Life Technologies has made a number of announcements related to its PCR business in recent months. In September, the company launched the MeltDoctor?„? High-Resolution Melt Reagents, for research use only, as part of a PCR-based workflow that enables researchers to scan DNA from a variety of biological sample types to detect the smallest genetic variations. It also announced that it has purchased Cytonix Corporation for intellectual property related to digital PCR technology. In April, the FDA issued an Emergency Use Authorization letter to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), allowing qualified laboratories to run the CDC ™s H1N1 detection assay on an Applied Biosystems 7500 Fast Dx Real-Time PCR Instrument or the 7500 Fast Real-Time PCR Instrument.

The combination of BioTrove ™s OpenArray?® technology with Life Technologies ™ comprehensive line of assay products is a perfect match, said Al Luderer, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of BioTrove. The two companies have already established a fruitful relationship based on our 2007 collaboration agreement. This acquisition will allow Life Technologies to build on those synergies and offer our customers even greater choice and flexibility in their gene expression and genotyping workflows.

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions. Life Technologies does not expect this transaction to have a material effect on its financials in fiscal year 2009.

Source: Life Technologies Corporation