Eight-year extension of a development and manufacturing agreement between the companies in immunodiagnostic testing for blood virus and infectious disease
As part of the agreement, Bio-Rad will develop new immunoassays for Beckman Coulter's UniCel and Access immunoassay systems including hepatitis B envelope antigen and antibody (HBe Ag and Ab).
These assays are used as indicators of chronic hepatitis or active infection.
Bio-Rad will also develop a next generation HIV combo assay for the detection of HIV/Aids.
"The strengthening of our partnership - which dates back to 1997 - represents our combined commitment to add significant value for blood virus and infectious disease testing laboratories and gain market share in the $1.6 billion worldwide blood virus and infectious disease area," said Richard Creager, Beckman Coulter corporate vice president, immunoassay business centre.
"This partnership enables us to deliver on our promise to expand our immunoassay menu and drive sales of our immunoassay systems".
"Each of our organisations has a long and distinguished history of innovation and scientific discovery," said Bio-Rad vice president and group manager clinical diagnostics John Goetz.
"We believe our expertise in immunodiagnostic testing for blood virus and infectious disease will allow our respective companies to make significant contributions to diagnostics and patient care.
"These initiatives mark the evolution of our partnership and the renewed commitment of our organisations to provide high value immunodiagnostic testing."
