Applied Biosystems expands its range of labelling chemistry reagents

Applied Biosystems is set to expand its line of labelling chemistry reagents used for proteomics research.

According to the company, the new 8plex version of its iTRAQ reagents, which is intended for use in both academic and pharmaceutical laboratories, has almost doubled the existing capacity for discovering proteins and comparing protein levels between biological samples.

It added that as the new reagents offer simultaneous comparison of samples experiments which would previously have taken months to finish can be completed within a matter of days.

Currently, researchers at Biogen Idec are utilising the iTRAQ reagents in their biomarker research to help them conduct "more effective tests".

Jing Wei, a senior scientist in the drug discovery department at Biogen Idec, said: "The 8plex iTRAQ reagent is an important addition to our existing platform, significantly improving throughput and quantitation to generate high-confidence biomarker candidates."

He added that it speeds up the delivery process and allows his team to move more quickly towards validation, with potential use in the clinic.

Applied Biosystems is a leading life science company with particular focus upon the basic research, commercial research (pharmaceutical and biotechnology) and standardised testing markets.