SelectScience
Join Free
NewsLife Sciences

Merck Millipore Enters Into Agreement to Acquire Exclusive Rights to Singulex's Ultra-Sensitive Single Molecule Counting (SMCTM) Technology

Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
21 May 2015
Lauren Edwards
Editorial

Industry news

  • Acquiring exclusive worldwide rights to Singulex's SMCTM technology - instruments, assays and services - for research applications
  • Expands Merck Millipore's Protein Detection business platform with addition of the ultra-sensitive "gold standard" Erenna® immunoassay platform
  • Singulex to leverage its superior immunoassay technology to create additional opportunities in existing diagnostics businesses

Merck Millipore, the Life Science business of Merck, and Singulex, the developer and leading provider of Single Molecule Counting (SMCTM) technology for clinical diagnostics and scientific discovery, today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Merck Millipore will control and manage the Singulex Life Science Research business. Under the terms of the agreement, Merck Millipore will pay Singulex an upfront payment, royalties and additional payments based upon achievement of certain commercial milestones. Merck Millipore will have exclusive rights to further develop and commercialize the SMC technology for research applications worldwide.

Reliable, ultra-sensitive protein detection is a critical unmet need in life science research. Current technologies allow detection of only approximately five percent of proteins in the entire proteome due to the very low abundance of many biomarkers, leaving the vast majority of proteins virtually undetectable. The SMC technology is a novel, patented technology combining signal enhancement and background reduction coupled with low volume sampling to achieve ultra-high sensitivity protein detection. The clinical benefits of this technology have been well-established and Singulex will continue to operate a large and successful clinical service business based on novel, enabling SMC assays. Financial and other terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"This agreement is further evidence of Merck Millipore's commitment to bringing innovative technologies to our global life science customers," said Udit Batra, President and CEO of Merck Millipore. "The Erenna® platform offers the unique advantage of unrivaled sensitivity and precision and will be a strong addition to our Protein Detection franchise."

"We are very pleased with this strategic agreement with Merck Millipore, a world leader in life science, since it puts our unique technology into the best possible hands to optimize its commercial scale-up and market potential," said Guido Baechler, President and CEO of Singulex. "We have established our position as a leader in high-sensitive immunoassays, and this deal enables us to leverage our superior immunoassay technology to create additional opportunities in our other diagnostic businesses, especially within the area of companion diagnostics.

Links

Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, GermanyCompany website

Tags

ProteomicsProteomics is the systemic bioinformatics study of proteins and amino acids, including their structure, size, function and identification. Tools used in proteomics include chromatography, blotting and gels, protein arrays, mass spectrometry and ELISA and associated analysis software. Analyzers and proteomic systems should be sensitive, high resolution, fast and may be automated for high-throughput.Flow Cytometry / Cell CountingFlow cytometers are used to count, sort and examine multiple characteristics of cells. Other cell analysis equipment includes image cytometers, cell counters, fluorescence-activated cell sorters (FACS), magnetic-activated cell sorters (MACS), and a range of flow cytometry assay kits. Flow cytometers can reveal information on cell viability, cell proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle progression, as well as identify cell populations and intracellular or cell-surface molecules. Additionally, some flow cytometers, known as FACS, have an additional sorting function after analysis. Cell counters and image cytometers count live and dead cell populations and can also conduct cell proliferation assays. Find the best flow cytometers, cell counters and cell sorters in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.ImmunologyImmunological techniques measure and characterize immune responses. Immunology kits and analysis systems often use techniques such as ELISA, radioimmunoassay (RIA) and immunodiffusion assays, Immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry. Immunologists use equipment such as flow Cytometers, plate readers, plate washers and fluorescent microscopes.BiomarkersBiomarkers are biological markers which can be measured and evaluated to indicate a biological state. The use of biomarkers in research and diagnosis can indicate a normal or disease state or drug response of cells / tissues. Biomarkers include genetic markers, cell surface markers such as antigens, antibodies or receptors and secreted molecules such as cytokines. An assay system is required for identification of biomarkers. :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.Biomarker DiscoveryClinical biomarkers refer to substances related to known medical conditions that can be accurately measured <i>in vitro</i>. Biomarkers can be used to diagnose presence of a disease and indicate disease severity. The discovery of new biomarkers is incredibly valuable in the field of diagnostics.

Related articles

Merck Millipore Enters Into Agreement to Acquire Exclusive Rights to Singulex's Ultra-Sensitive Single Molecule Counting (SMCTM) Technology