On July 1, 2005, R&D Systems, Inc., announced its purchase of Fortron Bio Science, Inc. (Morrisville, NC) and BiosPacific, Inc. (Emeryville, CA).  Fortron develops and manufactures polyclonal antibodies, monoclonal antibodies, and purified antigens. BiosPacific is a leading worldwide supplier of biological reagents and the primary distribution arm of Fortron.  The two companies had operated this strategic partnership since 1992, combining Fortron's development and manufacturing excellence with BiosPacific's marketing and sales expertise.  BiosPacific and Fortron have earned a reputation as suppliers of high quality reagents and have established themselves as key vendors to many of the leading manufacturers of in vitro diagnostic systems, used globally in both clinical laboratory and point-of-care testing for evidence of cancer, cardiovascular and infectious diseases, endocrine disorders, and drugs of abuse.

R&D Systems' mission is to provide the medical research and diagnostics communities with the highest quality tools to help in understanding biological processes that may lead to the diagnosis and cure of disease.  Historically, R&D Systems has focused its efforts on the research market, where it is recognized as a leading supplier of premium quality reagents and immunoassays for life science research.  With the acquisition of BiosPacific and Fortron, R&D Systems significantly expands its presence in the clinical diagnostics market by gaining an established channel for selected research reagents that may have future diagnostic utility, while continuing to contribute its expertise in immunoassay development.  In accordance with its mission statement, it is R&D Systems' hope that this new relationship with Fortron and BiosPacific will help our customers accelerate the development of innovative diagnostic assays that contribute to the amelioration of and treatment for the major diseases of our time.