NEN Acquires Receptor Biology Inc. and Line of GPCR Assay Products

<%=company1%> Inc. (Boston) has acquired Receptor Biology Inc. (Beltsville, MD), a leading provider of cloned receptor membrane reagents, cell lines containing cloned receptors, and cell culture services used for drug discovery and high-throughput screening. By purchasing Receptor, NEN stands alone as a provider of all components and reagents for GPCR (G protein-coupled receptor) discovery assays using either radiometric or fluorescence polarization platforms.

According to Gerald Moss, NEN vice president for high-throughput screening, the acquisition enhances NEN's position as a supplier of screening and discovery products, especially for GPCR. "This segment of drug discovery is and will remain an important focal point for our customers," Moss said. "Sixty percent of drugs today interact with a GPCR target, which is testimony to the importance of GPCR's in drug discovery."

As part of the acquisition, Receptor Biology will become a wholly owned subsidiary of NEN and remain in Beltsville. The company will continue to supply customers with receptors and related screening targets. Receptor's founder, Jesse Baumgold, will remain as general manager of Receptor Biology.

Receptor Biology currently has 47 cloned GPCR products in stock and an additional 14 in the development pipeline. NEN will begin offering a full line of integrated product and service packages for GPCR assays in the second half of 2000.

For more information: Elaine Y. Carraher, NEN Life Science Products Inc., 549 Albany St., Boston, MA 02118. Tel: 617-482-9595. Fax: 617-482-1380.

Edited by Angelo DePalma