Roche and Hitachi High-Tech Extend 46-Year Partnership for Breakthroughs in Diagnostic Testing

Roche (Basel, Switzerland) and Hitachi High-Tech (Tokyo, Japan) have renewed their collaboration agreement, committing to a further 10 years of partnership. This extension brings together their long-standing expertise in diagnostics innovation, engineering, and manufacturing, and further strengthens their long-lasting relationship.

The collaboration between the two companies has led to significant advancements, setting new standards for in-vitro diagnostic solutions. They have transformed clinical laboratories with the debut of the world’s first multi-channel analyzer and have automated immunology processes. These pioneering developments have allowed healthcare facilities to improve service delivery and provide essential care to patients. Presently, Roche systems that are covered under this collaboration handle over 21 billion tests annually, a figure that is anticipated to rise following the renewal of their agreement. The extensive scale and scope of their operations enable the rapid distribution of new tests and technologies globally, enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and reliability through automation, which minimizes the need for manual labor.

Image: For 46 years, Roche and Hitachi have collaborated to deliver innovative diagnostic solutions (Photo courtesy of Roche)

In the upcoming months, Roche and Hitachi High-Tech are set to launch new products, including the cobas c 703 and cobas ISE neo analytical units as part of the cobas pro integrated solutions. These innovations aim to boost laboratory testing capabilities and provide precise, timely diagnoses to millions globally. Moreover, by year's end, the introduction of the cobas Mass Spec solution will integrate fully automated mass spectrometry into everyday laboratory use, making this gold-standard technology more accessible for a variety of clinical uses worldwide. Such innovations are transforming the delivery of diagnostics, enhancing the sustainability and resilience of healthcare systems. The extended partnership underscores Roche and Hitachi High-Tech's joint commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology, improving laboratory efficiencies, supporting medical professionals in their diagnostic decisions, and ensuring that individuals worldwide can access the fast, dependable diagnostics necessary for sustaining longer, healthier lives.

"I am delighted that with this new agreement, Roche and Hitachi High-Tech can continue to push the boundaries of medical technology and transform patient care," said Palani Kumaresan, Head of Roche Diagnostic Solutions. "Together, we have built an unrivaled installed base of more than 84,000 diagnostic platforms around the globe. This brings both speed and scale to testing for our customers, helping them to better serve patients' needs."

"Hitachi High-Tech and Roche have worked together to expand in the field of in-vitro diagnostics by boldly pursuing innovations. The renewal of this agreement demonstrates both companies' commitment to the future of the global diagnostics market. We look forward to continuing to work together to further expand the utility of in-vitro diagnostics in healthcare," added Taku Sakazume, Executive Officer and head of the Diagnostic System Business, at Hitachi High-Tech Corporation.