Company Profile

In August 1998, Molecular Dynamics Inc. was acquired by Nycomed Amersham PLC/Pharmacia & Upjohn joint venture Amersham Pharmacia Biotech. Molecular Dynamics develops, manufactures and markets innovative instrumentation systems for the life sciences. In 1996, Molecular Dynamics and Amersham Pharmacia had launched a program designated Biotech`s Microarray Technology Access program to give corporations and institutions early access to the technology. The folowing year, Affymetrix (DNA chips) and Molecular Dynamics (research instruments) formed the Genetic Analysis Technology Consortium to develop and publish standards for array-based genomic analysis. Molecular Dynamics was all along a key player, combining advanced laser-scanning, electro-optical and software technologies to produce optical scanners and confocal microscopes. These instrument systems greatly improve the productivity of molecular and cell biologists by automating routine procedures, increasing speed and accuracy of quantitation, and enabling new bioanalytical techniques. Molecular Dynamics markets its products worldwide to academic institutions, government laboratories, and biotechnology, pharmaceutical and chemical companies through both a strong direct sales force and independent distributors. This sales and distribution network covers 29 countries and is augmented by in-house application experts and service personnel. A subsidiary of Amersham Pharmacia Biotech (itself a joint venture between Nycomed Amersham and Pharmacia & Upjohn), the company makes high-performance instruments that analyze genetic DNA makeup. Its PhosphorImager records digital images of DNA in a computer for quantitative analysis. A similar device, FluorImager SI, replaces radioactive labeling substances with a fluorescent gel. Molecular Dynamics collaborates with its parent to develop new systems; it has also partnered with such outside firms as SmithKline Beecham and Affymetrix.