PerkinElmer and RUCDR announce sequencing alliance

PerkinElmer has announced a new collaboration with the Rutgers University Cell and DNA Repository (RUCDR) that will improve access to next-generation sequencing sample access.

The life science firm is providing RUCDR – the largest cell and DNA biobank in the US – with access to automation technology for laboratory pipeline preparation solutions, allowing quality control to be performed on 25,000 DNA samples per week.

Products encompassed by this arrangement include the Sciclone NGS Workstation, LabChip GX Nucleic Acid Separations System and LabChip DS Microplate Reader, which will be used to prepare hundreds of DNA and RNA sequence libraries.

This partnership will make millions of biological samples accessible to researchers worldwide, which will facilitate large-scale genomic and medical studies.

Kevin Hrusovsky, president for life sciences and technology at PerkinElmer, said: "PerkinElmer is very proud to be selected by Rutgers for this milestone project in revolutionising next-generation sequencing research."

Earlier this month, the company announced its financial results for the fourth quarter of 2011, achieving a 15 percent year-on-year increase in sales.