New unit combines gene expression, proteomics and reagents for Agilent

Palo Alto, CA – March 16, 2004 – Agilent Technologies says it has formed an integrated biology solutions (IBS) unit within its life sciences and chemical analysis business group.

The new unit consolidates management of Agilent’s growing gene expression, proteomics and reagents businesses under the leadership of Fran DiNuzzo. DiNuzzo, who joined HP/Agilent in 1981, has held several senior R&D, manufacturing and marketing management positions during the past 20 years, including vice president of the chemical analysis solutions unit and, most recently, vice president of the bio-reagents, consumables and services business.

“The new structure will provide a single interface through which Agilent can better serve its customers in basic research, drug discovery and early-stage drug development,” says Mr DiNuzzo, vice president and general manager of IBS. “It will enable the rapid development of products that bridge multiple disciplines, thereby facilitating a more integrative study of biological organisms often referred to as systems biology.”

Pharmaceutical, biotech and academic customers use a combination of technologies to research disease and potential new drugs. The data obtained during research – whether from RNA, DNA or proteins – is applicable to the broader study of biological systems such as molecular pathways and cellular metabolism. It has traditionally been very difficult to integrate these diverse technologies and the data they produce, and this new business unit is intended to pull these technologies and markets together.