[April 28, 2005] OpGen Signs Exclusive Japanese Distribution Agreement with M&S Instruments Inc.; Biotech Solutions Importer Will Deliver Cutting-Edge Optical Mapping System To Japan's Life Sciences Research Community Tweet MADISON, Wis. --(Business Wire)-- April 28, 2005 -- OpGen, Inc., the leader in single molecule DNA analysis, today announced that it has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with M&S Instruments, Inc., one of Japan's leading importers of pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and information technology tools and solutions. This partnership will provide Japan's life sciences researchers with rapid access to Optical Mapping, OpGen's unique whole genome analysis system, enabling them to gain a greater understanding of whole genome variations. "M&S Instruments is dedicated to promoting the improvement of life in Japan and around the globe, and OpGen is pleased to partner with them," said Joe Shaw, CEO of OpGen. "As one of the major distributors of biotechnology tools in Japan, M&S is a critical partner for OpGen and will help us make Optical Mapping available throughout this important market, in diverse fields including clinical microbiology, pharmacogenomics and diagnostics." M&S Instruments currently imports product lines that include state-of-the-art reagents and kits, plus unique electrophoresis-related instruments and supplies. By importing new products from around the world, M&S can provide Japan's life sciences research community with the latest, cutting-edge biotechnology tools. The primary users of the products M&S Instruments imports are research labs belonging to governments, public institutions or universities, and industries, including pharmaceutical companies. "M&S is pleased to partner with OpGen and to introduce its new technology to Japanese users," said Senzo Tamiya, President and CEO of M&S Instruments. "We have already experienced strong interest in the technology from Japanese scientists." The partnership was launched at a presentation sponsored by M&S Instruments, from OpGen's Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Colin Dykes, at the Human Genome Organization's (HUGO) 10th International Genome Meeting (HGM 2005), held in Kyoto last week. Following OpGen's presentation, Dr. Anthony Brookes, Professor of Genetics at the University of Leicester, who is conducting work focused on the identification of human DNA variation and how this impacts disease said, "I am very excited about Optical Mapping. I can imagine many uses for the technology and believe it will be increasingly important as the field develops." About OpGen OpGen Inc. is commercializing a novel single molecule DNA analysis technology, "Optical Mapping", for rapid, cost-effective comparison of whole genomes. The system can be used to obtain detailed genetic information from any organism, with no requirement for prior sequence information, PCR, cloning, or probes. Optical Mapping has been used for comparative genomic analysis of a range of organisms, from microbes to man, and is available from OpGen on a fee-for-service basis. Planned commercial applications include clinical microbial analysis, forensic microbiology, and the development of novel molecular diagnostic products. For more information, please visit the Web site at www.opgen.com or call 608-441-8100. About M&S Instruments M&S delivers solutions with a focus on products for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, information technology and related fields. It is proud of its success as an importer concentrating on making cutting-edge technologies available in Japan since its establishment in 1966. The company has built an effective nation-wide sales network with over 50 domestic dealers having access to all customers in Japan. As a leading distributor to the Japanese market, M&S supports researchers working with the leading scientific tools to improve the well being of people and new horizons. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]