Lunaphore’s spatial biology portfolio uses precision microfluidic technology to find hyperplex proteomic and transcriptomic biomarkers in tumours and other tissues at single-cell and subcellular resolution
Lunaphore’s COMET end-to-end spatial biology platform. (Credit: Lunaphore Technologies SA.)
Nasdaq-listed life sciences company Bio-Techne has agreed to acquire Switzerland-based Lunaphore, a provider of fully automated spatial biology solutions, for an undisclosed price.
Established in 2014, Lunaphore’s spatial biology portfolio uses precision microfluidic technology to find hyperplex proteomic and transcriptomic biomarkers in tumours and other tissues at single-cell and subcellular resolution.
Lunaphore’s technology and equipment are said to offer flexibility in panel design. They enable researchers in the fields of immunology, immuno-oncology, and neurology to advance scientific discovery and expedite the development of new therapeutics.
The firm’s spatial biology technology provides the data required to facilitate the creation of diagnostic tools, streamline clinical trials, and enhance patient outcomes by identifying biomarker signatures with clinical value.
The COMET end-to-end spatial biology platform from Lunaphore is a fully automated, high-throughput instrument that combines staining, imaging, and image preprocessing steps. It offers walk-away automation with scalability, reproducibility, and tissue morphology.
The product line is complemented by SPYRE antibody panel kits and HORIZON image analysis software, Bio-Techne said.
Additionally, Lunaphore provides an automated tissue staining tool, LabSat, that has a 30-minute turnaround time. It is claimed as a fast and hands-free staining solution compared to manual techniques, where turnaround times might take several days.
Bio-Techne CEO and president Chuck Kummeth said: “Lunaphore is seeing strong initial traction with its COMET instrument, as this fully integrated, fully automated spatial biology system delivers the end-to-end automation that is in high demand from translational researchers.
“We anticipate COMET to play an important role as spatial biology gains traction in clinical applications. We are excited to welcome Lunaphore’s talented team, instrument portfolio, and technology to Bio-Techne.”
Bio-Techne and Lunaphore recently announced their strategic alliance to create the first completely automated spatial multiomic workflow.
The multiomics solution will use Lunaphore’s Comet instrument and Spyre antibody panels with Bio-Techne’s RNAscope HiPlex technology for same-slide hyperplex detection of protein and RNA biomarkers at single-cell resolution.
Lunaphore CEO Ata Tuna Ciftlik said: “We are truly excited to be joining Bio-Techne and combining capabilities to lead the Spatial Biology market.
“Our shared vision of tackling the translational and clinical research market, while using our complementary best-in-class spatial proteomics and transcriptomics products is going to make a great impact on our customers in advancing research.”