Agilent Technologies Inc. - A STOCK NEWS

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) announced the appointment of Dr. Katharine Knobil as its first Chief Medical Officer (CMO). This newly created role aims to enhance Agilent's presence in the health-care sector and drive innovation in precision medicine. Dr. Knobil brings over 20 years of global experience in clinical development, having previously served as CMO at Kaleido Biosciences and held leadership positions at GlaxoSmithKline. She will report directly to CEO Mike McMullen and is set to start in April.

Agilent Technologies (NYSE: A) has launched a real-time reverse transcription PCR-based diagnostic kit for SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection, receiving the CE-IVD mark as per EU regulations. This kit allows for high-throughput testing with reduced manual handling and human error risk. It is compatible with various RNA extraction products and PCR systems, expediting laboratory operations. The kit supports pandemic control efforts alongside Agilent's recent SARS-CoV-2 IgG ELISA kit, enhancing its diagnostics offerings.

Agilent Technologies (NYSE: A) has priced its public offering of senior notes totaling $850 million. These notes, maturing in March 2031, will carry an interest rate of 2.300%. The offering is projected to close on March 12, 2021, pending customary closing conditions. Estimated net proceeds of about $841.1 million will be used to redeem existing 3.20% senior notes due in 2022, reduce borrowings, and for general corporate purposes. Barclays, Citigroup, and J.P. Morgan are managing the offering.

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) has announced an offering of senior notes under an automatic shelf registration statement, subject to market conditions. The net proceeds will be used to redeem its 3.20% senior notes due in 2022, reduce borrowings under its commercial paper program, and for general corporate purposes. The final terms, including interest rates and maturity, will be determined at the time of pricing. Barclays Capital, Citigroup, and J.P. Morgan are the joint book-running managers for this offering.

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) has announced its definitive agreement to acquire Resolution Bioscience Inc. for $550 million in cash, with an additional $145 million based on performance milestones. This acquisition enhances Agilent’s capabilities in next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based precision oncology solutions, aiming to expand access to cancer diagnostics. Resolution Bioscience, known for its noninvasive liquid biopsy assay and FDA-designated HRD assay, reported revenues of approximately $35 million in 2020 and is projected to earn $50-55 million this year. The deal is expected to close in April.

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) announced the recipient of the 2021 Darlene Solomon Award, Noemi Jiménez-Rojo, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Geneva. The award aims to support early-career scientists in mass spectrometry research and is co-sponsored by Agilent and Females in Mass Spectrometry (FeMS). Dr. Jiménez-Rojo will participate in mass spectrometry conferences and work at Agilent's Global Solutions Development Center in Singapore, gaining practical experience and mentorship opportunities.

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) announced FDA approval for its PD-L1 IHC 22C3 pharmDx assay, expanding its application to non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with tumor PD-L1 expression of Tumor Proportion Score (TPS) ≥ 50%. This diagnostic aids in identifying eligibility for treatment with Libtayo® (cemiplimab-rwlc), an anti-PD-1 therapy. Agilent's assay is the only FDA-approved companion diagnostic for this purpose, enhancing pathologist confidence in patient assessments and reinforcing Agilent's leadership in companion diagnostics for cancer therapies.

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) has launched the Agilent Dako SARS-CoV-2 IgG ELISA kit, enabling qualitative detection of IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in human serum or plasma. This marks Agilent's entry into SARS-CoV-2 testing in the US, following FDA notification. The kit boasts an impressive 98.9% sensitivity and 98.8% specificity and includes all necessary reagents for ease of use in small to medium-sized clinical labs. Agilent aims to expand this offering globally, supporting COVID-19 management with additional tests planned, including a quantitative RT-PCR test.