We have an extraordinary breadth of knowledge and skills in functional biology, informatics, chemistry, physics and diagnostic medicine. This breadth is a valuable strategic asset, enabling us to stay abreast of, and to some extent drive, advances in biomedical research. It also gives us a broad exposure to customers in academic and pharmaceutical research, biopharmaceutical manufacturing and the medical profession. This is a vital benefit as our businesses sharpen their focus on key customers in the markets they share.

The pharmaceutical industry is a key customer for each of our businesses. In protein separations we have an especially direct relationship, providing a service to major pharmaceutical companies. We provide the essential manufacturing technologies used in more than 90 per cent of the biopharmaceutical drugs and vaccines currently on the market. We also provide the protein separation technologies used in laboratory research and drug development.

Within medical diagnostics, we aim to collaborate with pharmaceutical companies on the development of linked diagnostics and therapeutics. In the area of discovery systems, we provide enzyme technology and screening systems to help these companies develop and test new drugs.

Our broad interaction with the pharmaceutical industry gives us unique insight into their needs. This helps us develop distinctive, cutting edge products to help pharmaceutical companies achieve their goals more effectively, and bring medical discoveries more quickly to patients.