Thermo's Cytomat incubator selected by Genomic Profiling Systems to complete Growth Direct, a new automated rapid microbiological detection system aimed at the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector
Thermo Electron has announced a significant purchase and supply agreement with Genomic Profiling Systems.
Under the two-year contract, Thermo will supply customised Cytomat 6001 incubation platforms for integration with Genomic Profiling Systems's Growth Direct automated rapid microbiological detection system for the pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.
The Cytomat platform will provide automated culture plate incubation to complete the integrated Growth Direct system which significantly reduces incubation time - the foremost limitation of traditional culture-based tests used in the microbiological testing of pharmaceuticals.
The Cytomat 6001 - one of a range of 28 Cytomat incubators - provides a precisely-controlled, automated incubation environment with a single access point that can easily be configured to integrate with any automated assay system.
Bob Linke, president and CEO of Genomic Profiling Systems, explained the decision to work with Thermo: "Thermo was an obvious contender with its broad product offering and proven Cytomat incubators.
"As the leader in this category, Thermo stood out as the supplier of choice.
"We wanted the reliability that they are known for.
"What really made the difference was Thermo's ability to quickly customise the platform to our specification".
The automated Growth Direct System uses digital imaging to accelerate testing.
The system enumerates organisms grown in culture days to weeks earlier than feasible by the human eye.
A non-destructive system, Growth Direct permits retention of organisms for required identification, differentiating it from available rapid microbiology systems.
According to Bob Linke: "We anticipate that the Growth Direct system will dramatically reduce the cost of pharmaceutical microbiology by decreasing wait times by at least 50% and by automating labour-intensive methods.
"Since the industry relies primarily on traditional culture for a wide variety of applications, we believe the system will have a profound economic impact on manufacturing operations".
Chris McNary, Thermo's vice president and general manager laboratory automation, commented: "It is a great opportunity to collaborate with Genomic Profiling Systems on this unique system.
"The Cytomat is already a market-leading product in the pharmaceutical research setting.
"The integration with Growth Direct illustrates the suitability of the Cytomat platform for all applications, right through to pharmaceutical manufacturing".
Genomic Profiling Systems will be installing the first Growth Direct system in mid-2006 and will market and support the complete system to pharmaceutical companies.
Summing up the deal, Linke said, "We see the Cytomat agreement as the start of a long-term strategic partnership with Thermo.
"As we grow and expand our requirements for laboratory automation, Thermo is our ideal strategic partner."
