BREA, Calif. (January 19, 2024) – Beckman Coulter,
Inc. now offers Streptamer technology, providing a novel
method for the isolation and characterization of functional
antigen-specific T-cells by fluorescence-activated or
magnet-assisted cell sorting. Streptamer technology,
manufactured by IBA GmbH, includes Ag-specific multimers available
in a number of human alleles and mouse models and attached to
either magnetic beads or fluorescently labeled
Strep-Tactin.*
The addition of the Streptamer
technology to Beckman Coulter’s iTAg* MHC Tetramer and
iTopia* Immune Monitoring product lines provides researchers with a
comprehensive range of methods for sorting and characterizing
cells. Combined with current Tetramer and iTopia reagents,
Streptamer technology allows researchers to expand their
use of tetramers to include in vivo experimentation.
The reversible, antigen-specific staining of
T-cells enabled by Streptamers leaves the isolated T-cells
phenotypically and functionally indistinguishable from untreated
cells. The technology has the potential to advance basic
T-cell research as an essential prerequisite for novel
immunological medicines.
"Streptamer technologies expand the
range of tools available for immunologists," said Brad Calvin, vice
president of Beckman Coulter's Flow Cytometry Business Center. "The
reversible binding capability of the Streptamer technology
allows researchers to sort and study cells in their natural state,
which is not always possible with conventional antibody staining
techniques. This provides for unique research applications and the
ability to use targeted cells in their native condition."
The partnership with IBA GmbH provides Beckman
Coulter with exclusive distribution rights for the
Streptamer technology in North America and co-exclusive
distribution rights for the IBA Streptamer technology
outside of North America. IBA will continue direct sales and
support of the Streptamer technology outside of North
America.
"Beckman Coulter has an extensive global
footprint for both sales and support, which will allow our
Streptamer products to reach a large and diverse customer
set," said Lothar Germeroth, CEO of IBA. "With this relationship,
we believe that IBA will continue to advance and expand the use of
its Streptamer reagents to address the urgent need of
modern drug discovery and life science research for the isolation
of functional cells that provide novel insights into the biology of
the immune system."
About Beckman Coulter
Beckman Coulter, Inc., based in Orange County,
California, develops, manufactures and markets products that
simplify, automate and innovate complex biomedical tests. More than
200,000 Beckman Coulter systems operate in laboratories around the
world, supplying critical information for improving patient health
and reducing the cost of care. Recurring revenue, consisting of
supplies, test kits and operating-type lease payments, represents
approximately 78 percent of the company's 2008 annual revenue of
$3.1 billion. For more information, visit www.beckmancoulter.com.
About IBA GmbH
IBA GmbH, located in Goettingen, Germany, is
dedicated to providing high quality tools for life science
research. Being the "Tag-company" IBA covers, with its
TAGnologies, the entire production of recombinant proteins.
As competent partner for the life science industry and academia,
IBA is one of the foremost providers of tag-derived products and
services for PCR, cloning (StarGate* technology), transfection
(MATra technology), protein expression and purification, detection
(Strep-tag* technology), immobilization, and cell
isolation. IBA´s proprietary Streptamer
technology enables the detection and isolation of functional
antigen-specific lymphocytes with reversible staining
reagents. IBA has created a range of different
Streptamer products enabling the functional
characterization of immune cells. For more information, visit
www.iba-go.com.
Beckman Coulter and the stylized logo are registered trademarks
of Beckman Coulter, Inc.
*Trademarks are property of their respective owners.
**For Laboratory Use Only: Not for use in diagnostic or therapeutic
procedures.
SOURCE