TRADE NEWS: Agilent Technologies Introduces SureSelect Strand-Specific RNA Library Preparation Kit

SANTA CLARA, Calif. --(Business Wire)--

Agilent (News - Alert) Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) today introduced the SureSelect Strand-Specific RNA Library Preparation Kit for whole transcriptome and targeted RNA sequencing.

The new kit enables researchers to prepare high-quality, strand-specific libraries for next-generation sequencing. The ability to gain valuable strand-specific information from RNA-sequencing experiments allows researchers to more easily discern overlapping transcripts and investigate antisense expression for greater understanding of gene regulation.

The kit has been optimized to provide outstanding sequencing performance and uniform coverage of the entire transcript. This is achieved through greater library complexity and less 5'/3' bias, even with small amounts of starting material (as low as 50 ng). The kit has also been designed to be as complete as possible, including master-mixed reagents and a streamlined workflow for less hands-on time and faster results.

"Strand-specific RNA-sequencing library preparation is the latest addition to Agilent's next-generation sequencing/gene-regulation portfolio, which offers the mostcomplete integrated solutions from sample to analysis," said Yong Yi, Agilent associate director of marketing for genomics. "We are thrilled to provide another highly sensitive tool that will advance understanding of how gene regulation governs normal and aberrant biological processes."

Other key products in Agilent's gene-regulation portfolio include SureSelect human methyl-seq, targeted RNA-seq, gene expression and miRNA microarrays, GeneSpring data analysis software, 2100 Bioanalyzer, and 2200 TapeStation.

About Agilent in Genomics

Agilent Technologies (News - Alert) Inc. is a global leader in target enrichment for next-generation sequencing and genomic microarrays. The Agilent SureSelect and HaloPlex target-enrichment systems enable researchers to easily choose which segments of a genome to sequence, avoiding the time and expense needed to sequence the entire genome. HaloPlex and its same-day sample-to-sequencer workflow is well suited for next-generation desktop sequencers, whereas SureSelect's ability to accurately capture whole exomes and whole methylomes in a single reaction pairs well with high-throughput next-generation sequencing systems. These are just two products arising from Agilent's expertise in synthesizing custom complex mixtures of long oligonucleotide gained in microarray manufacturing. Additional product lines built on this core technology include microarrays for genome-wide measurement of gene expression and for comparative genomics hybridization, as well as SureFISH, a highly specific and sensitive oligonucleotide fluorescent in situ hybridization product line. In addition to oligonucleotide-based products, Agilent offers a microfluidic bioanalyzer to measure sample quality, a target-enrichment tool to speed next-generation sequencing, and a full set of reagents, hardware, methods and bioinformatics software for genomic experiments.

About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is the world's premier measurement company and a technology leader in chemical analysis, life sciences, diagnostics, electronics and communications. The company's 20,500 employees serve customers in more than 100 countries. Agilent had revenues of $6.9 billion in fiscal 2012. Information about Agilent is available at www.agilent.com.

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