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New Agreements Underscore QIAGEN’s Leadership in Bioinformatics

QIAGEN

FDA centers and researchers gain access to QIAGEN’s enhanced solutions for applications including microbial and microbiome analysis

3 Feb 2016
Lois Manton-O'Byrne, PhD
Executive Editor

Industry news

QIAGEN N.V. has announced new partnerships to enhance the profile and expand the use of its market leading bioinformatics solutions for microbiome, metagenomics and other applications.

QIAGEN Bioinformatics signed an agreement with genomics big data company CosmosID, Inc. to allow users of QIAGEN’s CLC Genomics Workbench to access and integrate CosmosID’s metagenomics analysis platform into their QIAGEN bioinformatics platform. CosmosID’s platform allows users to identify and characterize microbial communities from whole genome shotgun data and to determine their relative abundance. The new plug-in expands the range of metagenomic and microbiome applications supported by QIAGEN’s microbial genomics solution enabling researchers in fields such as infectious disease, animal health, agriculture, environmental and food safety to use shotgun metagenomics analysis for routine testing employing next-generation sequencing.

Metagenomics and microbiome research, which look at the impact of microbial diversity on environment and human health, are growing very rapidly. At the end of 2015, QIAGEN acquired MO BIO Laboratories, Inc., a leader in sample technologies for microbiomes.

Furthermore, QIAGEN announced a contract awarded to its partner Trigent Solutions Inc. that enables streamlined access to QIAGEN’s bioinformatics solutions for centers of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Products available to FDA centers include software for infectious disease research and outbreak analysis, such as CLC Genomics Workbench, CLC Microbial Genomics Module, CLC Genome Finishing Module, as well as solutions in human genomics, such as Biomedical Genomics Workbench, Ingenuity® Variant Analysis™, and Ingenuity® Pathway Analysis™.

The contract expands QIAGEN’s long-standing bioinformatics relationship with the FDA from one Center of Excellence to seven centers, spanning human health and food safety applications. The products and services provided to the FDA also enable uploading and sharing of public health data with U.S. and international institutions via the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) SRA database of biological sequencing data to combat infectious outbreaks both on national and global levels.

“We are excited about the latest agreements”, said Dr. Laura Furmanski, Senior Vice President and head of QIAGEN’s Bioinformatics Business Area. “They are leveraging the reach and profile of our leading portfolio of bioinformatics solutions that enable a growing number of customers to analyze vast amounts of data from next-generation sequencing – and to arrive at actionable insights.”

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Genome AnalysisGenomics, the study of genomes, includes functional genomics, evolutionary genomics and comparative genomics. There are many genomic technologies such as DNA sequencing of whole genomes, computational biology and bioinformatics. DNA and nucleic acids must be isolated and concentrated from cells for analysis with kits, automated analyzers and software. Other useful technologies for studying genomics include PCR, microarrays and electrophoresis.Data AnalysisData analysis hardware and software is available to make data processing straight-forward yet powerful. Data software can be used for math and stats, technical graphing and image analysis. In addition, software is available for specific data analysis of electrophoresis, densitometry, ELISA and DNA sequencing.MicrobiologyMicrobiology is the study of microorganisms including protists, prokaryotes, fungi, and, often, viruses. Microorganisms are a useful research tool as genetic vectors and, in immunology, for antibiotic susceptibility testing, cellular biology and genetics. Microorganisms commonly grow readily in incubators with microbial culture media; this can contain chromogenic supplements to differentiate between cell lines. Estimate your culture’s density of microorganisms with colony counters, or screen and select colonies for desirable clones with automated colony pickers. Additionally, equipment is available to monitor environments for the presence of microbes and identify with microbial identification instruments. Find the best microbiology products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Environmental Monitoring and TestingEnvironmental monitoring and testing uses handheld portable analyzers, kits, spectrometers or chromatography systems for air, water, soil, food and other sample testing. Useful features of analyzers such as BOD and COD include portability, easy calibration, automation and sensitivity.  Environmental test kits for pH, water, moisture, etc, should be accurate, sensitive, reliable, fast and easy to use.Food and Beverage AnalyzersFood and Beverage Analyzers are commonly used to provide information about the chemical composition, structure and physical properties of food materials.Food and Beverage ProcessingFood and Beverage Processing involves the preparation of food products for further analysis. Typical instrumentation includes blanchers, color sorters, cookers, grinders, and refrigeration. These are used to replicate the processes commonly used in the commercial preparation of food and beverages.Chem / BioinformaticsCheminformatics and bioinformatics are computational techniques used in chemistry and biology, respectively, for data acquisition, processing and storage. Cheminformatics focuses on compound information, whereas bioinformatics is mainly applied to analysis and modeling of genomics, genetic and sequencing information. Hardware and software is available for data acquisition, analysis, management and storage.MetagenomicsSingle Cell GenomicsMicrobiomeMicrobiome research focuses on the complex communities of microorganisms living in and on humans, animals, plants, and environments. It plays a crucial role in health, disease, and ecological balance. Explore tools and resources for microbiome analysis, including sequencing platforms and bioinformatics software.AgricultureAgriculture research focuses on improving food production, crop management, and sustainability. This includes plant breeding, pest control, and soil health studies. Explore agriculture research tools in our peer-reviewed product directory; compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.Environmental AnalysisEnvironmental analysis describes a variety of tests that determine the effect of chemicals, processes and particulates such as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) have on the environment.Food SafetyFood safety describes the prevention of food-borne illnesses. Contamination with a variety of pathogens can be prevented with adequate temperature control, hygiene and labeling. Food samples can be tested using GC/MS, HPLC, SPE, and qPCR to ensure their adherence to regulations.Microbial DetectionMicrobial detection is crucial for identifying and quantifying bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms. This process is essential for food safety, environmental monitoring, clinical diagnostics, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. Explore the best microbial detection tools in our peer-reviewed product directory; compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.Infectious DiseasesInfectious diseases are caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Effective detection, prevention, and treatment are crucial to control outbreaks and improve public health. Diagnostic tools, vaccines, and antimicrobial treatments are essential components of managing these diseases. Research into emerging pathogens and resistance patterns continues to evolve. Browse our peer-reviewed product directory to find the best diagnostic tools, prevention solutions, and treatment options; compare products, read customer reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.

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New Agreements Underscore QIAGEN’s Leadership in Bioinformatics