Qiagen

QIAGEN (nasdaq: QGEN, fwb: QIA) is a provider of sample and assay technologies for research in life sciences, applied testing and molecular diagnostics. The enterprise was founded in 1984 by scientists of the Heinrich Heine University of Dusseldorf, Germany. In 1996, QIAGEN became a Dutch holding, QIAGEN N.V., which now holds affiliates in 16 countries. Also in 1996, QIAGEN's shares were first listed at the technology-focused US stock exchange NASDAQ (using ticker QGEN) and subsequently, in 1997, at the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, where QIAGEN shares are now traded with ticker symbol QIA in the Prime Standard of the TecDAX.

Sample and assay technologies
In biotechnology, biological sciences and research in general but also in a range of certain diagnostic procedures it is often necessary to separate and purify specific biomolecules such as nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) or proteins from other cellular components of biological speciemens prior to further usage. QIAGEN has developed standardized procedures and technologies for this process for scientific research as well as for diagnostic procedures in the clinics and at the doctors.

Introduction of the first kits, standardized and purpose built sets of components for the preparation of samples for downstream analysis became the formula for success for QIAGEN. The constant and continuing stream of new "tools" for sample handling and preparation replaced many old-fashioned methods such as gradient centrifugation or extrations using chemicals (such as phenol). Meanwhile, many of the applications can be automated on dedicated robots (QIAGEN calls theirs "BioRobots") so that fully integrated, automated and standardized workflows are available.

Today, QIAGEN also has become a leading supplier for assay technologies enabling the targeted and very specific analysis of genetic material. These assay technologies are in use in academic and industrial research to gain scientific data and insight or develop new therapies. They are also used in diagnostic labs to identify diseases or infections quickly and reliably based on their genetic footprints, for example of bacteria or viruses. Further, those assays increasingly gain ground in veterinary medicine, food control or in fighting biological warfare agents and again replace old-fashioned, slower technologies or enable analysis where dedicated tools have been missing so far. These specific analysis systems are now also used by police laboratories the world over and QIAGEN products are in the game in many, if not most developments of new therapies and drugs. The recognition of QIAGEN goes as far as sometimes QIAGEN's products and kit boxes appear in the background of TV scenes or feature films when shots in labs (research, diagnostics, police labs) are taken (C.S.I., Mission impossible, Cast away).

The total offering as per QIAGEN's catalogue covers well over 5000 products and automation platforms dedicated to handling and analysis of biological samples. The products are distributed to more than 42 countries worldwide. As indicator of strong research and development as well as intellectual property capabilities QIAGEN holds well more than 1,000 patents. As per 5 June 2007 QIAGEN had approxitely 2600 staff worldwide, with a considerable increase following their acquisition of Digene. 750 of those 2600 are located at its headquarters in Hilden, Germany. The number of staff seems to continue to grow also due to a number of accquisitions of other businesses. For example, on 13 April 2007 it was announced that QIAGEN intends to acquire the US-based company eGene for 34 million US dollars. The accquisition should be finished in autumn 2007 and adds new detection technologies to QIAGEN's product protfolio which should fit well with a number of assays for diagnostic and research labs. QIAGEN also has a number of sales and marketing partnerships such as with Whatman since May 2007 to add complementary products to their range of sample and assay technologies and products.

Members of executive committee

 * Chief Executive Officer: Peer Schatz
 * Senior Vice President Global Sales: Bernd Uder,
 * Senior Vice President Global Research & DevelopmentDr. Joachim Schorr
 * Chief Financial Officer Member of the Executive Committee: Roland Sackers
 * Vice President Automated Systems: Dr. Michael Collasius
 * Vice President Global Operations: Douglas Liu
 * Vice President Corporate Business Development: Dr. Ulrich Schriek
 * Vice President Marketing & Strategy: Dr. Thomas Schweins
 * Vice President Global Human Resources: Gerhard Sohn