Thermo Fisher Scientific (NYSE:TMO) announced today that it acquired cell sorting technology assets from SIDIS Corp. subsidiary Propel Labs.
Waltham, Mass.-based Thermo Fisher’s agreement with Propel Labs stipulates that the recently introduced Bigfoot spectral cell sorter and approximately 40 employees will become part of Thermo Fisher’s biosciences business unit, while Propel Labs will continue to operate as a separate entity with its remaining assets, according to a news release.
The Bigfoot spectral cell sorter is designed to accelerate soring up to 10 times faster than other available technologies can while maintaining cell viability and offering improved ease of use. Additionally, the technology has an integrated Class II biocontainment system to eliminate the need for separate biosafety cabinets.
Thermo Fisher said that the new technology offers more opportunities to study more cell populations from samples of limited quantity to enable a better understanding of biological systems.
“Cell sorting is an essential discovery tool used by many of our customers, allowing for the separation of specific cell types from complex samples. A first-of-its kind, the Bigfoot spectral cell sorter brings more powerful sorting capabilities, faster throughput and novel safety features complementing our already strong flow cytometry offering,” Thermo Fisher EVP & COO Mark Stevenson said in the release. “As the market for cell and gene therapies, immuno-oncology and other promising medicines drive increased expectations from researchers, we are really well-positioned to support our customers in their work to improve healthcare outcomes.”
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