Global biotechnology tool company Life Technologies Corporation’s (LIFE) Genetic Analysis sales are set to receive a strong boost with its recent launch of the industry’s first end-to-end sequencing solution for whole human exome copy number variation (CNV) analysis.
This new solution combines the Ion Reporter CNV data analysis workflow, the Ion AmpliSeq Exome Kit and the Ion Proton System. We note that at present, the Ion AmpliSeq Exome Kit and Ion Proton Sequencer are used only for research.
Life Technologies enjoys a strong position in the life sciences market. We are optimistic about the company’s focus on its diagnostics franchise, which holds potential. Given the continuous focus on portfolio expansion, we are confident about Life Technologies garnering higher revenues from genetic analysis, going forward.
The Ion Torrent franchise was inducted into Life Technologies’ portfolio with the acquisition of Ion Torrent, a DNA sequencing company, in Oct 2010. For the past few quarters, the company has been recording robust revenue growth on the back of Ion Torrent technology. Last year, new product introduction in this field more than doubled the revenue of Ion Torrent franchise for the second consecutive time.
In July, the company launched its auto imaging system EVOS FL along with an on-stage incubator. This system enables high-resolution, longer live, automatic cell imaging for fluorescence microscopy and time-lapse imaging on single integrated platform.
In Apr 2013, two Ion AmpliSeq Community Panels, the Ion AmpliSeq BRCA1 and BRCA2 Panel design and the Ion AmpliSeq Colon and Lung Cancer Panel design were launched. In Feb 2013, a dozen new products for the Ion Torrent platform were launched, based on advancing clinical research across the world.
These new products enabled Ion Torrent semiconductor sequencing technology to expand 1,000-fold in just 2 years and gain a 60% market share of benchtop sequencers.
The company is satisfied with the progress made so far with Ion Torrent technologies and expects the growth momentum to continue. This growth was complemented by more PGM placements and the launch of Ion Proton system in Sep 2012, in line with prior expectations. The company is confident about yet another significant increase in Ion Torrent franchise sales for the third consecutive year, in keeping with the expansion.
Of late, Life Technologies has sharpened its focus on product platforms with a string of product launches over the recent past. The disclosure of its impending acquisition by Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (TMO) will further boost LIFE's product suite. With the overwhelming approval of its stockholders in favor of the deal, the impending acquisition of Life Technologies is now subject to customary closing conditions.
Currently, the LIFE stock carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). On the other hand, Alere Inc. (ALR), carrying a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and LeMaitre Vascular, Inc. (LMAT), carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), are worth considering.
Be the first to comment