What's New -
September to October 2001

Nautilus 2001 Release 2 Delivered by Thermo LabSystems

Thermo LabSystems has announced that Nautilus 2001 Release 2 (R2) began shipping in August. This new version features advanced plate handling functionality. With this new capability, Nautilus now handles the filling of microtiter plates (from 96 and 384 wells) to micro-arrays (up to 82,944 spots). Plate fill orders and patterns can be defined using a simple graphical user interface, and child plates, and their eventual results can be traced back through parental generations. Plates are visible in the Nautilus Explorer interface with child plates and their wells displayed beneath them in the hierarchy. Some of the highlights of the new plate handling functionality include: (1) Plate Property Sheets that detail information about the plate, including the aliquots that have been loaded on to it. The plate pedigree and associated actions are fully recorded allowing the user to see the plate's complete chain of custody; (2) Plate Workflows which are used to automate decisions and actions throughout a plate's lifecycle. This permits a full work action and decision tree process to be built, formatted against user project requirements; and, (3) Plate Actions features which allow the user to easily define how to handle replication, splitting, compositing and probing plates within the system. Nautilus 2001 R2 also automates Result Entry for plates through integration with the instrument in use. Results may be entered based on plate position or aliquot reference. The system features advanced instrument control mapping commands, which deal with plate login and plate result entry. In addition, Nautilus 2001 R2 is validated against Oracle 8.1.7 (8i), giving customers the opportunity to take advantage of new Oracle 8i features not found in previous versions. For details, visit http://www.thermolabsystems.com.

Sequenom Deploys Nautilus LIMS from Thermo LabSystems

Thermo LabSystems has announced that Sequenom, Inc. of San Diego, CA has selected its Nautilus LIMS to manage more efficiently the huge volume and complexity of data generated in genomics R&D. As part of the project, Thermo LabSystems has committed to implementing Nautilus to meet Sequenom's specific requirements. Sequenom provides a total solutions approach to genetic analysis. Its scientists have developed a DNA analysis technology, called MassARRAY, that can analyze vast numbers of samples against a large well-defined set of genetic parameters with an unparalleled level of accuracy. Among Nautilus' features that particularly attracted Sequenom was its 'Workflow' functionality, which allows users to map their own procedures graphically onto the LIMS. Easy subsequent modification to workflows in Nautilus was a further feature popular among Sequenom's users. Nautilus' ability to integrate easily with Sequenom's laboratory instrumentation was also a plus. With Sequenom anticipating approximately two million data points per day, including up to 300,000 individual samples, full automation was considered a critical aspect in their selection. For details, visit http://www.thermolabsystems.com.

Scimcon Announces Partnership with Tefen

Scimcon and Tefen Ltd have formed a partnership to offer clients in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries a full service in Operational Improvement and Information Services (IS). Both companies have extensive experience within these industries offering improvements in efficiency and utilisation whilst reducing costs. Tefen, operating for more than 18 years applying industrial engineering methodologies in the pharmaceutical industry, works with customers to improve productivity whilst reducing costs. Their focus on assessing processes seeks to improve efficiencies and optimise costs within all areas of the lab and production environment. Scimcon works in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries to develop IS strategies that encompass the consideration of the organization's data across all its activities. For details, visit http://www.scimcon.com.

Agilent Technologies Announces Expanded License Agreement with Incyte Genomics To Enable Production of both cDNA- and Oligonucleotide-Based Gene Expression Microarrays

Agilent Technologies, Inc. and Incyte Genomics Inc. have announced an expanded licensing agreement to further Agilent's development and commercialization of gene expression microarrays using Incyte's gene patent portfolio and genomic databases. Through this license agreement with Incyte, Agilent will now be offering a more comprehensive range of catalog and custom microarrays for gene expression research. Agilent, using Incyte's LifeSeq database and gene patent portfolio, will develop highly specific cDNA- and oligonucleotide-based microarrays for detecting and monitoring gene expression. Gene expression microarrays are used for the identification of critical genes involved in various biological processes. In addition, this agreement will enhance the development of custom arrays for those customers who are part of Agilent's Technology Access Program and are either subscribers to Incyte's databases or wish to include LifeSeq sequences or Incyte-patented sequences in their custom arrays. Incyte will receive additional license fees in addition to royalties on sales of Agilent microarrays developed using Incyte's patent portfolio and technology. With these arrays, researchers will be able to characterize expression of many thousands of genes at one time and identify gene activity during important biological processes, such as during disease progression and pathology, human growth and development, and in response to drugs or toxins. For details visit Incyte Genomics at http://www.incyte.com or Agilent Technologies at http://www.agilent.com.

Agilent Technologies to Supply the Royal Netherlands Academy Of Science with DNA Microarray Tools for Advanced Research into Brain and Eye Diseases

Agilent Technologies Inc. has announced a technology access agreement with institutes of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Science (KNAW) for the supply of DNA microarrays and a microarray scanner. The equipment, to be installed in a new centralized research facility, will be used by the Netherlands Brain Research Institute and the Netherlands Ophthalmic Research Institute, as well as other research institutes. The Brain Research Institute plans to use the equipment for advanced research into neurological diseases and disorders such as Alzheimers, depression and schizophrenia and peripheral and central nervous system regeneration. The Ophthalmic Institute plans to use the equipment for advanced research into hereditary ophthalmic diseases such as age-related macula degeneration (AMD), glaucoma and retinitis pigmentosa (RP, more commonly known as tunnel vision). For details, visit http://www.agilent.com.

Agilent Technologies Announces Data Organizing Software for the Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer

Agilent Technologies Inc. has announced new data organizing software for the Agilent 2100 bioanalyzer system. The new software is an optional add-on to the existing Agilent 2100 bioanalyzer system software and allows for better organization of data files generated with the system software. Agilent and Caliper Technologies Corp. jointly develop both the 2100 bioanalyzer and LabChip kits, which are used by chemists, biochemists and molecular biologists to analyze RNA, DNA and proteins. The Agilent 2100 bioanalyzer data organizer allows convenient storage of and access to data files generated by the 2100 bioanalyzer. For this purpose, data files are stored either locally on the PC controlling the 2100 bioanalyzer, or on a central server. Data files can be uploaded to the repository from any PC equipped with the bioanalyzer system software. As a Web-based application with search capability, the data organizer then allows fast and easy, platform-independent access to the bioanalyzer data files. This allows further review, re-evaluation, or sharing of data files with other scientists. The Agilent 2100 bioanalyzer data organizer will be priced at $1,500 in the U.S. Shipments are expected to begin Nov. 15, 2001. Data review software for the 2100 bioanalyzer data files is available free of charge to anyone who wants to review the data. It does not require the purchase of a 2100 bioanalyzer. The software can be downloaded from the Web at www.chem.agilent.com/scripts/PDS.asp?lPage=3144. For details, visit http://www.agilent.com.

Agilent Technologies' Inlet Resource Guide Offers Instruction in Optimal Results for Gas Chromatography

Agilent Technologies Inc. has announced publication of its highly instructive Gas Chromatography Inlet Resource Guide, with easy-to-understand explanations on the use of inlet parts and how to troubleshoot and minimize problems. The guide (publication no. 5988-3466EN) represents more than three decades of chromatography knowledge and experience in optimizing the performance of gas chromatography (GC) systems. Filled with useful illustrations and photographs, it will be a valuable resource for both beginning and experienced chromatographers. This complimentary guide is available through any Agilent sales office worldwide or on the Agilent Web site at www.agilent.com/chem.

LIMS Interfacing Solution for ChemStation and ChemStation Plus

Labtronics Inc has announced that their LimsLinkCDS software now includes an interface to the ChemStation and the ChemStation Plus networked data systems from Agilent Technologies. ChemStation and ChemStation Plus users can now take full advantage of the extensive interfacing capabilities of LimsLinkCDS, providing a safe and secure integration of their chromatography data with any LIMS. LimsLinkCDS is specifically designed to interface output from Chromatography Data Systems (CDS) to LIMS. For details, visit http://www.labtronics.com.

Infarmed Selects Zymark Automation for Tablet Testing

Zymark Corporation has announced an agreement with Infarmed of Portugal to purchase two automated robotic Zymark's Tablet Processing Workstations (TPW) II's to improve the effectiveness of their drug surveillance program. Infarmed, the Portugese Ministry of Health regulatory agency for drug safety and efficacy, will use the TPW's to verify that tablets and capsules marketed in Portugal meet or exceed international standards of acceptance for uniformity of drug content. The agreement was arranged by Dias De Sousa SA, a leading distributor of advanced laboratory instrumentation in Portugal. For details, visit http://www.zymark.com.

New Discovery Market Trend Creates Opportunity in Scientific Information Production (SIP)

LabVantage Solutions has announced that independent industry research indicates rapid growth in the area of Scientific Information Production (SIP) for drug discovery. The August 2000 report on Bioinformatics from Front Line Strategic Management Consulting, Foster City, CA., says, "(t)he biggest and most urgent bioinformatics need is to provide scientists with tools to effectively manage, integrate, and analyze their data from numerous sources."  SIP focuses on the management of data to facilitate individual and integrated business and science processes for information production that meets internal and external customer requirements. In order to achieve the goal of information production, a software solution that connects all the stages of production ­p; from research to packaging ­p; to deliver the business of science is required. 
"Scientific Information Production is the next phase in the maturing of the biotechnology market," said Jim Aurelio, president, LabVantage Solutions. "The discovery world has developed significantly in the past two years.  The rapid change in business drivers is forcing today's leading biotechnology companies to focus on their core competencies and not try to be experts in all phases of their business operations.  Companies need to move to outside suppliers for SIP solutions just like companies had to move from internally developed customer relationship management (CRM) solutions."
"We recently were retained to complete a study on the market opportunity in the area of Scientific
Information Production and estimated a market size of approximately $750 million by 2006.  Clearly, this is a market space that will grow dramatically as companies' data issues explode," said Jim Thompson, partner, Front Line Strategic Management Consulting.
There is increasing pressure to speed the drug discovery and development process.  As a result, companies are relying increasingly upon outside vendors for laboratory automation and informatics solutions.  As companies transition drug discovery techniques from traditional methods to genomics-based techniques, several events are occurring:
* There is an explosion of data.  Companies need IT infrastructure and informatics solutions to manage the growing amounts of data.
* New data streams are being created.  New data management solutions are needed to deal with heterogeneous data and inherent incompatibility with current systems. 
* The data must be managed through the entire process to produce meaningful output.
* In-house developed systems that met initial requirements can no longer handle the data management nor facilitate production processes.
"SIP today is mainly addressed by internal informatics groups.  The key factors that determine
the strength of a packaged solution are the solution's ability to address compatibility, flexibility
and scalability issues.  Given the rapid growth in heterogeneous data, the ability to organize and
integrate disparate data types is of vital importance. As well, with the diverse data
management/production needs of researchers, it is very important for any solution to function
with minimal customization and be highly scalable," added Jim Thompson. For details, visit http://www.labvantage.com.

LabVantage Introduces LabVantage Sapphire Informatics 3.0

LabVantage Solutions has announced the introduction of Version 3.0 of its LabVantage Sapphire Informatics software solution. Sapphire Informatics 3.0 provides a framework that easily can be configured with workflow automation for data management and Scientific Information Productionsm.  Sapphire Informatics uses a browser-based interface to ease learning and greatly simplify the education process for end users.  As well, Sapphire Informatics provides a scalable, open data model for any type of XY array (racks, slides, etc.) with enhanced genealogy (multiple reagents, pooling, etc.) and holder zones allowing the loading of portions of plates or arrays with specific materials. The growth in data in the Informatics market is forcing solutions to meet extremely high levels of scalability and performance.  To address this changing business driver, Sapphire Informatics 3.0's n-tier architecture now fully provides a Java 2 Enterprise Edition (J2EE) compliant application server with a variety of load-balancing choices and clustering technologies. For details, visit http://www.labvantage.com.

LabVantage Signs Agreement with Orchid BioSciences

LabVantage Solutions announced today that Orchid BioSciences, Inc. has signed an agreement to license and implement LabVantage's Sapphire Informatics software solution to enhance the data management and workflow process automation of Orchid's internal operations. "The integration of LabVantage Sapphire Informatics into our operations and infrastructure should enhance our data management capabilities and better enable us in the delivery of genetic analysis information to our customers," said Jack T. Ball, Jr., senior vice president and general manager of the Life Sciences Group at Orchid. Orchid BioSciences is a leading provider of products, services and technologies for SNP genotyping and genetic diversity analyses applicable to the healthcare, life science, agriculture and other industries. For details, visit http://www.labvantage.com.
 
LabVantage Solutions to Host North American User Group Conference

LabVantage Solutions will host its User Group meeting at the Radisson Sand Key resort in Clearwater Beach, Florida October 1-5.  The User Group offers an opportunity for LabVantage customers to exchange ideas and preview new product releases. The theme of this year's meeting is "The Power to Change" and focuses on helping LabVantage customers provide business benefit to their enterprise. Among the topics to be covered during the meeting are: The Road Ahead, Specifications and Automated Scheduling, Reporting, System Administration, Building Workflows, Understanding Architecture, The New Array Data Model for Drug Discovery and product-specific sessions.  Customers scheduled to deliver papers include: Excel Corporation, Carpenter Technologies, Underwriters Laboratories, DuPont and Dakota Gasification. Industry expert, Randy C. Hice, president of the Laboratory Expertise Center is also scheduled to present. For details, visit http://www.labvantage.com.

New Release of IMATIS LIMS from Cardiac

Cardiac AS has launched IMATIS LIMS 3.0. Suitable for many laboratories, the new version offers a system for advanced analyzing, optimization of workflow, simplication and automation of routines, and data protection and security. For details, visit http://www.cardiac.no.

RTS Enabling Technology and Labtronics Inc Team for LimsLink Distribution

RTS Enabling Technology has selected LimsLink and LimsLinkCDS from Labtronics Inc as the instrument interfacing solutions for their C14LIMS. With a sophisticated data parser, integrated spreadsheet, powerful Special Functions and flexible reporting system, LimsLink and LimsLinkCDS contain all of the tools needed to communicate bi-directionally between the C14LIMS and any laboratory instrumentation.This decision follows RTS Enabling Technology's recent acquisition of Telecation Inc, developer of Aspen LIMS, who were already a LimsLink and LimsLinkCDS distribution partner. With this decision to offer LimsLink and LimsLinkCDS with the C14LIMS, RTS Enabling Technology will be providing all of their customers with one standard interfacing solution for all of their laboratory instruments. For details visit http://www.enabletech.com or http://www.labtronics.com.

LimsLinkCDS Incorporates Interface to Millennium32

Labtronics Inc, a Waters Software Partner, has just released a new LimsLinkCDS module for users of Waters Millennium32 Chromatography Software. Labtronics' LimsLinkCDS software is specifically designed to interface output from Chromatography Data Systems (CDS) to LIMS. The new module allows Millennium32 users to establish two-way communication and data transfer between Millennium32 and any LIMS, without creating files outside of either application. For details, visit http://www.labtronics.com.

ACD and Waters Announce Partnership

Waters Corporation and Advanced Chemistry Development (ACD) Inc. have signed a partnership agreement whereby ACD will make it possible for scientists to use its ActiveX components together with Waters Millennium Chromatography software to view chemical structures associated with given chromatographic peaks. The feature will be especially attractive to scientists using photodiode array detection and mass spectrometry who want to associate structures with spectra. For details visit http://www.waters.com.

CSols Teams with Waters

CSols and Waters Corporation havve announced a joint effort to create solutions to help scientists better manage scientific data. Under the partnership agreement, CSols joins Waters Software Partners Program as a charter member. As a charter member, CSols will ensure that its flagship product, Links for LIMS, works with Millennium Chromatography software and any LIMS or Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. CSols' Links for LIMS is invoked directly from within Millennium software and manages two-way communication between Millennium, LIMS or an ERP. For details, visit http://www.waters.com or http://www.csols.com

GeneAmp High Fidelity PCR System from Applied Biosystems Increases PCR Fidelity and Yield

Applied Biosystems Group has introduced the GeneAmp High Fidelity PCR System. The High Fidelity system is formulated with a unique enzyme blend of AmpliTaq DNA Polymerase and a new thermostable proofreading enzyme. Together they increase fidelity threefold and double the yield of Taq DNA Polymerase. Ideal for cloning, site-directed mutagenesis, and other applications in which accuracy of nucleotide incorporation is key, the High Fidelioty system amplifies up to 10 kb of human genomic DNA. Designed for a wide range of template samples, the High Fidelity system is effective with mammalian genomic DNA, artificial chromosomes, plasmids, and post-reverse transcription. For details, visit http://www.applera.com.

Agilent Technologies Offers New Brochure and Configuration Guide for the Agilent 1100 Series Purification Platform

Agilent Technologies Inc. has published a brochure (publication number 5988-3673EN) and a configuration guide (publication number 5988-3751EN) featuring the Agilent 1100 Series purification platform, used by the pharmaceutical industry for compound isolation and purification. The eight-page brochure covers Agilent's solutions for analytical and preparative scale purification based on the new 1100 Series preparative pump and fraction collectors. The step-by-step configuration guide allows the reader to configure the individual 1100 Series purification system by selecting different hardware and software modules for specific purification needs. Further information on the Agilent 1100 Series purification platform is available at http://www.agilent.com/chem/purification.

Thermo Finnigan Launches New Proteomics Magazine

Thermo Finnigan has launched Proteome Digest, a new source of information about methods and tools for proteomics research. Researchers will report on methods and tools they have developed for proteomics research and report on new developments in proteomics theory and practice, list upcoming seminars and conferences, and provide contact information for sources that offer more detailed information about proteomics resources. The free publication can be requested by sending an email to digest@thermofinnigan.com.

Siemens AG Acquires Compex N.V. to Boost Expertise in IT Solutions for the Food Industry

By acquiring Compex N.V., a leading Belgian supplier of solutions for the planning and execution level (MES) for the batch process industry, the Industrial Solutions & Services Group (I&S) of Siemens AG is aiming to expand its activities in the food and beverage industries. In the future, Compex will be run as a worldwide MES competence center within the IT Plant Solutions division of I&S. The company will be based in Ninove and operate under the name "Compex - IT Plant Solutions". It was agreed not to reveal the acquisition price.
Established in 1985 by Guido and Wim Beazar, Compex N.V. specializes in the batch process industry and occupies a leading position in this field with its products and solutions. The complementary products Specx, Procx and Unilab 4 LIMS combine the control and management levels, thus providing a software basis for improving production processes, product life cycles and quality management. The company's activities are concentrated in the Benelux countries, North America, Germany, France and Great Britain.
"Both companies occupy a strong position in the market for industrial solutions relating to the planning and execution level in the process industry. With e-manufacturing we can improve the industry's responsiveness towards the rapidly changing market demands", remarked Guido Beazar, one of the company's founders and future Senior Vice President of Compex. "Together, we will be able to complete our range of solutions and thus better satisfy the market requirements". Beazar continued by emphasizing that Siemens would provide an outstanding basis for expansion with a worldwide presence for services and high-level expertise in the field of automation for the food and beverage industry, including water, sugar production and breweries. For details, visit http://www.is.siemens.de or http://www.compex-group.com.

CequeLogic Sponsors New Web Resource Site for Water Regulations

CequeLogic LLC is sponsoring a resource site that explains State of California Water Resource Control Board regulations. The site, http://www.COELT.net, brings together information about the new requirements and resources to help state certified fuel tank testing laboratories to comply with numerous state and federal regulations. In a letter sent out to more than 800 State Certified laboratories on June 20, 2001, Elizabeth Haven, Manager, Underground Storage Tank Program, wrote "as of September 1, 2001. persons must also ensure electronic submittal of laboratory analytical reports to GeoTracker in the Core of Engineer Loading Tool (COELT) Electronic Deliverable Format (EDF) specified in the emergency regulations...". The new resource web site is designed to help laboratory managers understand what the regulations are, where to get help, and when statewide training classes on compliance are being held. CequeLogic LLC is the creator of the Element DataSystem LIMS. For details, visit http://www.COELT.net.

LV Environmental Highlights Fully Integrated, Cost-effective Water Quality Business Solution

Trilogy Computers has launched their LV Environmental LIMS, billing it as a fully integrated water utility business solution. According to the company, LV Environmental represents a total commitment to the requirements and responsibilities of water companies to supply a reliable source of good quality water to their customers. LV Environmental is a fully integrated suite of modules designed specifically to meet the regulatory, operational, and commercial requirements of a Water Utility. Built on industry leading, standard products such as Oracle and Business Objects, it represents a cost-effective solution for the management of information within any water quality operation. Designed as a water utility business system for meeting the world's sampling, testing and reporting requirements, LV Environmental fully adheres to regulatory requirements including UK DWI and SEPA, US EPA and the EU Water/Wastewater Directive. With the look and feel of a single application, the system is built up from a number of databases; additional databases can be interfaced, such as a GIS to expand the capabilities. Modular in design, components that can be selected that are appropriate to the needs of the enterprise, with any scale of requirement. For details, visit http://www.trilogyenvironmental.com.

Thermo Labsystems Releases Archival Functionality For Atlas Chromatography Data System

Thermo LabSystems has announced the availability of an integrated archival and database capability for its award-winning Atlas Chromatography Data System (CDS). The new technology, based on the company's eRecordManager product, allows the easy storage, search, retrieval, viewing, and manipulation of raw data, method details, and results from within Atlas. Thermo LabSystems claims that Atlas Archival is unique in also providing the ability to re-process data from virtually any other CDS or instrument, allowing laboratories to realize the asset in their historical data with no reliance on the original software, operating system or hardware.
Atlas users are now able to address all the issues regarding long-term record keeping within the constraints of 21 CFR Part 11 and other similar regulatory protocols, while exploiting all the benefits that knowledge management presents. Atlas Archival allows users to data-mine, compare and visualize chromatographic data across the whole enterprise, helping customers to develop new predictive models and new ways of analyzing samples. For details, visit http://www.thermolabsystems.com.

Applied Biosystems' Biobeat Online Magazine Receives APEX Awards

Applied Biosystems Group announced that BioBeat Online Magazine, its Internet magaine, has received the publishing industry's prestigious APEX Awards for Publishing Excellence for the third consecutive year. The magazine and its editors/writers received APEX Awards of Excellence in two different categories: Online Magazine & Journals and One-toTwo-Person-Produced Web & Internet Sites. For details, visit http://www.applera.com or http://www.biobeat.com.

Agilent Technologies Reports Smaller Than Expected Third Quarter Loss

Agilent Technologies Inc. has reported orders of $1.3 billion and revenue of $1.8 billion for the quarter ended July 31, 2001. On an earnings before goodwill basis, the company lost 24 cents per share versus the consensus estim#anchor663270ate of a 35-cent-per-share loss. These results represent continuing operations, excluding Agilent's recently sold healthcare business. The company said that third-quarter orders for its communications and semiconductor products continued to be very weak, reflecting the severe slowdown that has plagued these industries in recent months. In addition to expense reduction actions that Agilent has already taken, the company announced that it will reduce its workforce by approximately 4,000 people, or about 9 percent, by the middle of next year in order to restore the company to profitability as soon as possible. Workforce reductions will occur in many geographies and business organizations. Agilent expects to incur restructuring expenses of approximately $200 million to reflect the impact of severance packages and related costs associated with the workforce reductions. The workforce reductions will result in about $500 million in annualized savings.
The third quarter financial review showed that weak customer demand coupled with excess capacity and inventory in key industries Agilent serves drove net orders down 54 percent -- to $1.3 billion -- from a very strong third quarter a year ago. Net orders declined 5 percent from last quarter. Cancellations were about $240 million, down from Q2 but higher than expected. Third-quarter revenue was $1.8 billion, a 23-percent decrease year over year. Revenue declined 24 percent from last quarter. The company's loss of 24 cents per share on an earnings before goodwill basis excludes a $74 million one-time (non-cash) charge to reflect a change in strategy for providing information systems for customer support, and a $39 million net (non-cash) investment gain.
Looking forward, the company said it expects a slight increase in total Q4 orders over this quarter's $1.3 billion. Because backlog is at very low levels across the company's test and measurement and semiconductor businesses, revenue will be dependent to a large extent upon new orders. Revenue is expected to be between $1.3 and $1.5 billion, which would lead to an expected loss of between 50 and 70 cents per share on an earnings before goodwill basis, excluding restructuring charges. For details, visit http://www.investor.agilent.com.

Agilent Technologies and Ambion to Co-Market Select Life Science Products

Agilent Technologies Inc. and Ambion Inc. have announced a co-marketing agreement involving the Agilent 2100 bioanalyzer, Agilent RNA LabChip kits and Ambion's RNA-related reagents. This combination of products provides biochemists with the tools to better qualify and more precisely control experiments, leading to more meaningful and clear-cut results. The RNA LabChip kits are developed and manufactured by Caliper Technology Corp., Agilent's collaboration partner in the Lab-on-a-Chip business. The recently announced RNA 6000 Nano LabChip kit, an improved version of the RNA 6000 LabChip kit, has been specially designed to evaluate RNA samples before using them in downstream experiments such as microarrays. Ambion has developed a large portfolio of products useful for RNA experiments, including the RNA ladder used in the Agilent RNA 6000 Nano LabChip kit and Ambion's RNase Zap, a reagent that can prevent RNA degradation. The co-marketing activities between Agilent and Ambion will allow both companies to share in direct marketing, conduct market research and publicize Agilent's Lab-on-a-Chip and Ambion's RNA-related products. For details, visit http://www.ambion.com or http://www.agilent.com.

Agilent Technologies and Maxim Biotech Work Together to Provide Easier, Quicker and More Accurate Gene Analysis

Agilent Technologies Inc. and Maxim Biotech Inc. have announced a co-marketing agreement involving Agilent's 2100 Bioanalyzer with DNA LabChip kits and Maxim Biotech's multiplex PCR (MPCR) reagents. This combination of products provides biochemists with the ability to easily, quickly, and accurately conduct experiments involving the analysis of several genes. The DNA LabChip kits are developed and manufactured by Caliper Technologies Corp., Agilent's collaboration partner in the Lab-on-a-Chip business. The DNA 1000 LabChip kit has been specially designed to meet the needs of multiplex PCR product analysis with an ideal sizing range and high sensitivity. The co-marketing activities between Agilent and Maxim Biotech will allow both companies to share in direct marketing, conduct market research and publicize Agilent's Lab-on-a-Chip and Maxim Biotech's PCR products. The companies will also work together to ensure compatibility of their products and provide user documentation in the form of application notes. For details, visit http://www.maximbio.com or http://www.agilent.com.

Agilent Technologies' Liquid Chromatograph Systems Sales Pass 30,000 Mark

Agilent Technologies Inc. has announced the sale of its 30,000th Agilent 1100 series liquid chromatograph (LC) system. Since its introduction in November 1995, the LC system has been used extensively in the pharmaceutical industry for drug development and quality control analysis and is now finding rapid acceptance in the field of drug discovery and proteomics. The modular 1100 LC combines advanced validation- and certification-support capabilities with innovative design, manufacturing, and support features. The result is an HPLC that has enabled many laboratories to comply more easily with regulatory standards while reducing ownership costs. "We are pleased with the market acceptance of this instrument system," said Chris van Ingen, senior vice president and general manager of Agilent's Chemical Analysis Group. "We expect sales to continue to be robust as more pharmaceutical companies continue ramping up their discovery and proteomic research efforts. The instrument is also gaining further acceptance for polymer characterization and for environmental and food monitoring." For details, visit http://www.agilent.com.

Zymark Launches Latest Upgrade in System Integration Software

Zymark Corporation has launched the newest member of its easy-to-use line of CLARA system integration software -- CLARA 2001. CLARA 2001 allows an integrated system to evolve with customer needs. It contains a Method Editor interface that provides a drag-and-drop method development. Both sequenced and scheduled methods can be visualized in CLARA Gantt Charts. The Run-Time Execution Manager allows the user to monitor, control, and define error handling during a method run. CLARA was developed to offer advantages in modularity, stability, and scalability. The interface architecture is a published standard utilizing ActiveX controls, allowing conversion of any system to run under CLARA. It has been designed to support existing and new customer applications in areas such as drug discovery, pharmaceutical development, and quality control. For details, visit http://www.zymark.com.

SDI Releases Microarray Technology Report

Strategic Directions International, Inc., (SDI) a leading provider of market intelligence for the analytical and life science industry, has published a new Market Analyses & Perspectives (MAP) report entitled, Microarray Technology: The Next Step in Genomic and Proteomic Analysis. The microarray market, consisting of arrayers, hybridization/fluidics, readers, software, associated aftermarket and services, as well as microfluidics/lab-on-a-chip and protein chip technology, has exhibited phenomenal growth over the past few years. The sequence of the human genome as well as advances in bioinformatics have propelled microarray applications to a new level. Researchers are honing in on the functions of genes as it relates to diseases. Understanding the functions of genes through expression analysis has created an enormous demand for microarray technology, and the market is developing at a rapid pace.
From 1997 to 2000, the microarray market expanded from less than $50 million to greater than
$500 million: an average annual rate of growth of about 150 percent. Current demand and future
growth is largely dependent upon the pharmaceutical/biotech, government, and clinical research
industries. Genomic and proteomic researchers in these industries are motivated by the idea
that, through gene discovery, cures for diseases are within reach. As a result, opportunities for
vendors to address niche markets have risen. For details, visit http://www.strategic-directions.com.

SDI Releases Mass Spectrometry Report

Strategic Directions International, Inc. (SDI) has published a new Market Analyses & Perspectives (MAP) report entitled, Mass Spectrometry: Moving Into The Mainstream. Mass spectrometry continues to be one of the fastest growing analytical techniques. It has become a mainstay instrument technique in today's leading-edge industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and semiconductors. In this large and dynamic market, opportunities abound for those companies that stay on top of and develop new technologies. Despite the current worldwide economic downturn, SDI predicts that the mass spectrometry market will continue to expand quickly and will grow from a worldwide market of just over $2 billion in 2000 to a market of over $3.1 billion by 2005 for an overall 9.2 percent compound growth rate. In the SDI report, each major mass spectrometry market is covered by geographic region, product/technology, industry groupings, and applications. Detailed current and projected demand estimates are provided, along with explanation of the underlying forces affecting growth rates. For details, visit http://www.strategic-directions.com.

D&MD Releases Drug Discovery Marketplace Report

D&MD Reports has released a new market analysis report by Gordon Blackwell entitled The Drug Discovery Marketplace. Available in CD-ROM and print versions, the report addresses bioinformatics, combinatorial chemistry, genomics, high-throughput screening, and proteomics. The report predicts that specialist technology companies are likely to become the powerhouse of drug discovery over the next few years and states that the "Second Discovery Revolution" that unearths the benefits of the new technologies cited above is about to begin. For details, visit http://www.drugandmarket.com/9021.

D&MD Releases Biotechnology Strategies Report

D&MD Reports, in collaboration with M2M, has released a new report entitled Issues of Strategis Importance: Enhancing a Biotechnology Company's Market Value. The report examines the link between suspected key value drivers of a biotechnology company's worth and its actual market capitalization. It does this based upon a study of 29 public North American biotechnology companies over a five-year period. In addition, specific evernts are identified and analyzed that result in significant changes to these companies' market values during this time. The report is expected to be of benefit to biotechnology companies undertaking product development initiatives, expecially with products in Phase II and III clinical trials. 21 case studies are provided. For details, visit http://www.drugandmarket.com

Arab Health Conference Call for Papers

A Call for Papers has been issued for the Arab Health Conference 2002. The conference will be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from January 26-29. The trade fair will be organized in association with the UAE Ministry of Health Dept of Medical Laboratories & Blood Transfusion. Planned topics include microbiology, haematology, AIDS, virology, and serology and quality assurance. Speakers and abstracts can be submitted via the Arab Health website at http://www.arabhealthonline.com/page.cfm/Action=Form/ID=7/t=m.