Agilent Technologies Inc., the world's premier measurement company, and Applied Proteomics Inc. (API) has agreed to collaborate on highly multiplexed protein assays and workflow solutions for multiple reaction monitoring through mass spectrometry. Proteins perform many important cellular functions, are the targets of most drugs and therapies, and are often used as biomarkers for detecting and monitoring disease.

Applied Proteomics will leverage Agilent 6490 Triple Quadrupole MS/MS, 1290 Infinity LC, RapidFire 360 MS system and Bravo liquid-handling technologies to optimize the throughput of highly multiplexed proteomic assays. Multiple reaction monitoring, a highly specific and sensitive mass-spectrometry technique, can detect and quantify analytes from plasma, serum and other biological samples. A multiplex assay can simultaneously measure multiple analytes, such as proteins, peptides, metabolites and lipids.

"The ability to quickly and accurately measure, monitor and analyse a large number of protein biomarkers in a single test has important applications for understanding human diseases and developing new clinical diagnostics," said John E Blume, Ph.D., chief science officer of Applied Proteomics. "Agilent's innovation in mass spectrometry is an important part of this collaboration as we work together to expand the capabilities of multiplex protein assays."

Applied Proteomics specializes in a proteomics platform solution with mass spectrometry-based systems control and computational expertise to rapidly collect, process and analyze proteins. Proteomics is the study of the structure and function of proteins and how they interact within a complex biological system.

"We are thrilled to be collaborating with Applied Proteomics, an organisation that has leading expertise in developing mass spectrometry-based methods and instrumentation technologies for protein quantification and proteome applications," said Can Ozbal, director of Agilent's RapidFire business. "Agilent's innovative automation, measurement and software platforms transform complete workflow solutions from sample preparation through data acquisition, analysis and evaluation in quantitative proteomics and biomarker validation."

Applied Proteomics Inc. is advancing the application of proteomics to the development of diagnostics, companion diagnostics, and personalized medicine applications to power better medical decisions and care. API has developed a proteomics platform solution to make protein-based biomarker discovery possible as a replicable, industrial application ready to be applied to health diagnostic problems.

Agilent Technologies Inc. is the world's premier measurement company and a technology leader in chemical analysis, life sciences, diagnostics, electronics and communications.