Recently, Qiagen N.V. (QGEN) announced that it has entered into an agreement to supply molecular screening solutions so that blood donations in Brazil become safer. The agreement covers reagents and instruments for testing samples for HIV and HCV. This is aimed at expanding its presence in Latin America.
In general, Qiagen, a research services and diagnostic company, has launched many new products to expand its already rich portfolio of more than 500 products and automated solutions. It is one of the world’s leading providers of technologies and products for the separation, purification and handling of nucleic acids (DNA/RNA).
With the objective of further developing its RT-PCR analysis, in May 2009, Qiagen became the first vendor to offer customers fast multiplex real-time RT-PCR Kits. The Rotor-Gene Kit allows the detection of up to four targets per tube and includes optimized protocols for highly precise results on the Rotor-Gene Q. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is considered one of the most widely used technologies in molecular biology. Qiagen offers different forms of PCR technology within its consumable universe.
In addition, PreAnalytiX, GmbH, a QIAGEN/BD company, has launched the PAXgene Blood microRNA (miRNA) Kit in May 2009 to meet the growing demand for a standardized method for co-purification of RNA and miRNA from human blood samples. The availability of this kit allows researchers to minimize preanalytical variables for both RNA and miRNA.
The company has also launched a novel product which enables non-invasive prenatal diagnostics and cancer detection. The kit sets a new standard for the extraction of free circulating DNA and RNA fragments in human blood.
Qiagen has also added a high resolution melt kit to the Epigenetics portfolio. Which is one of the fastest-growing areas of life science research, which focuses on differences in gene regulation and expression resulting from DNA methylation. The kit is designed to run on all real-time cyclers, including the Qiagen’s Rotor-Gene Q, which provides a highly specific melting curve.
We are optimistic on a number of new research products and potential breakthrough procedures for fractionation of proteins using Qiagen’s new product offerings. However it will receive tough competition from companies like Life Technologies (LIFE). We currently have a Hold rating on QGEN shares.
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