Brooks Automation and PharmaSeq Announce Licensing Agreement

Brooks Automation

, a leading worldwide provider of automation and cryogenic solutions for semiconductor manufacturing and life science markets, and PharmaSeq, Inc., a provider of technology based on the ultra-small light-activated microtransponder (p-Chip®), announced today a definitive exclusive agreement to license PharmaSeq's p-Chip technology for use in life sciences applications. The emphasis will be on tagging and tracking biological and related samples used in biorepositories, including cryogenic storage and related areas. In addition to obtaining the exclusive license, Brooks has agreed to make an equity investment in PharmaSeq and the Companies plan to cooperate on future technology developments. Under the agreement, PharmaSeq will supply p-Chips and related components to Brooks who will incorporate them into a new, advanced line of biosample storage systems. The initial offerings will include sample tubes tagged with p-Chips, readers, and robotic storage devices that will provide Brooks' customers with integrated systems for managing large quantities of samples. Dusty Tenney, President of Brooks Life Sciences stated, "The agreement with PharmaSeq is an important step in expanding our capabilities within life sciences. The p-Chip technology further enables reliable information and security for samples in challenging cold conditions down to low cryogenic (‑190°C) temperatures and is compatible with our range of biostorage products, including our newest release, the BioStore III Cryo automated -150°C store." Richard G. Morris, Ph.D., CEO of PharmaSeq, remarked, "This is a key milestone for PharmaSeq. Our business strategy involves licensing our technology to industry leaders who will rapidly bring new products to customers through their existing distribution channels. Brooks is a company widely admired for its engineering expertise in automated storage systems as well as its world-class sales and distribution organization. We are delighted that our p-Chip is expected to be an important component in Brooks' product offering. We are confident that Brooks will establish p-Chip-containing products as a new industry standard to be widely adopted by the biobanking and biopharma industry."