On June 22, 2022 Bio-Techne Corporation (NASDAQ:TECH), a global life sciences company providing innovative tools and bioactive reagents for the research and clinical diagnostic communities, reported it has reached an agreement to acquire Namocell, Inc (Press release, Bio-Techne, JUN 22, 2022, View Source [SID1234616162]). Bio-Techne anticipates the acquisition to close in the first quarter of its fiscal 2023.
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Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Mountain View, California, Namocell is a leading provider of fast and easy to use single cell sorting and dispensing platforms that are gentle to cells, and preserve cell viability and integrity. Single cell selection and sorting is a critical technology in various workflows in both biotherapeutics and diagnostics, including cell and gene therapy development and commercialization, cell engineering, cell line development, single cell genomics, antibody discovery, synthetic biology, and rare cell isolation.
Historically, researchers relied on flow cytometry sorting methods like FACS (Flourescence-Activated Cell Sorting) or manual pipetting methods for single cell sorting and isolation. Most flow cytometry sorting methods inflict potentially damaging stress on cells, are costly and difficult to operate, and require large numbers of cells. Similarly, manual pipetting methods are inefficient, unreliable and time consuming. Namocell’s proprietary single cell technology uniquely combines microfluidics, flow cytometry and liquid dispensing to achieve sorting and dispensing in a single step, while eliminating the risks associated with traditional FACS such as clogging and cross-contamination.
Namocell’s instrument portfolio includes Pala, a 2-laser system with up to 11 fluorescent detection channels and Hana, a single-laser system with 2 fluorescent detection channels. With unparalleled speed and ease of use, both systems utilize Namocell’s proprietary single-use cell cartridges to deliver single cells from sample to plates in minutes. Namocell’s current installed base is approaching 200 placements, including approximately 60 instruments sold in calendar 2021.
"Namocell is very complementary to Bio-Techne’s existing Cell and Gene Therapy franchise and we anticipate significant commercial synergies as we leverage our existing analytical tools sales force to penetrate this market opportunity," said Chuck Kummeth, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bio-Techne. "Emerging technologies in cell-based research as well as next-generation therapeutics have created a need for fast, reliable, easy-to-use, and gentle cell sorting. Namocell’s instruments offer unparalleled performance advantages over traditional flow cytometry and manual techniques and we anticipate continued traction with its leading portfolio of cell sorting technologies. We are excited to welcome Namocell to the Bio-Techne team."
"We are very excited to be joining Bio-Techne," said Dr. Junyu Lin, Chief Executive Officer of Namocell. "Bio-Techne’s global reach and strategic deployment in cell and gene therapy will enable Namocell to accelerate its penetration into the global markets, particularly in cell engineering and cell therapy applications, our biggest and fastest growing sectors. We look forward to beginning the next chapter of growth as part of Bio-Techne."
Fredrikson & Byron, P.A. is serving as Bio-Techne’s legal counsel. Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati is serving as legal counsel to Namocell.