Agilent Expands Life Sciences Presence with DNA Microarray Program
DNA microarrays are solid surfaces, with matrices of DNA representing genes arrayed at specific positions. Microarrays identify and quantify genes that are turned on or off in a cell or tissue. This knowledge, many believe, will help quantify the impact of a drug on a cell or group of cells, and to consequently determine a drug's efficacy or toxicity. Knowledge of gene expression profiles can also help researchers identify new drug targets.
Agilent recently introduced its LabChip-based DNA/RNA analyzer, which uses Agilent's LabChip microfluidic component to perform the nucleotide analysis. The DNA microarray program, based on technology licenses from Oxford Gene Technology (Oxford, UK), shows Agilent's commitment to the growing microchip array marketplace. Agilent estimates demand for such products will grow to more than $600 million within five years.
The technology Agilent has licensed was developed by Ed Southern, an academic and 90% owner of Oxford Gene. Southern is known for his key insight, made 25 years ago, that labeled nucleic acid molecules could be used to interrogate genetic material to determine DNA sequences. His technique, the basis of Southern blotting, has opened up research programs in many commercially important fields of biology, diagnostics, and medicine, including early work in the human genome project. In the late eighties and early nineties Southern developed methods of synthesizing customized short sequences of nucleic acids on glass surfaces capable of extreme miniaturization. Some of this technology will be transferred to Agilent.
Inkjet Technology
Agilent manufactures its DNA microarrays using inkjet printing, which affords a high degree of flexibility, speed, quality, and the ability to customize oligonucleotide arrays representing thousands of genes per array in a matter of days. Agilent will commercialize a family of DNA microarrays, including cDNA arrays and custom oligonucleotide arrays. The company also plans to offer a complete system, including automated scanning equipment, an enterprise-wide expression analysis informatics platform, and the biological protocols required for gene expression profiling experiments.
Technology Access Program
Agilent's DNA microarray program includes a technology access program that offers selected customers early access to microarray technology and the associated analysis suite. The first such "select" agreements is expected to be signed within a few months. Select customers will enjoy extended access to Agilent's technical expertise and will play a key role, through feedback and comments, in future designs.
"DNA microarray technology offers the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and agriculture an efficient and much more and economical alternative to current DNA microarray products," said Richard D. (Rick) Kniss, senior vice president and general manager of Agilent's Chemical Analysis Group. "By providing this technology, we intend to expand the gene expression market and thereby increase the likelihood of new blockbuster drug and bio-agricultural developments. This move will not only enhance the capabilities of genomic discovery, but will ultimately improve the quality of all our lives."
For more information: Martin Verhoef, Product Manager, Agilent, 1601 California Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94304. Tel: 650-857-7883. Fax: 650-852-8011.
By Angelo DePalma