Agilent said that MassCode Tags can be used to screen for specific pathogens that may be present in a biological sample. MassCode Tags are small molecules, each with a unique molecular weight. In MassTag PCR, individual tags are attached to DNA primers that correspond to microbial sequences. The primers are then used to amplify nucleic acid isolated from biological sample using PCR. The tags are released by applying UV irradiation, and mass spectroscopy is then used to identify the corresponding tags. The mass spectroscopy detection technique is highly multiplexed, faster and more sensitive than traditional detection technologies utilized for PCR analysis. Investigators at the Center for Infection and Immunity in the Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, developed the MassTag PCR application.

"By acquiring this technology and moving it forward, Agilent is creating a new solution that enables mid-range multiplex screening for the life science research market," said Gustavo Salem, Agilent vice president and general manager, Biological Systems Division. "This technology addresses a key need by reducing the cost to screen for a large number of pathogens that might be present in a given sample and will accelerate the life science research workflow."

"We are pleased that Agilent recognized the value of this technology and has made a commitment to ensuring that it will be available for public health research," said Ian Lipkin, M.D., John Snow professor of Epidemiology at Columbia University.

Agilent Technologies Inc. is a measurement company and a technology company engaged in communications, electronics, life sciences and chemical analysis.

Eurofins MWG Operon, a member of the Eurofins Group with offices and production facilities in Europe, the United States, and Asia, is an international provider of DNA sequencing services, DNA synthesis products, and bioinformatic services for academic and industrial research.

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The acquired patents cover differing aspects of the MassCode Tag technology and are valid in 34 countries including the US, UK, Japan and China.

Deal Type    Acquisition
Sub-Category Asset Purchase
Deal Status  Completed: 2009-11-16

Deal Participants

Target (Company)   Eurofins MWG Operon - MassCode Tag technology
Acquirer (Company) Agilent Technologies, Inc.
Vendor (Company)   Eurofins MWG Operon

Deal Rationale

The acquisition expands life science disease research portfolio of Agilent. Through this acquisition, Agilent will create a new solution that enables mid-range multiplex screening for the life science research market. This technology addresses a key need by reducing the cost to screen for a large number of pathogens that might be present in a given sample and will accelerate the life science research workflow. Agilent will use MassCode Tag technology to develop new research products for pathogen identification, leveraging its strength in polymerase chain reaction, and mass spectroscopy.

The Infiniium 9000 Series is the industry's first oscilloscope family to offer bandwidths from 600 MHz to 4 GHz with built-in logic and protocol analysis. It is the industry's first mixed signal oscilloscope to support USB2.0, PCIe(R) 1.1, MIPI and SATA protocol triggering and decode. These integrated features extend scope functionality, making it easier for engineers to test complex designs. The result is higher oscilloscope utilization and a greater return on invested capital.

Oscilloscopes are the primary tool used by engineers to test and debug electronic designs. Increasingly, engineers are finding broader measurement capability critical for delivering robust products in a timely manner. Agilent's Infiniium 9000 Series incorporate significant built-in analysis capabilities for debugging and testing a comprehensive variety of traditional signals and buses widely deployed in embedded designs. The Infiniium 9000 Series offers optional logic and protocol analyzer capabilities.

"Agilent has continuously embraced a spirit of innovation," said Jay Alexander, general manager of Agilent's oscilloscope product line. "This award reflects Agilent's commitment to delivering superior technology and value in its broad electronics measurement offering. The Infiniium 9000 Series has the performance and application support today's engineers have asked for, along with logic and protocol analysis, all in a very impressive package."

Additional information on Agilent's Infiniium 9000 Series oscilloscopes and the company's complete line of oscilloscopes is available at www.agilent.com/find/9000. Product images are available at www.agilent.com/find/9000_images.

U.S. Pricing and Availability

Agilent Infiniium 9000 Series oscilloscopes are protocol capable and come standard with four scope channels. The products are available at the following prices:

Model       Scope bandwidth  Logic channels   Price
DSO 9064A   600 MHz                           $17,000
MSO 9064A   600 MHz          16               $21,000
DSO 9104A   1 GHz                             $19,900
MSO 9104A   1 GHz            16               $23,900
DSO 9254A   2.5 GHz                           $27,900
MSO 9254A   2.5 GHz          16               $31,900
DSO 9404A   4 GHz                             $37,500
MSO 9404A   4 GHz            16               $41,500

About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is the world's premier measurement company and a technology leader in communications, electronics, life sciences and chemical analysis. The company's 17,000 employees serve customers in more than 110 countries. Agilent had net revenues of $4.5 billion in fiscal 2009. Information about Agilent is available on the Web at www.agilent.com.

"PCIe" is a registered trademark of PCI-SIG.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Further technology, corporate citizenship and executive news is available on the Agilent news site at www.agilent.com/go/news.

SOURCE: Agilent Technologies Inc.

Agilent Technologies Inc. 
Janet Smith, +1-970-679-5397 (Americas) 
janet_smith@agilent.com 
Sarah Calnan, +44 (118) 927 5101 (Europe) 
sarah_calnan@agilent.com 
Iris Ng, +852 31977979 (Asia) 
iris-hw_ng@agilent.com

Under the terms of the agreement, Eurofins MWG will continue as a supplier of the core component for the new products. The acquired patents cover differing aspects of the MassCode Tag technology and are valid in 34 countries including the US, UK, Japan and China.

Deal Type    Partnership
Sub-Category Acquisition
Deal Status  Completed: 2009-11-16

Deal Participants

Partner 1 (Company) Agilent Technologies, Inc.
Partner 2 (Company) Eurofins MWG Operon
Partner 3 (Company) Eurofins Scientific S.A.

Deal Rationale

The acquisition expands life science disease research portfolio of Agilent. Agilent will use MassCode Tag technology to develop new research products for pathogen identification, leveraging its strength in polymerase chain reaction, and mass spectroscopy.