Roche Acquires IQuum, Strengthens Diagnostics Offerings with Unique System

The acquisition by Roche (Basel, Switzerland) of IQuum, Inc. (Marlborough, MA, USA) will enable Roche to more quickly enter the point-of-care (POC) segment of molecular diagnostics with products based on IQuum proprietary lab-in-tube technology. The technology underlies a novel biological sample testing platform that enables nonspecialized personnel to perform more sophisticated biological sample testing in any setting with greater speed.

IQuum is a privately held company focused on developing POC offerings for molecular diagnostics, and is commercializing its lab-in-a-tube technology and products for the clinical diagnostics, bio-defense, and industrial testing markets. Under the terms of the agreement, Roche will pay IQuum shareholders USD 275 million and additionally up to USD 175 million in contingent product related milestones. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions. Once the transaction is complete, IQuum will be integrated into Roche Molecular Diagnostics.

The acquisition will provide Roche with access to IQuum’s unique "Liat" (Laboratory-in-a-tube) System, which enables healthcare workers to perform rapid molecular diagnostic testing in a POC setting, closer to patients and with minimal training. The Liat Analyzer with the Liat Influenza A/B Assay, the first test available for use on the system, produce reliable and accurate lab-like results, and are CE marked and FDA cleared.

“With IQuum, we further strengthen our molecular diagnostics offerings with cutting-edge technology and products that serve the point-of-care segment. Patients will benefit from on-the-spot and accurate diagnoses, which will allow healthcare professionals to make rapid, informed treatment decisions in flexible settings,” said Roland Diggelmann, COO of Roche Diagnostics; “We welcome IQuum’s employees, who will continue to focus on the development and manufacturing of the Liat Analyzer and assays.”

“We are very excited to continue developing innovative molecular diagnostics solutions as part of the Roche Molecular Diagnostics team,” said Shuqi Chen, PhD, CEO and co-founder of IQuum; “Roche is the ideal company to deliver on the promise of our point-of-care molecular diagnostics technology. We are fully committed to the continued success of IQuum’s employees, products, and pipeline.”

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