WALTHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 1, 2008--Thermo Fisher
Scientific Inc., the world leader in serving science, announced today
that it has acquired Open Biosystems, Inc., a provider of RNA
interference (RNAi), gene expression and protein detection products
for life science research and drug discovery and development. The
acquisition significantly expands Thermo Fisher Scientific's
leadership position in the growing RNAi field.
RNA interference is a method for blocking, or "silencing", the
expression of genes to study their function and to develop therapies
targeting genes that may cause disease. Open Biosystems, which is
based in Huntsville, Alabama, specializes in short-hairpin RNA (shRNA)
and viral-vector systems for delivering shRNA into living cells. The
company offers complete shRNA libraries for the entire human and mouse
genomes. Correspondingly, Thermo Fisher Scientific is a leader in
small-interfering RNA (siRNA), sold through its Thermo Scientific
Dharmacon line. Together, shRNA and siRNA represent the two most
widely used RNAi platforms.
The acquisition of Open Biosystems further strengthens our
market-leading position in synthetic RNAi products with highly
complementary technologies based on advanced shRNA, said Marijn E.
Dekkers, president and chief executive officer of Thermo Fisher
Scientific. This combination brings together leading technologies for
analyzing gene function, allowing us to create a powerful tool set for
our customers who are performing cutting-edge life science research.
In addition to its RNAi business, Open Biosystems offers extensive
collections of complementary DNA (cDNA) and open reading frame (ORF)
vectors for gene expression, as well as custom antibody services for
detection of changes in cellular protein levels. Open Biosystems,
which had annual revenues of approximately $14 million in 2007, will
be integrated into Thermo Fisher's Analytical Technologies Segment.
About Thermo Fisher Scientific
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE: TMO) is the world leader in
serving science, enabling our customers to make the world healthier,
cleaner and safer. With annual revenues of $10 billion, we have more
than 30,000 employees and serve over 350,000 customers within
pharmaceutical and biotech companies, hospitals and clinical
diagnostic labs, universities, research institutions and government
agencies, as well as environmental and industrial process control
settings. Serving customers through two premier brands, Thermo
Scientific and Fisher Scientific, we help solve analytical challenges
from routine testing to complex research and discovery. Thermo
Scientific offers customers a complete range of high-end analytical
instruments as well as laboratory equipment, software, services,
consumables and reagents to enable integrated laboratory workflow
solutions. Fisher Scientific provides a complete portfolio of
laboratory equipment, chemicals, supplies and services used in
healthcare, scientific research, safety and education. Together, we
offer the most convenient purchasing options to customers and
continuously advance our technologies to accelerate the pace of
scientific discovery, enhance value for customers and fuel growth for
shareholders and employees alike. Visit www.thermofisher.com.
About Open Biosystems
Open Biosystems, Inc. develops manufactures and markets genomic
research tools to scientists and researchers in corporate, academic
and government laboratories. These research tools provide
investigators with standardized high-quality genes, RNAi and
antibodies for interrogating gene function in relation to oncology,
neuroscience and metabolic disorders. Founded in 2001, Open Biosystems
is headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama. For more information and
details for ordering, please visit: www.openbiosystems.com.
CONTACT: Media Contact Information:
Karen Kirkwood, 781-622-1306
karen.kirkwood@thermofisher.com
or
Investor Contact Information:
Ken Apicerno, 781-622-1111
ken.apicerno@thermofisher.com
Website: www.thermofisher.com
SOURCE: Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
