Agilent Obtains IVD Patent Licenses From Abbott

Agilent Technologies Inc. (Palo Alto, CA, USA), has obtained worldwide, non-exclusive patent licenses from Abbott Molecular Inc.(Des Plaines, IL, USA), that cover microarray applications, including in vitro diagnostics (IVD), commercial laboratories, and research.

More specifically, the applications will be for the manufacture, marketing, and sale of oligonucleotide microarrays using a two-or-more color technology for gene expression and comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) applications. Expressly built into the grant of rights are related products, instruments, components and services. Other details of the licensing agreement were not disclosed.

"This intellectual property complements other recent Agilent investments in microarray fabrication technology and software,” said Nick Roelofs, vice president and general manager of Agilent's Life Sciences Solutions Unit.

Oligonucleotide microarrays comprise short sequences of nucleotides, often used as probes for detecting complementary DNA or RNA. Array CGH technology provides a way of studying chromosomal aberrations, including copy number changes and rearrangements, across the entire genome simultaneously. Ultimately, this information can be used to determine gene activity or to pinpoint chromosomal abnormalities such as gains or losses associated with disease states.

Agilent Technologies is a leading worldwide provider of microarray-based genomics research solutions. The company's product portfolio includes reagents for sample preparation and microarray processing, systems for sample quality control (QC) and high-throughput microarray scanning, 60-mer oligo microarrays and custom microarray design services, and industry-leading informatics tools, including GeneSpring and Rosetta Resolver.

Abbott Molecular provides doctors with critical information based on the early detection of pathogens and subtle changes in patients' genes and chromosomes, allowing for an early diagnosis, selection of therapy, and monitoring of disease progression.



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