The Profinia protein purification system is an automated low pressure liquid chromatography system designed to help scientists perform unattended affinity purification and desalting of recombinant tagged proteins.

“The Profinia complements Bio-Rad’s product line and offers workflow efficiency and ease of use,” notes Frost & Sullivan Industry Analyst Shankar Sellappan, Ph.D.

Since technological advances in the field of molecular biology have progressed to a point where it is now common to create artificial genes from basic genetic materials, scientists have taken advantage of these new found capabilities to produce recombinant proteins that can help in the process of characterizing the human proteome. This can help identify disease status at earlier stages and perhaps lead to the development of biologically-based medicines that can treat diseases more effectively.

The production of recombinant proteins is a common method used in the laboratory to study the different permutations in which a protein exists. Since recombinant proteins are produced in cells containing numerous other proteins natural to the cell, it is often difficult to isolate specific proteins efficiently while retaining their functional properties. While protein tags, such as a stretch of six histidine residues (His-tag) or Glutathione S-transferase (GST) can be used to collect the proteins, the isolation of these tagged analytes through traditional liquid chromatography techniques is a laborious and time-consuming task.

Bio-Rad’s Profinia protein purification system offers the capability to purify and desalt these tagged proteins in 30 minutes with a high recovery rate and with proteins in their active form. The system performs these tasks unattended, allowing researchers to use their time for other tasks.

“The biotechnology industry owes a lot of its successes to Bio-Rad’s research and drug development tools for biomolecular analysis,” highlights Dr. Sellappan. “From electrophoretic systems (for both genetic material and protein analysis) and genetic amplification and analysis (PCR and RT-PCR) to microarray analysis and protein isolation, Bio-Rad offers a product line that meets the needs of drug discovery industry.”

With its strategically aligned molecular biology research product line that now includes the Profinia protein purification system, Bio-Rad has been successful in providing its customers with practical and available tools that address conceptually difficult methodologies.

“The company’s strategy is based on an understanding of the potential for medical research to focus on proteomics as a tactic to develop customized medicines, such as antibodies and biologic-based medicines,” observed Dr. Sellappan. “Bio-Rad products enhance the concept of translational medical research. Their approach defies the drawbacks of traditional medicines by allowing for the targeting of specific proteins known to be involved in disease development and progression.”

Although only a few drug products developed using genetic engineering concepts are currently available for clinical use, it is expected that the majority of future medicines will include a component based on these newly available technologies. Tools provided by Bio-Rad are likely to play a large role in developing new medicines, and will lead to a better understanding of the relationships that proteins play with respect to disease status.

In recognition of Bio-Rad’s new strategically developed product, which adds value to the life science industry, Frost & Sullivan is proud to present the company with the 2007 Product Line Strategy Award for the U.S. liquid chromatography market.

Each year Frost & Sullivan presents this award to the company that has demonstrated the most insight into customer needs and product demands. The recipient company should have optimized its product line by leveraging products with the various price, performance and feature points required by the market.

Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Awards recognize companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analysis, and extensive secondary research in order to identify best practices in the industry.

About Bio-Rad Laboratories

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (AMEX:BIO) and (AMEX:BIOb) has remained at the center of scientific discovery for more than 50 years manufacturing and distributing a broad range of products for the life science research and clinical diagnostic markets. The company is renowned worldwide among hospitals, universities, major research institutions, as well as biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies for its commitment to quality and customer service. Founded in 1952, Bio-Rad is headquartered in Hercules, California, and serves more than 85,000 research and industry customers worldwide through its global network of operations. The company employs approximately 6,300 people globally and had revenues of nearly $1.3 billion in 2006. For more information, visit www.bio-rad.com.

About Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan, a global growth consulting company, has been partnering with clients to support the development of innovative strategies for more than 40 years. The company's industry expertise integrates growth consulting, growth partnership services, and corporate management training to identify and develop opportunities. Frost & Sullivan serves an extensive clientele that includes Global 1000 companies, emerging companies, and the investment community by providing comprehensive industry coverage that reflects a unique global perspective and combines ongoing analysis of markets, technologies, econometrics, and demographics