Molecular Devices
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Life sciences, Bioanalytical instrumentation |
| Founded | 1983 |
| Headquarters | Silicon Valley, California , United States |
Area served | Worldwide (including UK, Germany, Austria, Korea, China, Japan) |
| Products | Microplate readers, microscope imagers (ImageXpress Micro), electrophysiology equipment, microarray scanning solutions, data analysis software, reagents |
| Owner | Danaher Corporation |
| Parent | Danaher Corporation |
Molecular Devices is a U.S.-based provider specializing in bioanalytical instrumentation and systems designed for drug discovery and research within the life sciences sector. Since 2010, it has operated as a subsidiary under the ownership of Danaher Corporation.
Company history
Established in 1983, Molecular Devices introduced its initial microplate reader in 1987 and broadened its product range through both internal innovation and targeted acquisitions. In 1996, the company obtained FLIPR technology from NovelTech Systems, and by 2000, it had secured a license for the IonWorks high-throughput electrophysiology platform from Essen Bioscience.
Additional acquisitions that expanded its capabilities included Universal Imaging Corporation in 2002, Axon Instruments in 2004, and Blueshift Technologies in 2008. These strategic moves enriched its portfolio with electrophysiology equipment, microarray scanning solutions, data analysis software, and advanced imaging workstations tailored for cell-based screening processes.
In March 2007, Canadian firm MDS, Inc. acquired Molecular Devices, integrating it into MDS Analytical Technologies. Subsequently, in 2010, following MDS’s strategic restructuring, Danaher Corporation purchased MDS Analytical Technologies. Presently, Molecular Devices functions within Danaher’s Medical Technologies division.
Services
Molecular Devices delivers comprehensive analytical solutions—including instruments, software platforms, and reagents—aimed at expediting research efforts in drug development and life sciences.
The company is headquartered in Silicon Valley, California, with additional regional offices located across the UK, Germany, Austria, Korea, China, and Japan to serve international life science markets effectively.
Products
- Microplate Readers
- Microscope imagers – The ImageXpress Micro line provides widefield imaging capabilities that produce high-resolution images of intricate cellular models, facilitating sophisticated analysis and screening workflows.