NEC Corp. (NEC) and SomaLogic Inc. announced that they have signed an agreement to explore aptamer-related businesses in the life sciences and healthcare markets. In addition, NEC announced that it has made an equity investment in SomaLogic in support of a long-term strategic relationship between the two companies.

The agreement establishes a framework for the two companies to develop and implement applications within NEC’s cloud-based services platform to enhance SomaLogic’s products for life sciences research and diagnostics. Customers will include pharmaceutical companies, research laboratories, and practicing physicians, with the eventual goal of expanding into personal healthcare services.