Agilent Technologies, Shanghai Institute of Biological Sciences and Chinese Academy of Sciences Open Center for Systems Biology

SANTA CLARA, Calif., and SHANGHAI, China, Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) today announced the opening of the Shanghai Institute of Biological Sciences (SIBS)-Agilent Center for Systems Biology in Shanghai, China. The center will feature multiple technology platforms in the areas of genomics, proteomics and metabolomics to conduct biomarker identification to better understand diseases.

“As a leading provider of bio-analytical instruments, Agilent is very proud to be collaborating with world-class life science researchers who are contributing to breakthrough research in China,” said Nick Roelofs, president of Agilent’s Life Sciences Group. “China has demonstrated tremendous progress in recent years in technological advancement and research capabilities and is a key focus area for Agilent’s Life Sciences Group.”

SIBS and Agilent signed an agreement in 2008 to establish the joint SIBS-Agilent Center for System Biology. Initial work of SIBS researchers involved using Agilent chromatin immunoprecipitation-on-chip (ChIP-on-chip) and gene expression microarrays to study molecules known as “Yamanaka factors.” The research achieved new insight into how adult cells can be induced to act like embryonic stem cells (ESC), with the ability to form any type of tissue known as “pluripotency.” The findings were published in an article titled “Yamanaka factors critically regulate the developmental signaling network in mouse embryonic stem cells” (Cell Research, 2008 18:1177-1189).

“This is more than a simple technical collaboration. It is an opportunity for scientists in China to work together with a company providing advanced technologies,” said Prof. Wu Jiarui, vice president of SIBS and director of Key Laboratory of Systems Biology. “Agilent not only provides us with the technology tools, but we also look forward to close interaction with their scientists and the life science community in China. I am confident this collaboration will be a tremendous success.”

The center is equipped with the latest products in Agilent’s portfolio including the Q-TOF, LC/QQQ, Chip-LC, GC/MS, HPLC, bioanalyzer and microarray platforms.

“This is the first system biology joint laboratory with Agilent in China, backed with a broad scope of scientific talents and a comprehensive portfolio of genomics, proteomics, metabolomics and bioinformatics tools,” said Yiping Mu, general manager of Greater China for Agilent. “This is a perfect marriage of the strengths from both organizations. We are looking forward to a long-term and productive collaboration that will strengthen Agilent’s presence in China.”

Earlier this year Agilent partnered with the University of Michigan to research prostate cancer using systems biology. More information on this collaboration at www.agilent.com/about/newsroom/presrel/2009/18mar-ca09024.html.
About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is the world’s premier measurement company and a technology leader in communications, electronics, life sciences and chemical analysis. The company’s 18,000 employees serve customers in more than 110 countries. Agilent had net revenues of $5.8 billion in fiscal 2008. Information about Agilent is available on the Web at www.agilent.com.