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September 23, 2004 | Customer News

Tecan and Promega partner to market genomic applications on the Freedom EVO platform

Agreement will enable fully automated, rapid purification of genomic DNA from large-volume blood samples

Zurich, Switzerland  23 September 2004 – Tecan, a leading player in the health care supply industry, and Promega Corporation (Madison WI, USA) an innovative provider of solutions to the life sciences, today announced a non-exclusive agreement to jointly develop, promote and market genomic DNA purification applications on Tecan’s state-of-the-art automated liquid handling platforms. Each application will be optimized to provide a validated solution that generates proven results.

The first solution, co-developed by both companies, will provide a fully automated platform suitable for purifying genomic DNA from large-volume samples of whole blood (3-10 ml).  The collaboration will combine the new MagneSil® Blood Genomic DNA, Large Volume system from Promega with Tecan’s Freedom EVO platform. With the new system, customers will have access from one source to a new fully automated application for purifying genomic DNA from large-volume blood samples.  The system will be designed to address unmet large volume purification needs by combining a robust chemistry with flexible automation. Customers will be able to purify genomic DNA using the MagneSil purification protocol from fresh, refrigerated or frozen whole blood samples. Automated genomic DNA purification will be done using a simple, flexible, and scalable automated procedure that purifies genomic DNA directly from blood collection vessels.  The purified genomic DNA will be ready to use for a variety of downstream applications.   

The complete integrated system will be designed to address unmet customer requirements to allow on-the-fly batch size and automated reagent scaling depending on sample volume. The purification will also be conceived to avoid problems found with current methods, such as reduced yields due to storage conditions, centrifugation requirements, and lengthy resuspension of precipitated nucleic acids.

High quality purified genomic DNA is an essential requirement before proceeding with a wide range of molecular biology methods in genotyping. The collaboration will involve the sequential development of further automated solutions for Promega reagents in several application areas.

Promega provides a wide range of products for applications in the life science laboratory. These products allow scientists worldwide to advance their knowledge in genomics, proteomics and cellular analysis, as well as molecular diagnostics and human identification. Tecan is a leading provider of powerful modular platforms for liquid handling and robotics. The Freedom EVO series of automated platforms offer outstanding flexibility through its modular architecture as well as full compliance with the latest regulatory requirements.

Jan Timmers, Executive Vice President Marketing at Tecan, remarked: “We are extremely pleased to be working closely with Promega on this alliance. As a world leader in DNA purification technologies, Promega expertise and global recognition in this market will play a key role in the successful development of this collaboration.” He added: ”The powerful combination of Tecan’s Freedom EVO platforms with Promega DNA purification kits means that we will be able to meet the needs of those customers looking to isolate genomic DNA from larger sample volumes of blood at higher throughput.”

Dr. Gary Tarpley, Vice President for Research and Development, Promega Corporation, commented: “This alliance brings together two companies with a strong track record in delivering innovative solutions to the life sciences. Our proprietary kits for DNA purification coupled with Tecan’s expertise in automation will deliver fast, reliable and easy-to-use solutions for our customers. It will also give them access to expanded resources including the customer support services of both organizations.”

Promega and Tecan will work together to develop solutions for each application. Both companies will co-promote the solutions arising from the collaboration. Financial details were not disclosed.

Disclaimer: Tecan’s Freedom EVO platform combined with the new Promega MagneSil Blood Genomic DNA, Large Volume system will be developed for general laboratory use only.

 

About Promega

Promega Corporation is a leader in providing innovative solutions and technical support to the life sciences industry. The company's 1200 products enable scientists worldwide to advance their knowledge in genomics, proteomics and cellular analysis, molecular diagnostics and human identification. Founded in 1978, the company is headquartered in Madison, WI., USA with branches in 10 countries and 54 global distributors. Annual sales exceed $165 million.

 

About Tecan

Tecan is a leading player in the health care supply industry that specializes in the development, production, and distribution of solutions enabling the discovery of pharmaceutical substances, as well as for genomics, proteomics, and diagnostics. Tecan clients are leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, university research departments and diagnostic laboratories. Founded in Switzerland in 1980, the company has manufacturing, research and development sites in both North America and Europe and maintains a sales and service network in 52 countries. In 2003, Tecan achieved sales of CHF 311.6 million (USD 230.8 million; EUR 205.0 million). Registered shares of Tecan Group are traded on the SWX Swiss Exchange (TK: TECN / Reuters: TECZn.S / Valor : 1210019).

For more information, please contact :

Tecan Group Ltd.

Cornelia Kegele
Manager Marketing Communications and Branding
Tel.: +41 (0)44 922 81 11
Fax: +41 (0)44 922 82 81
e-mail: cornelia.kegele@tecan.com
Internet: www.tecan.com

Promega Corporation

Dan Kephart
Global Applications and Technology Integration Manager
Tel: +1 608 274 4330
Fax: +1 608 277 2516
E-mail: Daniel.kephart@promega.com
Internet: www.promega.com