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Any thoughts on what, if any, impact this might have on MegaBace? :
Monday January 12, 8:30 am Eastern Time
Company Press Release
SOURCE: Sequenom
Sequenom Signs Agreement with Bruker-Franzen Analytik To Develop Mass Spectrometer for DNA Massarray Analysis
SAN DIEGO, and HAMBURG, Germany, Jan. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Sequenom today announced that it has signed a collaboration agreement with Bruker-Franzen Analytik GmbH, one of the leading mass spectrometer manufacturers in the world. Under the agreement Sequenom and Bruker-Franzen will develop a high- speed MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer that is dedicated to process Sequenom's SpectroChips for rapid and highly accurate DNA analysis. The announcement marks the first of several strategic alliances with leading equipment manufacturers for Sequenom as it creates its modular DNA MassArray system, according to Hubert Koster, Ph.D., president and CEO of Sequenom.
Sequenom's proprietary DNA MassArray technology unites high fidelity enzymatic methods in a highly parallel mode, with MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, and a proprietary SpectroChip(TM) functional micro-array for use in DNA analysis. Sequenom believes that the efficiency and accuracy its technology brings to DNA analysis could revolutionize biomedical and life science applications, including the development of pharmaceuticals and DNA diagnostics.
''The mass spectrometer is one of the key elements within the DNA MassArray system and we are pleased to be collaborating with one of the world leaders in the development of premium MALDI mass spectrometer instrumentation,'' Dr. Koster said. ''Bruker-Franzen is known to provide one of the highest standards of mechanical quality and high precision in mass spectrometer instruments. Our technology platforms are complementary and we believe the combination of Bruker-Franzen's mass spectrometer with our proprietary SpectroChip technology will lead to the quick and accurate performance of our DNA MassArray technology.''
''Bruker-Franzen has been evaluating the field of DNA analysis by mass spectrometry for some time and we are extremely impressed by the level of expertise we have found among Sequenom's scientists,'' said Dr. Franzen, managing director and founder of Bruker-Franzen GmbH. ''In terms of its sample preparation procedures and DNA analysis technology, Sequenom is years ahead of anybody else in the field.''
Under the terms of the agreement, Bruker-Franzen will upgrade the hardware and software interfaces of its Reflex and Biflex MALDI-TOF instruments, enabling them to analyze Sequenom's SpectroChips in a high-speed format. These instruments will be marketed under a joint Bruker-Franzen/Sequenom label and will be designed to exclusively process Sequenom's SpectroChips.
The first modular Sequenom DNA Mass Array system will be available in mid- 1998. The system will automate the whole DNA analysis process, including amplification and enzymatic diagnostic reactions, sample-to-DNA chip transfer, signal acquisition, and data interpretation. After extensive feasibility studies, Sequenom has initiated negotiations to enter into research and development collaborations with leading pharmaceutical and diagnostic companies to develop SpectroChips for customized applications. Sequenom will initially provide DNA analysis services with the system and license the system to customers performing their own DNA analysis. Revenue will be generated from R&D collaborations, royalties from product sales based on a technology license, and the sale of proprietary generic and customized SpectroChips.
Bruker Franzen develops and manufactures mass spectrometers and supplies these systems on a worldwide basis. The company is headquartered in Bremen, Germany.
Sequenom is focused on developing high definition DNA analysis tools for industrial biomedical and life science applications. The utility of the Company's DNA MassArray toolbox includes the development of advanced medical diagnostics and therapeutics, as well as for applications in forensics, agriculture, animal husbandry, and environmental testing. Its intellectual property position consists of seven issued and five allowed United States patents, in addition to patent applications in the United States and worldwide. The company has its headquarters in San Diego, California and facilities in Hamburg, Germany.
The names DNA MassArray and SpectroChip are registered trademarks of Sequenom Corporation.
SOURCE: Sequenom
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