Hercules, CA — December 17, 2013 — Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. today announced the launch of more than 700 new PrimePCR human and mouse disease panels (available in the U.S., Canada, and E.U. only) and 71 new pathway panels for real-time PCR (qPCR). The panels allow researchers to thoroughly and efficiently investigate genes known to be differentially expressed in a specified pathology or biological pathway. Bio-Rad now offers more than 1,100 panels with nearly 6,700 predesigned plate configurations, establishing Bio-Rad as the industry’s largest and most up-to-date provider of predesigned plates.
The expanded product line includes highly studied pathways such as Hedgehog and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling, as well as processes such as circadian rhythms and visual perception. In addition, disease categories span hundreds of conditions, ranging from specific cancers and neoplasms to metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes.
Working in collaboration with Thomson Reuters, Bio-Rad developed a plate design strategy that ensures that the most relevant gene targets are chosen for each real-time PCR panel; gene targets are weighted for differentially expressed genes and the frequency with which they appear in the peer-reviewed literature. For disease panels, Thomson Reuters referenced the diseases and their corresponding gene targets in the U.S. National Library of Medicine database.
All of the assays were designed strictly adhering to MIQE guidelines: maximum transcript coverage, minimal overlap with known single nucleotide polymorphisms, and spanning large introns where possible. In addition, all of the primer assays have been fully wet-lab validated for specificity, efficiency, and sensitivity to an unprecedented level of quality, according to Jan Hellemans, cofounder of the qPCR and bioinformatics firm Biogazelle, which worked with Bio-Rad to develop these assays.
Bio-Rad has also updated and expanded its existing predesigned pathway and collection panels to include the most scientifically relevant gene targets based on current literature and the latest bioinformatics data.
For more information on Bio-Rad’s PrimePCR products, please visit www.bio-rad.com/PrimePCR.
About Bio-Rad
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (NYSE: BIO and BIOb) has been at the center of scientific discovery for 60 years, manufacturing and distributing a broad range of products for life science research and clinical diagnostic markets. The company is renowned for its commitment to quality and customer service among university and research institutions, hospitals, public health and commercial laboratories, as well as the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and food safety industries. Founded in 1952, Bio-Rad is based in Hercules, California, and serves more than 100,000 research and industry customers through its global network of operations. The company employs approximately 7,600 people worldwide and had revenues exceeding $2 billion in 2012. Visit us at www.bio‑rad.com.
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Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. is licensed by Life Technologies Corporation to sell reagents containing SYBR® Green I for use in real-time PCR, for research purposes only.
For more information contact:
Richard Kurtz
Bio-Rad
510-741-5638
Richard_Kurtz@bio-rad.com
Ken Li Chempetitive Group
312-997-2436 x 112
kli@chempetitive.com