Real-Time PCR Technology Licensed

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology and certain real-time PCR technology of Roche Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland) have been licensed to Amplimedical S.p.A. (Milan, Italy).

The nonexclusive, worldwide agreement gives Amplimedical presence in the molecular diagnostics market not only in Italy but on a worldwide scale. The company intends to use the license to become a major supplier of highly automated and rapid CE-marked diagnostic assays for a variety of diagnostic parameters. Currently, Amplimedical has a portfolio of assays, with nearly half in real-time detection format.

"With this agreement, we hope to use the success we have had in the Italian market to build an innovative, international biomedical company, characterized by providing diagnostic products that are fully automated and easy to use,” stated Paolo Boffano, CEO of Amplimedical.

Although Roche's foundational PCR patents recently expired in the United States, its patent portfolio contains more than 800 patents and applications related to PCR products and methods. Roche will realize the potential of its continuing patents through new licenses and other alliances that encourage the use of real-time PCR technology.

"We are very pleased to enter into this agreement with Amplimedical,” noted Luc Vierstraete, general manager, Roche Diagnostics, Italy. "They are now the first diagnostics company in Italy to obtain a license from us pertaining to our innovative PCR real-time technology.”





Related Links:
Roche Diagnostics
Amplimedical