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The Pathway HT system targets
the field of high content cell
analysis
for the pharmaceutical,
biotechnology,
academic and
government
research markets. |
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 Biosciences is building upon its leadership in cell
analysis with the most extensive line of flow cytometry
instrumentation, addressing the broadest range of
applications. That position is complemented by in vitro drug
candidate toxicity screening products from the Discovery
Labware unit and cell signaling reagents from the Pharmingen
unit. For scientists engaged in basic research or drug discovery,
this combination of competencies makes BD Biosciences a
supplier of choice.
A large part of BD Biosciences' mission is to support biomedical
research by providing tools and technology to
scientists pursuing promising discoveries. That means the
Company must offer leading-edge solutions–customers
demand it. There are several key drivers of innovation at BD:
- Close relationships with leading researchers that stimulate
BD Biosciences' own innovation.
- In-depth experience and technical insight that provide a
solid base from which to launch innovation.
- Well-respected scientists and technologists who are disciplined
in addressing the needs of the market.
- A total systems approach–not only reagents or instruments,
but the entire solution.
In flow cytometry, the BD FACSAria cell sorter was a
key factor driving strong sales for BD and growing the size
of the flow cytometry market over the 2003-2004 period.
The BD FACSAria cell sorter represents a revolutionary
advancement in flow cytometry, not only through higher
levels of performance, but also through ease of use and convenience
as it requires no time-consuming optical alignment
or special room modifications.
The 2004 acquisition of Atto Bioscience offers numerous
synergies with the existing BD portfolio. It provides another
major instrument platform, in addition to our family of flow
cytometers, and expands our position in cell biology. It also
complements BD's expertise in drug toxicity testing, which
remains a hurdle in the drug discovery process; it links well
with Pharmingen's expertise in fluorescent proteins; and it fits
well with Discovery Labware's plates for imaging. In turn,
BD Biosciences' worldwide reach provides the opportunity for
Atto products to be sold well beyond their current U.S. focus.
A substantial majority of Atto's business is in the U.S., so it
stands to gain from BD's worldwide presence, sales and service.
For drug companies involved in the high throughput screening
used for drug discovery, the Pathway HT system delivers high
content analysis earlier in the process.
BD recently enhanced its cytometric
bead array (CBA) line with the launch
of a CBA Flex Set that allows investigators
to custom configure their assays
for greater sensitivity. |
Compact and easy to use, the BD FACSAria cell
sorter represents the most successful launch of a
sorter in the history of the flow cytometry industry.
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BD Gentest hepatocytes
are liver cells used by pharmaceutical companies
to test the safety of developmental
drugs. Novel BD Falcon Flip-Lock packaging
maintains cell quality during shipping. |
Newly developed medicines
can make a vast
difference in quality
of life. Often, patients
just want to get back to
doing normal, daily tasks.
Remarkably, only one
among many thousands
of screened compounds
ultimately receives FDA
approval to become a
new medicine.
It takes an estimated
$800 million or more, and
an average of 10 to 15
years, to develop a new
drug. The Pathway HT
imaging system is
designed to provide high
resolution images for
use in developing cellbased
assays, making
drug discovery more
effective and efficient,
and helping to get new
drugs to patients faster.
The system became part
of BD Biosciences' drug
discovery product portfolio
as a result of BD's
2004 acquisition of
Atto Bioscience. Its
ability to investigate
living cells in real time
holds the potential
to accelerate the pace
at which new medicines
can be developed. |
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