Roche Diagnostics Licenses the Technology used for the LightCycler<sup>®</sup> System to BIOTECON

29 Apr 2008

Roche Diagnostics and BIOTECON Diagnostics GmbH, Potsdam, Germany, have entered into a licensing agreement concerning Roche’s LightCycler system technology. Under the terms of the agreement, Roche grants a non-exclusive worldwide license to BIOTECON authorizing them to develop, produce, and sell kits in the food and GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms) analysis field that are designed for use on the Roche LightCycler Instrument. The agreement includes the use of Roche’s melting curve analysis technology. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

As an international biotechnology company BIOTECON Diagnostics develops, produces, and markets its innovative complete rapid PCR-based kits for the detection of pathogenic contamination in food, for spoilage microorganisms, and for genetically modified organisms. The company offers solutions for the food and beverage industry as well as for producers of pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

With the licensing of the LightCycler instrument technology, BIOTECON will enhance the technological development and broaden the spectrum of applications especially in the fields of food and cosmetics," states Dr. Manfred Baier, Head of Roche Applied Science, a business area of Roche Diagnostics.

“The LightCycler System Technology License represents a significant milestone for our company”, states Kornelia Berghof-Jäger, CEO of BIOTECON Diagnostics. It enables us to strengthen our position in the field of molecular food diagnostics and, together with the food industry, provide even greater food safety."

LightCycler® 480 Real-Time PCR System

The Roche LightCycler 480 System - Another breakthrough in real-time PCR analysis of gene expression and melting curve-based mutation analysis.The Roche LightCycler 480 RT-PCR System combines amazing speed with exceptional accuracy and will meet the needs of a broad range of scientific applications in genomics research including array validation, gene-knockdown studies, and SNP analysis.This Roche Light Cycler PCR supports all current probe formats and applications and its built-in versatility allows adaptation to future technological advances in genomics research.Customer benefits from the Roche LightCycler® 480 System: Speed – rapid temperature control for superb specificity and yield.The LightCycler 480 PCR System utilizes a novel block technology to allow the rapid heating and cooling required to complete a 40-cycle, 384-well quantitative PCR run in less than 40 minutes and leads to extraordinary well-to-well temperature homogeneity and maximized inter-well, inter-cycle reproducibility. Accuracy – unbiased conditions for unambiguous results Special arrangement of optical components ensures the uniform collection of signals across the plate and makes analysis independent of sample position or differences in reaction volume. Versatility – utmost flexibility for maximum efficiency Five excitation and six emission filters of the Roche LightCycler allow you to work with the assay format of your choice, including SYBR Green I, hydrolysis probes, probes, probes, Molecular Beacons, and others. High-performance optical system from the LightCycler 480Fluorescence excitation by a high-intensity xenon lamp, and a specially developed signal-collection system, result in maximal sensitivity for any assay format in all channels. Additional Features of the LightCycler 480 PCR System: Customizable modular system concept Building on the principles of the well-established, performance-proven LightCycler® Software 4.0, the Roche LightCycler® 480 platform comes equipped with modules for run control, Tm calling, and absolute quantification. Further customize your system to your specific needs by adding separately offered advanced analysis modules. Especially developed reagents A tailor-made hot-start PCR enzyme master mix is available for each type of LightCycler® 480 application. Built on Roche Diagnostics’ performance proven FastStart technology, these reagents ensure optimal reproducibility and high dynamic ranges. Perfect integration into laboratory workflow Compatibility for automated sample-preparation, automated loading and connectivity to laboratory information management systems (LIMS) for integrated workflow monitoring offer uncompromising adaptability for a perfect fit.

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