Roche launches LightCycler Nano real-time PCR system in the U.S.

Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) announced today the U.S. launch of the latest addition to the company's real-time PCR portfolio of LightCycler® instruments for use in research, the LightCycler Nano real-time PCR system. Roche Applied Science made the announcement in conjunction with the start of the 61st annual meeting of the American Society of Human Genetics in Montreal.

The new LightCycler Nano instrument shares the state-of-the-art technology of the LightCycler portfolio, producing high quality data in qPCR, genotyping, and high resolution melting on a small platform.  The system uses innovative optics and thermal control to provide an extremely low variation of well-to-well performance.

The benchtop LightCycler Nano features a 32-well format and easy-to-use software that is compatible with Macintosh® and Windows®-PC operating systems. Complementing Roche's LightCycler 480 and LightCycler 1536 real-time PCR systems, it offers a convenient solution for labs currently sharing time on another lab's real-time PCR instrument.

"Many research labs use 96-well instruments, but the average number of samples per run is often below the capacity of the instruments," said Brigitte Fernandes-McAlear, vice president of marketing at Roche Diagnostics Corporation. "This compact platform should satisfy the needs of many PCR researchers by fitting well into their work environment while delivering excellent results."

Roche expects to begin accepting orders for LightCycler Nano instruments in early November.