The completion of the human genome project has provided vast new sources of information on biological systems. This in-turn has triggered an increase in life science research efforts. The life science research market segment was estimated at $2.6 billion with an annual growth rate of 13%.

Both industrial and academic research and development depend on a wide variety of biological tests. To provide important qualitative and quantitative information about biological systems of interest, many assays require extensive sample preparation. In life science research, most assays are manually processed by highly trained researchers. These assays generally require multiple transfers of liquid samples and reagents using hand-held pipettes and highly labor-intensive methodology. The biggest challenge in both industrial and academic settings is to find a cost-effective multi-assay platform that will support high throughput testing.

IQuum's lab-in-a-tube platform offers a uniform system for a broad spectrum of biological assays. By automating preparatory and analytical steps, providing multi-assay functionality and maintaining high sample quality, the Liat™ system has great potential for many applications in drug discovery and development, including screening of drug candidates, animal testing, toxicity assays, pharmacogenomic assays, and clinical trial monitoring.