Visible Genetics Gets Order for 100 Research DNA Sequencing Systems

TORONTO--Visible Genetics here received an order to build 100 DNA sequencing systems to the specifications of Swedish biotech supplier Amersham Pharmacia Biotech. The Seq4x4 system--designed to work with Amersham's exclusive one-color Cy5.5 terminator chemistry and Thermosequenase kits--is a 16-lane one-dye system that sequences 300 bases in under 30 minutes. It uses Visible Genetics' proprietary MicroCel technology and PC-based software designed by Visible for the Amersham market. Visible CEO John Stevens said the large order from the world's largest research-based biotech supplier to genomics research and pharmaceuticals development concerns will allow his company to focus its resources on sales and marketing of diagnostic software, instruments, systems and its HLA, HIV, and HPV GeneKits.