NEW YORK (GenomeWeb News) – Affymetrix and Beckman Coulter jointly announced today that they are partnering on automated target preparation solutions for genomic research.
The companies said that they will co-develop products that will expand the list of Affymetrix-validated automated target preparation methods. Those methods will be based on an Affymetrix-specific configuration of Beckman Coulter's Biomek FX Dual Arm Multichannel-Span 8 Liquid Handler.
According to the partners, the platform will provide a standardized system containing all of the components necessary to run Affymetrix genotyping and gene expression assays.
"These products not only provide a much needed target prep solution for our large installed base of GeneChip Array cartridge users, but very importantly, this agreement aligns with our strategic goals to reengineer the Affymetrix platform," Affymetrix President and CEO Kevin King said in a statement. "With automated target prep robotics in front of our GeneTitan System, our customers will benefit from walk-away automation from prepared samples all the way through array processing and data generation."
The firms noted that the platform will be for research use only and are not for use in diagnostic procedures.
Financial and other terms of the alliance were not disclosed.