Roche to Acquire Long-Time Partner to Advance Molecular Diagnostics for Infectious Diseases

Roche is acquiring TIB Molbiol Group, its long-time partner of more than 20 years. The latest acquisition by the Swiss pharma giant will advance the development of molecular diagnostics to identify infectious diseases.

Berlin-based TIB Molbiol supplies reagents for research and provides medical diagnostics for the global market. They are well-known for developing assays for emerging infectious diseases at an ultra-rapid pace.

Ultra-rapid Assays for Detecting Bio-threats

Following the terrorist attacks of 9/11 in the US, anthrax poisoning sparked nationwide panic. TIB Molbiol managed to develop PCR assays for the detection of the deadly bacterium within days, which played a part in preventing further outbreaks.

Time and again the company would demonstrate its diagnostic capabilities for detecting biological threats, such as the SARS virus, influenza viruses, MERS virus, Ebola virus, Zika virus, and most recently, the COVID-19 virus.

TIB Molbiol’s broad portfolio of assays, which includes over 45 CE-IVD assays and more than 100 research use assays, is already available on Roche’s large installed base of LightCycler PCR systems and MagNA Pure sample preparation systems.

Roche Welcomes TIB Molbiol

“With this acquisition, we can expand our offering of tests of existing pathogens and our response to emerging pathogens and potential health threats,” said Thomas Schinecker, CEO Roche Diagnostics.

He said during the COVID-19 pandemic, the collaboration with TIB Molbiol resulted in the creation of “the first research-use-only SARS-CoV-2 detection test”.

TIB Molbiol had designed their first coronavirus test kit by January 9th, using the SARS virus and other known coronaviruses as references. The first sequence was only published online two days later. The company has since provided millions of test kits worldwide.

“Together, we can further improve patient outcomes with innovative diagnostic solutions that alleviate healthcare costs,” said Schinecker.

“We are very happy to join the Roche Group,” said Olfert Landt, CEO, and founder of TIB Molbiol. “We have been collaborating for two decades and have spearheaded innovation in the molecular diagnostics industry as partners. We are looking forward to contributing to the strong network of Roche Diagnostics.”

The companies have not revealed the financial details of the deal, but the acquisition is expected to be completed by the end of 2021.

Author

Joy Lin

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