Agilent Technologies and Incyte Genomics announce an expanded licensing agreement commercialise gene expression microarrays using Incyte's gene patent portfolio and genomic databases
Through this license agreement with Incyte, Agilent will now be offering a more comprehensive range of catalog and custom microarrays for gene expression research.
Agilent, using Incyte's LifeSeq database and gene patent portfolio, will develop highly specific cDNA- and oligonucleotide-based microarrays for detecting and monitoring gene expression.
Gene expression microarrays are used for the identification of critical genes involved in various biological processes.
In addition, this agreement will enhance the development of custom arrays for those customers who are part of Agilent's Technology Access Program and are either subscribers to Incyte's databases or wish to include LifeSeq sequences or Incyte-patented sequences in their custom arrays.
Incyte will receive additional license fees in addition to royalties on sales of Agilent microarrays developed using Incyte's patent portfolio and technology.
"We are pleased to be working with Incyte to further the solutions available to customers working in drug discovery and bioagriculture research," said Bill Buffington, vice president and general manager of Agilent's Life Sciences Business Unit.
"Incyte's expansive gene patent portfolio and premier sequence information databases are strong complements to Agilent's ability to design and deliver custom and catalog microarray solutions." "Through this agreement, Agilent will now have one of the most comprehensive microarray product lines available," said Roy Whitfield, chief executive officer of Incyte.
"This should enhance Agilent's ability to capture a significant portion of the microarray market recently estimated by Frost and Sullivan to be approximately $2.6 billion by 2004.
In addition, the product line expansion will benefit Incyte through greater licensing and potential royalty revenues and by increasing the demand for our databases among Agilent array customers." With these arrays, researchers will be able to characterise expression of many thousands of genes at one time and identify gene activity during important biological processes, such as during disease progression and pathology, human growth and development, and in response to drugs or toxins.
