Agilent Technologies Introduces High-Performance Ion Trap Mass Spectrometer With 3X Faster Scan Cycle Time; Product Improves Peptide Identification for Proteomics Research.

PALO ALTO, Calif. -- Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) today introduced a high-performance ion trap mass spectrometer (MS) that allows pharmaceutical and academic life-science researchers to identify 60 to 80 percent more peptides than preceding models in proteomics applications, such as protein identification and biomarker discovery, potentially leading to a better understanding of diseases like cancer and speeding drug development efforts. The Agilent 1100 Series LC/MSD Trap XCT Ultra offers significantly improved scan cycle times, enabling collection of mass spectra at rates up to three times faster than its predecessors.

"The combination of the new LC/MSD Trap XCT Ultra with Agilent's breakthrough HPLC-Chip/MS technology will set a new standard for protein identification and analytical performance," said Ken Imatani, product marketing manager for Agilent's ion trap mass spectrometers. "The high resolution, scan speed and sensitivity of the LC/MSD Trap XCT Ultra make it a powerful tool for a wide range of qualitative applications in which high performance and productivity are essential, particularly in proteomics research."

"The LC/MSD Trap XCT Ultra is the latest example of Agilent's integrated approach to facilitating proteomics research, enabling researchers to solve their most challenging scientific questions more easily and with greater confidence," said Taia Ergueta, general manager of Agilent's Proteomics and LC/MS business. "The LC/MSD Trap XCT Ultra improves performance for a wide range of demanding applications in metabolite characterization, natural products screening, product degradation studies and food and environmental analysis, which require excellent sensitivity and fast scanning capability."

The LC/MSD Trap XCT Ultra, which is based on an advanced multipole ion trap technology, has a full-scan MS/MS sensitivity specification of 250 femtograms for reserpine. The system also has two new data-dependent neutral-loss analysis modes that provide enhanced data quality for analysis of phosphopeptides and glycopeptides.

The LC/MSD Trap XCT Ultra will be unveiled at the American Association for Cancer Research annual meeting, April 15-20 (Booths 181 and 183).

Availability

The Agilent 1100 Series LC/MSD Trap XCT Ultra ion trap mass spectrometer (G4533AA) includes mass spectrometer, electrospray ionization source, data system and LC/MSD Trap software (6.0). It is expected to ship in July 2005. Further information is available at www.agilent.com/chem/iontrap.

About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) is a global technology leader in communications, electronics, life sciences and chemical analysis. The company's 28,000 employees serve customers in more than 110 countries. Agilent had net revenue of $7.2 billion in fiscal year 2004. Information about Agilent is available on the Web at www.agilent.com.

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