NORWALK, Conn., May 9, 1998 -- The Perkin-Elmer Corporation (NYSE: PKN) announced today that it was nearing the end of development of a breakthrough DNA analysis technology that should enable the generation of sequencing data at an ultra-high throughput level. The Company is designing the 3700 DNA Analyzer to provide the catalyst for a major new genomics initiative. While production shipments are scheduled for the first quarter of calendar year 1999, Perkin-Elmer expects to shortly announce an early access program for customers interested in becoming test sites for the instrument late in calendar year 1998.
As reported in a separate news announcement made today, Perkin-Elmer, genomics pioneer Dr. J. Craig Venter, and The Institute for Genomic Research (TIGR) have signed letters of intent relating to the formation by Perkin-Elmer and Dr. Venter of a new genomics company which will be a beta test site for the instrument. The new company's strategy will be centered on a plan to substantially complete the sequencing of the human genome in three years.
The 3700 DNA Analyzer, to be priced at approximately $300,000, is the first model of a new product category in DNA sequencing and genetic analysis that is designed to enable applications requiring tens of thousands of samples produced weekly. This production-scale instrument will be marketed with the current 377 and 310 instruments as part of the ABI PRISM family of genetic analysis instruments. The 3700 DNA Analyzer, under development at the Applied Biosystems Division of Perkin-Elmer, combines proven capillary electrophoresis hardware and separation polymer chemistry, with new detection technology and automation.
The 3700 DNA Analyzer is designed for customers who require: