Nanogen and Fisher to Collaborate in Molecular Diagnostics

Nanogen (San Diego, CA, USA) and Fisher Scientific (Hampton, NH, USA) have announced that the two companies have expanded their relationship to include a research-and-development collaboration in molecular diagnostics.

Nanogen and Fisher Scientific agreed to share technology and patent rights specifically for the development, manufacture, and marketing of new molecular diagnostic products. Under the agreement, Fisher Scientific may provide up to U.S.$10 million in total during 2007 and 2008 for the research and development of infectious diseases and molecular diagnostic tests that will be mutually agreed upon. The companies believe that the extensive knowledge, intellectual property, and capabilities of both companies will enable molecular diagnostic products to be brought to the market more quickly. Additional details were not disclosed.

Nanogen and Athena Diagnostics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Fisher Scientific International, have agreed to develop, manufacture, and market products based on Athena's proprietary biomarkers for research and for in vitro diagnostic use. Athena has an extensive portfolio of unique markers in the fields of neurology and endocrinology that it has successfully incorporated into its testing service, several of which could be incorporated into assays for use on Nanogen's microarray platform, the NanoChip400. Nanogen also has access to a wide range of markers that could be used to create unique tests for the Athena Diagnostics testing service.

"We see tremendous opportunities in molecular diagnostics and are pleased to be expanding our presence in this rapidly growing market,” said Leland Foster, chief science officer for Fisher Scientific International. "By fostering a collaboration between Nanogen and Athena and furthering Nanogen's R&D efforts, we are advancing the abilities of both companies to bring diagnostic products to the marketplace.”

Nanogen's technologies provide researchers, clinicians, and physicians with improved methods and tools to predict, diagnose, and ultimately help treat disease. The company's products include real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) reagents, the NanoChip electronic microarray platform, and a line of rapid diagnostic tests. Nanogen's ten years of pioneering research involving nanotechnology holds the promise of miniaturization and has potential for diagnostic and biodefense applications.

Fisher Scientific facilitates discovery by supplying labs around the world with the tools they need, including biochemicals, cell-culture media, RNAi technology, and rapid diagnostic tests.



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