Development of PCR 

First described in the journal Science in 1985, PCR has become one of the most widely used techniques in molecular biology, and for good reason: From the daily practicalities of medical diagnosis to the courts of law, PCR takes the analysis of tiny amounts of genetic material to a new level of precision and reliability.

Because it is far simpler and less expensive than previous techniques for analyzing DNA (Southern Blot, for example), PCR has "democratized" genetic research, putting it within reach of all biologists—even those with no previous training in molecular biology.

The award of the 1993 Nobel Prize in Chemistry to Kary Mullis, Ph.D. for inventing PCR is one highlight of the PCR story. The full history of the development of PCR is marked by an extraordinary collaboration of scientists in a corporate setting to identify and overcome the obstacles to practical application of this transformative technology. That collaboration, largely under the direction of former Roche colleague Dr. Thomas White, began at the Cetus Corporation in the early 1980s and continued throughout the decade.

Among the other Cetus scientists who were instrumental in bringing PCR to life were scientists Henry Erlich, Randy Saiki, and David Gelfand. In 1991, Hoffmann-La Roche acquired the rights to the PCR technology from Cetus Corporation and then dedicated significant resources to greatly accelerating the development of practical PCR applications.