PerkinElmer Inc. and Corning Incorporated (NYSE: GLW), announced in late 2009 that the two companies have entered into a strategic agreement to advance the development of next-generation label-free detection technologies.

The agreement will allow Corning and PerkinElmer to combine their world-class expertise in optical label-free and multi-modality detection to develop and deliver next-generation detection platforms for life sciences research. Label-free detection is an enabling technology targeted at addressing many of the challenges in early-stage lead optimization in the drug discovery process.

Dr. Richard M. Eglen, president, Bio-discovery, PerkinElmer, said, "Collaborating with a world-renowned company such as Corning provides a key opportunity to combine Corning's innovative optical label-free detection technology with PerkinElmer's existing multi-label detection systems to provide drug discovery and life science researchers with deeper insights into biomolecular and cellular interactions."

"Scientists around the world have used the optical label-free technology of the Corning® Epic® system for their groundbreaking research and we have been pleased with the new biological discoveries that the technology has enabled," said Mark A. Beck, senior vice president, Corning Life Sciences. "We are excited to be working with an industry leader like PerkinElmer to develop next-generation label-free technologies in order to create the potential for additional breakthrough discoveries."

Source: PerkinElmer