Merck expands distribution agreement with Roche
Merck announced an expansion of its distribution alliance with Roche to include the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) enzyme products of Kapa Biosystems, a company acquired by Roche in 2015.
The addition of the Kapa portfolio strengthens Merck’s existing distribution relationship with Roche by providing one of the most complementary suites of high-performance tools for PCR and qPCR available in the industry today.
“The alliance extension with Roche will offer our customers greater access to novel products via our world-class distribution channel,” said Udit Batra, Member of the Merck Executive Board and CEO, Life Science. “These enzymes represent a significant advantage over commercially available DNA polymerases and thus offer the potential for entirely new PCR applications.”
Under the terms of the agreement, Merck will employ its sales, marketing and e-commerce expertise and leverage the strength of its relationships with the scientific community to present and distribute Kapa PCR and quantitative PCR reagents and kits. The distribution agreement includes all geographies except the U.S., Japan and Brazil. Financial details were not disclosed.
Roche inked the global exclusive distribution agreement for its Biochemical Reagents portfolio with Sigma-Aldrich in July 2015. Following the acquisition of Sigma-Aldrich by Merck in the same year, this agreement became an important part of Merck, driving growth in its life science business and offering premier brand tools for genomics, proteomics and cell analysis.
The novel PCR enzymes offered under the expanded distribution agreement have improved tolerance to common PCR inhibitors, increased speed and specific activity, and higher fidelity. These characteristics enable higher quality results and improved workflows.
Transition of Kapa’s PCR and qPCR portfolios to Merck is expected to be completed by January 1, 2017.
Other news from the department business & finance
Get the life science industry in your inbox
From now on, don't miss a thing: Our newsletter for biotechnology, pharma and life sciences brings you up to date every Tuesday and Thursday. The latest industry news, product highlights and innovations - compact and easy to understand in your inbox. Researched by us so you don't have to.
Most read news
More news from our other portals
See the theme worlds for related content
Topic World PCR
This groundbreaking and highly versatile molecular technique of PCR allows us to amplify tiny amounts of genetic material on a large scale and analyze them in detail. Whether in medical diagnostics, forensic DNA analysis or research into genetic diseases - PCR is an indispensable tool that gives us deep insights into the world of DNA. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)!
Topic World PCR
This groundbreaking and highly versatile molecular technique of PCR allows us to amplify tiny amounts of genetic material on a large scale and analyze them in detail. Whether in medical diagnostics, forensic DNA analysis or research into genetic diseases - PCR is an indispensable tool that gives us deep insights into the world of DNA. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)!
