Qiagen ($QGEN) will combine its expertise in assays and biomarker panels with Hitachi's knowledge of instrumentation and manufacturing to advance research-based and clinical molecular testing via a strategic collaboration.
The duo will focus on new systems that conduct polymerase chain reaction to amplify DNA and next-generation sequencing technologies to decode genetic information.
In particular, Qiagen said it will bring its so-called "sample to insight" solutions to the deal, which also consist of bioinformatics software and automated solutions.
Not much was revealed about the deal (such as its cost), but the alliance may be expanded to include co-commercialization of products in specific geographic markets, according to a release.
"This new strategic partnership with Hitachi High-Technologies will form a very powerful platform to create new molecular testing solutions. Hitachi High-Technologies is a recognized leader in industrial automation and has a proven track record of innovation as well as a significant presence in the Asia-Pacific region," said Qiagen senior vice president, Thierry Bernard, in a statement. "Combining the NGS-related and other molecular know-how of Qiagen with the instrumentation expertise of Hitachi High-Technologies will enable us to bring innovative automation solutions to customers all over the world and across the continuum from basic research through to routine molecular diagnostics."
This is the latest in a series of Qiagen partnerships of acquisitions.
In January, the Dutch diagnostics giant purchased Enzymatic to get its hand on ArcherDX's gene fusion assay line, dubbed Archer FusionPlex. And in April, the company struck a deal with Tokai Pharmaceuticals to use its technology to develop a companion diagnostic test for Tokai's prostate cancer drug.
- read the release