Perkin-Elmer

Collaboration with Soane BioSciences is intended to build on PE's technologies in fluorescent electrophoresis, reagents, software and systems via integration with Hayward, California-based Soane's technologies in microfluidic chips and analysis methods "to create highly automated and integrated genetic analysis systems," the companies announce May 19. "Microfluidic systems offer the potential to significantly reduce separation time, increase throughput, provide greater integration of sample preparation and analysis steps, and deliver enhanced automation," Soane CEO Joseph Limber comments. Under the agreement, Soane will manufacture and supply PE with microfluidic chips for product development and exclusive worldwide marketing rights. PE is also making an equity investment in privately held Soane. Financial details of the deal are not being disclosed. On May 10, PE reported the formation of an 80/20 joint venture with The Institute for Genomic Research that will use PE's Model 3700 ultra-high throughput analyzer to complete the sequencing of the human genome's 3 bil. base pairs in three years ("The Gray Sheet" May 18, p. 15)