Applied Biosystems and Integromics to offer integrated real-time PCR and data analysis platform

Applied Biosystems, an Applera Corporation business, and Integromics SL, a scientific IT company, today announced the availability of an integrated solution for analysing real-time PCR data. The companies have created a first-of-its-kind solution that integrates advanced bioinformatics software with high throughput real-time PCR instrument systems. The resulting platform is expected to aid life scientists in performing data analysis in a variety of research projects.

This unique solution integrates Integromics’ Real-Time StatMiner™ software with any combination of Applied Biosystems’ line of real-time PCR systems. The joint solution will be co-marketed exclusively by the two companies.

Real-time PCR is a laboratory method used to detect and determine the amount of nucleic acids present in samples. Data generated by real-time PCR systems can help life scientists to assess variations in gene expression. This method is commonly used to study the development of disease, differentiation in stem cells, or the toxic effects of drugs. Another emerging application of real-time PCR is for the study of microRNAs, and understanding their role as genetic markers used in disease classification and drug discovery.

As real-time PCR expands in its applications, researchers are looking for integrated, high throughput data analysis tools that work seamlessly with their instrument systems. Oftentimes, they develop their own software programs that are only loosely integrated with their systems, requiring bioinformatics expertise to manage them. The Applied Biosystems-Integromics solution is the first commercially available offering that integrates the system that generates the data with the software that is used to analyse it.

The solution works by capturing raw data from an Applied Biosystems real-time PCR system. The StatMiner software then enables visualisation and analysis of the data generated during the real-time PCR process through a combination of interactive data visualisation tools, advanced statistical analysis and data mining. Users of the software are guided through the analysis process, enabling the use of the software by non-experts in bioinformatics.

“Advanced bioinformatics tools that help researchers in the analysis and interpretation of raw gene expression data are becoming a key complement to the advances in instrumentation and reagents,” said Vicente R Carro, chief executive officer of Integromics SL. “By combining Applied Biosystems’ leadership in real-time PCR with Integromics’ expertise in bioinformatics, we have created a solution that provides our mutual customers a better way to manage their high throughput projects and analyse their real-time PCR data.”

Integromics is an innovative developer of data management, integration and analysis software used in genomics and proteomics research. The company’s Real-Time StatMiner software is a standalone application which is also available as an integrated guide within other leading laboratory data analysis systems.

Applied Biosystems is a global leader in the development and commercialisation of instrument-based systems, consumables, software, and services for the life science market. The company is an industry leader in driving innovation in the life science industry through initiatives such the BioIT Alliance and its own software development programme, in which its genetic analysis data file formats and data file converters are available to independent software vendors such as Integromics. This programme facilitates the development of next-generation bioinformatics applications that can advance productivity and data sharing on Applied Biosystems’ industry leading genetic analysers and real-time PCR sequence detection systems that include the Applied Biosystems 7900HT Fast Real-Time PCR System, 7500 Real-Time PCR System, 7500 Fast Real-Time PCR System, StepOne™ Real-Time PCR System, and StepOnePlus™ Real-Time PCR System.

“Applied Biosystems is focused on creating a more collaborative environment that enables independent software developers to bring to market innovative new applications that enhance the value of our best-in-class instrument systems,” said John Gerace, vice president and general manager for Applied Biosystems’ sequence detection business. “Working in collaboration with Integromics we have created a solution that supports our mutual customers in their gene expression research by enabling them to turn their data into meaningful information for use in a range of research projects including drug discovery and development.”