, which have become
the 'gold standard' in the field of automated DNA sequencing."
According to Dr. Hunkapiller, these dyes provide brighter signal,
cleaner data, longer reads, and higher sensitivity. "Their superior
results have already had a positive impact in such fields as large-
scale genome projects, human identification, microbial identification,
molecular diagnostics, agriculture, and pharmaceutical development,"
he said.
The Perkin-Elmer Corporation is a leading supplier of systems for
life science research and related applications. It develops,
manufactures, and markets life science systems and analytical
instruments used in markets such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology,
forensics, environmental testing, food, agriculture, and chemical
manufacturing. Headquartered in Connecticut, Perkin-Elmer had revenues
of more than $1.5 billion in fiscal 1998 and employs more than 7,000
people worldwide. Information about Perkin-Elmer is available on the
World Wide Web at perkin-elmer.com or by phoning (800)
762-6923.
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