Roche launches DISCOVERY Green HRP chromogen detection kit to expand immunohistochemistry multiplexing in cancer research

• Multiplexed assays for simultaneously detecting several biomarkers in a single sample address the growing need to obtain more information from limited tissue samples

• New test kit is an addition to line of DISCOVERY ULTRA instruments, uniquely designed for the research community

• Researchers can now investigate more cancer biomarkers on a single tissue slide, paving the way for a better understanding of cancer biology and future advances in personalised healthcare

Tucson, AZ, 18 March 2021 – Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) today announced the launch of the DISCOVERY Green HRP kit,¹ the newest addition to the comprehensive collection of modular-based detection kits to identify and profile biomarkers and cell populations in tissue-based research. Advances in the understanding of cancer biology can help pave the way for improved cancer testing for patients. 

The DISCOVERY Green HRP (horseradish peroxidase) kit can be used in combination with other detection kits, expanding the multiplexing capability of both immunohistochemistry (IHC) and in situ hybridisation (ISH) by providing a distinct colour that contrasts with other chromogens. DISCOVERY Green HRP complements chromogens including DISCOVERY Yellow, DISCOVERY Purple, DISCOVERY Red and DISCOVERY Teal, providing a variety of chromogens to choose from for multiplexing up to seven biomarkers simultaneously.

As IHC multiplexing technology expands to more markers, researchers need chromogens that can provide greater contrast for image analysis, 

said Jill German, Head of Roche Pathology Customer Segment. 

DISCOVERY Green HRP was designed and developed with researchers in mind and will enable them to see multiple biomarkers instantly, with the ultimate goal of advancing patient care globally.

The innovative DISCOVERY chromogens have translucent properties that enable researchers to analyse the co-localisation of multiple biomarkers through the spatial overlapping of two signals in the context of tissue.

We use chromogens like DISCOVERY Green, which has good spectral separation from existing favorites,

said Dr. John Le Quesne, Pathologist at the University of Cambridge, UK. 

They provide good translucency and better performance in simple image analysis than unmixing traditional chromogens.

Roche’s DISCOVERY Green HRP kit is supplied² in ready-to-use dispensers and provides a stable staining signal during alcohol dehydration. It can be fully automated on the DISCOVERY ULTRA system.³

The DISCOVERY product line is the research use only (RUO) portfolio of instruments and reagents developed by Roche Tissue Diagnostics for research in immunohistochemistry (IHC) and in situ hybridization (ISH). Included in the product line are the DISCOVERY ULTRA research instruments to fully automate single or multiplex IHC and ISH applications and a growing line of unique, ready-to-use reagents for full automation that are designed to meet the needs of the research community. DISCOVERY products are not for use in diagnostic procedures.

Roche is a global pioneer in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics focused on advancing science to improve people’s lives. The combined strengths of pharmaceuticals and diagnostics under one roof have made Roche the leader in personalised healthcare – a strategy that aims to fit the right treatment to each patient in the best way possible.

Roche is the world’s largest biotech company, with truly differentiated medicines in oncology, immunology, infectious diseases, ophthalmology and diseases of the central nervous system. Roche is also the world leader in in vitro diagnostics and tissue-based cancer diagnostics, and a frontrunner in diabetes management.

Founded in 1896, Roche continues to search for better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat diseases and make a sustainable contribution to society. The company also aims to improve patient access to medical innovations by working with all relevant stakeholders. More than thirty medicines developed by Roche are included in the World Health Organization Model Lists of Essential Medicines, among them life-saving antibiotics, antimalarials and cancer medicines. Moreover, for the twelfth consecutive year, Roche has been recognised as one of the most sustainable companies in the Pharmaceuticals Industry by the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI).

The Roche Group, headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, is active in over 100 countries and in 2020 employed more than 100,000 people worldwide. In 2020, Roche invested CHF 12.2 billion in R&D and posted sales of CHF 58.3 billion. Genentech, in the United States, is a wholly owned member of the Roche Group. Roche is the majority shareholder in Chugai Pharmaceutical, Japan. For more information, please visit www.roche.com.