Roche has expanded its distribution agreement with MilliporeSigma, the life sciences business of Merck KGaA, to include the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) enzyme products of Kapa Biosystems, a Wilmington, Massachusetts-based company acquired by Roche in 2015. The addition of the Kapa portfolio extends MilliporeSigma’s existing distribution relationship with Roche by providing tools for PCR and qPCR.

Under the agreement, MilliporeSigma will employ its sales, marketing, and ecommerce experience and leverage its relationships with the scientific community to present and distribute Kapa PCR and quantitative PCR reagents and kits. The distribution agreement includes all geographies except the US, Japan, and Brazil. Financial details were not disclosed.

The transition of Kapa’s PCR and qPCR portfolios to MilliporeSigma is expected to be completed by January 1, 2017. In the interim, these products will continue to be available through existing Kapa channels.

Source: Merck KGaA