Our History

Founded in 1983, Molecular Devices introduced its first Microplate Reader in 1987 and since then has continued to broaden its offerings of bioanalytical systems for life science and drug discovery research through a combination of internal R&D and strategic acquisitions.

Key Milestones

2012

• Molecular Devices Awarded Patent for Population Patch Clamp Recording Technique
• Launched Digital Confocal Module for HCS

2011

• Molecular Devices receives ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation
• Launched ImageXpress Micro Widefield HCS System
• Launched 4D Viewer for MetaMorph NX
• Launched Analysis Builder for MetaMorph NX
• Launched SoftMax Pro version 6
• Launched Tune Cartridge for SpectraMax Paradigm Reader
• Launched MicroMax 
• Launched IonWorks Barracuda Software
• Established Molecular Devices University
• SoftMax Pro now on iPad
• Genetix now part of Molecular Devices
• Launched GenePix SL50 Automated Slide Loader
• SpectraMax M5e is the first microplate reader to go into space
• New partnership between Molecular Devices & ChanTest
• Launched Knowledge Base

 2010

• Launched SpectraMax Paradigm 
• Launched FilterMax F Series
• Launched MetaMorph NX Software
• Launched IonWorks Barracuda High-Speed Automated Electrophysiology System
• Launched new Molecular Devices brand
• Acquired by Danaher Corporation

2009

• Launched MetaXpress® PowerCore^TM & MetaXpress® 3.0 Cellular Imaging Software
• Launched SpectraMax® M3 & M4 Multi-Mode Microplate Readers
• Launched MetaXpress® Software Micronuclei Application Module

2008

• Launched GenePix® 4300A & 4400A Microarray Scanners
• Released GenePix® Pro 7.0 Software
• Acquired Blueshift Biotechnologies

2007

• Acquired by MDS Inc.
• Launched AquaMax® 2000 & 4000 Microplate Washers
• Launched MetaMorph® ICS Confocal Microscope with live cell capabilities
• Released AcuityXpress™ 2.0 Cellular Informatics Software

2006

• Acquired Arcturus Bioscience Inc-Laser
• Launched Aequorin Luminescence Option for FLIPR® Tetra Screening System
• Introduced ImageXpress® Ultra Confocal HCS System
• Released MetaXpress Software Multi-Wavelength Cell Scoring & Multi-Wavelength Translocation Application Modules

2005

• Acquired Transfluor® Imaging Technology from Xsira Pharmaceuticals
• Launched IonWorks® Quattro Automated Electrophysiology System
• Introduced Complete Solution 1.0 which includes AcuityXpress™ Cellular Informatics Software, MDCStore™ Data Management Solution , and MetaXpress® Software with suite of 16 initial application modules
• Launched ImageXpress®^MICRO

2004

• Acquired Axon Instruments
• Launched SpectraMax® M5 Multi-Mode Microplate Reader
• Launched FLIPR® Tetra Ultra High-throughput Screening System
• Opened Center of Excellence in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, USA

2003

• Multi-Detection Microarray Analysis System with Dual-Mode Cuvette Port introduced

2002

• Acquired Universal Imaging Corp.
• Launched IonWorks® HT Automated Electrophysiology System
• Announced the new GenePix® Personal 4100A

2001

• Acquired a minority stake in Argonex, Inc.
• Announced agreement to acquire Cytion SA
• Launched SpectraMax® 340PC 384 Absorbance Microplate Reader
• Launched FLIPR® 3 High-Throughput Screening System
• Awarded patent covering SpectraMax® Microplate Reader technology
• Introduced GenePix® 4000B

2000

• Acquired LJL Biosystems, Inc.

1999

• Acquired Skatron Instruments A/S
• Acquired Software.com, Inc.
• Introduced GenePix® 4000A

1996

• Acquired Noveltech Systems

1987

• Introduced first microplate reader

1983

• Molecular Devices established in Sunnyvale, California, USA