Qiagen Moves Into Next-Gen Sequencing
Executive Summary
Qiagen has acquired privately held Intelligent Bio-Systems, a developer of next-generation sequencing (NGS) instruments aimed at the clinical research market. IBS’ technology, along with a newly expanded collaboration with bioinformatics provider SAP, is the cornerstone of a new NGS initiative at Qiagen.
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Injunction Stops Sales Of Qiagen GeneReader
The system was launched late last year, but a preliminary injunction issued by a federal court in California will now block Qiagen from marketing its GeneReader sequencing system in the US. Illumina had filed a patent claim against the system, and the court found that the claim is likely to succeed.
Taking Stock Of Qiagen
Since its acquisition of Digene in 2007, Qiagen's business mix has shifted significantly towards molecular diagnostics even as the company remains true to its founding premise of making things simpler for customers. It has broadened its skill set in nucleic acid analysis with multiple acquired and licensed technologies for platform development while focusing on high volume tests in women's health and infectious diseases and new ties with pharma. Expect its acquisition pattern to continue.
The How And When Of Applying Sequencing To Clinical Diagnostics
Gene sequencing instrument providers are currently at the center of a range of corporate activities: acquisition, partnering, financing. As technology innovation continues, costs decrease, and the pace and scope of clinical genomic studies picks up, the notion of sequencing as the foundation for a clinical diagnostics platform is gaining more support. Delivering value to diagnostics customers ultimately may demand that instrument providers move downstream, involving themselves in data analysis and workflow and even test development, to prime the clinical market.