Description Ambion won't put you to sleep. (That would be Sanofi-Synthelabo's Ambien.) The company makes RNA-based research products for the life sciences markets. Its Ambion Diagnostics division designs and makes RNA-based tests to detect such diseases as SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome). Its Armored RNA technology stabilizes RNA for use in oncology testing and has been licensed by Cepheid. It has an agreement with Wyeth to provide that company with RNA for vaccine development. CEO Matt Winkler founded Ambion in 1988 while conductng research at The University of Texas; Ambion was acquired by Applied Biosystems in early 2006 and now operates as a full subsidiary.