Applied Biosystems Introduces Next-Generaton Laboratory Process Automation Technology for Genomics and Proteomics Laboratories
Applied Biosystems (NYSE:ABI), an Applera Corporation business, today announced the introduction of LS*LIMS™ Software, a new workflow management and process automation solution that increases productivity, improves data quality, and integrates data from many different sources for genomics and proteomics laboratories. The software will be showcased today as part of the 2004 Laboratory Informatics Expo Online Conference and Exhibition sponsored by Scientific Computing & Instrumentation magazine (http://www.liexpo.com/liexpo/default.asp ).
“There is little doubt that the increasing volume of high-quality biological data and advances in technology are transforming the study of complex biological systems,” said Catherine M. Burzik, President of Applied Biosystems. “LS*LIMS™ Software is designed to improve the way laboratories operate by helping scientists integrate, automate, and manage all laboratory data and workflow processes. As part of our iScience™ strategy, Applied Biosystems is committed to developing products, like the LS*LIMS Software, that enable new, integrated approaches to scientific discovery and development.”
LS*LIMS™ Software increases lab productivity by integrating an expanding library of Applied Biosystems and third-party instrument interfaces, including the Applied Biosystems 3730 and 3730xl DNA Analyzers, the ABI PRISM® 7900HT Sequence Detection System, and the GeneAmp® PCR System 9700. A documented application programming interface (API) and development tool kit are also available to enable users to extend and modify the system, including adding and customizing activities and instrument interfaces. The software also includes an increasing number of “out-of-the-box” workflows to support technologies, including Applied Biosystems TaqMan® SNP Genotyping Assays. Applied Biosystems expects to introduce additional genomics and proteomic-based workflows in the coming months, including TaqMan® Gene Expression Assays and the SNPlex™ Genotyping System.
“Gene expression, genotyping, and proteomics are being applied at all stages of life science research for such important applications as toxicology studies and biomarker analysis,” said Bruce von Herrmann, General Manager, Global Informatics Software and Professional Services Business for Applied Biosystems. “LS*LIMS Software enables organizations to streamline and integrate data collected throughout the research and development process, allowing more efficient and intelligent product development.”
The LS*LIMS™ Software provides a drag-and-drop workflow editor to map and automate bench laboratory operations, and the development tool kit allows researchers to customize in silico activities, such as automatically searching data generated in the laboratory against an external database, such as the Celera Discovery System™ Online Platform. The software’s open architecture lets customers configure the system to meet the needs of large or small laboratories, and provides a common user experience across Applied Biosystems instruments and applications. Additionally, the software tracks lab information, which reduces errors, quickly identifies problems and bottlenecks, and lowers project costs.
The system is supported by Applied Biosystems’ global distribution and service network, composed of experienced support and applications personnel. Further, the system is backed by the extensive experience of a worldwide Informatics Professional Services Group. Services offered include project management, workflow definition, application configuration, third-party instrument and software integration, and custom software development.
More information is available at info.appliedbiosystems.com/informatics.
About the Applied Biosystems Service and System Solutions Division
The Applied Biosystems’ Service and System Solutions Division provides complete, end-to-end solutions to integrate and automate a laboratory’s processes and data analysis. The company has more than 25 years of experience with customers ranging from small biotech research to Fortune 50 pharmaceutical companies, and supports more than 1,000 laboratories worldwide with its Laboratory Information Management Software (LIMS) and related professional services.
About Applera Corporation and Applied Biosystems
Applera Corporation consists of two operating groups. The Applied Biosystems Group serves the life science industry and research community by developing and marketing instrument-based systems, consumables, software, and services. Customers use these tools to analyze nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), small molecules, and proteins to make scientific discoveries, develop new pharmaceuticals, and conduct standardized testing. Applied Biosystems is headquartered in Foster City, CA, and reported sales of $1.7 billion during fiscal 2004. The Celera Genomics Group is engaged principally in the discovery and development of targeted therapeutics for cancer, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Celera Genomics is leveraging its proteomic, bioinformatic, and genomic capabilities to identify and validate drug targets, and to discover and develop small molecule therapeutics. It is also seeking to advance therapeutic antibody and selected small molecule drug programs in collaboration with global technology and market leaders. Celera Diagnostics, a 50/50 joint venture between Applied Biosystems and Celera Genomics, is focused on discovery, development, and commercialization of diagnostic products. Information about Applera Corporation, including reports and other information filed by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, is available at http://www.applera.com , or by telephoning 800.762.6923. Information about Applied Biosystems is available at http://www.appliedbiosystems.com/ .
Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking. These may be identified by the use of forward-looking words or phrases such as “believe,” “expect,” “should,” “anticipate,” and “planned,” among others. These forward-looking statements are based on Applera Corporation’s current expectations. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a “safe harbor” for such forward-looking statements. In order to comply with the terms of the safe harbor, Applera Corporation notes that a variety of factors could cause actual results and experience to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties that may affect the operations, performance, development, and results of Applied Biosystems include but are not limited to: (1) rapidly changing technology could adversely affect demand for Applied Biosystems’ products, and its business is dependent on development of new products; (2) dependence on continuous, effective, reliable, and secure operation of its computer hardware, software, and Internet applications and related tools and functions; and (3) other factors that might be described from time to time in Applera Corporation’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All information in this press release is as of the date of the release, and Applera does not undertake any duty to update this information, including any forward-looking statements, unless required by law.
Copyright© 2004. Applera Corporation. All rights reserved. Applied Biosystems and Celera are registered trademarks and Applera, Celera, Celera Diagnostics, Celera Discovery System, Celera Genomics, iScience, and LS LIMS are trademarks of Applera Corporation or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and/or certain other countries.
