NEW MILTON, HAMPSHIRE, UK, 24 JANUARY 2011 – Genetix today announced the launch of the new ClonePix™2 system – the second generation system based on the company’s well-established and successful technology and chemistries for clone screening and selection. The ClonePix 2 system utilizes fluorescence and white light imaging and advanced image analysis capabilities to automatically screen more clones in less time, select cells with optimal expression levels and pick colonies with accuracy and confidence.
The original ClonePix FL systems are used in over one hundred biopharmaceutical organizations and research laboratories to provide faster, more productive workflows than conventional techniques. Often employed to reduce cell line/antibody development times, data from these systems are cited increasingly in scientific literature and at conferences, an indication of acceptance within the industry.
The most frequently applied approach to monitor expression levels takes advantage of specific chemistries developed by Genetix to enable label-free quantification of secreted proteins – a significant advantage when screening and selecting cell lines for production of biotherapeutics, such as monoclonal antibodies.
Dr. Mark Truesdale, Marketing Manager at Genetix, explained the reasoning behind the development of a second generation instrument: “Working closely with our existing customers has enabled us to specify software and hardware enhancements to raise overall performance. Imaging analysis software has been enhanced to improve consistency when ranking clones. A redesign of robotics has reduced the number of plate handling steps, thereby minimizing the risk of colony disturbance or contamination and giving greater picking accuracy. We believe that ClonePix 2 users will experience a smoother, more efficient workflow.”
ClonePix 2 will be showcased on the Genetix booths at Lab Automation 2011 in Palm Springs and ABRF 2011 in San Antonio, Texas.
Upcoming webinar Those interested in learning more about the use of ClonePix systems in the biopharmaceutical industry can listen online to Jolanda Gerritsen, Technology Expert, Cell Line Development at Genmab in The Netherlands:
Optimal selection of monoclonal cell lines producing high amounts of biopharmaceutical human IgGs
Dr. Gerritsen will describe how Genmab have developed a state-of-the-art cell line development process for the generation of CHO cell lines expressing therapeutic IgGs by optimizing and integrating emerging technologies.
The webinar will take place on February 9 at 17:30 CET, 16:30 GMT, 11:30 AM EST, 8:30 AM PST. Attendees can register online at www.genetix.com/en/webinar
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 with unrivalled solutions, based on imaging and intelligent image analysis, in the life science market.
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 and evaluate cellular responses.
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.
Contacts
Trade Enquiries Lorna Cuddon Zyme Communications Ltd Tel: +44 (0) 7811 996 942 Skype: lorna.cuddon Email: lorna.cuddon@zymecommunications.com www.zymecommunications.com
Genetix Mark Truesdale Tel: +44 (0) 1425 624655 Email: mark.truesdale@genetix.com
Leica Microsystems Dr. Kirstin Henze Email: Kirstin.Henze@leica-microsystems.com
