Agilent Broadens Technology Access Program for DNA Microarrays

Agilent Technologies Inc. (Palo Alto, CA) will step up its technology access program (TAP) to allow more companies and institutions access to its DNA micro-array technology. TAP gives selected customers early access to Agilent's DNA microarray technology, its associated analysis suite, and the company's technical experts. Agilent will use feedback from users to further fine-tune its microarray products, with the goal eventually of providing it even more broadly and affordably.

"We are pleased with the initial response to our array technologies access program," said Rick Kniss, a senior vice president at Agilent. "We plan to expand the program to allow more participants access to our technology bundle, comprised of customized arrays, an array reader, reagents, informatics software and product support."

Last December, Agilent announced its plan to expand its presence in the life science market through a new DNA microarray program enabling researchers to access genetic information faster and more cost effectively.

Agilent's array platform combines microarray technology developed by Edwin Southern (whose patents Agilent has licensed) with Agilent's inkjet and instrumentation expertise. Using inkjet printing technology enables Agilent to manufacture customized oligonucleotide microarrays, representing thousands of genes per array, in a matter of days.

For more information: Doug Forsyth, Agilent, 1601 California Ave., MS 17U-4E, Palo Alto, CA 94304-1111. Tel: 650-857-5603.

Edited by Angelo DePalma