Nonlinear Dynamics, Waters create LSR partnership

Nonlinear Dynamics, a provider of bioinformatics solutions and Waters Corporation have announced a co-development and co-marketing agreement described by both the companies as a Life Science Research Partnership. The agreement is expected to create a formidable alliance within the proteomics market.

Initially both the companies will work together to promote the synergies between Nonlinear's leading Progenesis 2D gel electrophoresis analysis solutions and Waters' ProteinLynx Global Server 2.2.5 (PLGS) protein mass-informatics system with its mass spectrometry systems for MALDI-MS/MS or ESI-MS/MS. The companies have also announced their intention to work together on diverse areas of further development, including multivariate approaches to discovery research and orthogonal label-free protein quantification strategies.

Ion Exchange signs pact with Belgium firm

Ion Exchange (India) Ltd, a water treatment company has entered into a joint venture with a Belgium-based group company called Fifth Element NV, widely known as Waterleau Group. The group is engaged in the business of design, engineering, procurement (EPC) and operation & maintenance (O&M) of air, water, waste and new energy projects. The JV will bring together both the companies' respective strengths in technology, expertise and commercial network in the water treatment and environmental business.

Millipore, Gen-Probe to develop rapid molecular tests

Millipore and Gen-Probe have formed an alliance to develop, manufacture and commercialize on an exclusive basis nucleic acid testing (NAT) products for rapid microbiological and virus monitoring in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. Microbiological monitoring of manufacturing processes is critical to ensuring patient safety and meeting regulatory requirements.

Under the terms of the agreement, Gen-Probe will be primarily responsible for assay development and manufacturing, while Millipore will manage worldwide commercialization. The companies expect to launch the first of a series of new rapid biological testing products in 2007.

Agilent introduces ChIP-on-chip microarray solution

Agilent Technologies has introduced its ChIP-on-chip microarray solution for analyzing activity at regulatory regions of genomes. The technology, also known as location analysis, provides insight into key mechanisms of embryonic stem cells and illnesses such as cancer, cardiovascular disease and central nervous system disorders.

"ChIP-on-chip is an example of Agilent's drive to develop the next generation of microarray applications," said Fran DiNuzzo, vice president and general manager of Agilent's Integrated Biology Solutions business.

"ChIP-on-chip goes beyond gene expression to explore gene regulation activity," said Richard Young, of MIT and its Whitehead Institute affiliate. "Regulatory proteins bind to genomic DNA to control DNA replication and gene expression, thereby functioning as switches in the regulatory circuitry of cells. Combine this information with gene expression data and you get biomarkers."

Alfa Laval to acquire Tranter PHE

Alfa Laval, a supplier of specialized products and engineering solutions has signed an agreement to acquire Tranter PHE from the US company, Dover Corporation. Tranter PHE is involved in the design and production of plate and frame heat transfer products and welded heat transfer products for a wide range of applications. The company had a turnover in 2004 of about $ 110 million and has approximately 450 employees globally in R&D, manufacturing and sales. Alfa Laval has agreed to pay approximately $150 million in cash. However, the closing of the transaction is subject to clearance from regulatory authorities.

According to official release, Tranter PHE will continue to be an independent market channel and will offer its own product range under the Tranter brand through its own distribution network. Tranter PHE will also maintain its own R&D and manufacturing units. The sales of Tranter PHE are divided between North America, Europe and the rest of the world, and the main product group is gasketed plate heat exchangers.

Bill Emhiser is new CEO of Whatman

Whatman plc, a supplier of separations technology to the life sciences industry, has appointed Bill Emhiser as its new chief executive officer. He is expected to take charge from November 1, 2005. Bill Emhiser is currently president, North American Operations of Proteome Systems Ltd., a public company listed on the Australian stock exchange developing innovative technology solutions to enable proteomics research.