Applied Bio to develop software to power next-gen DNA sequencers

Hyderabad: Applied Biosystems, the life sciences instruments maker, is keen to leverage India’s IT talent, to develop software that will supplement its efforts to power the range of next generation DNA sequencers.

The US-based company wants to strengthen its partnerships for software development with other Indian IT companies.

The next generation Deoxyribonucleac Acid (DNA) sequencers called SOLiD System are fast crunching machines that can screen 4 gigabases of genetic data in a single run. This translates to more data analysed by a large number of existing instruments running the human genome sequence.

By throwing up insights into the mutations (changes) in the basic structure of the human genome and specific genes, the DNA sequencers are expected to help scientists to make a big impact in the development of diagnostics and treatment methods of a large number of genetic disorders, explained Mr Mark Stevenson, who recently took over as the President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the California headquartered company.

Applied Biosystems, which notched up a sales turnover of $2.1 billion during 2007, is part of Applera Corporation. The 25-year-old company focuses on life sciences industry and research, while Celera, the other group company, is into diagnostic business.

Open to acquisitions
Applied Biosystems is open to take the acquisition route in the healthcare area in India. “We are looking at technology companies or product companies. There are quite a few start-ups,” Mr Stevenson told Business Line here.

On collaborations, he said: “We are keen to work with biotech and pharma companies. The scope is enormous, especially in the biologics and vaccines development. We would like to leverage the Indian strengths in CRO (contract research organisations), in these areas,” he said.

Applied Biosystems, which operates in India through its partner Labindia Instruments, is hoping to be part of the large national project to create a DNA database. “Once the legislation is in place, we can work out partnerships with the forensic institutes to contribute in a big way,” Mr Stevenson said.

While not committing on investments or its facilities at present, he said the Singapore manufacturing facility will serve as the hub for the region, including India. The company sees India and China growing faster than Western Europe with more research investments, food testing projects etc.