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Agena Bioscience and Horizon Discovery to Launch iPLEX Reference Standards for the MassARRAY System

Agena Bioscience to provide Horizon’s human genomic reference standards to assess quality and performance of oncology-based assays on the MassARRAY System

13 Apr 2016
Lois Manton-O'Byrne, PhD
Executive Editor

Product news

Agena Bioscience and Horizon Discovery Group plc have announced a Supply and Distribution agreement to launch iPLEX® reference standards for performance verification of oncology assays used on the MassARRAY® System.

Under the partnership, Agena Bioscience will offer multiplexed sets of iPLEX-branded reference standards containing somatic variants in key oncogenic genes implicated in colon, lung, and skin cancers. These standards will be made from cell lines precisely engineered using Horizon’s proprietary genome engineering platform, and will be provided at fixed and known allelic frequencies, thereby mimicking real patient tumors.

The MassARRAY System enables rapid assay development for targeted and highly sensitive mutation analysis. Tens to hundreds of actionable genetic variants are easily tested. However, robust assay performance requires upfront analytical verification and validation. These standards, available through Agena Bioscience, will be a valuable resource for laboratories to speed analytical validation and serve as ongoing positive controls, complementing laboratories’ evaluation of clinical research specimens.

“We are committed to accelerating the development and deployment of clinical research tests on the MassARRAY System,” commented Pete Dansky, CEO of Agena Bioscience. “This development of standards for Agena Bioscience by Horizon will provide a cost-effective, optimized resource for efficient test deployment.”

Dr. Paul Morrill, President, Products, Horizon Discovery Group commented: “Horizon’s Reference Standards continue to gain traction in an ever wider range of applications and are increasingly used to harmonize results across platforms. We are therefore pleased that Agena chose to work with Horizon to support high quality assay validation in a clinical research setting for this, our first commercial agreement for use on a mass spectrometry platform.”

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Mass SpectrometryMass spectrometry (MS) is a powerful analytical technique used to identify and quantify molecules based on the mass-to-charge ratio of gas-phase ions. It provides detailed information about the structure, composition, and properties of compounds and is widely used across fields such as environmental monitoring, materials science, drug discovery and development, food and beverage testing, and wider chemical research. Key MS techniques include tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LS-MS) and inductively coupled plasma (ICP-MS). Choosing from these wide range of techniques and technologies can be a daunting task, so keep up to date with scientific applications, performance expectations, and customer reviews here all in one place. Visit our product directory to receive quotes direct from the manufacturer. Genome AnalysisGenomics, the study of genomes, includes functional genomics, evolutionary genomics and comparative genomics. There are many genomic technologies such as DNA sequencing of whole genomes, computational biology and bioinformatics. DNA and nucleic acids must be isolated and concentrated from cells for analysis with kits, automated analyzers and software. Other useful technologies for studying genomics include PCR, microarrays and electrophoresis.Cell Lines Stem Cells and Primary CellsPrimary cell cultures, established cell lines and stem cells are vital for <i>in vitro</i> and <i>ex vivo</i> experimentation. High-quality cells, optimized for your applications, alongside optimized cell substrates, growth medium and supplements, are critical for experimental success. Explore a range of cells suitable for your applications, including isogenic cell lines, competent cells, induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cell lines, fungal/bacterial/mammalian cell lines, stem cells and cancer cell lines. Find the best cells for your research in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Gene Expression and Molecular CloningMolecular cloning is a set of techniques that utilizes vectors to transfer recombinant DNA into host cells and is an essential tool for investigating the expression of genes and proteins in bacterial or mammalian cells. A variety of vectors optimized for gene cloning and expression in a range of host organisms are available, alongside competent cells for genetic replication. Here, you can explore a range of molecular tools, high-quality genomic and cDNA libraries, premade clones, transformation and transfection reagents and mutagenesis or gene expression detection assays and expression arrays. Find the best gene expression and molecular cloning products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Clinical ChemistryBiochemistry (or clinical chemistry) involves the analysis of bodily fluids using chemical tests. Techniques used include HPLC, chromatography, spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, immunochemical, electrophoresis, turbidometric / spectrophotometric assay, MRI and ISE analysis. Tests are often carried out on plasma or serum but urine (urinalysis) and fecal specimens are also processed.Genome SequencingGenome sequencing involves determining the complete DNA sequence of an organism's genome. It provides crucial information about genetic variations, mutations, and diseases. Advances in sequencing technologies, such as next-generation sequencing (NGS), have accelerated research in genomics, diagnostics, and personalized medicine. Explore genome sequencing tools in our peer-reviewed product directory; compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.Somatic CellsLung CancerLung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, often diagnosed at an advanced stage. Research focuses on early detection, targeted therapies, and personalized treatment strategies. Explore lung cancer research and diagnostic products in our peer-reviewed product directory; compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.Cancer ResearchAlthough cancer is often referred to as a single condition, it actually consists of more than 100 different diseases. Microscopy, mass spectrometry, high throughput sequencing and flow cytometry are some of the most common techniques employed in cancer research labs.

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Agena Bioscience and Horizon Discovery to Launch iPLEX Reference Standards for the MassARRAY System