ELITech and Hitachi High-Tech to Develop Automated PCR Testing System for Infectious Diseases

Molecular testing has become central to diagnosing and monitoring infectious diseases by analyzing genetic information. The use of PCR during the COVID-19 pandemic showed its value, but traditional systems often require significant time, specialized staff, and costly infrastructure. There is a growing need for solutions that reduce testing time, automate processes, and increase efficiency across multiple test items. Now, a new partnership to jointly develop a fully automated PCR testing system aims to address these challenges.

ELITechGroup (Puteaux, France), a Bruker company, and Hitachi High-Tech Corporation (Tokyo, Japan) have been jointly developing a fully automated molecular testing system that can detect viruses and bacteria at an early stage. The companies have now entered into a collaboration, manufacturing, and supply agreement in the field of molecular testing for infectious diseases.

Image: ELITechGroup’s unique Real-Time PCR technologies include the revolutionary Minor Groove Binder (Photo courtesy of ELITechGroup)

Hitachi High-Tech has development and technical capabilities, such as photometric analysis and automation, which are utilized for its life sciences and in vitro diagnostics products. ELITech offers fully automated PCR testing systems and reagents for the European market, with a particular strength in reagents for a wide range of test items.

Their joint development efforts will focus on creating an innovative and flexible PCR platform that enhances operational efficiency in microbiology and virology laboratories, ultimately contributing to improved patient care. The PCR testing system offers continuous sample and reagent loading as well as random-access capabilities in accordance with the needs of the laboratory, together with fully automated functions from sample preparation to measurement.

This agreement governs Hitachi High-Tech’s supply of the system to ELITech. Going forward, Hitachi High-Tech will continue to foster innovation in the area of infectious diseases with ELITech, and through this partnership and others, we will build strong and long-term relationships with its partners.