Invitrogen licenses cell proliferation assays from Harvard University

The license is expected to enhance Invitrogen’s growing portfolio of intellectual property surrounding click chemistry, originally developed by Nobel Laureate Barry Sharpless’s laboratory at The Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, California.

Click-iT labeling and detection technology uses a catalyst to click together chemical groups not normally found in biology. This click reaction is extremely specific and efficient, and Click-iT tagged molecules retain biological function and are easily detected at extremely low levels in complex samples. Click-iT chemistry is suitable for multiple applications, including flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy and high content screening.

Augie Sick, vice president and general manager of Invitrogen’s cellular analysis business unit, said: “Click chemistry permits the labeling and detection of biological events that were previously impossible using standard methods. That’s why we are pleased to have acquired Harvard’s technology, which represents a significant advancement over conventional techniques and augments the power of our click chemistry. This advancement allows researchers to examine cell proliferation in parallel with other biomarkers thus enhancing the power of this fundamental method for assessing cell health, determining genotoxicity and evaluating anticancer drugs.”