Applied Biosystems And Integromics To Offer Integrated Real-Time PCR And Data Analysis Platform
Applied Biosystems, an Applera Corporation business, and Integromics S.L., a scientific IT company, recently announced the availability of an integrated solution for analyzing real-time PCR data. The companies have created a first-of-its-kind solution that integrates advanced bioinformatics software with high-throughput real-time PCR instrument systems. The resulting platform is expected to aid life-scientists in performing data analysis in a variety of research projects.
This unique solution integrates Integromics' Real-Time StatMiner software with any combination of Applied Biosystems' line of real-time PCR systems. The joint solution will be co-marketed exclusively by the two companies.
Real-time PCR is a laboratory method used to detect and determine the amount of nucleic acids present in samples. Data generated by real-time PCR systems can help life scientists to assess variations in gene expression. This method is commonly used to study the development of disease, differentiation in stem cells, or the toxic effects of drugs. Another emerging application of real-time PCR is for the study of microRNAs, and understanding their role as genetic markers used in disease classification and drug discovery.
As real-time PCR expands in its applications, researchers are looking for integrated, high-throughput data analysis tools that work seamlessly with their instrument systems. Often times, they develop their own software programs that are only loosely integrated with their systems, requiring bioinformatics expertise to manage them. The Applied Biosystems-Integromics solution is the first commercially available offering that integrates the system that generates the data with the software that is used to analyze it.
The solution works by capturing raw data from an Applied Biosystems real-time PCR system. The StatMiner software then enables visualization and analysis of the data generated during the real-time PCR process through a combination of interactive data visualization tools, advanced statistical analysis and data mining. Users of the software are guided through the analysis process, enabling the use of the software by non-experts in bioinformatics.
"Advanced bioinformatics tools that help researchers in the analysis and interpretation of raw gene expression data are becoming a key complement to the advances in instrumentation and reagents," said Vicente R. Carro, chief executive officer of Integromics S.L. "By combining Applied Biosystems' leadership in real-time PCR with Integromics' expertise in bioinformatics, we have created a solution that provides our mutual customers a better way to manage their high-throughput projects and analyze their real-time PCR data."
Integromics is an innovative developer of data management, integration and analysis software used in genomics and proteomics research. The company's Real-Time StatMiner Software is a stand alone application which is also available as an integrated guide within other leading laboratory data analysis systems.
Applied Biosystems is a global leader in the development and commercialization of instrument-based systems, consumables, software, and services for the life-science market. The company is an industry leader in driving innovation in the life science industry through initiatives such the BioIT Alliance and its own Software Development Program, in which its genetic analysis data file formats and data file converters are available to independent software vendors such as Integromics. This program facilitates the development of next-generation bioinformatics applications that can advance productivity and data sharing on Applied Biosystems' industry leading genetic analyzers and real-time PCR sequence detection systems that include the Applied Biosystems 7900HT Fast Real-Time PCR System, 7500 Real-Time PCR System, 7500 Fast Real-Time PCR System, StepOne Real-Time PCR System, and StepOnePlus Real-Time PCR System.
"Applied Biosystems is focused on creating a more collaborative environment that enables independent software developers to bring to market innovative new applications that enhance the value of our best-in-class instrument systems," said John Gerace, vice president and general manager for Applied Biosystems' sequence detection business. "Working in collaboration with Integromics we have created a solution that supports our mutual customers in their gene expression research by enabling them to turn their data into meaningful information for use in a range of research projects including drug discovery and development."
For more information on Applied Biosystems' complete line of workflow solutions for real-time PCR please visit www.appliedbiosystems.com.
For more information about Integromics and the Real-Time StatMiner software please visit www.integromics.com/StatMiner.php.
About Applera Corporation and Applied Biosystems
Applera Corporation consists of two operating groups. Applied Biosystems serves the life science industry and research community by developing and marketing instrument-based systems, consumables, software, and services. Customers use these tools to analyze nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), small molecules, and proteins to make scientific discoveries and develop new pharmaceuticals. Applied Biosystems' products also serve the needs of some markets outside of life science research, which we refer to as "applied markets," such as the fields of: human identity testing (forensic and paternity testing); biosecurity, which refers to products needed in response to the threat of biological terrorism and other malicious, accidental, and natural biological dangers; and quality and safety testing, such as testing required for food and pharmaceutical manufacturing. Applied Biosystems is headquartered in Foster City, CA, and reported sales of approximately $2.1B during fiscal 2007. Celera is a diagnostics business delivering personalized disease management solutions through a combination of tests and services based on proprietary genetics discovery platforms. The business is developing diagnostic products that predict disease risk and optimize therapy selection and patient outcomes, based on the discovery and validation of novel markers in complex diseases such as cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, and liver and autoimmune diseases. Celera also maintains a strategic alliance with Abbott for the development and commercialization of some of its molecular diagnostic products. Information about Applera Corporation, including reports and other information filed by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, is available at www.applera.com, or by telephoning 800.762.6923. Information about Applied Biosystems is available at www.appliedbiosystems.com.
About Integromics S.L.
Integromics, S.L., winner of the Frost & Sullivan award 2007 in the category "Product Innovation," provides IT solutions for Life Sciences (Genomics and Proteomics). In the post-genomic era, Integromics S.L. offers state-of-the-art products, services and training in two strategic areas: data management/integration and intelligent data analysis. The company has developed a network of collaborations both in industry and academia to provide complete technological solutions that will help our clients to achieve their goals. Integromics S.L, was founded in 2002 and is based in Granada, Spain, with offices in Madrid (Spain) and Philadelphia (USA). Integromics Inc. a wholly owned subsidiary which was established in 2007. For more information: www.integromics.com.