Bayer and Clontech sign screening technology deal

The agreement covers the sale of reporter assay kits that use a novel secreted luciferase isolated by Bayer scientists from the marine copepod, Metridia longa.

Under the terms of the agreement, Clontech was granted a worldwide exclusive license to sell its Ready-To-Glow secreted Metridia luciferase systems directly to academic and commercial accounts for use in research and high-throughput screening. Bayer HealthCare and its affiliates retain the rights to use the technology for in-house screening and diagnostic applications.

This novel, naturally-secreted Metridia luciferase was initially cloned by Bayer scientists for use in drug screening. However, it quickly became the preferred choice at Bayer for ultra high-throughput reporter assays, since the cells do not need to be lysed prior to use in a screening assay.

This proved to be a simple and effective way to monitor gene expression or measure reporter gene activity. The benefits include live cell sampling repeatedly at different time points, high signal intensity and excellent signal stability.

Applications at Bayer include studying the effects of drug/target interactions on signal transduction cascades.

The products that commercialize this technology are to be sold under the Ready-To-Glow family and join an extensive range of products that Clontech provides, including fluorescent proteins and other luminescent reporter systems.

Reporter genes, including luciferases, photoproteins, and fluorescent proteins, allow the easy detection of drug action in cells and in vivo.