PerkinElmer to Acquire Oxford Immunotec Global PLC

PerkinElmer, Inc. (Waltham, MA; USA) has reached an agreement to acquire Oxford Immunotec Ltd. (Abingdon, UK) that will allow the company to grow its portfolio of advanced infectious disease testing solutions to include tuberculosis detection.

The deal will enable PerkinElmer to combine its channel expertise and leading workflow and testing capabilities with Oxford Immunotec’s leading proficiencies in T cell immunology with its proprietary test kits for latent tuberculosis. Oxford Immunotec is the only company in the world offering regulated ELISPOT assays for T cell measurement, with approval around the globe. The company’s T-SPOT.TB test is used for diagnosing infection with tuberculosis and it has manufactured in excess of 20 million clinical T cell tests for TB infection. The T-SPOT.TB test has been approved for sale in over 50 countries, including the US, where it has received pre-market approval from the FDA, Europe, where it has obtained a CE mark, as well as Japan and China.

“Tuberculosis remains one of the leading infectious causes of death, with close to one quarter of the world’s population infected,” said Prahlad Singh, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer of PerkinElmer. “We believe Oxford Immunotec’s diagnostic testing solution plays an important role in slowing the spread and saving lives. Oxford Immunotec’s highly sensitive test and their team’s passion for solving complex health issues make it a natural fit with PerkinElmer’s mission and together, we believe will accelerate development of robust solutions to help detect infectious disease.”

“We are delighted to be joining the PerkinElmer family. We believe this transaction is great for our shareholders, our employees and our customers,” said Peter Wrighton-Smith, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of Oxford Immunotec. “Access to PerkinElmer’s global reach and automation experience will enable us to accelerate our growth journey and make a growing impact in the field of infectious disease.”