Thermo Fisher Scientific acquires Open Biosystems
Creating unmatched RNAi platform
RNA interference is a method for blocking, or silencing, the expression of genes to study their function and to develop therapies targeting genes that may cause disease. Open Biosystems, which is based in Huntsville, Alabama, specializes in short-hairpin RNA (shRNA) and viral-vector systems for delivering shRNA into living cells. The company offers complete shRNA libraries for the entire human and mouse genomes. Correspondingly, Thermo Fisher Scientific is a leader in small-interfering RNA (siRNA), sold through its Thermo Scientific Dharmacon line. Together, shRNA and siRNA represent the two most widely used RNAi platforms.
The acquisition of Open Biosystems further strengthens our market-leading position in synthetic RNAi products with highly complementary technologies based on advanced shRNA, said Marijn E. Dekkers, president and chief executive officer of Thermo Fisher Scientific. This combination brings together leading technologies for analyzing gene function, allowing us to create a powerful tool set for our customers who are performing cutting-edge life science research.
In addition to its RNAi business, Open Biosystems offers extensive collections of complementary DNA (cDNA) and open reading frame (ORF) vectors for gene expression, as well as custom antibody services for detection of changes in cellular protein levels. Open Biosystems, which had annual revenues of approximately $14 million in 2007, will be integrated into Thermo Fisher's Analytical Technologies Segment.
Most read news
Topics
Organizations
Other news from the department business & finance
Get the analytics and lab tech industry in your inbox
From now on, don't miss a thing: Our newsletter for analytics and lab technology brings you up to date every Tuesday. The latest industry news, product highlights and innovations - compact and easy to understand in your inbox. Researched by us so you don't have to.