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New Milton, Hampshire, UK, 13 July 2010 – Genetix, a leading provider of solutions for imaging and image analysis, has confirmed that its CellReporter system now supports both cell- and bead-based assay formats. Users can screen cell-by-cell or bead-by-bead within a test population in order to produce accurate, quantitative data for a wide range of applications.

Typically used to quantify the amount of protein secreted by a cell line, bead-based assays are key to applications such as hybridoma screening, assessing production of antibodies, cytokines or hormone secretion. The homogeneous format of the bead-based assays used with CellReporter significantly simplifies the process compared to conventional approaches, as it involves only a single incubation step and eliminates the need for multiple wash steps.

Cell-based assays, including cell cycle analysis, cytotoxicity studies and monitoring protein translocation, are used as biological models of physiological situations, for example when investigating the effect of drug candidates on a cancer cell model.

The CellReporter system enables scientists to increase throughput without compromising image or data quality. In addition, the accuracy of the quantitative data can be substantially improved compared to conventional approaches. Flexible image analysis software identifies and analyzes each object, such as the cell nucleus or bead. Users can optimize and standardize image interpretation for each assay and check data quality, for example to remove fluorescent debris that may compromise results.

Charles de Rohan, head of the Genetix Business Unit within Leica Microsystems, explained: “Data from cell- and bead-based assays are critical to a multitude of research, drug discovery and development projects. The CellReporter system now offers a truly multi-application platform that can support basic research projects as well as provide data essential in drug discovery and development workflows.”

About Genetix (http://www.genetix.com)
Headquartered in New Milton, UK, with offices in the UK, US, Germany and Japan, Genetix is an independent business unit within Leica Microsystems. The company provides scientists and clinicians with unrivalled solutions for imaging and intelligent image analysis in the life science and clinical markets.

In research, pharmaceutical and biotherapeutic development, Genetix systems continue to establish industry standards in areas such as picking microbial colonies for genomic studies or screening and selection of mammalian cell lines. Other systems use imaging platforms to monitor cell growth, evaluate cellular response and quantify tissue biomarkers.

In the clinical market, Genetix holds a leading position with thousands of systems based on its CytoVision® platform used in cytogenetics laboratories throughout the world.

Through its expertise in robotics, cell and molecular biology, image analysis and interpretation, supported by a strong IP portfolio, Genetix is committed to the continual development of innovative solutions.

About Leica Microsystems (http://www.leica-microsystems.com)
Leica Microsystems is a leading global designer and producer of innovative, high-tech, precision optical systems for the analysis of microstructures. It is one of the market leaders in each of its business areas: Microscopy, Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy with corresponding Imaging Systems, Specimen Preparation, and Medical Equipment.

The company manufactures a broad range of products for numerous applications requiring microscopic imaging, measurement, and analysis. It also offers system solutions for life science including biotechnology and medicine, research and development of raw materials, and industrial quality assurance. The company is represented in over 100 countries with 11 manufacturing facilities in 8 countries, sales and service organizations in 19 countries and an international network of dealers. The international management is headquartered in Wetzlar, Germany.

Contact
College Hill
Lynne Trowbridge, Katie Odgaard
E:genetix@collegehill.com
T: +44 (0)20 7866 7858