Enter the Field

Qiagen is investing in bringing next-generation sequencing technologies to clinical research and to molecular diagnostics, and it has acquired next-generation sequencing company Intelligent Bio-Systems, Qiagen says in a press release. In March, IBS unveiled its new sequencing-by-synthesis instrument, called the Mini-20, that is targeting core and clinical labs, as our sister publication Genome Technology reported. Qiagen adds that it is working with IBS to develop a new sequencer that should enter beta testing this year. "Our ambition is … [to offer] workflow solutions for clinical use, particularly to develop new medicines and improve healthcare with advanced diagnostics," says Peer Schatz, CEO of Qiagen, in a statement. "While next-generation sequencing is viewed today mainly as a research tool, our initiative is to expand beyond this and to offer applications designed to address the needs of customers in clinical research and molecular diagnostics."