Abcam plc, a global leader in the supply of life science research tools, announced today the launch of a range of multiplex miRNA profiling assays for high-throughput validation of miRNA biomarkers, based on Abcam’s new Firefly™ particle technology.

The new Multiplex Cellular miRNA Assay and Multiplex Circulating miRNA Assay allow researchers to rapidly and cost-effectively profile up to 68 miRNAs in each well of a 96-well plate, with readout on a standard flow cytometer. These assays offer an easier workflow for larger sample numbers compared to alternative methods such as qPCR, microarray and sequencing, which can be resource intensive or require challenging data analysis.

The Multiplex Circulating miRNA assay enables profiling of miRNAs from small volumes of crude biofluids including serum and plasma, with no need for RNA purification, while the Multiplex Cellular miRNA Assay is optimized to work with purified RNA. The Multiplex Circulating miRNA Assay is particularly suited...

Customers can chose between fixed panels targeting specific disease areas or can customize their own panel. Abcam also offers a sample profiling service to enable researchers without in-house resources to obtain profiles with this technology. Analysis software provided by Abcam efficiently translates the raw data from the flow cytometer into a miRNA profile and does not require special bioinformatics expertise.

Brian Taylor, Head of Kits and Assays, Abcam, said: “We’re excited about the opportunities that Abcam’s Firefly particle technology will bring to global researchers undertaking miRNA research. We recognized a consumer need to enhance the tools available for miRNA research, and our new innovative assays provide a combination of performance, multiplexing, throughput, cost and ease of use not available from existing technologies.”

The assays can be purchased from Abcam in US and Europe and will be available globally in the course of 2015.

About Abcam
Abcam plc is a global leader in the supply of life science research tools, with a wide range of products and expert technical support, enabling scientists to analyse living cells at the molecular level and to improve the understanding of health and disease.

Abcam is committed to providing scientists with an extensive choice of reagents and tools, with the most comprehensive, honest and up-to-date datasheets and customer reviews, fast delivery and helpful customer service & technical support. The Company’s catalogue evolves with scientific research trends and is growing each year to provide customers with products to meet their research needs. The range now includes primary and secondary antibodies, proteins, peptides, lysates, biochemicals, immunoassays and other kits. Abcam also supports its customers by hosting a range of global scientific events, forums and webinars, providing opportunities for scientists to get together and present their work.

Headquartered in Cambridge, UK, Abcam has nine global subsidiary offices enabling local services and multi-language support to over 100 countries. The Company was founded in 1998, and now employs over 800 people. Abcam was admitted to AIM in 2005 (AIM: ABC).

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