The technology looks to best other current technologies, which allow detection of only about 5% of proteins in the entire proteome due to the very low abundance of many biomarkers. The SMC (single molecule counrting) technology, however, combines signal enhancement and background reduction coupled with low volume sampling to achieve ultra-high sensitivity protein detection. Singulex will continue to operate a clinical service business based on novel, enabling SMC assays.
Under the terms of the agreement, Merck Millipore will pay Singulex an undisclosed upfront payment, royalties and additional payments based on certain commercial milestones. Merck Millipore will have exclusive rights to further develop and commercialize the SMC technology for research applications worldwide.
Udit Batra, President and CEO of Merck Millipore, said: "The Erenna platform offers the unique advantage of unrivaled sensitivity and precision and will be a strong addition to our Protein Detection franchise."
The platform, which was adopted at one of Pfizer’s labs, utilizes capillary flow, laser-induced fluorescence, and a highly sensitive detection optics module to achieve SMC. The instrument is just as easy to use as a microplate reader and requires little maintenance, according to Singulex.
"We are very pleased with this strategic agreement with Merck Millipore, a world leader in life science, since it puts our unique technology into the best possible hands to optimize its commercial scale-up and market potential," said Guido Baechler, President and CEO of Singulex.