Applied Bio launches gene expression program

Applied Biosystems (Foster City, California), an Applera business, reported the introduction of the Applied Biosystems Advanced Gene Expression Service Provider Program, a new program for service providers who are interested in accessing Applied Biosystems' comprehensive solution for gene expression analysis, including the highly sensitive Expression Array System for whole genome analysis and "gold-standard" TaqMan Gene Expression Assays for target validation. The program includes a bundled product option for the entire gene expression workflow application and technical and promotional support that is expected to enhance service providers' business offerings.

The program, intended to assist service providers in genetic analysis using interpretation tools and content to advance scientific research while helping them achieve necessary return on investment, was announced in connection with the annual World Microarray Congress in Vancouver, British Columbia.

The Applied Biosystems Expression Array System forms the technical platform for the program and can be optionally bundled with companion products that comprise Applied Biosystems' whole solution for gene expression analysis, including microarrays for human, mouse, and rat, TaqMan Gene Expression Assays, and Real-Time PCR Systems.

Additional data analysis and promotional support is included with the Applied Biosystems Advanced Gene Expression Service Provider Program. Participants will have access to the Celera Discovery System Online Platform and Panther Protein Classification System, a Service Provider web link on the Applied Biosystems web site, and on-site seminars to educate customers to help provide increased business opportunities.

NeuroMetrix in accord with Eli Lilly

NeuroMetrix (Waltham, Massachusetts), a company focused on the development of products used to diagnose neuropathies, reported that it has joined Eli Lilly and Co. (Indianapolis) in a program to improve awareness and detection of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) among endocrinologists, internal medicine physicians and other physicians who manage patients with diabetes.

"The key to providing optimal care of DPN is early detection so that preventive measures can be undertaken to avoid progression to advanced damage which is a cause of ulceration, joint collapse and amputation. It is also important to distinguish between typical DPN and other common causes of neuropathy. This is not always easy on clinical grounds alone," said Michael Bryer-Ash, MD, medical director of the Gonda Diabetes Center at the University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA). "The goal is to increase the number of patients being assessed in their physician's office. This increased convenience and prompt diagnosis will make it more likely that appropriate follow-up and treatment occur."

NeuroMetrix is a provider of neuropathy diagnostics using the NeuroMetrix NC-stat System as a diagnostic device.