Canon BioMedical, a wholly owned subsidiary of Canon U.S.A. formed in March to serve the life sciences and molecular healthcare markets, today said it launched its first commercial products.
Canon BioMedical has brought to market its Novallele™ genotyping assays, designed to enable genetic researchers to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and small insertions and deletions in the human genome. The genotyping assays are designed for rapid polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by high-resolution melting analysis (HRMA).
The company is also launching its Novallele Mastermix, a companion chemistry optimized for use with the assays on any HRMA-compatible thermocycler.
The assays and chemistry are for research use only. Canon BioMedical will present the products at the American Society of Human Genetics Annual Meeting, set for October 9 in Baltimore.
While some Canon technologies have had healthcare applications, until now these have been imaging and measurement tools. In eyecare, Canon’s offerings include its first hybrid camera encompassing both mydriatic and non-mydriatic technologies, as well as a non-mydriatic Fundus Autofluorescence camera, Non-Mydriatic cameras, as well as tonometer and ref-keratometer instruments.
In launching its biomedical subsidiary, Canon said it will seek long-term future growth opportunities in previously untapped markets for the company—which it identified as life science, healthcare, and medical analysis—though existing and emerging Canon technologies, as well as through collaborations.
Brian McNally, Ph.D., marketing lead at Canon BioMedical, told GEN Canon BioMedical will develop, manufacture and market innovative technologies and solutions in line with Canon’s Kyosei philosophy. Kyosei includes social and environmental responsibility through the use of existing and emerging Canon technology, as well as strategic partnerships.
“We want to work with people to live harmoniously and improve our lives. Fundamentally, how could working together better human health not be an improvement?” Dr. McNally added. “Moving into the life science research market is a good way to empower scientists to make the key discoveries for the next improvements in the healthcare space.”
The company said it partnered with academic centers, commercial organizations and other Canon companies to develop its offerings for life sciences and healthcare.
“These are our first steps in delivering a suite of tools designed to help empower the widespread adoption of personalized medicine,” Canon BioMedical President and CEO Akiko Tanaka said in a statement.