bioMérieux is Moving Forward to a New Molecular Biology Workflow Solution for Reference or Centralized Laboratories

bioMérieux’s ambition is to further consolidate its positionning as a major player in infectious disease diagnostics, leveraging its molecular biology franchise to complement traditional diagnostics, especially for emergency situations and critical care. bioMérieux’s molecular biology franchise will have two pillars: a comprehensive automation solution for reference or centralized labs and FilmArray®, the BioFire’s integrated system and its syndromic approach to infectious diseases.

bioMérieux’s comprehensive automation solution for reference or centralized labs will be comprised of three modules, from samples to results:

• NucliSENS® easyMAG® bioMérieux’s sample purification platform: easyMAG®’s leading position (with an installed base of more than 1,200 instruments at September 30, 2013) will be further reinforced with the upcoming launch of its new generation;
• easySTREAM™, a Liquid Handling System for the assay PCR set-up, which is being prepared for launch;
• Life Technologies’ Applied Biosystems® real-time PCR instruments;
• NucliSentral®, a middleware to connect all the platforms.

This new solution will enable to optimize lab testing flows by batches. It will add standardization and traceability in molecular biology laboratories to further improve the quality of the results they deliver to clinicians. Its modularity will also make it possible for the labs to add new modules and gradually invest according to their needs.

The high level of flexibility of this comprehensive automation solution will enable laboratories to use it with their own “home brew” kits and perform à la carte multiplexing panels. Most bioMérieux PCR assays are validated on Life Technologies’ Applied Biosystems® 7500 real-time PCR instruments. These assays are mainly aimed at diagnosing infectious diseases: ARGENE® molecular biology tests are one of the most comprehensive ranges on the market for immuno-compromized people, respiratory and meningo-encephalitis infections.

“The strategic agreement bioMérieux has signed with Life Technologies is a key milestone for our molecular biology portfolio,” declared Alexandre Mérieux, Corporate Vice President, Microbiology and Molecular Biology Unit. “The Applied Biosystems® 7500 thermocyclers are among the most popular thermocyclers available throughout the world. Our molecular biology solution will bring to our customers enhanced automation and unparalleled flexibility for improved care of patients in the field of infectious disease diagnostics. With a complete range of molecular biology solutions, including on one hand a modular automation solution adapted for centralized labs, and FilmArray® on the other hand, we will bring molecular biology solutions for infectious disease diagnostics to all our customer base.”

“We are very excited about being a partner with a world leading company such as bioMérieux,” said Peter Silvester, President of Life Technologies, EMEA. “Life Technologies is a leading provider of genetic analysis platforms, including qPCR instruments, and this partnership also sets the stage for a broader collaboration on the development and commercialization of next-generation qPCR technologies with Life Technologies becoming bioMérieux’s partner for qPCR systems.”

The THxIDTM-BRAF companion diagnostic, intended for the qualitative and simultaneous detection of both BRAF V600E and V600K mutations in late stage metastatic melanoma tumor samples, can be performed on the Applied Biosystems® 7500 Fast Dx platforms. RAS assays in India and ADIAVET® veterinary assays are validated on these platforms as well.

More information about Life Technologies on:  www.lifetechnologies.com

About bioMérieux

Pioneering Diagnostics

A world leader in the field of in vitro diagnostics for 50 years, bioMérieux is present in more than 150 countries through 41 subsidiaries and a large network of distributors. In 2012, revenues reached €1,570 million with 87% of sales outside of France.

bioMérieux provides diagnostic solutions (reagents, instruments, software), which determine the source of disease and contamination to improve patient health and ensure consumer safety. Its products are used for diagnosing infectious diseases and providing high medical value results for cancer screening and monitoring and cardiovascular emergencies. They are also used for detecting microorganisms in agri-food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products.

bioMérieux is listed on the NYSE Euronext Paris market (Symbol: BIM – ISIN: FR0010096479).
Corporate website: www.biomerieux.com - Investor website: www.biomerieux-finance.com.