Agilent Technologies Licenses Kreatech Technology, Enabling First CGH Microarrays Optimized for FFPE Samples
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DNA from 400 Million Preserved Tumor Samples, Once Considered Too Damaged, Can Now Be Considered for High-Resolution Microarray Analysis
SANTA CLARA, Calif., and AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands, July 9, 2007 Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) and Kreatech Biotechnology B.V. announced today that Agilent has licensed novel labeling technology from Kreatech, which will optimize Agilent's array-based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) platform for DNA from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples.
This agreement will yield products that meet a major need of clinical researchers. There are an estimated 400 million FFPE-preserved samples in tissue banks worldwide, and the DNA in these samples has been considered too degraded to use in microarray analysis techniques such as aCGH, a powerful method for studying DNA copy number variation in tissue samples.
"This new capability holds tremendous promise for cancer researchers," said Jay Kaufman, Agilent marketing director, Genomics. "Now researchers can enjoy reproducible results on an oligo microarray platform, looking at old preserved and often degraded samples which are annotated with clinical histories. In many cases, this DNA is only available in a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded form so the products and methods Agilent is now offering will considerably reduce previous limitations."
"We believe that we're advancing cancer research through this new protocol, by enabling the reliable labeling of challenging DNA samples," said Rik van Heijningen, vice president Commercial Operations at Kreatech. "We are extremely pleased to offer our technology through Agilent, the leading company in CGH microarrays."
The method is based on Kreatech's Universal Linkage System (ULS) technology, a non-enzymatic direct labeling methodology that has been optimized for Agilent oligo CGH microarrays. Enzymatic labeling can introduce bias while further reducing DNA fragment size. This new labeling technology also features a simple, single-tube protocol, enabling a reduced cost per experiment.
For more information about the new reagents for use with Agilent oligo CGH microarrays, or the entire Agilent portfolio of microarrays, reagents, instruments and software, please visit www.opengenomics.com. Updated information pertaining to these new products will be available soon.
About Kreatech Biotechnology
Kreatech Biotechnology B.V., a private company founded in 1990, focuses on the creation, development, production and marketing of innovative diagnostic and life science products. Kreatech is committed to achieve and maintain the highest standards in production and quality control as well as in the relationships with our customers and partners. The company's quality policies are demonstrated by the implementation of ISO 9001 (2000) and ISO 13485 (GMP 2003) guidelines. Information about Kreatech is available on the Web at www.kreatech.com.
About Agilent Technologies
Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is the world's premier measurement company and a technology leader in communications, electronics, life sciences and chemical analysis. The company's 19,000 employees serve customers in more than 110 countries. Agilent had net revenue of $5.0 billion in fiscal year 2006. Information about Agilent is available on the Web at www.agilent.com.
Contact:
Stuart Matlow, Agilent
+1 408 553 7191
stuart_matlow@agilent.com
Dimitri Pappaioannou, Kreatech Biotechnology B.V.
+31 20 6919181
d.pappaioannou@kreatech.com
