By Mark Roskey, Vice President and General Manager, Applications and Reagents
The human genome encodes thousands of secreted proteins, each of which is an actor in the delicate biochemical balance of diagnostics. Even a slight change in any one of these proteins can mean the difference between sickness and health. Such a change also provides a critical window into the body and helps to direct diagnosis and treatment, however, the vast majority of secreted proteins are present in concentrations well below what conventional technologies can measure, and their role in human health is poorly understood. Researchers have continued to seek ways to detect and diagnose earlier and more accurately through protein detection, and have been unsuccessful at doing so – until now.
Endotoxin or lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are highly toxic components of the cell wall of Gram-negative bacteria and are often present in significant amounts in bacterial cell culture expression systems such as E. coli. By Ben Galarza, Jason Shipp, Buzz Lobbezoo, Jennie Walden and Steve Burton, ProMetic BioSciences Ltd
Hamilton Robotics introduces the PCR setup STARlet, the first automated liquid handling system flexible enough to accommodate any DNA amplification reagent kit, from simple setups and small budgets to highly demanding workflows.
Sigma-Aldrich Corporation recently announced that BioReliance, the biologics and early development services business under SAFC, has signed an agreement to acquire the colonies required for the Big Blue transgenic rodent mutation (TRM) assay and to obtain a license to its associated trademark from Agilent Technologies.
BioSpa 8 Automated Incubator links BioTek readers or imagers together with washers and dispensers for full workflow automation of up to 8 microplates. Real time control and continuous temperature, CO2/O2 and humidity level monitoring, along with lid handling ensure an ideal environment for cell cultures during all experiment stages, with minimal manual intervention. BioSpa’s software, which features customizable text or email notifications and alerts, also relieves the need for onsite monitoring. The software’s session timelines and environmental reports allow quick scrutiny of the process and system status. BioSpa 8 automates assay workflows by repeated manipulation and storage of microplates containing live cells or temperature sensitive reagents. Link one washer or dispenser, one plate reader or imager, or one of each for start-to-finish workflow automation. BioSpa 8 is ideal for efficient automation of short or long-term cell based and other temperature, gas and humidity sensitive processes.
The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) is today announcing the launch of four new funding programs focused on driving forward research toward transformative treatments and a cure for Parkinson's disease (PD).
Artel is launching the first in a new line of 100% DMSO-based Sample Solutions for use with the MVS® Multichannel Verification System. These will provide users with the ability to measure the accuracy and precision of volumes of DMSO dispensed into microwell plates.
Cell Therapeutics, Inc. (CTI) (Nasdaq and MTA: CTIC) today announced that the Company has initiated clinical trial sites and began enrolling patients in a Phase 3 clinical trial, known as PERSIST-1 or PAC325, for pacritinib, CTI's investigational JAK2 inhibitor, which is being evaluated for the treatment of patients with myelofibrosis.
Ambit Biosciences Inc. today announced that the company has closed the first $25 million tranche of a new $50 million preferred stock financing to support continued advancement of its lead drug candidate, quizartinib.
Sigma-Aldrich® Corporation (Nasdaq: SIAL) today announced that Sigma Advanced Genetic Engineering (SAGE) Labs, an initiative of Sigma®Life Science, and Ekam Imaging, Inc. have partnered to develop a suite of preclinical services based on the advanced translational power of genetically engineered rat models from SAGE Labs and Ekam's expertise in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) technology. For more information on SAGE Labs, visit www.sageresearchmodels.com
Bioanalytical and pharmacokinetic specialty Contract Research Organization (CRO) MicroConstants announced today the successful completion of a five-day inspection by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for compliance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) regulations.
BD Diagnostics, a segment of BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) (NYSE: BDX), today announced that the new BD MAX™ MRSA molecular test has received a Moderate Complexity rating under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA '88). Performed on the fully-automated BD MAX™ System, the assay is designed to rapidly and accurately identify patients colonized with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
Absorption Systems, a world leader in developing novel test systems for drug transporters, announces the availability of a long-awaited assay platform for the human BCRP transporter, also known as breast cancer resistance protein.
EntreMed, Inc. (Nasdaq: ENMD), a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company, announced today the initiation of a dual-institutional Phase 2 study of ENMD-2076 in triple-negative breast cancer. Jennifer R. Diamond, MD at the University of Colorado serves as the principal investigator for the study.
