NEN and LI-COR Jointly Offer Next-Generation DNA Sequencers
LI-COR is a pioneer in infrared (IR) fluorescence DNA sequencing and analysis systems, including the IRDyes product line for DNA analysis. The NEN Global IR2 DNA system that LI-COR will manufacturing for NEN features fourth-generation advances in solid-state IR technology and network connectivity. The new instrument will benefit from LI-COR's 15 years' experience in automated DNA sequencing.
NEN's strong position in labeling terminators further enhances the chemistry options available for the NEN Global infrared dye based instruments. NEN has developed a family of non-nucleotide terminators, AcycloTerminators, which will be exclusively used on the new instrument platform. NEN believes the combination of reagents and instrumentation will enable accuracy and read lengths equal to or better than currently available with the LI-COR IRDye primer-based methods.
LI-COR will manufacture IR2 sequencing workstations for NEN.
"The combination of AcycloTerminators with this instrument positions NEN as a player in the $1 billion sequencing market," said Jeff Neumann, NEN Vice President of Corporate Development. "We are pleased to have LI-COR, with its reputation for high standards in product quality and customer support, participate in this effort."
"Combining the extreme accuracy and unprecedented long reads of the system with the new AcycloTerminators will enable researchers to continue to push the limits for DNA sequencing," stated Larry Middendorf, Vice President, LI-COR Biotechnology Division manager. "This affords even greater flexibility to the research that can be accomplished with the system."
LI-COR began developing instrumentation for the biological sciences in 1971. Li-COR's Biotechnology Division continues to develop and market its own line of instruments for other applications. LI-COR's Environmental Division is a recognized leader and pioneer in designing and manufacturing instrumentation for plant science research and environmental applications. Privately held LI-COR employs over 180 at its Lincoln, Nebraska facility, and has a worldwide network of distributors.
With over 500 employees worldwide, NEN has facilities in Boston and Billerica, Massachusetts, Brussels (Belgium), and Montreal (Quebec). NEN has recently entered into several strategic alliances to broaden its technology base and extend its presence into new areas of the biotechnology market. These include the acquisition of Advanced Bioconcept Ltd. (Montreal); the signing of worldwide distribution agreements with Kodak Scientific Imaging Systems (Rochester, NY), BioSignal Inc. (Montreal) and Enzo Biochem, Inc. (Farmingdale, NY); and an R&D collaboration agreement with AlphaGene, Inc. (Woburn, MA) for the development of MICROMAX' Microarray Systems.
For more information: Elaine Y. Carraher, NEN Life Science Products, 549 Albany St., Boston, MA 02118. Tel: 617-350-9207. Fax: 617-482-1380. Larry Middendorf, LI-COR Inc., 4308 Progressive Ave., Lincoln, NE 65804. Tel: 402-467-0700. Fax: 402-467-0819.