Roche Diagnostics has inked an agreement to purchase all of AvanSci Bio’s MilliSect products for use in extracting tissue for molecular analysis such as real-time PCR, microassays and sequencing.

The deal, announced Wednesday, includes instruments, software and consumables. AvanSci Bio’s MilliSect instrument enables technicians to obtain a greater than 90 percent tumor-enriched sample for molecular analysis, according to Roche, and will be tested at select customer sites in the coming year as part of a broader development program for a future generation instrument.

Dan Zabrowski, head of tissue diagnostics and sequencing solutions at Roche Diagnostics, said the MilliSect line will allow Roche to link the diagnostic hematoxylin and eosin stain with sequencing analysis through high-quality sample preparation. It will also help Roche meet the critical challenge of tumor heterogeneity, he added. — Kellen Owings

Subscribe to Devices & Diagnostics Letter for complete coverage of the medical devices industry. Click here for more information.