Proteome Systems and Shimadzu Strengthen Alliance

Proteome Systems and Shimadzu have announced an extension of their strategic alliance through establishment of two proteomics facilities in Sydney and Boston. This is the first result of their strategic alliance in proteomics that started in January, 2000.

The core of the facilities will be advanced sample preparation technologies and Chemical Printers interfaced with Axima Maldi-ToF mass spectrometers. Shimadzu intends to implement the proteomics platform within its Kyoto facilities in 2001. The facility will also have a genomics program using the fast capillary DNA sequencer, RISA.

As part of the collaboration, Shimadzu is combining its manufacturing technique with PSL's technology to develop new proteomics tools. PSL and Shimadzu are jointly developing new systems for high throughput analysis of proteins, which are intended to decrease manual handling.

The first system will be launched around August, 2001. Other emerging proteomics instrumentation is being considered. For example, PSL's technology and expertise for glycosite analysis will be incorporated into the proteomics tools that Shimadzu is now developing by using its manufacturing technique of the instruments such as liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry and ultraviolet spectrophotometry. The goal is to develop an integrated platform of instruments for high level protein and glycoprotein characterisation.