Tiny Vysis scored big this spring, winning the backing of two major therapeutic and diagnostic companies for its products. But is its core technology ready for prime time? Vysis sees an opportunity to expand use of its FISH diagnostics technology beyond niche applications in the clinical market. But skeptics say the technology is too complex and expensive for routine clinical use.

The sad saga of Oncor Inc. is slowly coming to an end, with the purchase in November of its {in situ} hybridization business by Ventana Medical Systems Inc.