Abcam acquires live cells and lysates from EdiGene

Abcam, a global innovator in life science reagents and tools, has announced its acquisition of the entire live cell line and lysates portfolio of EdiGene, a Chinese company focused on developing genome editing technologies into novel therapeutics for a broad range of diseases and into creative solutions to advance drug discovery.

Using its proprietary high-throughput cell editing platform, EdiGene developed an off-the shelf diploid library of over 2800 single clonal knockout (KO) cell lines targeting over 2600 genes in commonly used human cancer cell lines (including HeLa, HEK293-T, A549, HCT116, Hep G2 and MCF7). Ready-made diploid KO cell lines are an important tool for antibody validation; they also play a significant role in the study and understanding of biological pathways and disease models, and can be used in screening and cellular assays.

EdiGene’s cell lines and lysates are used by top academic researchers, global biopharmaceutical companies and leading antibody companies.

“We are excited to be able to bring the same level of industry-leading quality and data to the cell lines market as we have to research antibodies,” said Cheri Walker, SVP of Corporate Development at Abcam. “The cell line market is in the early stages of development as a research tool, where the provision of more choice, with the right gene targets in the right cell lines, will allow the market to rapidly expand.”

EdiGene CEO Dong Wei added, “Following our strategic decision to focus on advancing our pipeline of biotherapeutic products and high throughput genome screening services, we are pleased to be transitioning our complete cell line portfolio to the team at Abcam. As recognised industry leaders in the provision of biologic reagents and tools, we are confident Abcam will be able to provide expert support to our global user base.”

The lysate range is expected to be available through the Abcam website in early Q4 2019, with the expanded cell line offering following throughout 2020. In addition, these products will be used to support further knock-out antibody validation — an integral part of Abcam’s ongoing antibody quality initiative.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Sergey Nivens

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