Los Angeles-based Calibre Scientific Inc. acquired Qiagen NV's NeXtal Biotechnologies unit, which specializes in producing protein crystallization plates and screens.

NeXtal's products are sold in the academic, biotechnology and pharmaceutical markets and are used to study the molecular structure of a protein, primarily for creating certain medicines including cancer treatments.

Calibre Scientific CEO Ben Travis said NeXtal's proprietary products complement its offerings.

Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.

NeXtal Biotechnologies was acquired by Qiagen in 2005 for $14.2 million.