New Milton, Hampshire, UK, 18 August 2010 – Genetix, a leading provider of solutions for imaging and image analysis, announces that it was granted a patent, US 7,776,584 on 17th August 2010. Aspects of this patent are incorporated into ClonePix™ FL, which is used for the screening and selection of cell lines producing biopharmaceuticals.
ClonePix FL can significantly reduce the time and cost associated with recombinant protein generation. Included in the multiple claims of the patent are those that refer to the use of automated imaging and image processing to identify animal cell colony locations, a picking head with hollow pins, a method wherein animal cell colonies are stained with a fluorescent agent to assist image processing and a claim covering single cell applications.
“The power of ClonePix FL technology lies in its ability to visualise and quantify proteins secreted from thousands of clones in situ, and to select and isolate only the highest value candidates, significantly shortening timescales and simplifying downstream culture,” commented Dr. Julian F Burke, CSO: “ClonePix FL overcomes many of the drawbacks typically associated with alternative manual methods for isolating choice mammalian cell clones, such as limited dilution, which are time consuming, resource intensive and costly, and prone to cross contamination of cells and user error.”
ClonePix FL has been validated for the specific detection of secreted antibodies and monomeric proteins, cell surface proteins, and intrinsic GFP fusion proteins. It is compatible with a range of cell types including hybridoma, myeloma, HEK293, and both suspension-adapted and adherent CHO cells. Rapidly becoming industry standard, ClonePix FL increases overall productivity, leaving more time to better characterize antibodies and begin new projects. This new patent adds to the growing portfolio of patents covering Genetix’ ClonePix FL system.
About Genetix (www.genetix.com)
Headquartered in New Milton, UK, with offices in the UK, US, Germany and Japan, Genetix is an independent business unit within Leica Microsystems. The company provides scientists and clinicians with unrivalled solutions for imaging and intelligent image analysis in the life science and clinical markets.
In research, pharmaceutical and biotherapeutic development, Genetix systems continue to establish industry standards in areas such as picking microbial colonies for genomic studies or screening and selection of mammalian cell lines. Other systems use imaging platforms to monitor cell growth, evaluate cellular response and quantify tissue biomarkers.
In the clinical market, Genetix holds a leading position with thousands of systems based on its CytoVision® platform used in cytogenetics laboratories throughout the world.
Through its expertise in robotics, cell and molecular biology, image analysis and interpretation, supported by a strong IP portfolio, Genetix is committed to the continual development of innovative solutions.
About Leica Microsystems (www.leica-microsystems.com)
Leica Microsystems is a leading global designer and producer of innovative, high-tech, precision optical systems for the analysis of microstructures. It is one of the market leaders in each of its business areas: Microscopy, Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy with corresponding Imaging Systems, Specimen Preparation, and Medical Equipment.
The company manufactures a broad range of products for numerous applications requiring microscopic imaging, measurement, and analysis. It also offers system solutions for life science including biotechnology and medicine, research and development of raw materials, and industrial quality assurance. The company is represented in over 100 countries with 11 manufacturing facilities in 8 countries, sales and service organizations in 19 countries and an international network of dealers. The international management is headquartered in Wetzlar, Germany.
Contact College Hill Lynne Trowbridge, Katie Odgaard E: genetix@collegehill.com T: +44 (0)20 7866 7858
