HORIBA
Jobin Yvon (Longjumeau, France) a fully owned affiliate of HORIBA Ltd
(Kyoto, Japan) and a leader in analytical instrumentation products and worldwide
leader in optical spectroscopy, announced today, April 17th, 2009 the
acquisition of GENOPTICS (Orsay, France). GENOPTICS will join the HORIBA
Scientific business segment.
GENOPTICS specializes on bio-interactions label free detection and multiplex
Surface Plasmon Resonance imaging. Label free detection and SPRi are important
for bio affinity investigation as they provide a novel high throughput technique
for ligand fishing and screening of peptides, antibodies, proteins and even
cells.
Label free bio-interactions detection is becoming increasingly important in
meeting the needs of life science researchers. "In the coming years we will see
the merging of biotechnology and microtechnology to create combinations of ultra
integrated devices on a molecular scale" states Dr. Michel Mariton HORIBA
Scientific segment leader. "The acquisition of GenOptics is a part of HORIBA
Scientific's commitment to play a leading role in this important and exciting
new field."
"In addition, the increasing use of multiplexed biochips as disposable
resources, will allow cost effective multiple and fast bio-markers screening"
comments Dr Chiraz Frydman HORIBA Scientific Life Science product manager.
"Becoming a part of the HORIBA Scientific biotechnology platform clearly
validates the competitive edge of our development capabilities and the quality
of our instrument portfolio. Together we will develop next-generation products
for the market. The integration will allow GENOPTICS, to reach an industrial
stage and accelerate its development ..." adds P. Kerouredan, former CEO of
GENOPTICS.
Previously in January 2007, HORIBA Jobin Yvon and Genoptics signed an
international distribution and service agreement. The acquisition now secures
HORIBA Scientific full access to additional polarized light imaging techniques
and to all research and development options of the company that were not yet
included in the agreement.