CANOGA PARK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--One Lambda, Inc., part of Thermo Fisher Scientific, announced it has entered into an agreement with Japan-based GenoDive Pharma, Inc. for exclusive rights to their long-range primers and amplification conditions for human leukocyte antigen (HLA) locus-specific amplification. The agreement covers GenoDive’s primers and conditions for HLA A, B, C, DRB1, DRB345, DQA1, DQB1, DPA1 & DPB1 loci.
The Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) complex is involved in the regulation of the human immune response. The HLA complex enables the immune system to distinguish between self and non-self proteins. This function is important for determining genetic compatibility in transplantation and the recognition of harmful pathogens.
“Using long-range polymerese chain reaction (PCR) in next-generation sequencing applications will provide hospitals with the most complete HLA gene information, thus allowing them to better match potential transplant donors with recipients,” said Dr. Jar-How Lee, Chief Scientific Officer for One Lambda. “We look forward to realizing the full potential of this exclusive licensing agreement to advance the future of medicine and, ultimately, improving patient outcomes.”
The role of long-range primers and amplification conditions for HLA typing was originally characterized by Dr. Takashi Shiina at Tokai University. The technology was subsequently developed and commercialized jointly by One Lambda and GenoDrive.
Furthermore, Dr. Lee stated that the NGS workflow using long-range primers will not be impacted by the frequent HLA Nomenclature updates, which continue to be a challenge with all currently available HLA testing technologies. In 2013, 1700+ new alleles were added to the International HLA Database, which now exceeds 10,000 published HLA alleles.
GenoDive is the leading developer of NGS primers for HLA in the world. Dr. Hidetoshi Inoko, formerly of Tokai University in Isehara, Japan, currently serves as President and CEO.
About One Lambda
One Lambda, Inc., part of Thermo Fisher Scientific, is the worldwide leader in HLA typing and antibody detection assays. One Lambda is known for its commitment to quality, service, and innovation. The company develops and distributes several lines of HLA typing and antibody detection tests utilizing serological, molecular, ELISA, Flow, and Luminex xMAP technologies. In addition, One Lambda also manufactures laboratory instrumentation and computer software that are used to simplify and automate testing procedures and final test evaluations. For more information, please visit www.onelambda.com.
About Thermo Fisher Scientific
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is the world leader in serving science, with revenues of $17 billion and 50,000 employees in 50 countries. Our mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. We help our customers accelerate life sciences research, solve complex analytical challenges, improve patient diagnostics and increase laboratory productivity. Through our four premier brands – Thermo Scientific, Life Technologies, Fisher Scientific and Unity Lab Services – we offer an unmatched combination of innovative technologies, purchasing convenience and comprehensive support. For more information, please visit www.thermofisher.com.
