Agilent announced the launch of the BioTek Cytation 9 on April 1 2026. The new instrument combines multimode microplate reading with high‑content cell imaging, allowing laboratories to move from sample to insight faster.
The Cytation 9 builds on a decade of Cytation innovation and incorporates customer feedback to streamline workflows. It offers twice the imaging speed of previous models, integrates inverted fluorescence microscopy, upright imaging, and a multimode microplate reader module, and expands the application range for basic research, drug discovery, and diagnostics.
The launch expands Agilent’s portfolio in the growing cell‑based screening market, which is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2024 to 2030, reaching $1.09 billion by 2030. The instrument positions Agilent to capture a larger share against rivals such as Thermo Fisher and PerkinElmer.
In Q1 2026, Agilent reported revenue of $1.80 billion, up 7% year‑over‑year, and EPS of $1.36, slightly below the $1.37 consensus. The company raised its full‑year 2026 EPS guidance to $5.90‑$6.04 from $5.86‑$6.00, reflecting confidence in continued demand. Operating margin declines were noted in the life sciences and diagnostics segments, but the overall guidance remains positive.
Xavier Amouretti, Vice President of BioTek and Seahorse Business Unit Leader, said, “For over a decade, Agilent's Cytation imagers have been used to automate tedious manual microscopy work and complex image analysis tasks. Cytation 9 is designed around the same principles, with a broader application range and twice the imaging speed. This comes from direct feedback from thousands of Cytation users. We believe Cytation 9 will help accelerate the next wave of discoveries in cell biology and drug development.”
The acquisition of BioTek in 2019 for $1.165 billion had already positioned Agilent to deepen its presence in cell analysis. The Cytation 9 launch continues that trajectory, offering a single instrument that reduces bench time and increases throughput, aligning with the industry’s shift toward high‑content screening.
The launch represents a significant operational milestone for Agilent, reinforcing its competitive stance in the cell imaging market and supporting its broader strategy of expanding high‑throughput, high‑content capabilities across its life‑sciences portfolio.
The content on EveryTicker is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or investment advice. We are not financial advisors. Consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Any actions you take based on information from this site are solely at your own risk.