Sigma-Aldrich, HSI sign distribution agreement for patented stable isotope labeled synthetic reagents

Sigma-Aldrich® (Nasdaq: SIAL) announced today that it has signed an agreement with New Mexico Highlands University through its licensee, Highlands Stable Isotope Corp. (HSI), to exclusively distribute a novel set of patented stable isotope labeled synthetic reagents (www.sigma-aldrich.com/sinext).  Under the terms of the agreement, HSI, a leader in the synthesis of amino acids, natural products, monomers for the materials science industry and heterocyclic chemistry, will initially offer approximately 16 compounds in all isotopic combinations through Sigma-Aldrich. In total, HSI's portfolio currently includes more than 75 newly patented isotopically labeled synthons for the research community, and after the initial offering Sigma-Aldrich expects to distribute all of these materials through its ISOTEC® Stable Isotopes product line.

"Sigma-Aldrich is a leader in manufacturing and providing stable isotope products including synthetic building blocks. A partnership with HSI will enable Sigma-Aldrich to provide several new classes of stable isotope reagents," said Dr. C.T. Tan, ISOTEC Stable Isotope's R&D Manager at Sigma-Aldrich.  "We believe these reagents will improve the speed and quality of the synthesis of stable isotope compounds. The application of these new reagents will help us speed up the drug discovery process, especially for heavyweight deuterated drug discovery."

Diane Szydel, general manager of ISOTEC Stable Isotopes at Sigma-Aldrich, added, "We are excited about our agreement with HSI.  By being the exclusive provider of these patented and novel compounds, we not only expand our comprehensive stable isotope product offering, but believe we will also be able to better serve our customers' research needs."

Dr. Rodolfo Martinez, lead scientist for HSI and principal author of this next generation of patented, labeled synthons, said: "We are pleased to collaborate with Sigma-Aldrich.  Researchers can be assured that the quality to which they are accustomed will also be represented in all HSI products."