HORIBA
Jobin Yvon (Longjumeau, France) a fully owned affiliate of HORIBA Ltd (Kyoto,
Japan) and a leader in analytical instrumentation products and worldwide leader
in optical spectroscopy, announced today, April 17th, 2009 the acquisition of
GENOPTICS (Orsay, France). GENOPTICS will join the HORIBA Scientific business
segment.
GENOPTICS specializes on bio-interactions label free detection and multiplex
Surface Plasmon Resonance imaging. Label free detection and SPRi are important
for bio affinity investigation as they provide a novel high throughput technique
for ligand fishing and screening of peptides, antibodies, proteins and even
cells.
Label free bio-interactions detection is becoming increasingly important in
meeting the needs of life science researchers. "In the coming years we
will see the merging of biotechnology and microtechnology to create combinations
of ultra integrated devices on a molecular scale" states Dr. Michel Mariton
HORIBA Scientific segment leader. "The acquisition of GenOptics is a part
of HORIBA Scientific's commitment to play a leading role in this important
and exciting new field."
"In addition, the increasing use of multiplexed biochips as disposable
resources, will allow cost effective multiple and fast bio-markers screening"
comments Dr Chiraz Frydman HORIBA Scientific Life Science product manager.
"Becoming a part of the HORIBA Scientific biotechnology platform clearly
validates the competitive edge of our development capabilities and the quality
of our instrument portfolio. Together we will develop next-generation products
for the market. The integration will allow GENOPTICS, to reach an industrial
stage and accelerate its development ..." adds P. Kerouredan, former CEO
of GENOPTICS.
Previously in January 2007, HORIBA Jobin Yvon and Genoptics signed an international
distribution and service agreement. The acquisition now secures HORIBA Scientific
full access to additional polarized light imaging techniques and to all research
and development options of the company that were not yet included in the agreement.