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| BioMed X's Heidelberg Technology Park on the life science campus of the University of Heidelberg, Germany--Courtesy of BioMed X |
Roche ($RHHBY) and BioMed X are teaming up to create a diagnostics research group focused on biosensors and nanomaterials such as graphene within BioMed X's open innovation lab in Heidelberg, Germany.
BioMed X runs a life science incubator with the assistance of corporate biopharma partners. BioMed X scientists work with mentors from academia and industry and receive leadership and entrepreneurship training, according to the organization's website.
The organizations are soliciting applications for ideas in biotechnology, nanotechnology and engineering. The best ones will form the new research group at the incubator on the campus of the University of Heidelberg.
"The task is to combine state-of-the-art nanomaterials research (e.g. graphene) with biomedical know-how to develop a novel sensor technology platform which can simultaneously quantify multiple analytes in biological samples (e.g. blood gases, electrolytes, substrates, antigens, nucleic acids) and which can potentially be incorporated into single-use disposable diagnostic devices," the website says.
"Key drivers of success are high sensitivity/specificity, fast detection (e.g. label-free direct sensing), and suitability for mass production. Very original ideas based on first experimental findings are encouraged," it continues.
"We have been looking into open innovation opportunities before and are excited to work with BioMed X's novel and inspiring concept. What we can do in this incubator complements our internal research activities very well," said Roche chief technology officer Matthias Essenpreis in a statement.
BioMed X says that candidates from the program are folded into the sponsor's pipeline (Roche), or spun off as the basis for an independent company. The lab's model seems to be working. Boehringer Ingelheim recently allied with BioMed X to build an R&D team focused on epigenetic regulators of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
This development also highlights Roche's commitment to diagnostics. It boasts the largest diagnostics arm among Big Pharma players. The company just snatched up Germany's Signature Diagnostics to get its hands on the company's next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology, and advance its cancer testing portfolio. That comes shortly after it shelled out $1 billion-plus for a majority share in Foundation Medicine ($FMI).
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