PerkinElmer Inc. announced it has acquired VisEn Medical Inc. of Bedford, an in vivo molecular imaging technology company. The acquisition has enabled PerkinElmer, which focuses on the health and safety of people and the environment, to enhance its cellular imaging business by expanding its technologies and capabilities downstream into preclinical research carried out by academic institutions and pharmaceutical companies. VisEn’s proprietary fluorescence molecular imaging systems and reagents are currently utilized in research applications related to cancer, inflammation, and cardiovascular, skeletal and pulmonary disease. The purchase is anticipated to further PerkinElmer’s mission to assist pharmaceutical and life science researchers in finding ways to develop safer, more effective drugs and better diagnostic capabilities, the company said. Currently, VisEn’s offerings include its fluorescence agent portfolio and its fluorescence molecular tomographic imaging systems. The technologies, which provide quantitative molecular imaging data, can be useful for identifying and characterizing a range of disease biomarkers and for therapeutic efficacy in cells and animal models. When combined with PerkinElmer’s technologies, the cellular imaging approach can be utilized for better screening and for the optimization of potential new drugs. For more information, visit: www.perkinelmer.com