Qiagen acquires Genaco and multiplexing technology
of Genaco Biomedical Products in a deal that adds PCR-based,
multiplexed molecular diagnostics technologies and panels to
Qiagen's portfolio.
Multiplexing is a diagnostic testing approach in which multiple (i.e. more than 10) targets are screened for in one single test. Multiplex assays are typically applied in situations in which one or more of several pathogens or disease markers could be present in one sample. Multiplexing is considered a rapidly emerging segment in molecular diagnostics.
Under the terms of the agreement, Qiagen has acquired the remaining outstanding shares of Genaco for $22m (€17m) in cash plus 125,000 shares of restricted Qiagen stock, which are issued to the founder and chief scientist of Genaco. In addition Qiagen will pay up to $18m in milestones
"The acquisition of Genaco is a further milestone in the execution of our strategy of expanding our market and technology leadership in molecular diagnostics. Genaco's portfolio of products and its growing reputation in an increasingly important market segment are a perfect fit for Qiagen," said Peer Schatz, Qiagen's Chief Executive Officer.
Multiplexed molecular tests are widely adopted in genetic and HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) testing. Newer applications include testing for viral and bacterial panels, testing for hospital-acquired infections and testing for bacterial drug resistance mutations.
The deal has been especially complimentary to Qiagen's current portfolio of qPCR-based molecular diagnostic assays, which in the segment of infectious disease diagnostics is considered to be the broadest in the world.
Under further terms of the deal, Qiagen acquire Genaco's Templex that, depending onthe number of markers present in a sample can provide a qualitative and a semi-quantitative answer.
Multiplexing is typically used in cases where patients present symptoms, which could be caused by one or more out of a significant number of different pathogens or other causes.
For example, with the Templex panel approach a patient sample can now be tested against a panel of 10 or more pathogens to rapidly determine the identity of the cause of infection.
In a second step, a highly sensitive and quantitative qPCR test can then be used to confirm the identity and quantify the amount of pathogens present in the sample.
"Genaco has developed an innovative approach to sensitive and high-level multiplex testing," said Schatz.
"We believe that multiplexed molecular diagnostic testing is increasingly attractive due to current trends in molecular diagnostics and research, where identifying pathogens and disease markers against a broad panel of potential markers in a quick and in a cost efficient manner is developing into a significant need."
"The Genaco solutions leverage and employ Qiagen preanalytical and assay technologies and offer novel and highly attractive molecular diagnostics solutions to our customers in clinical research, applied testing and molecular diagnostics," he concluded.
