Amersham Pharmacia Biotech Moves to Integrate Mass Spec for Proteomics Reseachers

Amersham Pharmacia Biotech (Piscataway, NJ) has signed two major new deals with Proteometrics LLC (New York) and Scientific Analysis Instruments Ltd. (Surrey, UK) as a part of a major drive by the company to develop a complete range of technologies for the fast-emerging field of proteomics and protein characterization. The exclusive agreements were announced at the American Society of Mass Spectrometry conference in Dallas, TX.

Scientific Analysis Instruments, which specializes in mass spectrometry instrumentation, has agreed to work with Amersham Pharmacia Biotech to develop specially designed MALDI-TOF instruments. These high performance protein identification machines will be integrated into future 2D electrophoresis-mass spectrometry (2DE-MS) systems, providing the key technologies for the study of all proteins as potential drugs and drug targets.

Supporting this product development program is an agreement with Proteometrics, a mass spectrometry informatics specialist. Over the coming months, Amersham Pharmacia Biotech will work with Proteometrics in developing its generic Prowl software to integrate with Amersham Pharmacia Biotech's new mass spectrometry systems, expected to be available later this year.

"Over the next few months, we will be putting into place the final pieces of the jigsaw that will see us offering researchers a complete range of leading-edge mass spectrometry technologies," says Mike Evans, Amersham Pharmacia Biotech's VP for drug discovery. "A common feature of the new systems will be their ease-of-use, wide range of applications, and flexibility. Above all, they will be perfect for researchers who want access to leading-edge protein identification without years of practice." Proteomics set for transformation following mass spectrometry deals.

Evans continued: "By the turn of the century, Amersham Pharmacia Biotech aims to introduce a platform from which to build the most comprehensive technology offering for those involved in proteomics and biomolecular characterisation. This includes the dedicated mass spectrometry systems now being developed as a result of the deals, as well as the system for 2-D fluorescent gel electrophoresis protein analysis launched at the end of 1998."

Amersham Pharmacia Biotech is a biotechniques company; it provides technology solutions to the problems faced by researchers and engineers aiming to discover and produce new drugs and therapies. The company's novel systems are used to sequence DNA, uncover the function of genes and proteins, separate biomolecules, screen potential drugs, and manufacture biopharmaceuticals.

For more information: Mike Evans, Amersham Pharmacia Biotech, 800 Centennial Ave., Piscataway , NJ 08855-1327. Tel: 732-457-8000. Fax: 800-FAX-3593.